2.12.5 Using Intelligent prefab

output can be examined to improve projects in the future and even improve building

operations management. (CRL, 2018)

Adding to that, BIM offer 4D as Time, 5D as Cost and 6D as-built operation. In other words,

BIM is not a simple geometry. It takes additional features into accounts, such as light

analysis, spatial relations, and geographic details, as well as details on building components,

cost. (Designingbuilding, 2018)

BIM can decrease several errors during the design phase, which lead to fewer mistakes on

construction sites. BIM also offers the ability to work simultaneously, which help save time.

The works can be in progress while at the same time, the project team can work on drawings

and estimations, diagrams and other aspects.

Furthermore, BIM allows doing more work with a smaller team, plus give the team better

collaboration and communication. Using BIM can increase quality and save time in the

construction industry. It can also improve safety on construction sites by detecting the

hazards that may become problems during design, which help to avoid physical risk by

planning site logistics ahead of time. (John Hall, 2018)

2.12.5 Using Intelligent prefab

Prefabricated concrete is a modern way of building and using it can be faster and more cost-

effective with less construction waste than traditional building methods. However, using

prefabricated concrete for a large project can be very complex to coordinate, and this is where

IoT can help to solve this problem. (CRL,2018)

Radio Frequency identification sensors (RFID) can be used to track individual prefab through

the supply chain. (Case study: construction of Leadenhall Building in London used RFID to

help mitigate the effects of any downstream delays in the construction, especially during the

installation of the prefabricated components, which was extremely complex due to the

location of the building and the small space area around it. The data was fed into BIM once

parts were installed, allowing for real-time rendering of the building in progress, as well as

the establishment of project controls and Key performance indicators). (Mark Roberti, 2013)

2.12.6 Using Augmentation Reality for Better Visualization

Intelligent Prefab using IoT helps to connect the dots in real-time. With augmented reality,

architects can share design models and layouts to Prefab suppliers to have a better grasp of

the project even before the building starts. Innovative VR Company Viz360 creates VR tours

and 3D model viewers based on floor plans or 3D CAD models. (DesignBuild, 2019)

Furthermore, a company called Daqri is developing a smart protective helmet that uses

Augmentation reality technology. The Smart Helmet is capable of visualising projects and 3D

models in augmented reality as an immersive and large-scale 3D environment. Teams can

compare work-in-progress with the original design and keep the work and office in sync with

an all-digital workflow (Eduardo Souza, 2019).

The helmet comes with a transparent AR screen that works as safety glasses at the same time;

the screen provides real-time data for the worker using BIM, allowing the construction

worker to share and view various building elements, data and plans. Also, the helmet contains

cameras that can capture and display information about the user environment.

(UKconstruction, 2016)

Daqri helmet will guide the worker and instruct by providing augmented work information in

real-time, helping workers to understand processes using the AR screen. It will also provide a

3D reconstruction of the building showing the workers how the project should look like when

it is complete, which will reduce errors and time spent on site (Skanska UK, 2017)

2.12.7 Using concrete sensors

DOKA Concremote is a real-time information system that helps in taking decisions at the

building site and in the concrete factory (Concrefy, 2018). The system has gained multiple

awards across the globe, including the most recent Construction News Awards for best

commercial innovation of the year in the UK. Concremote uses GSM enabled digital sensors

to measure the inset concrete maturity (temperature x time) gradient, and with this data, it

calibrates early age strength (Doka UK, 2018). Concremote can control production

equipment, open casings mechanically, direct climate controls rooms and operate cooling and

heating containers on location. Concremote also communicates with BIM, existing

(Enterprise Resource Planning) ERP systems or control modules. In turn, using Doka

Concremote improves construction processes and boosts productivity. (case studies: Nakheel

mall, Dubai, build with Concremote)

Using Robots to boost productivity

A Wembley Project case study provides information that the contractor Sisk is set to become

the later contractor to embrace robotic technology and is planning to trial block laying using

robots at Wembley park project, where it is building 743 home to rent (Source: Construction

manager magazine, 2019)

The contractor is also now tagging assets for BIM as it plans to expand its build offer to

include five-year maintenance services. “This will involve fitting sensors to buildings to

make them cognitive so we can closely monitor when they are feeling sick or breaking down”

(Bowcott, 2019).

Manufacturers are trying to focus on creating interfaces that are easy to use to make robots

accessible to program, which make it easy for innovators to implement robots in the

construction sectors. There is a potential to link robots with digital models, which mean they

do not need to get programmed by a human. (Construction manager magazine, 2019)

“The current focus for Skanska is connecting the CAD systems to robots, so the robot can

understand and have the autonomy to execute tasks without the need of a human” (Felipe

Manzatucci, 2019). “The right data capture from the CAD systems will be an enabler for

robotics artificial intelligence, an important step in making digitalisation an enabler of

industrialisation.”

2.12.8 Artificial Intelligence Will Make Jobsites More Productive

Combining AI with IoT brings the promise of a new future (Abhinav Shrivastava, 2019).

Several companies have started offering self-driving construction machinery that uses

artificial intelligence to perform repetitive tasks such as pouring concrete, welding and

demolition, such as Build Robotics company. Also, excavation and pre-construction work can

be done with autonomous or semi-autonomous bulldozers that can prepare the construction

site in exact specifications using a program written by a human, which can reduce the overall

time required to prepare the site and complete the project (Lior ZitZman, 2018). Project

Managers can also track job site work in real-time using facial recognition, cameras and

sensors to assess worker productivity and conformance to procedures (Highway Industry,

2019)

Artificial Intelligence Will Address Labour Shortages

A 2017 McKinsey Report says that real-time data in the construction firms could boost

productivity by as much as 50%. Many construction companies are using artificial

intelligence and machine learning to enhance their planning for the distribution of workers

and machines on construction sites.

Using AI in robots can help evaluate the progress on the construction sites regularly. It will

also update the location of workers and the equipment which will help the project managers

to know instantly which areas have enough workers and equipment to complete the job on

time and which need more labour to prevent delays. (Sumana Rao, 2019)

2.12.9 Artificial Intelligence can manage a whole project

The project manager should consider many factors while managing a project, and each factor

can impact the project in a negative way and cause delays. AI can manage the whole project

while providing the builders with all the potential risk, constructability and the structural

stability of various technical solutions for all kind of projects (Donovan Alexander, 2019)

2.13 SIDE EFFECTS OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS AND THE

POSSIBLE RISK

Security leak and cyber-attack is a significant risk of IoT. Attack on IoT devices will lead to a

critical side effect, that can cause problems and severe damage, especially that everything

will be connected through the clouds (David Roe, 2019)

IoT needs reliable connectivity to be able to disrupt the industry and make changes if an IoT

device lost connection and stop being able to send and receive data, it will lose the ability to

track assets and construction equipment and vehicles on the sites which will create a blind job

site. For example, if the company use EE for connectivity and the EE company experienced a

large scale black-out like it happen in 2017, then the devices will not be able to transmit data,

which mean that the construction company that uses this connectivity will be left clueless on

what happening on site (Francesca Gillet, 2017)

2.14 HOW IOT SECURITY AND CONNECTIVITY CHALLENGES CAN BE

MITIGATED?

Mesh network technology (wireless connection through beacons) can offer stable connection

without relying on power, GPS or internet (Ishita Kochhar, 2019). Also, a multi-network

roaming SIM (subscriber identify module) can switch between providers who ensure more

reliable connectivity, but the gap time between changing provider is a blind time.

The latest version of WIFI is made for IoT, which is called WIFI 6 (802.11ax) have the

ability to connected 100 of devices at once while keeping the excellent connectivity between

them and provide more than 10 times the current speed of WIFI 5 (Ruckus Network, 2019).

Furthermore, the 5G network is expected to solve all the IoT connectivity challenges, which

is 10 times faster than the current 4G network and have more stable connectivity with other

benefits (Devin Pickell, 2018).

Nevertheless, scanning the network to identify all the connected devices incorporate security

by design and use hidden network and VPN is one of the methods to prevent cyberattack on

the IoT devices (CIPHER, 2017)

2.15 CHALLENGES FACING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF IOT AND AI

IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

IoT is moving full steam ahead, changing the world we know, and it can change how

construction sites work. However, there are a few challenges and barriers to adopting IoT and

AI in the construction industries. Brian Buntz from IoT world today did a survey about why

people are not embracing the Internet of Things, and the survey showed that most people are

worried about data privacy and security in case the devices get hacked and a small number of

participant think that the IoT technology is not sufficiently mature to be used yet.

