Construction Innovation partners: Australian Building Codes Board, Arup Australasia, Bovis Lend Lease, Brisbane City Council, Building Commission (Victoria), Brookwater JV, CSIRO, DEM, John Holland, Qld Dept Main Roads, Qld Dept Public Works, Qld Dept State Development and Innovation, Qld University of Technology, Rider Hunt, RMIT, The University of Newcastle, The University of Sydney, University of Western Sydney, Woods Bagot

The Construction 2020 journey

Construction 2020 is a national initiative undertaken by CRC for Construction Innovation to focus its ongoing leadership of the Australian property and construction industry in applied research and best contribute to the industrys national and international growth and competitiveness. It is the first major report on the long-term outlook for the industry since the late 1990s.

An extensive process of industry engagement undertaken by myself and Professor Peter Brandon (University of Salford, UK) began with a questionnaire and a nation-wide workshop series in 2003, seeking views on the direction and challenges facing the industry today and into the future. The hundreds of attendees represented a broad spectrum from the public and private sector and included builders, contractors, architects, engineers and representation from industry associations. The workshops provided an opportunity for members of this somewhat adversarial and fragmented industry to talk collaboratively about their visions for the industry.

On June 23, this consultation process culminated with the Canberra launch of the report Construction 2020 A Vision for Australia's Property and Construction Industry by Peter MacGauran, Minister for Science, and Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry. "This is a vision that comes directly from industry. To become a reality will require the resources and commitment of both industry and the CRC. I urge you to support this vision, said Mr Macfarlane.

Over 80 key figures from the industry celebrated the success of the consultation process, including John McCarthy, Chair of the CRC for Construction Innovation. Our industry has spoken out loud through this report and it is obvious they want change and development in the areas of business environment, environmental sustainability and information and communication technologies.

The report identifies nine key themes for the future of the property and construction industry. These visions describe the major concerns of the industry and the improved future working environment favoured by its stakeholders. With Peter Brandon, we have now workshopped the results of this report with industry members across each State and territory capital around Australia.

The first and clearest vision, agreed across the industry, is that environmentally sustainable construction the creation of buildings and infrastructure that minimise their impact on the natural environment is an area of huge potential. Here technologies like Construction Innovation's LCADesign can make a big difference. This is a calculator that works out automatically from 3D computer-aided design the environmental costs of materials in a building all at the push of a button. By working with industry, we'd expect to have a comprehensive set of eco-design tools for all stages of the construction life cycle, to minimise energy use, greenhouse and other forms of waste or pollution.

Other significant areas of focus in the report include the development of nationally uniform codes of practice, new tools to evaluate design and product performance, comparisons with overseas industries, and a worldwide research network to ensure that Australian technology is at the cutting edge.

There are more than 230,000 firms and 730,000 individuals in the industry but what is clear is that many are now prepared to work more closely together. Using the latest in management practices and technology, the industry can achieve even greater feats than in the past, especially in the field of sustainable construction. It's a very exciting prospect. This also gives small and medium companies a chance to get on board with the larger players, to capture the latest technologies and to share in the global expansion of our industry.

The continuing support shown by industry for Construction 2020 will ensure that this initiative based on vision, consultation and collaboration will have a long-term impact on developing a robust, informed and strategic research and innovation agenda for Australia's property and construction industry. The support shown throughout this process from our industry association partners has been pivotal to the success of this initiative. We look forward to continuing this close and important relationship.

Find the report and the executive summary at http://construction2020.construction-innovation.info/. For a hard copy please email enquiries @construction-innovation.info

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Construction Innovation seminars

Workbench/Estimator Seminars (information supplied by Willy Sher, University of Newcastle)

Seminars for Construction Innovation partners were recently held for two CRC for Construction Innovation projects in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (13-15 July 2004) at venues provided by University of Sydney, RMIT and Woods Bagot.

The seminars on Contract Planning Workbench [2002-056-C]* and Stage 2 Automatic Codechecker [2003-037-C]** informed Construction Innovation partners about developments on these projects, collated feedback and identified ways to progress the research deliverables. The seminars included an overview of product models by Dr Aranda Mena (from the University of Newcastle) and a demonstration of the Contract Planning Workbench (CPW) and Automatic Estimator software by Dr Gerry Trinidad (CSIRO).

