Construction Week Saudi sat down with Paul Wallett, regional director of Trimble Solutions, ME and India, to learn more about how industry stakeholders can establish a better view of construction projects by ensuring that everyone has access to the latest information, which allows for data-based decision making, better collaboration and fewer risks.
What is connected construction technology, and how is it helping construction stakeholders to have more successful projects?
Connected Construction, in its broadest sense, refers to a network of machinery, vehicles, devices, people, and locations connected by wireless or digital technology, and under the control of a single firm or organisation.
This is particularly crucial as a construction project involves numerous teams for various tasks, including contractors, subcontractors, engineers, field personnel, project owners, architects, and designers, in addition to other stakeholders. One of the greatest challenges is when the majority of project participants use multiple independent tools for various coding and work processes, which prevents an integrated view of a project’s workflow.
This structure makes it difficult to manage various tools, leads to repetitive data entry, and prevents compartmentalised data from establishing a better view of the project’s status. Connected Construction makes it possible to roundtrip data from the field to the office to the store and back again, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest information, which also allows for data-based decision making, interoperability, real time data, optimised project costs and schedules, better collaboration and communication, and fewer risks.
Transforming Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape through technology
How is the Saudi government enhancing digital transformation in construction?
The digital transformation in KSA is accelerated by its robust digital infrastructure. Several industries had already undergone a significant amount of digital transformation when Saudi Arabia unveiled its ground-breaking Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic plan to lessen its reliance on oil and diversify its economy.
Saudi Arabia has steadily increased its emphasis on digital transformation as part of its ambition to transform and innovate the infrastructure, encouraging the use of technologies like BIM.
In addition, with nearly 70% of the people in the kingdom being under the age of 30, tech giants are helping to facilitate widespread digital adoption. In order to increase the digital literacy of 100,000 Saudi youth by 2030, the nation also initiated a number of technological projects in 2021, totalling more than $1.2 billion.
The nation plans to build more than 1,300 megawatts of data centre capacity in the kingdom by 2030, in order to meet the rising demand for cloud services, develop into a computing powerhouse, and act as a digital hub for the region. From digitising government operations to constructing massive projects like Qiddiya and NEOM, digital transformation has impacted Saudi Arabia at every level.
How is Trimble transforming KSA’s construction industry through BIM?
BIM can be used to digitise and connect, eliminating errors and streamlining workflows, regardless of the kind or technique of construction, such as precast, cast-in-place, steel, commercial and retail, or infrastructure. Simply put, the BIM process is a crucial technology workflow that enables numerous preferred models and data to transmit information from the initial planning stage to the finer points of the design while controlling schedule and cost.
Trimble has been able to consistently deliver solutions that are crucial to the success of major projects in KSA. Our flagship solution, Tekla Structures was used on the Riyadh Metro project and is a testament to our accomplishments in Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to raising awareness about these technologies in the future.
Explain in brief how Trimble has contributed to the Riyadh Metro project.
The Riyadh Metro project is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region. The design and specifics, including the station’s entire steel structure, were overseen by our client, AIC. The intricate design of Saudi Arabia’s deserts, dunes, oases, and palm groves, all of which are the country’s dominant landscapes, was incorporated into the 3B2 Western Station, which was also achieved using Trimble’s hardware and software solutions.
Similarly, the robust modelling tools in our Tekla Software solution were adaptable enough to meet the demanding specifications for the project. AIC also leveraged our Tekla Structures solution , as the project’s dimensions and shapes were irregular. The Tekla software, which exports substantial 3D models directly into Trimble FieldLink, was used by the project team at AIC to translate the precise construction layout into the field. In addition, a wide variety of Trimble hardware and software were used, which included Trimble GNSS, Trimble Total Stations, Trimble S3, Trimble S8 by various contractors involved in the project.
What is the flow of data, and how do tech solutions such as Trimble’s contribute to the flow of accurate data?
Data collection and flow of data are crucial elements in the construction industry. Installing smart devices at a site can transmit important data about the environment and overall performance of the site, which teams can use for tactical planning and day-to-day decision-making. Additionally, it can help teams coordinate various project components, increase job efficiency, and provide real-time information that aids in project planning and progress.
BIM and connected construction are two of the most important solutions for promoting accurate data flow. Similarly, Trimble’s ‘Tekla Structures’ software enables users to create, combine, manage, and share information with precise 3D models that improve efficiency at every stage of the construction project, assisting users from conception to fabrication to transportation load management, and status monitoring onsite.
The intricate design of Saudi Arabia’s deserts, dunes, oases, and palm groves, all of which are the country’s dominant landscapes, was incorporated into the 3B2 Western Station, which was also achieved using Trimble’s hardware and software solutions.
Paul Wallett, regional director of Trimble Solutions, ME and India
Additionally, to guarantee accurate data flow, Trimble’s connected construction solution ‘Trimble Connect’ has also been deployed on various projects in KSA. For instance, the software proved extremely helpful for the Riyadh metro project.
In your opinion, is Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape ready for the metaverse?
As of 2022, 5% of all economic sectors worldwide have already made investments in the metaverse. In Saudi, major initiatives like NEOM’s digital twins that allow citizens to buy property in XVRS, a digital representation of the smart city based in the metaverse, as well as Saudi Arabia’s Virtual Black Stone program, which allows Muslims to virtually touch the Black Stone at the Kaaba, may seem far-fetched, but will soon become a reality.
As of 2022, 5% of all economic sectors worldwide have already made investments in the metaverse.
The Saudi government has invested enormously in the metaverse, such as the $1 billion funding of XVRS, which is part of a larger $64 billion investment in future technologies. This, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s young population, certainly ensures a smooth adoption process.
Consequently, KSA’s construction sector, which comprises building owners, project managers, general contractors, BIM experts, architects, and construction technologists, among others, may be able to collaborate across multiple touchpoints, which can further facilitate virtual inspections of construction sites and off-site facilities as well.