The chart below summarises the top barriers to the implementation of IoT.

technology is not mature

current workflows not well defined

uncertainty that the IoT will deliver the benefits promised

interoperability concerns

lack of standards

inadequate infrastructure

Not enough knowledge about available solutions

High cost of implementation

Security concern

Data privacy concern

0% 5% 10%

% of participant 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

Chart 5: Reasons people are not embracing IoT (source: Brian Buntz, 2016)

2.16 THE USE OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS IN OTHER INDUSTRIES

IoT is being used in many other industries, especially in healthcare. The IoT has opened new

possibilities in medicine, especially in collecting patient data using IoT medical devices, that

can give extra insight on symptoms and help patients to track their health on timely bases

(Econsultancy, 2019)

With the Help of IoT, people can know to monitor their glucose level using smart continuous

glucose monitor (CGM) that send the patient glucose data to a smartphone, allowing the

patient to check glucose level and detect symptoms. Furthermore, a company called Verily is

developing smart contact lenses (glucose-sensing lens) that can detect tear glucose and use

the IoT technology to send data and provide an early warning system for people with diabetes

to alert them when their blood glucose level has risen or dropped (Brian Otis, 2018)

2.17 CONCLUSION

Labour productivity growth in the construction industry has increased by 1% a year over the

past two decades, while the entire world economy has a 2.8% growth and 3.6% in

manufacturing, according to research from the Mckinsey Global Institute. (Mohsen

Mohsenina, 2018)

Nonetheless, if productivity growth in the construction sector can match the productivity

growth of the total economy, it would boost the sector’s value.

The research shows that other industry such as healthcare is implementing the IoT technology

in the medical sector to make it better and save more people, which is a proof of how vital the

IoT is to improve productivity and make things better.

This literature review proves that Artificial intelligence Robots and the Internet of Things can

reduce the building cost and time while keeping the excellent quality. However, despite the

prediction of massive job losses, AI is unlikely to replace the human workforce; instead, it

will improve the productivity in the construction industry by reducing expensive errors,

worksite injuries and make building operations more efficient.

The literature review revealed the side effect and the barriers of the application of IoT in the

construction industry, which may lead to serious damage if it happens. Nevertheless, the

review revealed some possible mitigation regarding the connection and security risk.

3

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, DATA COLLECTION AND DATA ANALYSIS

3.1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the strategy and method used in collecting, processing and analysing

the required data that will address the research questions appropriately. The research study

seeks to address the productivity challenges facing the UK construction industry and analyse

how to unlock the productivity growth in it using the Internet of Things and Artificial

Intelligence technology. It will also identify the barriers for the application of such

technology in the construction industry. The strategy and methods used are the key to access

quality data in addressing the research problem.

3.2

RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

Research philosophy is a belief about how the phenomenon of data should be gathered,

analysed and used (Galliers, 1991). According to Fellows and Liu (2015 page 69), to create a

research philosophy introduces the principles that guide the process in extending knowledge

and seeking solutions to the research problems. It is stated that the choice of research

philosophy is mostly determined by the research problem (Pranas Zukauskas, 2017).

Furthermore, research philosophy is defined as the development of knowledge and the nature

of knowledge (Saunders et al., 2009).

Understanding the issues of the research philosophy before commencing a project is essential

to know how to conduct the research (Crosson, 2003). The rationale behind the choice of

approach is the research question, using qualitative or quantitative approaches will not wholly

address the research problem, but the combination of both approaches does (Creswell &

Plano Clark, 2011).

The research philosophy used is the research onion process (Saunders, 2009)

Figure 3 the research Onion process (Saunders, 2009)

The onion peel is used to identify the research approach to this study. The onion contains

several layers, starting with the outer layer which comprises the philosophy of the research,

then to the inner layer of approach and the methodological choice layer. After that, the

strategies used layer followed by the data collection methods layer. This scenario gives a

detail operational view of the type of philosophy adopted.

Positivism

Positivists believe that reality is stable and can be observed and described from an objective

viewpoint without interfering with the phenomena being studied (Levin, 1988). Using

positivist research result in a more reliable way to find data because it is not influenced by the

unpredictable behaviour of humans (Biggam, page 168, 2015). The emphasis on quantifiable

data is the purpose that positivist research is associated with quantitative research (Ibid, 2015)

➢ Interpretivism

In interpretivism research, the participant's experience in the research field of study will

affect the participant's view of the situation being studied (Creswell et al., 2003).

Interpretivism is the antonym of positivism; it uses human participation and observation. The

research to be identified as qualitative research (Biggam, page 168, 2015). It is suitable to use

the interpretivism philosophy in this study since the project managers in the construction

industry have different views addressing the productivity problem.

Pragmatism

Pragmatism uses both positivism and interpretivism research methods; it is a mix of

quantitative and qualitative data collection. The speciality of pragmatic research philosophy

is that it places the research problem in the middle and applies all the methods to understand

the problem (Creswell et al., 2003).

The table below explains the method used and the data collection tools in each research

philosophy (source: Mackenzie & Sally, 2006)

Table 2 Data collection methods of different Research philosophy

Research philosophy

Positivism

Interpretivism Methods

Quantitative as a primary

method and in some cases

Qualitative methods may be

used

Qualitative as a primary

method and in some cases, Data collection tools

Questionnaire

Experiments

Interviews and survey

Visual data analysis

Pragmatism Quantitative methods can be

used.

A mix between Qualitative

and Quantitative methods

used together A mix of positivism and

interpretivism collection

tools

3.3

RESEARCH STRATEGY

Research strategy can be defined as how the research objectives can be questioned (Shamil

Naoum, 2013). There are two types of research strategy, either quantitative research or

qualitative research.

The quantitative research is “objective” in nature. Creswell (2014) describe quantitative

research as an inquiry into a social or human problem, based on testing a hypothesis or a

theory composed of variables, measured with numbers and analysed with statistical

procedures in order to see if the hypothesis or the theory holds true (Shamil Naoum, 2013).

This method is used to quantify opinions, behaviours and generalise results from a large

sample population using questionnaire surveys (Susan DeFranzo, 2011).

The qualitative research is “subjective” in nature. It is used to gain an understanding of

underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations (Susan DeFranzo, 2011). It emphasises

meaning, experiences and description (Shamil Naoum, 2013) and provides insights into the

problem. Qualitative research lies among two research categories - exploratory and

attitudinal. Exploratory research is used when the researcher has limited knowledge about the

topic, while attitudinal research is used to evaluate opinion and view of the participant in a

particular subject.

Qualitative research and especially attitudinal research are adopted in this study because it

will give an in-depth and detailed response with feedback from the project managers about

the productivity problem they are facing and if they use any form of IoT in their construction

sites to improve productivity.

3.4 DATA COLLECTION

Concerning the qualitative research strategy adopted in this study, the methods for collecting

primary data will mainly be through interviews with several project managers, while

secondary data will be collected using journals, articles, publication and other critical

stakeholders in the construction industry.

The reason why the questionnaire data collection method is not adopted in this research is

that personal interviews can provide more information about the subject answers while

providing the same sort of statistical precision.

Interviews can be more useful than questionnaires, especially in this study, and that is

because the researcher will be able to collect non-verbal data such as body language and can

see if a particular question make the participant nervous or see if they struggle to answer a

question. In other words, an interview can provide information that cannot be collected from

a written questionnaire. For example, lack of eye contact, defensive posturing or hand signs

can provide context to an interviewee’s answer (Anna Green, 2017).

Furthermore, since questionnaires take place without the presence of the researcher, it is hard

to know if the participant understands the questions. Whereas during interviews, the

interviewee can ask for more detail in case he/she did not understand the question and the

interviewer can ask follow-up questions to get a more in-depth response. In this case,

interviews can give more detailed data with better quality.

Mathieu Deflem, a professor at the University of South Carolina, explains that interviews are

a better tool than questionnaires in order to collect primary data. That is because the

“interviewer is the central instrument of investigation” which mean that the discussion can

bring up new issues or questions that can give valuable data for the study.

3.5

INTERVIEWS

The interviews aim to collect data for the qualitative approach. The interview questions are

structured and will help bring out the opinion of interviewees regarding the “What” and

“How” questions of the research.

The question is presented in the same order and with the same wording to all interviewees in

the structured interview, in this technique the interviewer may start with “open” question but

will soon move towards a “closed” question format (Shamil Naoum, 2013).