The CPW produces draft construction programs directly from 3D CAD drawings (provided these drawings have been created using 3D objects and IFC data is specified for these projects). The outputs of the CPW system are fed into industry standard programming packages (such as Microsoft Project and similar systems) and users can then work with familiar software to refine and modify draft programs. The Estimator software prepares bills of quantities in accordance with the Australian Standard Method of Measurement directly from the same data.

The demonstations sparked lively discussions and the key points made include:

The literature indicates that 4D tools like the CPW allow novice planning engineers to perform above the level that would normally be expected of them.
CPW tools are probably more applicable at the conceptual design stage on innovative/unusual buildings.
To gain widespread acceptance of the CPW and Estimator tools, clients should call for 3D/4D models.
4D tools may be effective in unexpected situations (e.g. where tight targets need to be met to help evaluate Occupational Health Safety concerns)
The CPW and Estimator systems are dependent on designers building 3D models with IFC data and proper use of the 3D systems.
The software could be showcased by demonstrating use of the systems on major landmark buildings, and having the design team comment on how it have helped on the project.

* John Holland, Woods Bagot, CSIRO, The University of Newcastle (Project participants)

**Rider Hunt, Woods Bagot, Queensland Department of Public Works, CSIRO (Project participants)

Project Diagnostics software seminar (information supplied by Sheldon Sherman, Arup Australasia)

A seminar for Construction Innovation partners on the 23 July 2004 at Arup's Brisbane office presented progress of the software for Project Diagnostics to Construction Innovations industry partners. The software development is well advanced and the potential for its commercial use is being examined. The main outcomes from the software development presentation included recommendations:

toConstruction Innovation

The aim of Project Diagnostics* is to develop a toolkit that has integrated benefits that enable the user to:

investigate the health of a construction project
identify the root causes of poor project health
give an indication of remedial measures which could be implemented to improve project performance and outcomes.

The Diagnostics Toolkit uses Critical Success Factors (CSFs) as broad measures that need to be investigated to gauge the health of a construction project. In order to use these CSFs as an indication of health, they need to be assessed. This is achieved by developing an associated list of Key Performance Indicators for each CSF. CSFs that are found in poor health can be used as the focus of a more detailed investigation. It is expected to be very cost effective for clients and stakeholders as compared with the costs associated with the adverse impacts of failing projects.

*Value in Project Delivery Systems Project Diagnostics [Project 2002-052-C] Participants: Arup Australasia, John Holland, Queensland Department of Main Roads, Queensland Department of Public Works, CSIRO, Queensland University of Technology

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Clients Driving Innovation international conference (25-27 October)

Drawing on the experiences of leading practitioners and researchers in the international built environment, including property and construction industry clients, facility designers and constructors, and facility managers, the International Conference (co-sponsored by Construction Innovation, the CIB and our International Construction Research Alliance - ICALL) Clients Driving Innovation will offer a meeting place where ideas can be exchanged, collaborations established and knowledge gained. This will be the leading applied research dissemination forum in Australia. The conference will run from for 25 to 27 October 2004 on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Online registration is open for this international conference on http://www.2004conference.crcci.info/ where details of the provisional program, sponsorship and trade booths are also available. The following range of sponsorship packages are available (GST included): Gold Sponsor ($10 000), Silver Sponsor ($5000), Bronze Sponsor ($2000), Conference Dinner Sponsor ($4000), Lunch Sponsor ($3000) and Satchel Sponsor ($3000). Contact conference@construction-innovation.info for further information.

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Scholar and student corner

Scholar presents research in UK
Construction Innovation scholar Tim Rose is investigating the performance of financial incentive mechanisms in construction contracts and how their implementation can be optimised. He says of his recent trip to the UK, Thanks to my Construction Innovation scholarship I was able to present my research to date on an international level, reinforcing its validity extremely valuable to the progress of my research. I also had the chance to network with leading international industry professionals and researchers on construction industry-related issues.

