Computer-Integrated Construction: Background and a Case Project

Computer-Integrated Construction (CIC) is the capability of a computer system to create models of certain aspects of the design and construction processes and consequently to direct them into reality. The premise of CIC is that the clear-cut separation between the competencies, know-how and responsibilities has now been turned upside down by the introduction of information technology in the design and construction processes. The designers can now model the physical, technological, and organisational aspects of a building or infrastructure in a seamless way. And they can do so rather creatively. The model of the physical system provides the designer an intuitive understanding and appreciation of static and dynamic interaction between the building and its environment early during design. The model of the technological system opens the capability to precisely model the building parts "as-constructed" by means of quantitative and qualitative-visual evaluation before any manufacturing process really takes place. The paper briefly introduces CIC in four construction technologies, respectively concrete, stone, wood and steel. The model of the construction organization is the process of configuring an organisational structure to accomplish a given high-level task while attempting to satisfy stated performance objectives. An organization model represents people supported by information-processing and communication tools. The CIC implementation and on-field experimentation is considered in a case project.