The interview question focuses on the research study and allows the interviewer to ask more

follow up and detailed questions during the interview, which provide an in-depth and

dynamic response. The interviewees are project managers from different companies in two

different countries (the United Kingdom and Lebanon). The reason why the interviews took

place in two different countries is to be able to compare data and discuss different company

ideas about using the IoT in the construction industry.

The interview will take place in person as a face to face interview, and they will be recorded

with the interviewee's authorisation, using voice memos application on a smartphone iPhone.

If the interviewee is not comfortable with this approach, then notes will be taken during the

interview. The duration of the interview is estimated to last between 20 to 30 minutes, with

twelve substantial questions.

3.6

DATA ANALYSIS

Data analysis is the process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the collected data

(Marchall and Rossman, 2014). The data will be described and later analysed to produce an

empirical research finding. The primary data is collected using interviews. In order to analyse

this qualitative data, it should first be organised in a way to make it easier for the researcher

to go through each question and different interviewee answer. After that, the interviewee

response will be categorised by identifying the words and phrases used frequently that will

help the researcher to analyse the data. The ability to categorise and compare the responses

with the literature review will help to validate the accuracy of the research findings.

3.7

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Ethical considerations in research are essential. Ethics are the norms or standards of conduct

that distinguish between right and wrong. They help the researcher to determine the

acceptable and unacceptable behaviours during the interview. The economics and social

research council state that research ethics indicate the moral principle guiding research, from

collecting the research data until the publication of results and beyond (ESRC, 2013).

In this research, ethical considerations have been set to a high level in order to protect the

anonymity and confidentiality of all the participants.

The following steps were taken in order to protect the participants:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6. The purpose of the research will be apparent to all the participants, that it is a

university master’s degree research

The participants are informed that there will be no financial rewards for taking the

interview

An approval from the participants will be asked in order to use the data collected

during the interview

The participants are informed that their identity and contact number will be

anonymised while writing the results

Authorisation from the participants will be taken before recording any data during the

interview

Participants will receive an information sheet about the questions before the interview

3.8

SUMMARY

This chapter explained the use of interpretivism research philosophy as the critical

philosophic approach in this research. The interpretivism philosophy uses the qualitative data

collection method, which collects the subjective view of the project managers using

interviews. Data analysis will be made by organising and categorising the interviewee

responses and then comparing them with the literature review. Consideration of the ethics in

this research will be present throughout.

4

CHAPTER FOUR: INTERVIEW FINDING AND ANALYSIS

4.1

INTRODUCTION

Several interviews were conducted in order to understand more clearly how the project

managers in construction companies define productivity and to identify the problems facing

productivity growth. The interviews also consider their point of view regarding IoT and AI in

construction sites to improve productivity.

This chapter will describe the findings of the interviews conducted with the project managers,

followed by analysing the interview results.

4.2

INTERVIEW FINDINGS

The research study interviewed five project managers from different companies (Osborne,

McLaren construction, RF construction consultant, Khatib & Alami and ACC) three of them

in the UK and two in Lebanon. All subjects are referred to as anonymously. The project

managers in the UK are referred to as PM “A1”, PM “A2” and PM “A3” and the project

managers in Lebanon are referred to as PM “B1” and PM “B2”. Four of the interviews were

conducted in person, as face to face interviews and one conducted by telephone call. The

interview is comprised of thirteen questions related to the productivity and the application of

IoT and AI in the construction industry. All project managers received the same question in

the same orders, and the structured interview questions are shown in the Appendix.

The results of the interviews with the different project managers are transcribed and analysed

below.

4.3

INTERVIEW RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

The first question asked to the PMs focuses on the projects they are working on and when the

deadlines are. Each PM talked about the project they are working on, and some of them are

working on a different project. PM “A1” is working on student accommodation, and

affordable housing project for a private developer and the deadline is on the 16th of

September. PM “A2” is working on a new sports block project and the deadline is expected

to be on the 10th of October, while PMs “A3, B1 and B2” are working on different projects.

The interviewees agreed on defining productivity as the measurement of the amount of work

produced per period depending on the resources received for that period. PM “B1” gave an

example of productivity by saying “ If we set a time budget for a specific task as 1000 hours,

if we finish it in 800 hours with the client requested quality, we gain 200 hours which mean

the productivity is good, but if we finish it in 1200 hours, it means there is a lack in

productivity”.

When the interviewees were asked about the strategy they are using to increase productivity

on the project site, each one answered differently. PM “A1” explained that making a pleasant

working environment, creating meetings with the parties involved in the project to agree on

the job program and sticking with it is the strategy used to increase productivity. PM “A1”

added that the program mentions all the different process that should be used in the

construction site in detail. Moreover, not changing the contract program is an excellent

strategy not to waste time and money, and in that case, we can increase productivity. Using a

full cast and resource program, setting a target and trying to reach it and making sure that the

labourers have all the information they need to do their tasks ideally is the strategy PM “A2”

uses to increase productivity. PM “A3” explained the importance of communication with the

client and improving this communication and flow of information is the strategy they use to

increase productivity. PM “B1” explained that choosing the right workers who can work on a

fast track and under pressure with past experience in similar projects is essential to increase

the productivity on site. PM “B1” added that they track labourer's works weekly and do a

result check on the end of each week to see if there is a lack in productivity. If there is, they

try to improve it by doing meetings, changing the unsuitable labourers and creating a work

breakdown structure in order to increase productivity. This is something PM “B2” agreed on.

The above data reveals that all PMs agree that achieving good productivity on site is mostly

driven by choosing the right labourers for the task and adhering to the work program

structure.

The three UK based PMs “A1, A2 and A3” indicated that the critical challenge facing

productivity on construction sites is skilled labour shortage, breakdown in communication

and the project performance. The skilled labour shortage makes it harder to find the right

people to do a specific task, especially if there are other significant projects in the same area.

PM “A1” explained how they are facing a challenge finding experienced labours due to other

significant projects that offer a better salary for a worker in the same area. This leads the

worker to leave to a better-paid job, and in this case, they lose experienced labourers. PMs

“A2 and A3” also added that the breakdown in communication is due to many layers between

the client and the site manager, making the flow of information slower and imprecise. This

leads to delays, affects the quality and decreases the site productivity.

PM “B1” proffered that they are facing two kinds of challenges; internal and external. The

internal challenges are described as resource risks such as unskilled labour and technological

risk; if new software is being utilised and the team is not well trained to use it, then it can

cause problems that lead to low productivity. The external challenges are often described as

client risk, sometimes the client asks for a design change or wants the task earlier, which will

affect the project life cycle. PM “B2” added that delayed material delivery and poor

communication between workers on-site are the major productivity challenges they are

facing.

All interviewees were assured that the poor communication between workers, contractors and

site managers is the most significant barrier in achieving good productivity in the

construction sites.

None of the UK based interviewees uses augmentation reality on their project site, while PM

“B1” explained that they use AR in some projects to show the client virtually how the project

will be. PMs “A1 and B1” both use the internet-connected cameras on the project site in

order to let the client see what is happening on-site in real-time. PM “B1” added that they are

planning to use drone technology which will give them faster decisions and better surveying.

All the PMs are aware of the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence devices, but none

of them uses it in their projects. PM “B1” added that they are planning to use IoT in their

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This will include digital information so they can

monitor what is happening on the site with the help of IoT sensors.

PM “A1” considers IoT and AI devices non-essential in non-complex projects, stating that

they have all the details they need and can track workers on-site and know if they are

working using fingerprint gate. PM “A2” disagrees, considering the fingerprint gate to be an

inaccurate method to track workers, because the worker can be inside the site without doing

their task. PMs “A2, A3 and B2” consider the reason for not adopting the IoT technology is

the lack of knowledge from the company and not knowing the difference between cost and

value of benefits.

PMs “A2, A3 and B1” believe that using IoT and AI on construction site has the ability to

increase productivity on site, believing that using IoT will increase safety and workflow on

the construction site, while PM “A1” doubted this idea, saying that IoT will not be able to

save much time in the construction program because there are many factors affecting it. PM

“A1” believes that experience will teach the site manager how to build a project with good

productivity, adding that they will not trust a self-driving excavator on their site, believing

that humans can be more aware of their surroundings than machines. PM “A1” gave an

example of unexpected findings during excavation, stating that machines will not be aware

and can damage archaeological finds. PM “B2” believes that technology and IoT devices will

be able to increase productivity if they are used in the right way.

