Accelerating the Development of Intelligent Construction of China’s Architectural and Engineering Enterprises Around “Three New and Four High”

As a traditional industry and national pillar industry, the construction engineering industry has the attributes of large scale and volume, involving a wide range of industries and a large number of employees. At present, China’s construction engineering enterprises face the bottleneck of the new development model, the gradual outbreak of long-term accumulated problems of enterprises, the reconstruction of business segments, which means “three” superposition stage, the past rough development mode is unsustainable, the need to give full play to scientific and technological innovation on the development of industry, the “stacking effect”, “multiplier effect”, around the “Three New, Four High” [1].

Promoting the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry to achieve high-quality development

For a long time, China’s construction industry has mainly relied on resource factor inputs and large-scale investment to drive development and there has been insufficient integration of the construction industry with advanced manufacturing technology, information technology and energy-saving technology. Under the traditional model, the application of information technology in the construction process is limited, for example, in construction management, most rely on manual experience to carry out scheduling and monitoring, resulting in low efficiency and prone to errors [2]. At the same time, energy-saving technologies are not effectively integrated into building design and construction, resulting in high energy consumption.

Intelligent construction can integrate a variety of cuttingedge technologies, such as 5G to achieve high-speed transmission of real-time data at the construction site, making remote control of construction equipment possible; artificial intelligence for construction risk prediction, to prevent safety hazards in advance; Internet of Things to make the construction of all aspects of the interconnection of equipment to optimize the allocation of resources. Through the integration of these intelligent construction technologies, a whole industry chain can be built to form an integrated intelligent construction industry system, covering digital modelling from research and design to intelligent monitoring of the construction process, and then automated management of the operation and maintenance phase [3].

Effectively stimulate domestic demand and stabilize economic growth

Emerging technologies have injected new scientific and technological genes into traditional industries, giving rise to new industries, new forms and new modes and providing application scenarios for cross-field, all-round and multi-level deep integration of industries. For example, building industrialization in intelligent construction has prompted prefabricated component production enterprises to flourish and form new industrial clusters. Meanwhile, the innovation of architectural design services based on digital platforms, such as online architectural design platforms, meets the demand for personalized architecture and creates new industries. Promoting the synergistic development of intelligent construction and building industrialization requires substantial investment in new technology research and development, equipment upgrading and infrastructure construction [4]. For example, the construction of intelligent building factories and the acquisition of advanced prefabricated component production equipment. These investments not only enhance the supply capacity of the construction industry, but also drive the related consumer market, which is an important measure to effectively alleviate the current downward pressure on the economy and grow the new momentum of development.

Conform to the international trend, enhance the international competitiveness of Chinese construction enterprises

Intelligent construction is reshaping the future of the construction and engineering industry. Some data show that the use of new intelligent construction methods and construction management mode can improve design efficiency by more than 30%, productivity by more than 40% and project duration by more than 30%. Driven by intelligent construction, it will be a powerful solution to the problem of green development and lack of power in the construction industry. Compared with some developed countries, China still has gaps in energy-saving building manufacturing and other aspects, there is an urgent need to promote the synergistic development of intelligent construction and building industrialization as a strategic choice to seize the high ground of the future development of science and technology in the construction industry, and to step into the ranks of the world power of intelligent construction by promoting the upgrading of building industrialization, digitization, and intellectualization.

Change the traditional construction process based on the new construction method, vigorously promote full assembly, actively expand the “assembly+” diversified mode and promote the modernization of the construction industry. Relying on the new management mode, with the help of BIM, EPC and other means, break the information silo and realize the whole process of integrated collaborative management. Focusing on new types of business, closely follow the integration of “investment, construction and operation”, integrate into the “double cycle” and “one belt and one road” and open up new market space. The company will develop new market space. We will lead the way in high-tech innovation and utilize cutting-edge technology to empower the whole life cycle of construction. Pursue high-quality production and operation and enhance efficiency and quality through standardization, factorization and assembly. Promote high-level openness and synergy, strengthen domestic and international cooperation and industry chain synergy. Accelerate the cultivation of high-quality talents and build a complete talent system to lay a solid foundation for the development of intelligent construction.

