PMDCS: Focuses on Technology & Sustainability for Road Construction
Subrata Das - Business Advisor, Project Management Design, Consultancy Service (PMDCS)
How do you perceive the current state of smart and sustainable road construction practices in the Indian industry?
Smart and sustainable road construction practices are gaining momentum, especially with the use of high-productivity construction equipment. However, the integration of advanced technologies such as BIM, IoT, AI, and Big Data analytics is still lagging. There is an acute shortfall in infrastructure health monitoring, and often, the deteriorating condition of roads is only discovered after significant damage has occurred.
With the government's push for green infrastructure and smart cities, there is a noticeable shift towards using recycled materials, energy-efficient machinery, and sustainable design principles. However, widespread adoption is still in its nascent stages, with challenges such as environmental impact studies, high initial costs, and regulatory hurdles needing to be addressed.
The future looks promising as public and private sectors collaborate to innovate and implement eco-friendly road construction solutions across the country. Recently, the Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Government of Bihar on real-time health monitoring.
How are smart technologies like LiDAR, drones, and GPS enhancing project planning, execution, and monitoring processes?
LiDAR, drones, and GPS are revolutionizing the construction industry by providing accurate, real-time data, improving safety, and increasing efficiency. LiDAR technology, with its high-resolution 3D mapping capabilities, enables precise terrain analysis and site assessments. Drones are used for aerial surveys, progress tracking, and inspections, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional methods.
GPS technology enhances site logistics and equipment management, ensuring optimal resource allocation and project timelines. Beyond surveying and quality estimation or cut-fill volume estimation, we leverage these technologies for BIM integration, facilitating visualization and identification of potential risks arising from human errors and mechanical equipment tolerances under varying ground conditions. Identifying issues during construction allows for timely mitigation, preventing further damage, and ensuring project success.
How is use of high-tech mechanized equipment helping contractors in completing projects on time, economically, and with quality?
There is no doubt that high-tech equipment significantly enhances productivity, accuracy, and safety, allowing for faster project completion and reduced costs due to early completion. However, equipment manufacturers need to play a crucial role in this transformation by providing innovative solutions, including easy financing options, and supporting contractors with payment systems through escrow accounts.
Comprehensive training, robust after-sales support, and the provision of durable, cost-effective spare parts are also essential. Their proactive approach in offering affordable financial options, cutting-edge technology, and efficient maintenance services helps construction firms complete projects on time, economically, and with exceptional quality. This not only offsets the initial investment with long-term gains but also ensures a competitive edge in the industry.
What is the way forward for making construction more sustainable?
The way forward for making construction more sustainable involves integrating green practices and innovative technologies into every phase of the project lifecycle with one basic objective: durability and environmental sustainability.
Beyond using eco-friendly materials, implementing energy-efficient designs, and adopting waste reduction strategies, the focus must also be on robust real-time quality monitoring. This approach reduces maintenance costs, minimizes downtime, and ensures the productive life of projects, which is vital for financial stakeholders and the government. Embracing digital tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) can enhance safety and quality objectives, precision, and resource management, further reducing environmental impact. Additionally, we aim to collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement smart monitoring systems that support sustainability.