The above data shows a contradiction between the UK based PMs about the potential of IoT

in unlocking the productivity growth on construction site, PM “A1” considers the IoT

technology not mature enough to be used on construction site, while PM “A2” believes that

the construction industry is ready for using the IoT on site.

None of the PMs was aware of smart PPE innovations such as smart working boots and smart

helmets that can track worker activity on-site, give an emergency alert to prevent incidents

and give accurate fatigue measurement using IoT. Nor about smart concrete-like Doka

concremote that can measure concrete maturity and calibrate new age strength digitally.

PM “A1” doubted the accuracy of these devices, adding that they will not use IoT devices

because everything works well currently; therefore, they do not need to change or track

workers. Furthermore, they already have all the information during the concrete pouring, so

they do not need it digitally.

All the PMs consider the resistance of people to be the most prominent barrier to the

application of IoT and AI in the construction industry, believing that it is not easy to convince

workers of being monitored on a timely basis. PMs “A1 and A2” added that security leaks,

training, and the cost of set-up are also considerable barriers.

None of the PMs gave a response when they were asked if they have any recommendation of

how productivity can be improved using the IoT and AI.

Summary

The interview helped to extract data about the problem facing the construction site

productivity and the project managers point of view about using the IoT and AI in the

construction industry. The result of the interview revealed that there is lack of knowledge

among the UK project managers about the new IoT construction devices. Also, none of the

interviewees uses any intelligent IoT devices. The interview result shows that the PMs based

in Lebanon were more interested then the UK based PMs in implementing the IoT and AI

technology in their construction site to improve productivity.

5

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION

5.1 INTRODUCTION

The research has answers to the objectives and questions that were set at the beginning of the

study. This section will discuss the interview results with the literature review to bring out

succinctly our key research findings in relation to the research objectives.

The aim of the research is how the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence can be

utilised on construction sites to improve productivity. The five objectives of the research are

used to highlight the key findings.

5.2

DISCUSSION AND REVIEW OF KEY FINDINGS

Objective 1- The challenges that are facing productivity in the UK construction industry

The literature review revealed that there are many challenges facing productivity in the UK

construction industry, which is something the interviewees confirmed. Reviewing the

research Sir Robert McAlpine did in 2016, that shows how young people are not interested in

constructions careers; confirmed the project managers response during the interview. They

admit that labour shortage is one of the major challenges the UK construction industry faces.

Furthermore, lack of communication, inadequate training and client risk are some of the

challenges that the interviewee highlighted on too, which is confirmed as the vicious cycle in

the literature review. A lack of communication leads to delays in receiving the information

and data, which in turn leads to delaying the whole project. Client risk is when the client asks

for sudden changes or does not understand the project perfectly.

Objective 2- How the application of IoT and AI can unlock productivity growth and

improve the management on construction sites

The interviews show that the IoT technology relating to construction projects seeks the

attention of most project managers in order to improve productivity on the construction sites.

Nevertheless, the research found out one of the three UK project managers interviewed

doubts that the IoT can save time and increase productivity on the construction site. This is

the opposite of what the literature review shows. The literature review reveals that the IoT

and AI will unlock the productivity growth in many ways, especially by using site

monitoring, smart PPE and real-time data. Monitoring workers on site and the use of smart

PPE that can detect hazards is the key to preventing delays, accidents and problems like the

one that happened during the construction of Tottenham stadium. Reports stated that workers

were taking drugs on site that made them lose focus and not do their task fully. This was one

of the reasons for the project delay. The source, who was not named in the article, said that

people were, “off their heads” on the construction site. Workers were drinking alcohol in the

morning before going on-site and taking drugs in the toilets (Martin Fricker, 2018), and the

same happened during the construction of Wembley stadium (Richard White, 2006).

As was mentioned in the literature review, smart PPE using IoT sensors can prevent this from

happening on construction sites by monitoring worker’s heart rates and detecting any

abnormality during their work on-site and sending the data to the site manager.

Furthermore, none of the interviewees uses augmented reality on-site. The importance of

augmented reality in streamlining tasks was highlighted in the literature review. It can also

prevent mistakes by showing the workers how the project will look and how a specific task

should be by virtually using smart glasses, which can increase the productivity on site.

Nevertheless, the literature review revealed that using the autonomous vehicle will bring

better efficiency and increase productivity on the site, and also, it can protect the drivers from

serious accidents or site errors due to tiredness. This technology had opposition from an

interviewee, considering the self-driving machinery are untrustworthy.

Objective 3- The sophistication, use, advantages, and disadvantages of IoT and AI in the

construction industry

As the literature review revealed, using IoT and AI in the construction industry and built

environment has many advantages, such as increasing security using facial recognition

cameras, site monitoring, labours and machinery tracking. Plus, increasing safety using Heart

monitoring devices, smart PPE that can detect tiredness and danger and also developing new

and more uncomplicated building technique to decrease the risk of errors using Augmentation

reality.

Nevertheless, as much as the advanced IoT devices will bring advantages for the construction

industry, there will be disadvantages and side effects of this digital technology. The project

managers highlighted some disadvantages of using the IoT, and the literature review

confirmed it. These disadvantages can be dangerous such as cyber-attack on the IoT devices,

that may lead to steal data, prevent the site manager from accessing the data and lead to

security leak. Moreover, if the site is using an autonomous vehicle that is being controlled

remotely, then the hacker will be able to disturb the signal and take control over the vehicle,

which means a risk of great danger.

Furthermore, as the literature review acknowledges, IoT and AI need a continuous

connection, which means that if the IoT devices lost connectivity, it will create a blind job

site and let the site managers unaware of what is happening on the construction site. This

connection risk may lead to delays, accidents and critical errors.

Objective 4- Barriers to the application of IoT and AI in the construction industry

The result of the research interview reveals that all project managers believe that the most

significant barrier to the application of IoT and AI in the construction industry is the

resistance of people. Some people disapprove of changing, and others are concern about data

privacy. Brian Buntz (2016) supported this, as the literature review revealed, by showing that

the highest percentage of participants who are not embracing the IoT are concern about data

privacy.

Furthermore, the literature review revealed that a high percentage of people are not

comfortable about the potential leak of security in the IoT devices, as well as the high cost of

the implementation. The interview result declares the same by considering the security and

cost as a considerable barrier to the application of IoT and AI in the construction industry.

The research exposes some doubts from a project manager about the accuracy of IoT devices,

considering that it is a marketing game, and these devices will not save time on the

construction site. Also, the literature review revealed, that people concern about IoT devices

and the fear that these devices will not deliver benefits as promised, is considered another

barrier for the application of the IoT and AI in the industry.

Artificial intelligence and advanced IoT devices are an innovation, which means they are

unmatured, still under testing and continuous development. In other words, there is a lack of

knowledge about the risk of this technology, and there is a lack of people who are trained to

use it. The research result revealed that training people to use this technology is considered a

barrier, along with the lack of knowledge about the risks of using it and the available

solutions for these risks.

Objective 5- Recommendations for how we can combine IoT with AI to achieve

productivity growth

The literature review revealed that Artificial Intelligence could give better value for the

Internet of Things, and it can make the IoT devices smarter and improve the accuracy rate.

AI makes IoT applications realise their full potential. Artificial intelligence enables the ability

of the machine to learn, which will bring more detailed data at a faster rate, that will lead to

better operational efficiency.

Furthermore, the IoT devices will be able to monitor machines and report any error, such as

equipment failure using real-time data sharing. By adding AI to the process, the machines

will be able to perform predictive analysis. In other words, the machine will detect the failure

and give the right instruction to mitigate it before it even happens.

6

CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1

SCOPE OF CHAPTER

The literature review findings and the interview results were able to respond to the research

aim and the objectives set at the beginning of the research. This chapter provides a summary

of the findings with there conclusions, the overall conclusion, personal recommendation, and

the limitation of this research.

6.2

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Research objective 1: Investigate the challenges that are facing productivity in the UK construction industry

Summary of findings

From the research results and findings, the challenges that are facing productivity in the UK

construction industry are as follows:

I. Labour shortage and lack of skilled labours due to the young student ignorance and

dislike for construction careers.

II. Lack of communication due to many layers between the client and contractor

III. Inadequate training

IV. Lack of resources

Conclusion

Several challenges are affecting the UK construction site productivity; however, the ones

highlighted are obtained from the result of the research. These factors are found to be

challenging in order to unlock the productivity growth in the construction site, and especially

in the UK. This concludes that the objective was well addressed through literature review and

supported by the interview results.

