By Dr Jonathan Spear, CEO, Infrastructure Victoria
Which digital technologies are most likely to increase infrastructure productivity? New research from Infrastructure Victoria might have the answer.
With productivity lagging and tight government budgets, digital technologies can help deliver infrastructure smarter, faster and cheaper.
But choosing which technologies to use and where can be a challenge.
Government procurement can play a role in enabling wider use of digital technologies in infrastructure and give businesses the confidence to invest in the capabilities they need to grow.
Infrastructure Victoria’s recently commissioned research assesses which digital technologies, available now and already proven, are most likely to boost productivity in infrastructure.
The Digital technology and infrastructure productivity report assessed 25 existing digital technologies and their potential to boost productivity across government infrastructure in the near term.
This filter found five of the most promising technologies if widely used:
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)
- Robotics
- Advanced imaging
- Advanced data analytics
- Geospatial technologies
These technologies were then analysed using a test case to show their real life potential, possible broader applications across the sector, and an estimate of the cost savings of each.
The test cases (below) highlight the report’s main finding that adopting digital technologies more widely in the infrastructure sector can boost productivity, save money and help deliver projects faster and more safely.
Infrastructure Victoria is recommending the Victorian Government pilot digital technologies on its infrastructure projects, use building information modelling on major projects, and promote greater use of digital technologies in projects through procurement.
Machine learning and AI
Applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to the design and delivery of Victorian schools and kindergartens could reduce cost overruns by an average of 2.5 per cent, the study finds. This amounts to avoided costs of around $20 million every year.
Machine learning and AI means computers learn from data without direct human programming. Large and complex data can be managed and analysed. These technologies can be used across projects, from generating and assessing design and project management options, automating decision-making such as in procurement, and managing assets. The technologies allow designers and project managers to quickly assess different scenarios and better manage on-site project challenges.
Applying machine learning and AI on all government infrastructure could deliver $374.6 million of benefits per year or $9.4 billion by 2055, the report finds.
Widescale adoption will depend on effective governance and regulation which also enables innovation and investment. Standards and regulations must be updated to encourage the responsible use of AI, data analytics and digital tools in infrastructure development and maintenance.
Robots for inspection and maintenance
Robotics have a variety of applications across the infrastructure sector including maintaining utilities assets, bridges, jetties, roads and buildings. They are currently being used to undertake repetitive and low value tasks, but more advanced applications can use robotics for tasks that are fully autonomous and more intricate.
Our report finds robotics for underground water maintenance could extend the life of assets and reduce water leakage in underground pipelines by ten per cent. This can save money and ensures every drop of water is saved as the climate changes. More frequent inspections can improve performance and extend the life of water infrastructure. The analysis finds the use of robotic monitoring in the water sector can also reduce maintenance costs by 20 per cent.
Researchers from the University of Technology in Sydney, working in collaboration with Transport for NSW, developed a robot designed to inspect and clean bridge piles. The submersible pile inspection robots have claw arms that allow them to grasp a pile, conduct surface cleaning using high-pressure water jets, and use cameras and sensors with advanced algorithms to allow the robot to work autonomously.
The robots collect high-definition images of the cleaned pile and produce a 3D map of the structure to inform a human-led condition assessment. They perform underwater tasks which are usually done by divers who face a range of safety risks including low visibility, strong water currents and using high pressure water systems.
The high capital costs of robotics remain one of the main barriers to entry. These are compounded by a lack of understanding of the benefits of the technology and how it can be sourced and applied. The potential impact on jobs will need to be managed – displacing some but creating demand for new skilled jobs.
Advanced imaging for subsurface inspections
Advanced imaging combined with ground-penetrating radar can be used to map infrastructure below the surface quickly and accurately. This helps reduce the potential for costly clashes with underground infrastructure. It can also find potential defects or maintenance needs earlier.
Our report finds advanced imaging with ground-penetrating radar could save around $41.5 million every year if applied across the Victorian infrastructure sector.
Ground-penetrating radar is a non-intrusive method of seeing below the ground’s surface to find underground utilities and other layers, such as pipes and cables, concrete and metals. The units are becoming smaller and easier to use. Compact units can now be towed behind cars and even smaller units mounted on or underneath vehicles.
Advanced imaging can be employed across engineering, medical imaging, astronomy, biology and physics to improve diagnostics and decision-making. It still at the early stages of deployment in Australia. As such, costs are still high and the equipment highly technical. But is has the potential to deliver substantial productivity gains across the sector. These gains are amplified when combined with other technologies.
Building information modelling
Building information modelling (BIM) can reduce project delivery times and costs and improve resource efficiency. It uses advanced data analytics to create 3D digital models and is widely available.
The technology has many potential applications across the infrastructure sector. For example, experience from Norway has found that drawingless construction of roads using BIM can reduce average cost overruns by around 15 per cent.
The Randselva Bridge, also in Norway, is the world’s longest bridge designed and built without drawings. Five teams across five countries collaborated on the project. The detailed design was done through a single model, with all foundations, four pier piles, 200,000 rebars and 250 post-tensioning cables. Adjustments were made directly through the model, ending the need for manual drafting and allowing more efficient testing.
Our report finds use of building information modelling technology could save more than $76 million every year on the cost of building public housing. This figure is based on an estimate that full adoption of BIM can save around seven per cent project costs on residential housing.
AI-powered geospatial hazard management
Geospatial technologies, combined with AI-enabled predictive analytics and earth observation monitoring, have many potential uses including land use management, emergency management, construction, and transport.
For example, an Australian company based in Queensland has developed an AI-powered geospatial intelligence platform that quickly finds and maps wildfires. It can trigger an emergency response when fires are small and easier to extinguish.
It combines real-time satellite imagery with on-ground camera sensors for near immediate threat identification. Pixels showing heat are used to confirm smoke.
Access to earth observation technology and satellite infrastructure, combined with advanced data analytics, is increasing the precision, timeliness and processing power of geospatial technologies. Continuing the development of geospatial technologies and information can help manage Victoria’s vulnerability to climate change and better protect infrastructure and communities.
Geospatial information systems, positioning technology and satellite imagery are evolving to incorporate 3D 4D and GeoAI. Each of these components allows for faster and more accessible spatial analysis.
To read the full report visit infrastructurevictoria.com.au/resources/digital
