Dr Kenneth Park: ‘Digital can revolutionise the demolition sector’

The highly fragmented nature of current construction practices necessitates the development of reliable BIM-enabled house information modelling for a typical type of housing modular units.

It supports and guides the introduction of effective housing modular construction and management and ensures the integration of required information throughout the project life cycle.

The KTP project envisages the development of a transformative 'digital demolition' platform incorporating 3D scanning, artificial intelligence and remote-control equipment, enabling demolition to be preprogrammed, predictable, data-driven and simulated in a virtual environment – eliminating workers’ exposure to dangerous environments.

New technologies, including building information modelling (BIM), 3D scanning survey, 3D modelling, artificial intelligence, digital demolition and modular construction were not available for past construction projects, but they are essential in order to alleviate current problems in the construction sector including the housing sector in both UK and South Korea.

There is growing advocacy for their adoption due to their ability to facilitate faster, more cost-effective and safer construction of buildings. Additionally, they contribute to reduced environmental impact, enhanced predictability, whole-life performance and increased profitability.

CNC Group Holdings is a leading demolition specialist, operating in an industry challenged by safety hazards, inefficiencies and an ageing workforce.

The KTP project will utilise simulation, modelling, Al and remote-controlled machinery to minimise human exposure to demolition hazards, thus reducing hazards to workers’ safety. It will also optimise techniques to tackle rising costs and waste to maximise resource utilisation and financial efficiency.

The KTP will deliver the required capabilities to empower Colemans with Al for material assessments and remote equipment control, digitalisation for revolutionised planning and data management, and circular economy practices for sustainable material reuse.

The UK Construction Playbook brings together expertise and best practices to reform the industry and transform how public works projects and programmes are assessed, procured and managed. However, there is no one straightforward solution to all policies and issues. 

From these policies and my 29 years of experience in both industry and academia, MMC, digital transformation and early engagement are most crucial.   

The gap between academic research and industrial application in construction can be substantial due to different objectives, resource constraints, funding limitations, risk management approaches, communication barriers and collaboration. 

Like the KTP project, industrial practitioners and academic researchers should together seek a way to do research collaboration via an innovative funding programme which helps companies gain access to academic knowledge, expertise, and technology.

Academics should be encouraged to focus on practical and scalable solutions that address industry needs. Continuous education and training programmes should be provided for industrial practitioners to help them stay updated with the latest academic advancements and apply them.

Then we can bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, fostering a more innovative and efficient construction industry.

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