Research objective 2: Identify how the application of IoT and AI can unlock productivity growth and improve the management on construction sites

Summary of findings

As the research revealed, the IoT and AI can unlock and improve management and

productivity on the UK construction site as follow:

I.

II.

III. Monitoring the site using IoT devices and real-time data sharing

Using smart PPE for better health and safety on site

Using the Augmentation Reality technology, for fewer errors during the work.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII. Using autonomous machinery to decrease driver error during tiredness

Using concrete sensors which can save time by giving early concrete strength

Using intelligent prefab to track individual prefab through the supply chain and

decrease the delay risk during construction

Using Building Information Modelling during the design period to decrease the errors

during the construction period

Conclusion

Advanced IoT and AI devices are the keys to improve productivity on the UK construction

site in the 21st century due to the technological race to solve all the traditional problems

digitally. The research objective two was fully extracted from the literature review.

Objective 3: Classify The sophistication, use, advantages, and disadvantages of IoT and AI in the construction industry

Summary of findings

Based on the research finding, the summary of the advantages and disadvantages of IoT and

AI in the construction industry are as follow:

I.

II. Advantages of IoT and AI

i. Decrease the time needed to do a specific task

ii.

iii.

iv.

v. Reduce Machinery and labours errors

Increase safety

Boost the security level

Give higher accuracy and better job quality

vi. Improve the on-site performance

Disadvantages of IoT and AI

i.

ii. Security leak

Higher risk of cyber attack

iii.

iv. Connectivity issues

Privacy issue

v. Risk of Unemployment

Conclusion

The research shows that as much as there are advantages for the application of IoT in the

construction industry, there are disadvantages that will lead to serious problems. In

conclusion, there is a risk in order to benefits from this advanced technology.

Objective 4: Identify the barriers for the application of IoT and AI in the construction industry

Summary of findings

The barriers to the application of IoT and AI in the construction industry are revealed

using the literature review and interview results. The summary of the barriers is as follow:

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII. The resistance of people to change and adapt this technology

Potential leak of security

Cost of implementing this technology and not knowing the difference between

cost and value of benefits

Training people to use it

People suspicion about the IoT and AI maturity

Data privacy concern

Lack of standards

Conclusion

The research revealed the barriers that are affecting the IoT and AI technology from being

adopted in the UK construction industry and showed that convincing people and their fear to

use this technology is the biggest barrier.

Objective 5: Make recommendations for how we can combine IoT with AI to achieve productivity growth

Summary of findings

The research revealed recommendation on IoT could be combined with AI to achieve better

productivity growth. These recommendations are summarised as follow:

I.

II.

III.

IV. Implementing the AI with the IoT monitoring devices will make these devices smarter

and will create more productive Jobsite

Autonomous vehicles are controlled remotely using the IoT. Implementing AI in these

machines will make them smarter, self-thinker and able to do the work without human

interference.

AI with the use of IoT can manage a whole project while giving the possible risks and

possible mitigation methods before they happen

AI can be used in the IoT machinery sensors, providing better information about the

machinery performance, and detect errors and malfunctions before they happen.

Conclusion

IoT and AI are two different things; each one has its own power and benefits, merging them

will create a new future for how everything works and increase the ability of the IoT with

further possibilities.

6.3

OVERALL CONCLUSION

The outcome of the research provided adequate information to answer the research question

on how the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence can be used to unlock the

productivity growth in the UK construction site. The research revealed that there are many

possibilities for the IoT and AI to be used in the UK construction industry, but there are also

few risks for using it, that the construction sector should be prepared for it. Also, the

interview showed that in a different country, people are more excited about implementing IoT

and AI in the construction industry in order to improve productivity.

The good thing is that this innovation is still new, which mean IoT risks mitigations are the

priority for many developing companies. Also, innovation is being developed to decrease the

risk of using these IoT devices, such as WiFi 6, 5G connectivity and stronger anti-hacking

systems. This leaves convincing people to adopt this technology is the major barrier in order

to start increasing the UK construction productivity.

Furthermore, the literature review revealed the use of IoT in the other sectors, especially in

the medical sector, and showed how the IoT with the use of AI is helping doctors to detect

early health problems and how to cure it and monitor patients health remotely. This shows

that the construction sector is far behind the medical and other sectors in implementing the

Internet of Things.

6.4

RECOMMENDATIONS

The results of the research between the literature review and the interviews have shown a

level of consistency in addressing the barriers to adopt the Internet of Things and Artificial

Intelligence in the construction industry and the ideas of how this technology can be utilised

to improve the productivity on the UK construction site. This study has shown how important

is the use of IoT and AI in the construction industry and the problems this technology can

reduce and solve.

However, to add more ideas on how productivity can be increased in the UK construction site

using the IoT and AI, and how to decrease people resistance, personal recommendations have

been added.

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V. Construction and Engineering university students should be taught about the benefits

of IoT and AI and how this technology can change the construction site to a better

workplace with better productivity.

Provide trial availability for the IoT and AI devices for construction companies to

prove the benefits of it and how it can increase productivity

The IoT and AI developer companies should provide free or low-cost training on how

these devices can be used on construction site

The young students should be taught about how easy and fun the work can be on

construction sites using the new IoT and AI devices, in order to make the construction

sector an attractive and exciting career.

Similar research to be made on a broader version and to a different group to validate

the findings of this research

6.5

LIMITATION OF THE RESEARCH

The research has reached its aim. It however encountered some limitations during the study.

These limitations are written below.

I.

II.

III.

IV.

V. IoT and AI devices are very new, and the companies that are using them are minimal,

which make extracting the secondary data from previous case studies challenging and

limited.

Few project manager replied to the email asking for an interview, which made the

primary data limited to three project managers in the UK and two in Lebanon.

Most of the companies that use this technology now are located in China, which was a

big barrier to get more primary data on how the IoT and AI can increase productivity

on the construction site.

Investigating the challenges facing the construction industry as a whole will take a

significant amount of time and research, due to how extensive the industry is, the

research results priorities on how to increase productivity on the construction sites.

IoT and AI devices technology are still very new and under development, and very

few companies are using this technology on construction sites, which made the

information on the risk of using it on construction sites limited and small amount of

ideas on how to solve it.

7

REFERENCES

Alderton, M., 2018. Autonomous Construction Equipment and Driverless Vehicles [Updated]. Redshift EN. URL https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/autonomous-vehicletechnology-in-construction/ (accessed 8.24.19).

AllAssignmentHelpUK, 2017. Research Onion - Made easy to understand and follow. URL https://www.allassignmenthelp.co.uk/blog/research-onion-made-easy-tounderstand-and-follow/ (accessed 8.22.19).

Barbosa, F., Mischke, J., Parsons, M., n.d. Improving construction productivity | McKinsey [WWW Document]. URL https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capitalprojects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/improving-construction-productivity (accessed 8.21.19).

Blanco, J.L., Fuchs, S., Parsons, M., Ribeirinho, M.J., 2018. Artificial intelligence: Construction technology’s next frontier | McKinsey [WWW Document]. URL https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/ourinsights/artificial-intelligence-construction-technologys-next-frontier (accessed 8.20.19).

Blundell, S., 2019. How will Brexit impact the UK construction industry? Planning, BIM & Construction Today. URL https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-constructionnews/brexit-uk-construction/54827/ (accessed 8.25.19).

Blundell, S., 2018. UK could save £15bn every year by lifting construction productivity. Planning, BIM & Construction Today. URL https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planningconstruction-news/uk-could-save-15bn-every-year-by-lifting-constructionproductivity/40397/ (accessed 8.21.19).

Building, D., 2019. How BIM can improve productivity in construction - Designing Buildings Wiki [WWW Document]. URL https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/How_BIM_can_improve_productivity_in_co nstruction (accessed 8.24.19).

Buisness, 2017. Why Your Construction Company Needs a Smart Helmet [WWW Document]. business.com. URL https://www.business.com/articles/smart-helmetconstruction/ (accessed 8.24.19).

Buntz, B., 2016. Top 10 Barriers for Adoption of the Internet of Things [WWW Document]. URL https://www.iotworldtoday.com/2016/04/20/top-10-reasons-peoplearen-t-embracing-iot/ (accessed 8.18.19). Burger, R., 2019. How “The Internet of Things” Is Affecting the Construction Industry [WWW Document]. The Balance Small Business. URL https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-internet-affects-the-construction-industry-845320 (accessed 8.20.19).

Certes, 2018. Types of Artificial Intelligence: A Detailed Guide – Certes [WWW Document]. URL https://certes.co.uk/types-of-artificial-intelligence-a-detailed-guide/ (accessed 8.25.19).

