The civil construction sector is under pressure to make construction processes more sustainable, that is, aligned with economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Thus, the research question considers: How do Industry 4.0 Technologies help civil construction face challenges and identify new opportunities to become sustainable? The general objective of this work is to offer a current overview of publications that associate the civil construction sector; Industry 4.0 Technologies and sustainability, and identify the challenges and opportunities of the Industry 4.0 Technologies set to contribute to sustainability achievement. The research method was a bibliographic review combined with bibliometric analysis in SCOPUS databases. The results show that civil construction faces the challenge of reducing the consumption of natural resources, ensuring safe work, and optimizing processes, especially handwork. However, the insertion of Industry 4.0 Technologies into civil construction has allowed sensors, robots, modelling and simulation systems, artificial intelligence, and drones to have their productivity, efficiency, safety, strategic and environmental management enhanced. Furthermore, Industry 4.0 Technologies can contribute to civil construction through innovative, sustainable, and technological solutions focused on the flow of work, which can provide growth through the balance of costs/benefits in the management of projects and works. Thus, it is expected that this article will contribute to discussions around the possibility of construction becoming sustainable with the support of Industry 4.0 Technologies.

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Sustainability in the Civil Construction Sector Supported by Industry 4.0 Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities

Digital and Sustainable Transformation: An Outcoming Response to the Pandemic

Construction 4.0 involves implementing advanced technologies in construction projects to achieve higher productivity, safety, and sustainability. However, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals are reluctant to adopt Construction 4.0 technologies. Lack of information on Construction 4.0 technologies and poor decision-making lead to the issue being unresolved. As a result, the following research question emerged: What are the current trends and research gaps in the existing research on Construction 4.0 technologies and decision-making? This study aims to review the publication trends in Construction 4.0 technologies and decision-making and pinpoint the gaps in prior research. To achieve the aim, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted on published articles using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. A total of 22 articles were carefully selected and reviewed. The findings disclosed four research trends: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Also, the findings suggested that existing research still concentrates on adopting and implementing Construction 4.0 technologies. As a result, the existing research has low exploration in integrating Construction 4.0 technologies and decision-making processes. The study findings could guide researchers and AEC professionals to establish effective decisions in achieving Construction 4.0.

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/12/12/2206/pdf?version=1671411251

Construction 4.0 Technologies and Decision-Making: A Systematic Review and Gap Analysis

The potential of Industry 4.0 digitization practices to improve sustainability and enhance overall project performance has garnered significant attention in the construction industry. Nonetheless, there is a necessity for empirical investigations that delve into the particular factors and constructs that contribute to this achievement. This research aims to address the existing gap in the literature by examining the favorable consequences of Industry 4.0 digitalization techniques in the context of sustainable construction management. The research utilized a mixed-methods methodology, integrating exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM), to examine survey data obtained from the construction sector in China. The survey questionnaire comprised constructs that pertained to sustainability, technology, design, functional aspects, resource management, and managerial efficiency. The concept of sustainability has been identified as the most significant factor in shaping sustainable construction practices. The findings presented herein contribute to the theoretical comprehension of the determinants that impact the execution of Industry 4.0 digitalization methodologies within the construction sector. The interrelated constructs that have been identified provide valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers seeking to utilize Industry 4.0 practices to achieve sustainability, enhance technology adoption, optimize design processes, streamline functional aspects, improve resource utilization, and increase managerial efficiency. Implementing these strategies can enhance project success and ensure long-term sustainability in the construction industry. This research adds to the expanding pool of information regarding the factors that lead to success in Industry 4.0 digitization practices within sustainable construction management.

/pdf/evaluation-of-the-success-of-industry-4-0-digitalization-51ny5e8b.pdf

Evaluation of the Success of Industry 4.0 Digitalization Practices for Sustainable Construction Management: Chinese Construction Industry

An Efficient Framework for the Implementation of Sustainable Industry 4.0

The construction industry (CI) is ancient and has evolved along with humanity, yet it has become increasingly inefficient due to fragmentation, the use of traditional solutions and the lack of innovative technologies and methodologies which are no longer sustainable. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has started to transform this industry, and Construction 4.0 (C4) can advocate this change to become a more efficient cyber-physical ecosystem. However, technology alone will not solve all challenges. While research on C4 focuses mainly on technology, management also plays a key role. We asked experienced company executives for their opinions on the digital transformation in the CI. Research proves that it is not just a technology but primarily a management and strategic challenge.

Roland Zsolt Szabó

Papers

Construction 4.0 Organisational Level Challenges and Solutions