BUILD Q1 2018 Bridger Steel Issue

Build Q1 2018 28 s we recently saw the UK government announce its latest update for the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline, seeing a budget of £600 billion investment over the next 10 years, the construction industry is reinventing itself once again, implementing significant changes in the way projects are delivered. The UK Government’s 2025 productivity challenges are the key drivers of this change and investment. Paul comments on how Waldeck has made significant investments which has seen the company grow within the industry, and is now positioned to create added value solutions. “Infrastructure has the power to increase our living standards, drive eco- nomic growth and boost productivity, which is why we see this as a huge focus and the central pillar of the recent Industrial Strategy. “As a company, we are strategically positioned to create added value solutions for the government’s planned investments in infrastructure, by deploying our unique digital offering to deliver successful outcomes at all stages of the project lifecycle. “Furthermore, we have made significant investment over many years’ and our R&D advances and emerging service lines have been keeping us ahead of the market, in terms of digital and technology solutions, so we are able to identify and develop capital and operational investment solutions for our clients, which are both cost effective and resource smart.” Digital technology has, and continues to be an integral part of the way we do business and communicate with each other, as the amount of data being carried over networks grows. As the industry sees the digital revolution further unfold, Waldeck contin- ues to promote its investment in its digital expertise. AI and machine learning could play a big part in making the UK’s infrastructure network more efficient. A focus on the theory of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is believed that all human thought could be reduced to a series of mathematical rules, and supporting machinery to replace human labour. Commenting on Artificial Intelligence, Paul discusses the concept and initial reaction to the term, stating that most people see it as a negative. However, Paul is keen to point out that Waldeck are looking to use AI as an aide rather than a replacement. “The term Artificial Intelligence seems to frighten people, and they assume this means that soon all humans will be replaced by robots, this will not happen overnight, if at all. “For Waldeck, AI is not about taking the jobs away, it’s about implement- ing such technology to enhance and expand an offering that already ex- ists, in a better, data-centric way. This new approach provides benefits, such as; increased efficiency, safety and quality of construction projects.” Waldeck see the use of AI developing through many of its digital capabil- ities; such as creating smarter construction using drones surveying sites, creating 3D maps and extracting data to simulate construction plans. A process which typically took weeks, can now be completed in hours. In the UK’s infrastructure world, we have begun to see this concept come to surface through Smart Enterprises’, as we leverage Artificial Intelligence and machine learning technologies, to bolster customer experience, improve security and optimise operations. Paul shares the benefits he believes smart enterprises can add to the company. “Through our Smart Enterprise offering, we believe that new develop- ments should be fitted with smart infrastructure to monitor the perfor- mance of the built environment through enhanced data collection.” An increase in national productivity, which is a key driver in the future pipeline investment and is why we see an emphasis on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), such as off-site manufacturing, and modular construction. Paul comments on how Waldeck will embrace these devel- opments and adapt to these requirements. “Off-site construction solutions are set to grow rapidly now, on the back of this Government investment commitment and recent directives on digital and MMC. With Waldeck being very early adopters of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for off-site construction solutions, we are already positioned and ready to support this pipeline of projects. “Embracing the government drive to off-site methods of construction by 2019, we offer clients market leading experience and expertise in the design and development of modular construction and component based off-site manufactured and site assembled solutions, such as precast structural and façade solutions, and mechanical and electrical building services systems, enhancing project delivery for schools, housing, student and key worker ac- commodation, hospitals, laboratories, prisons, hotels, car parks, and stadia.” Signing off, Paul concluded that for the UK to stay competitive globally, Waldeck must continue to be at the cutting edge of technology as it develops on a regular basis. “Digital is the future, and underpins the existence of todays’ construction industry. The developments in technology which happened hundreds of years ago, are the reason for where we are today, and with the team at Waldeck, we are able to keep this evolution alive, through our for- ward-thinking research and development.” Digital Infrastructure: Investing in the next generation Waldeck Consulting is a unique and technology focused, multi-disciplinary engineering and risk management consultancy. CEO and Founder, Paul Waldeck, along with his team discuss the techniques and capabilities the firm has employed to achieve the success and market leading positions it enjoys today. These techniques have seen the firm featured as Infrastructure Consultancy of the Year. A