At the ARCOM (Association of Researchers in Construction Management) Doctoral Forum at Reading University, Tim presented this research and methodology to date to researchers, academic and industry professionals from around the UK. I benefited greatly from this forum as it provided me not only with feedback on methodology raised from my work, but insight into current international research, says Tim.

Meetings with industry professionals during his week-long visit provided him with further opportunities to discuss ideas relating to his research topic and the UK construction industry. This included a meeting with Canute Simpson (Director of Company Engagement) from UK Constructing Excellence who showed great interest in the progress of the BRITE project* (which Tim is aligned to). Discussions were also held with Dr Peter McDermott and Professor Ghassan Aouad of Salford University (an ICALL partner), and Terry McCarthy, Construction Research Manager, Construction Sector Unit, Department of Trade and Industry.

*Innovation Potential, Directions and Implementation in the Building and Construction Product System [Project 2001-012-A] Participants: Arup Australasia, Queensland Department of Main Roads, Queensland Department of Public Works, Queensland Department of State Development and Innovation, CSIRO, Queensland University of Technology, University of Western Sydney

Scholar evaluating Building Product Model Implementation
Construction Innovation scholar Cameron Beard* is studying the implementation of Building Product Models (BPMs**) within the construction industry and the user issues affecting their widespread uptake.

Construction Innovation participants, along with the evaluation of current literature are set to identify these issues and allow for the establishment of a framework to look at the industry-wide implementation of such a technology. Construction Innovation's recently released Construction 2020 Vision Report reinforces this view, calling for continuous education alongside these advanced technologies.

cameron.beard@studentmail.newcastle.edu.au

*Cameron completed an undergraduate degree in Construction Management at the University of Newcastle in 2002 with his final dissertation for the course exploring the Barriers to the implementation of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) within the Australian Quantity Surveying Profession.

** BPM: a digital information structure of the objects making up a building, capturing the form, behaviour and relations of the parts and assemblies within the building

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Events in brief

Construction Innovation on attaining better value from the project delivery process, Construction Innovation will be holding information session on alliancing. Construction Innovation).

the Carlton Crest Hotel, Brisbane. (Registration and networking 7:00-7:30am ; Breakfast presentations: 7:30-9:30am) $59 inc. GST (or corporate table of 10 with one person attending free ) Registration: Please contact vicki.dwyer@mlaa.com.au, Ph. 07 3878 2974

BRITE Project Breakfast (9 September: Melbourne)
Many building and construction industry organisations, particularly small and medium-sized, are sceptical about the potential for innovation and its likely benefits. Many also lack the linkages and capabilities required for successful innovation. The CRC for Construction Innovations BRITE Project* addressed this situation by developing a suite of demonstration case studies which will assist in creating more positive attitudes towards innovation, expanding perceived possibilities, and reducing risks by demonstrating successful implementation strategies. The breakfast will showcase innovations and how they have influenced a change in industry behaviour.

Speakers:
Dr Keith Hampson, Chief Executive Officer, CRC Construction Innovation
Dr Karen Manley, BRITE Project Leader, CRC Construction Innovation
Mr David Barber, Associate, Arup Fire

Thursday 9 September, 7:009:30am
Venue:Savoy Park Plaza, 630 Little Collins (cnr Spencer) Street, Melbourne
Cost: $59 inc. GST <(or corporate table of 10 with one person attending free)
Online registration: (by 26 August 2004)

*BRITE (Building Research, Innovation, Technology and Environment) - Innovation Potential, Directions and Implementation in the Building and Construction Product System [Project 2001-012-A]

IAI*** joint seminar: Collaborative Working in Construction (23-26 August: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne )

Construction Innovation will be showcasing four of its ICT developments in this area.

The cost is $100 per person, $60 for IAI-AC members. Further details available at

*** The IAI (International Alliance for Interoperability) is a non-profit, global alliance of the building, construction and software industries with over 600 member organisations in 17 countries. The IAI was formed in 1995 with the primary focus to develop innovative concepts that improve the ways to share information over the life cycle of construction projects. Construction Innovation is represented on the IAI both in Australia and internationally.