Cipher, 2017. 5 Tips for Mitigating IoT Security Challenges [WWW Document]. URL http://blog.cipher.com/mitigating-and-managing-iot-security-challenges (accessed 8.26.19).

Clavero, J., 2018. How IoT in Construction Will Shape the Industry in 2019 [WWW Document]. eSUB Construction Software. URL https://esub.com/how-iot-in-constructionwill-shape-the-industry-in-2019/ (accessed 8.24.19).

CRL, 2018. How the Internet of Things Affects (or Might Affect) the Construction Industry | CRL [WWW Document]. URL https://c-r-l.com/content-hub/article/iot-inconstruction-industry/ (accessed 8.24.19).

Daddikar, N., 2018. 6 Effects of the Internet of Things on Project Management [WWW Document]. URL https://blog.capterra.com/internet-of-things-project-management/ (accessed 8.20.19).

DeFranzo, S., 2011. Difference between qualitative and quantitative research. [WWW Document]. Snap Surveys Blog. URL https://www.snapsurveys.com/blog/qualitative-vsquantitative-research/ (accessed 8.22.19).

DOKA, 2018. How IoT Applications are Transforming the Construction Industry – Doka [WWW Document]. URL https://formworkdokauk.com/2018/05/05/how-iot-applicationsare-transforming-the-construction-industry/ (accessed 8.20.19). Fricker, M., 2018. Tottenham stadium workers “have taken drugs and got drunk on the job” with £850m home yet to open - Mirror Online [WWW Document]. URL https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/tottenham-stadium-workers-have-taken13279815 (accessed 8.26.19).

GILLETT, F., 2017. Thousands without mobile internet after EE 4G network crash [WWW Document]. Evening Standard. URL http://www.standard.co.uk/news/techandgadgets/ee-network-down-thousands-of-peoplewithout-internet-after-mobile-phone-4g-internet-crash-a3540046.html (accessed 8.25.19).

Godwin, J., 2017. The burning issues: productivity in the construction industry. BRE Buzz. URL https://brebuzz.net/2017/05/30/the-burning-issues-productivity-in-theconstruction-industry/ (accessed 8.20.19).

Green, A., 2017. The Advantages of an Interview Over a Questionnaire [WWW Document]. Bizfluent. URL https://bizfluent.com/info-8220458-advantages-interviewover-questionnaire.html (accessed 8.22.19).

Green, B., 2016. Productivity in Construction: Creating a framework for the industry to thrive. CIOB Policy. URL https://policy.ciob.org/research/productivity-constructioncreating-framework-industry-thrive/ (accessed 8.20.19).

Haddow, A., 2018. Top 3 Challenges Facing the UK Construction Industry in 2019 | News. DPC. URL http://datumpoint.org.uk/challenges-facing-uk-construction-industry2019/ (accessed 8.20.19).

Hall, J., n.d. Top 10 Benefits of BIM in Construction [WWW Document]. URL https://connect.bim360.autodesk.com/benefits-of-bim-in-construction (accessed 8.24.19).

Hall, R., 2018. Why Kids Want to be YouTubers When They Grow Up [WWW Document]. Medium. URL https://medium.com/@rachel_hall/why-kids-want-to-beyoutubers-when-they-grow-up-4d7a4074b44 (accessed 8.24.19).

Hazardex, 2018. Smart PPE and wearable technology [WWW Document]. URL http://www.hazardexonthenet.net/article/159568/Smart-PPE-and-wearabletechnology.aspx (accessed 8.24.19).

Healing, D., 2018. Suncor is building a fleet of 150 driverless trucks that will cut 400 jobs over the next six years | Financial Post [WWW Document]. URL https://business.financialpost.com/commodities/energy/suncor-phasing-in-150autonomous-haul-trucks-job-cuts-expected-by-2019 (accessed 8.24.19).

Heath, N., 2018. What is AI? Everything you need to know about Artificial Intelligence [WWW Document]. ZDNet. URL https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-ai-everythingyou-need-to-know-about-artificial-intelligence/ (accessed 8.25.19).

Hertzman, N., 2017. IoT Innovation in Construction Industry. Create a culture of innovation with IIoT World! URL https://iiot-world.com/connected-industry/iotinnovation-in-construction-industry/ (accessed 8.20.19).

Hicks, M., Fitzsimmons, M., 2019. Self-driving cars: your complete guide [WWW Document]. TechRadar. URL https://www.techradar.com/news/self-driving-cars (accessed 8.25.19).

Hilti, 2017. Internet of Things Transforming the Construction Industry [WWW Document]. URL https://www.hilti.co.uk/content/hilti/E1/GB/en/company/news--events/blog/internet-of-things-transforming-the-construction-industry.html (accessed 8.20.19).

Huwebes, P., 2019. ArcaWeb: The benefits of AI in construction. ArcaWeb. URL https://arcaweb24.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-benefits-of-ai-in-construction.html (accessed 8.18.19).

Intellinium, 2018. Connected Safety Shoes For Smart Worker Protection [WWW Document]. Intellinium. URL https://intellinium.io/smart-connected-safety-shoes/ (accessed 8.25.19).

Jackson, G., 2018. How a lack of skilled building workers is stunting UK growth [WWW Document]. Financial Times. URL https://www.ft.com/content/53713cfe-93eb-11e8b747-fb1e803ee64e (accessed 8.20.19).

Kocyigit, Z.E., 2015. Philosophical Foundations of Marketing Research. Eren Kocyigit, PhD | Marketing Lecturer / Keynote Speaker / Mentor. URL http://erenkocyigit.com/philosophical-foundations-of-marketing-research/ (accessed 8.22.19).

Leo, S., Rowe, S., Mildenberger, J., Price, J., 2016. Productivity Growth in Construction | Journal of Construction Engineering and Management | Vol 142, No 10 [WWW Document]. URL https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29CO.19437862.0001138 (accessed 8.18.19).

Macfarlane, I., 2018. How can construction improve its productivity? Show House. URL https://www.showhouse.co.uk/news/can-construction-improve-productivity/ (accessed 8.21.19).

Mavani, P., 2019. Project Management | The Internet of Things and the Future of Project Management [WWW Document]. URL https://www.projecttimes.com/articles/theinternet-of-things-and-the-future-of-project-management.html (accessed 8.20.19).

Mazhandu, F., 2019. IoT Applications in Construction. IoT For All. URL https://www.iotforall.com/iot-applications-construction/ (accessed 8.24.19).

MOHSENINIA, M., 2019. How IoT can transform the construction industry [WWW Document]. URL https://www.constructionglobal.com/equipment-and-it/how-iot-cantransform-construction-industry (accessed 8.20.19).

Murison, M., 2016. Construction firm uses IoT for smart helmets keeping workers safe [WWW Document]. URL https://internetofbusiness.com/australian-construction-firmuses-iot-for-smart-helmets-which-keep-workers-safe/ (accessed 8.24.19).

NETWORKS, R., 2019. Why Wi-Fi 6 is a breakthrough technology for the IoT. The Ruckus Room. URL https://theruckusroom.ruckuswireless.com/wiredwireless/technologytrends/why-wi-fi-6-is-a-breakthrough-technology-for-the-iot/ (accessed 8.26.19).

O’Connor, H., Gibson, N., 2003. A Step-By-Step Guide To Qualitative Data Analysis. Pimatisiwin: A Journal of Aboriginal and Indigenous Community Health 1, 63–90.

Pickell, D., n.d. The Internet of Things Will be Everywhere and Anywhere [WWW Document]. URL https://learn.g2.com/internet-of-things (accessed 8.25.19).

Polycarpou, C., 2017. Why Every Organization Needs an Augmented Reality Strategy | ViMM. URL https://www.vi-mm.eu/2017/11/01/why-every-organization-needs-anaugmented-reality-strategy/ (accessed 8.25.19).

Queck, T., 2017. The advantages and disadvantages of Internet Of Things (IoT) [WWW Document]. URL https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/advantages-disadvantages-internetthings-iot-tommy-quek (accessed 8.18.19).

Ranger, S., 2018. What is the IoT? Everything you need to know about the Internet of Things right now | ZDNet [WWW Document]. URL https://www.zdnet.com/article/whatis-the-internet-of-things-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iot-right-now/ (accessed 8.25.19).

Rao, S., 2019. The Benefits of AI In Construction [WWW Document]. URL https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/the-benefits-of-ai-in-construction (accessed 8.18.19).

