Developing a framework and understanding the key influencing factors for the implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the UK Construction Sector.

Baghaei, Milad

Abstract

The construction industry can be identified as one of the least digitized industries in the world,
drastically underperforming less in terms of profitability, productivity, reliability, efficiency, and
safety in comparison to the global economy than its average potential. Plus, the fact that the
UK construction industry is usually criticised for being fragmented, wasteful, reluctant to
innovate, and ineffective at utilising proper knowledge throughout the industry. For this reason,
advanced technology referred to as “Smart Construction” is increasingly being used in the
construction industry to increase decision-making and improve productivity. Actually, smart
construction by employing construction resources such as devices, components, machinery,
and people aimed to transform digital technologies in the construction industry.
So, for implementing smart construction by utilizing digital tools and techniques, Industry 4.0 or
the fourth industrial revolution has been created to convert the construction industry in the
direction of further digitally developed trades. Following Industry 4.0 and digital transformation
concepts, numerous aspects of the construction phase have changed as a result of Industry 4.0
technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud-computing, Cyber-physical systems,
Automation, 3D printing, Robotics, and so on. Internet of things (IoT) as a crucial part of the
industry 4.0 technologies has a significant role in advancing the possibilities of smart
construction concepts in a variety of construction phases.
This research seeks to evaluate the role of the internet of things (IoT) in enhancing the
performance of the UK construction industry. Furthermore, in terms of modern construction
methods such as smart assembly, offsite construction, and lean philosophy, this research
seeks to develop the framework, presents the applications of IoT, and identifies the emerging
benefits and drawbacks of IoT applications in the UK construction sector. The developed
framework will be useful for stakeholders to adopt and understand the impact of the fourth
industrial revolution technologies such as IoT applications in the UK construction sector.
Also, in order to accomplish the aim, objectives, and explore the research questions that are set
to this research, qualitative method approach is adopted in this research.
Qualitative data collected through 38 semi-structured interviews from construction professionals involved in the
digital transformation of the UK construction sector. Internal and external drivers for
implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) were found. In addition, the challenges recognised
from the numerous areas of IoT applications adoption in the UK construction sector, classifying
into three groups including technological, cultural, and economic. Also, the key influencing
factors for implementing the Internet of Things (IoT) were identified including cost, usability,
leadership, technology awareness, staff training, and company size. Finally, a framework
developed by analysing the data and evaluated through the UK construction sector.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 3, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 27, 2024
• Award Date: Sep 26, 2024