Systemisation over standardisation:A computational design approach to digital transformation within civil infrastructure engineering,BIM,modelling and drafting

Abstract

Professional industries - including the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sectors - are undergoing a radical transformation. Spurred on by unprecedented advancements in hardware and applications of evolving software domains encompassing Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data. Effective digital transformation should not be characterised by digitisation of traditional workflows and methodologies. Instead, successful implementation of systematic, standardised, and interoperable workflows across geographical boundaries and time zones is a characteristic of the modern progressive, digital civil engineering discipline. This paper demonstrates the application of integrated algorithmic design and encoding engineering knowledge and information - a necessary precursor for automation and implementation at scale. This paper uses two civil infrastructure topologies as case studies - one for a tunnelling project and the other for a multiple bridge design project. Both the design elements and impact of digitisation on the entire value chain of the discipline are emphasised. The emerging need for skills development (both traditional and evolving), revised scope definition and relevance of project deliverables is also considered. The presented examples demonstrate the iterative evolution necessary to realise a coherent, digitised engineering design and delivery process, in tandem with the lessons learned from failures and inefficiencies. Realisation of a transformed engineering industry is predicated on the continuous investment in resources, technology, (re)training and skills development by all parties, individual organisation, private, and public.