2004 Broadband Expo (7-8 September: Broadbeach)

http://www.broadbandexpo.com.au)<. She will explain the developments in delivering information and communication and how new technology is impacting the construction and development industry. This is the opening session of the 2004 Broadband Expo to be held at the Grand Mercure, Broadbeach, Qld.

Construction Innovation research project Team Collaboration in High Bandwidth Virtual Environments [Project 2002-024-B]. This project deals with the processes that enable effective collaboration using high bandwidth ICT and the model and allow for multiple disciplines to share their views in a synchronous virtual environment.

http://www.broadbandexpo.com.au

For information on exhibiting, sponsorships, visiting, participating in the speakers program and holding an event in conjunction with the Expo contact:
Martin Lack & Associates
Phone: +61 7 3878 2610
Fax: +61 7 3378 9513
Email: broadband@mlaa.com.au

LABbuild 2004 (9-11 November: Brisbane)

facilities management
ecological sustainability
retrofits
risk management
partnering between government organisations and the private sector.

Performance Based Building network (information supplied by Peter Boxhall, CSIRO) The Australian Performance Based Building Network (AusPeBBu - http://www.auspebbu.org/) is a group of researchers and industry representatives who are participating in the activities of the European Union funded Performance Based Building Network, operating for four years commencing August 2001. The group, with support from the Australian Government's International Science Linkages program and the CRC for Construction Innovation through co-ordination of the Innovation Domain, is also running activities (working groups and industry seminar/workshops) aimed at promoting performance-based building in Australia.

Around 40 building industry stakeholders attended the networks most recent seminar, Innovation and Trade through Performance-Based Building and Construction, held in Melbourne on 24 June. Assoc. Prof. Siew Eang Lee, Director of the Centre for Total Building Performance at the National University of Singapore, presented best practice case studies of performance based buildings in Singapore. Mr Wataru Gojo, Head of the Standards and Accreditation System Division of the Building Department, NILIM in Japan, presented features of Japanese building regulations and the Japanese performance indication system for houses. Other speakers were Australian network members, Drs Greg Foliente and Lam Pham from CSIRO and Dr George Walker from Aon Re Australia. Full seminar details and all of the presentations are available at www.auspebbu.org/news.cfm.

Presentations on Performance Based Building will also feature at the CRC for Construction Innovation,Clients Driving Innovation International Conference (27 October www.2004conference.crcci.info). A keynote talk by Prof. John Kelly from Client-driven Innovation through the Performance Approach and Value Management, will be followed by presentations from five of the coordinators of the various working groups which make up the Australian Performance Based Building Network.

BathInternational Technical Committee meeting (information supplied by Kwok-Keung Yum, CSIRO)
Construction Innovation is represented on the Board of the International Alliance for Interoperability, Australasian Chapter (IAI-AC) by Peter Scuderi, Development Manager. The IAI International Technical Committee meeting was held in Bath, UK in early July bringing together world leaders in software developers, end users and software vendors. Discussions centred on the IAIs four strands of key activities, developing IFC models, developing business cases using IFC models, marketing the use of IFC to industry and education and training for the industry workforce. Construction Innovation intends to play a key role in coordinating the international strategy for education and training.

Interesting developments which will see the increased uptake of IFC implementations in 3D CAD include:
The United States Federal Government's General Services Administration (GSA ) plans to mandate IFCs in all schematic designs starting 2006.
The Norwegian and Singaporean governments are supporting IFC as means of plan submission and plan checking.
The recently formed group named Open Standard for Real Estate (OSCRE) is now leading a research project providing real estate related standard (IFC) data and attributes in the financial and Facilities Management areas.
IAI has established harmonisation projects with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) standards and CIMSteel Integration Standards (CIS/2) through the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
Autodesk has pledged support of IFC 2x2 in Architectural Desk Top (ADT) in 2005 and on Revit in 2006.
Bentley has committed support IFC2x2 and CIS/2 in Bentley Architecture.
Graphisoft supports all versions of IFC 1.51, 2.0, 2x and 2x2 and will partner with alliance companies to provide IFC interoperability over architecture, HVAC, structure and electrical domains.
The addendum 1 of Ifc2x2 is now out the in IAI website:http://www.iai-international.org/.<

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