Building 4.0 CRC Update

The CRC 4.0 aims to help the construction sector become more efficient by conducting industry driven research into new technologies and techniques. It focuses on digitally-enabled solutions and new manufacturing products to develop an internationally competitive, dynamic and thriving Australian advanced manufacturing sector, delivering better buildings at lower cost and the human capacity to lead the future industry.

As a key industry partner of the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre. Master Builders Victoria sits alongside other project partners including Lendlease, Monash University, the University of Melbourne, BlueScope, CSR, Schiavello, the Master Builders Association of Victoria and others. Master Builders Victoria is invested in the future of the building and construction industry and the work with the Building 4.0 is part of making this future a reality. MBV is currently involved in the following projects.

ePlanning and eApprovals – Scoping Study (Commenced March 2021). MBV understand that planning can be a pain point for many builders and we know that planning and building approval processes are still largely paper (PDF) based. This makes the process inefficient and time-consuming, imposing significant costs on both industry and government. This scoping study as part of the longer-term objective of the CRC’s work in this area is to embrace the opportunities that digital workflow and digital twin technology provide to design, develop and deliver an innovative digital platform to facilitate effective, efficient and timely planning, building permits, approvals, ongoing compliance with planning controls, building regulations and other regulatory requirements.

The scoping study is about to be concluded with a strategic and roadmap report. This report will detail the projects findings and provides a framework for the required future work to begin the delivery of an online planning and approvals network.

Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality technologies in vocational education and training (scoping study) (Commenced April 2021) Vocational Education and Training (VET) is a major

part of Australia’s education system. It is crucial to train practitioners with innovative technologies to gain fundamental skills in critical and creative thinking, Information and Communication Technology capability, and intercultural understanding for meeting Australia’s future workforce.

This project aims to explore the integrated utilisation of VR/ AR technologies in the VET system. Innovative vocational education based on VR/AR can provide initial skilling and help workers to retrain as jobs and industries evolve.

The scoping study will be used to define desirable extended reality technologies for design and development/ evaluation of appropriate skill training platforms in building construction.

Automated tracking of construction materials for improved supply chain logistics and provenance – Phase 1 Scoping Study Improved understanding of supply chain logistics and product providence are of high importance for our industry. This project is investigating the building supply chain and assessing tracking technologies to determine those most suitable for the construction sector.

Recent highly publicised building failures, such as cladding, have been compounded by an inability to trace non-conforming materials. New contracts are including requirements for materials to be compliant with a number of environmental initiatives and anti-slavery legislation. New modes of data capture allow us to register compliance, track materials to site, track construction progress, and provide ongoing traceability.

The efficiency of the construction process also benefits from being able to track building materials along the supply chain. The location of the materials can be monitored in real time highlights any delivery delays and also allows preparation for on site arrival.

If you would more information please contact Philip Alviano on 9411 4577 or via email at palviano@mbav.com.au