Redshift, 2019. IoT in Construction Will Improve Safety and Efficiency on Jobsites [Video]. Redshift EN. URL https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/iot-in-construction/ (accessed 8.24.19).

Reinicke, C., 2018. Autonomous vehicles won’t only kill jobs. They will create them, too [WWW Document]. CNBC. URL https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/10/autonomousvehicles-are-creating-jobs-heres-where.html (accessed 8.25.19).

Roberti, M., 2013. How Is RFID Being Used in the Construction Industry? — Ask The Experts Forum - RFID Journal [WWW Document]. URL https://www.rfidjournal.com/blogs/experts/entry?10604 (accessed 8.18.19).

Rouse, M., 2016. What is internet of things (IoT)? - Definition from WhatIs.com [WWW Document]. IoT Agenda. URL https://internetofthingsagenda.techtarget.com/definition/Internet-of-Things-IoT (accessed 8.25.19).

Savarm, R., 2017. Real Time Applications Of IOT - Advantages & Disadvantages [WWW Document]. Mindmajix. URL https://mindmajix.com/internet-of-thingsapplications (accessed 8.28.19).

Schober, K.-S., 2018. Construction Start-up Radar [WWW Document]. Roland Berger. URL https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Insights/Global-Topics/Startup-radarconstruction.html (accessed 8.23.19).

Schober, K.-S., n.d. Introducing helmets with IoT technologies for construction sites [WWW Document]. Roland Berger. URL https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Point-ofView/Introducing-helmets-with-IoT-technologies-for-construction-sites.html (accessed 8.23.19).

Script&Go, 2018. Key UK construction productivity challenges and opportunities [WWW Document]. Site Diary. URL https://sitediary.com/key-uk-constructionproductivity-challenges-and-opportunities/ (accessed 8.20.19).

Shaping Tomorrow, 2019. Emergent IoT [WWW Document]. URL https://www.shapingtomorrow.com/home/alert/6630156-Emergent-IoT (accessed 8.25.19).

shrivastava, A., 2019. IoT and AI: Introduction to the Internet of Intelligent Things (IoIT) - DZone IoT [WWW Document]. dzone.com. URL https://dzone.com/articles/iot-amp-aithe-internet-of-intelligent-things-ioit (accessed 8.25.19).

Skanska, 2017. Augmented reality trial a UK contractor first [WWW Document]. www.skanska.co.uk. URL https://www.skanska.co.uk/about-skanska/media/pressreleases/200453/Augmented-reality-trial-a-UK-contractor-first- (accessed 8.24.19).

Souza, E., 2019. 9 Augmented Reality Technologies for Architecture and Construction [WWW Document]. ArchDaily. URL https://www.archdaily.com/914501/9-augmentedreality-technologies-for-architecture-and-construction (accessed 8.23.19).

Stacey, L., 2019. Will 5G be a miracle worker for IoT connectivity? [WWW Document]. IT Pro Portal. URL https://www.itproportal.com/features/will-5g-be-a-miracle-workerfor-iot-connectivity/ (accessed 8.20.19).

staff, C., 2019. Sisk turns to robots to boost productivity on Wembley project | News | Construction Manager Magazine [WWW Document]. URL http://www.constructionmanagermagazine.com/news/sisk-turns-robots-bid-increaseproductivity-wemble/ (accessed 8.23.19).

Sync, C.R.M., n.d. The future of IOT is AI [WWW Document]. URL https://www.techuk.org/insights/opinions/item/13827-the-future-of-iot-is-ai (accessed 8.25.19).

Tepper, F., 2017. Pillar Technologies is making construction sites safer with smart sensors | TechCrunch [WWW Document]. URL https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/06/pillar-technologies-is-making-construction-sites-saferwith-smart-sensors/ (accessed 8.24.19).

tradingeconomic, 2019. United Kingdom GDP From Manufacturing | 2019 | Data | Chart | [WWW Document]. URL https://tradingeconomics.com/united-kingdom/gdp-frommanufacturing (accessed 8.21.19).

Tute, R., 2018. Collaboration, innovation and diversity key to improving productivity, report says [WWW Document]. Infrastructure Intelligence. URL http://www.infrastructure-intelligence.com/article/apr-2018/collaboration-innovation-anddiversity-key-improving-productivity-report-says (accessed 8.21.19).

UKconstruction, 2016. Safety and cutting edge technology: the Daqri Smart Helmet - UK Construction Online [WWW Document]. URL https://www.ukconstructionmedia.co.uk/features/safety-and-cutting-edge-technology-thedaqri-smart-helmet/ (accessed 8.24.19).

Unearth, 2017. Understanding IoT in Construction [WWW Document]. Unearth Labs. URL http://unearthlabs.com/blog/construction-tech/iot-in-construction/index.html (accessed 8.24.19).

U.S, B.E., 2018. Top 8 Applications of IOT in Construction Industry [WWW Document]. Medium. URL https://medium.com/@bimengus2017/top-8-applications-of-iot-inconstruction-industry-d08dc3fbe2a6 (accessed 8.24.19).

USA, H., 2018. Internet of Things [WWW Document]. URL https://www.hilti.com/content/hilti/W1/US/en/services/tool-services/internet-ofthings.html (accessed 8.25.19).

Welles, H., 2019. How IoT Can Improve Productivity and Safety on the Construction Site [WWW Document]. URL https://www.constructconnect.com/blog/iot-can-improveproductivity-safety-construction-site (accessed 8.20.19).

Welles, H., 2018. Cutting back construction costs and delays with IoT [WWW Document]. URL https://www.scnsoft.com/blog/cutting-back-construction-costs-anddelays-with-iot (accessed 8.20.19).

White, M., 2019. IoT shoes can adapt to individual users and be controlled via a smartphone [WWW Document]. The Manufacturer. URL https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/iot-shoes-can-adapt-to-individual-users-andbe-controlled-via-a-smartphone/ (accessed 8.25.19).

Wipro, 2017. IoT in Healthcare Industry | IoT Applications in Healthcare - Wipro [WWW Document]. URL https://www.wipro.com/business-process/what-can-iot-do-forhealthcare-/ (accessed 8.23.19).

8

APPENDICES

8.1

APPENDIX 1: ETHICS CHECKLIST

Section A Project details - to be completed by the project student

1. Name of student/s: Jad Zawil 2. Name of supervisor: Dr Hannah Wood 3. Title of project (no more than 20 words): Improving construction site productivity using the Internet of Things 4. Outline of the research (1-2 sentences): 5. Timescale and date of completion: 29/08/2019 6. Location of research: United Kingdom 7. Course module code for which research is undertaken: MSc Project Management for construction

8. Email address: jadzawil@gmail.com

9. Contact address:

10. Telephone number: 07943918077

Section B Ethics Checklist questions

Please tick the appropriate box

1. Is this research likely to have significant negative impacts on the environment? (For example, the release of dangerous substances or damaging intrusions into protected habitats.) 2. Does the study involve participants who might be considered vulnerable due to age or to a social, psychological or medical condition? (Examples include children, people with learning disabilities or mental health problems, but participants who may be considered vulnerable are not confined to these groups.)

3. Does the study require the co-operation of an individual to gain access to the participants? (e.g. a teacher at a school or a manager of sheltered housing)

4. Will the participants be asked to discuss what might be perceived as sensitive topics? (e.g. sexual behaviour, drug use, religious belief, detailed financial matters)

5. Will individual participants be involved in repetitive or prolonged testing?

6. Could participants experience psychological stress, anxiety or other negative consequences (beyond what would be expected to be encountered in normal life)? Yes

7. Will any participants be likely to undergo vigorous physical activity, pain, or exposure to dangerous situations, environments or materials as part of the research?

8. Will photographic or video recordings of research participants be collected as part of the research?

9. Will any participants receive financial reimbursement for their time? (excluding reasonable expenses to cover travel and other costs)

10. Will members of the public be indirectly involved in the research without their knowledge at the time? (e.g. covert observation of people in non-public places, the use of methods that will affect privacy)

11. Does this research include secondary data that may carry personal or sensitive organisational information? (Secondary data refers to any data you plan to use that you did not collect yourself. Examples of sensitive secondary data include datasets held by organisations, patient records, confidential minutes of meetings, personal diary entries. These are only examples and not an exhaustive list).

12. Are there any other ethical concerns associated with the research that are not covered in the questions above?

All Masters level projects or dissertations in the School of Environment and Technology must adhere to the following procedures on data storage and confidentiality:

Once a mark for the project or dissertation has been published, all data must be removed from personal computers, and original questionnaires and consent forms should be destroyed unless the research is likely to be published or data re-used.

Please sign below to confirm that you have completed the Ethics Checklist and will adhere to these procedures on data storage and confidentiality. Then give this form to your supervisor to complete their checklist.

Signed (Student):

Date:

8.2

APPENDIX 2: INTERVIEW FORM

1)

2) Briefly describe what is your project about and when is the deadline?

How would you define productivity?

3)

4)

5) What strategies are you using to increase productivity on your project site?

What are the challenges you are facing in your efforts to improve productivity on your site?

Have you ever used augmentation reality on any of your project sites?

6)

7) Are you aware of the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) devices?

Are you using any form of the IoT and AI in your project?

8)

9) If not, why?

Are you aware that using IoT on-site can increase productivity?

10) Are you aware of innovations such as ‘smart working boots’ that can track worker activity on-site and give an emergency alert as well as prevent struck-by incidents? Or ‘smart caps’ which can be inserted in the safety helmet to determine alertness and eliminates microsleeps with accurate fatigue measurement which can prevent incidents on-site that originate from fatigue or tiredness?

Or about intelligent concrete-like Doka concremote that uses GSM enabled digital sensors to measure the concrete maturity (temperature x time) and calibrates early age strength?

11) What do you think are the potentiality of using IoT and AI to improve productivity on construction sites?

12) What would you consider as barriers for the application of IoT and AI in the construction industry?

13) Do you have any recommendations on how we can improve productivity using IoT and AI on constructions?

8.3

APPENDIX 2: TABLE OF INTERVIEW

1

2 Questions

Briefly describe What is your project about and when is the deadline? How would you define productivity?

3 What strategy are you using to increase productivity on your project site? Project Manager A1

Student accommodation and affordable housing Comparing Work Quality received with a specific time agreed on with the client Stick with the Contract program, meetings with contractors and clients, create a pleasant working environment

Project Manager A2

A new sports block for college

Resource going/amount of work produce

Project Manager A3

Different projects

Resources/ amount of work

Project Manager B1

Different projects

Project Manager B2

Different projects

Resources/amount of work Work produced depend on the resources

Full cast program, labour resource program, focus on health and safety, give the worker all the information they need. Set a goal and try to achieve it. Improving communication with the client and increase the flow of information Selecting best people available, best project managers who have past experience in a similar project, labours who work on fast track and under pressure, allocate good resources. Tracking labour works on a weekly basis and checks the result to see if there is a lack in productivity. Make meetings with workers, motivate the labours, use the work breakdown structure to organize the work.

4

5

6

7

8 What are the challenges you are facing in your efforts to improve productivity on your site?

Logistic challenges, lack of communication, labour shortage, accident due to mistake and tiredness, which lead to delays. The flow of information, breakdown in communication, information gets delayed to be received, resource level. Client risk, the flow of information in communication

Have you ever used augmentation reality on any of your project sites? Are you aware of the internet of things and artificial intelligence devices can save time and prevent delays and incident? Are you using any form of the IoT on-site and AI in your project?

No

I’m aware of IoT but I don’t believe it will save time

No No

Yes

No no

Yes

No

If not, why?

We don’t need it; we have everything in front of us. We can track worker using fingerprint gate The lack of knowledge, cost, not knowing the difference between cost and value of benefits. We have Small projects; client won’t pay for that, cost Doing meetings and work breakdown structure. Internal challenges: resource risk, technological risk, lack of training. External challenges: client risk if he asked for a design change or want the project earlier which lead to affect the project life cycle. Yes Material delivery delays, lack of communication between worker on site.

No

Yes Yes

No, but we are planning to start using it in the Enterprise resource planning system No

Lack of knowledge and lack of people trained to use it.

83

9

10

11 Are you aware that using IoT onsite can increase productivity?

Are you aware of innovations such as ‘smart working boots’ that can track worker activity onsite and give an emergency alert as well as prevent struck-by incidents? Or ‘smart caps’ which can be inserted in the safety helmet to determine alertness and eliminates microsleeps with accurate fatigue measurement which can prevent incidents onsite that originate from fatigue or tiredness? Or about intelligent concrete-like Doka concremote that uses GSM enabled digital sensors to measure the concrete maturity (temperature x time) and calibrates early age strength? What do you think are the potentiality of using IoT and AI to improve productivity on construction sites?

Maybe, IoT can’t save time in the program because there is a lot of factors to it, technology won’t make construction faster. IoT is not mature enough.

No, and I don’t think we will use that. We don’t need to change. We have all the information when we pour concrete; we don’t need it digitally Yes

No

You can’t use it in any project. The experience will teach the site managers how to build a Massive potential, IoT can help put everything in the right place

84 Yes

No Yes

No

Construction in the UK is slow to take up, but when the companies and Big potential. increase safety, security, workflow. Only if it’s been using in the right way

No

Good potentials, make things easier.

12 what would you consider as barriers of the application of IoT and AI in the construction industry?

project with good productivity. Maybe in the future, when the IoT is mature enough we may use it In complex project. Cost, training worker, the resistance of people, convince people. Security leak, cost, the resistance of people, not easy for people to accept that they are being monitored. client know the benefits of it, then there’s good potential.

The resistance of people and cost The resistance of people, convince people. Cost, training worker, the resistance of people, convince people.

85

8.4

APPENDIX 4: RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

1School:

Activity / area:

Assessed by:

Environment and Technology

UK

Jad Zawil Date of assessment:

Next review date:

Checked by:

No.

1 What are the hazards?

Public transport accident, traveling alone Persons at risk & how they may be harmed

Just me, injuries What controls do you already have in place?

Tell a family member where am I and where I’m going before taking the public transport Risk Rating

Severity

3 Likelihood

3 Risk

12 Additional controls needed to reduce the risk if required Action: date & responsible person

Carry a smart phone with gps on it with me the whole time

8.5

APPENDIX 5: PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET

Participation Information Sheet Template

My name is Jad zawil, I’m doing my master degree in project management for construction at University of Brighton, and I’m doing a research about how we can improve productivity in the construction site ( you can find all details needed written in this document).

Title of Study

Using technology to improve productivity in the construction site

Introduction and what is the purpose of the study/project?

The UK Construction industry is plagued with some severe challenges in low productivity and profitability. Delivering the project on budget and to schedule is a challenge that has always plagued the construction industry.

Advancement of technology in the use of the Internet of things (IOT) and artificial intelligence (AI) enable its application in a variety of ways in numerous sectors of the economy. The construction industry may be lacking behind in adopting these technologies mainly on the operations conducted on project sites.

This research aims to make recommendations as to how IoT and AI can be utilised on construction sites to improve productivity.

Invitation paragraph

I would like to invite you to take part in my research study. Participation in this research will be using an interview. This should take about 15 to 20 minutes. if there is anything that is not clear, you can ask to clarify the purpose of this research. You will be given time to think about whether you wish to take part before making a decision.

Why have I been invited to participate?

This research is related to project management and construction industries. Your experience in this field will be helpful for my research.

Do I have to take part?

It’s voluntary and you can withdraw anytime you want.

What will happen to me if I take part?

An interview will be taken place after agreeing on time and place that suit you. The interview will be recorded and there will be some survey question I would like to ask you during the interview. The interview will be between 30 to 60 minutes.

Will I be paid for taking part?

No, it’s voluntary.

What are the potential disadvantages or risks of taking part?

There’s no risk of taking part in this research, but if you felt uncomfortable, the interview will stop.

What are the potential benefits of taking part?

It will help to find the reasons for low productivity on the construction sites and find solution to increase the productivity using technology.

Will my taking part in the study/project be kept confidential?

Yes, all data will be password encrypted, and it will be removed once the research is submitted and award is given.

What will happen if I don’t want to carry on with the study?

You can withdraw anytime you want, and data will be removed if you asked to. But after 1st of August, data will no longer be possible to be removed, since removing Data during the writing-up stage will be very difficult.

What will happen to the results of the project?

The research is a master degree dissertation and it will be submitted to university of Brighton

Who is organising and funding the research?

The university of Brighton

What if I have a question or concern?

Any queries or concerns will be addressed, and refer to the contact details below.

Contact details

Kassim Gidado, Hannah Wood K.I.Gidado@brighton.ac.uk hw35@brighton.ac.uk

Who has reviewed the study?

the study has been reviewed and given a favourable ethical opinion by the relevant Research Ethics Committee or Panel