“Three new”-New construction methods, new management models, new business forms

New construction methods: Realizing full assembly of “structure, mechanical and electrical, and decoration” is the key to upgrading the construction method. In structural assembly, prefabricated concrete components and steel structure components are used to realize rapid erection and high-precision installation. Mechanical and electrical assembly improves installation efficiency and quality through prefabricated pipes and cable bridges. Decoration assembly is to introduce integrated wall, floor, ceiling and other modules to achieve rapid decoration, and thus realize the development of the construction engineering industry towards industrialization, standardization, componentization, modularization and intelligence. Further expanding the “assembly+” model, such as: optimizing the supply process of building materials and components by combining with the supply chain; simulating building construction and operation in a virtual environment by using digital twin technology; introducing artificial intelligence for construction quality inspection and safety management; guaranteeing the information security and traceability of the construction supply chain with the help of blockchain technology; exploring the use of meta-universe in the construction display; and exploring the use of meta-universe in the construction display industry. The application of blockchain technology to ensure information security and traceability in the building supply chain; exploring the application of meta-universe in building display and user experience; incorporating the concept of dual-carbon and adopting environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving technologies; and developing a low-altitude economy and utilizing drones for building mapping and inspection, etc.

New management model: Taking Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology as the core of digitization, it constructs a three-dimensional information model of the building, covering all the information on building structure, equipment, decoration, etc., and realizes the sharing and synergy of information at all stages of design, construction and operation. Take the production of major building parts and components (M) as the carrier of industrialization, and improve the quality and production efficiency of parts and components through standardized production. Take the Engineering General Contracting (EPC) organization mode as an intensive management tool to realize the integrated management of the whole process from design to construction. In the design stage, BIM is used for scheme optimization and collision checking; in the production stage, parts and components are accurately produced according to the BIM model information; in the construction stage, construction organization and resource deployment are carried out according to BIM and EPC mode, realizing multiple synergies and linkages to ensure integrated management of engineering and construction.

New types of business: On the supply side, the focus is on the integration of “investment, construction and operation”, whereby enterprises participate in project investment, adopt intelligent construction technologies and advanced management modes during the construction process, and are responsible for operation and management after completion, so as to improve the efficiency of the entire life cycle of the project. In response to the “doublecycle” strategy, the company focuses on the digital transformation and upgrading of the construction industry in the domestic market and promotes the realization of the “double-carbon” goal of the construction industry, such as the development of green building technology and the promotion of building energy-saving renovation. In the international market, with the help of the “Belt and Road” initiative, we will develop overseas projects and export Chinese construction technology and standards, such as building infrastructure projects in countries along the route, so as to enhance the international influence of China’s construction and engineering enterprises (Figure 1).

Figure 1:Schematic diagram of the upstream and downstream extension of the whole industry chain of China national nuclear construction engineering and engineering construction.

“Four highs”-High-tech innovation leadership, highquality production and operation, high-level openness and synergy, and high-quality talent cultivation

High-tech innovation leadership: BIM technology is applied to realize architectural design visualization, collaborative design and construction simulation. In the architectural design phase, designers collaborate in real time through BIM models to avoid design conflicts. In the construction phase, BIM is used for construction progress simulation and resource optimization. Internet of Things (IoT) technology enables intelligent management of equipment and materials at the building construction site, such as real-time monitoring of building structural safety and equipment operation status through sensors. Big data analysis, on the other hand, mines potential value based on the massive data of the construction project, such as predicting the demand for construction materials and optimizing the construction plan. Scientific use of artificial intelligence technology in construction defect detection, through image recognition technology to quickly find wall cracks, floor flatness and other problems. Use construction robots to undertake dangerous and repetitive labour, such as overhead work and concrete pouring, to improve construction safety and efficiency. Meanwhile, green building technologies, such as solar photovoltaic power generation systems and rainwater collection and utilization systems, are actively promoted to reduce building energy consumption and carbon emissions and achieve sustainable development.

High quality production operations: Through standardized design, uniform architectural design standards and specifications for parts and components are formulated to improve design efficiency and versatility. Factory prefabrication and other methods are used to centralize the production of building components in factories and advanced production processes and equipment are used to ensure stable component quality [5]. For example, precast concrete wall panels are produced in a factory-controlled environment to ensure concrete strength and appearance quality. Assembly construction reduces on-site work, shortens the construction cycle, reduces environmental pollution at the construction site and improves project quality.

High level of openness and synergy: With the advancement of the “Belt and Road” initiative, it is necessary to actively participate in the bidding of infrastructure construction projects in countries along the route, cooperate with local enterprises and integrate into the local market. In overseas projects, we should comply with local laws and regulations and cultural customs, and pay attention to environmental protection and social responsibility. At the same time, introduce foreign advanced construction technology and management experience to improve its own level. Meanwhile, it strengthens the construction of the industry chain ecosystem, strengthens cooperation with upstream and downstream enterprises and establishes long-term and stable cooperative relationships with construction material suppliers to ensure the quality of materials and stability of supply. Collaborate deeply with architectural design units to realize seamless connection between design and construction. Cooperate with scientific research institutions to jointly carry out research and development of construction technology.

Cultivation of highly qualified personnel: Talent is the first resource, accelerating the development of intelligent construction requires composite talents who understand both traditional production and digital technology, as well as internationalized talents who understand overseas market expansion and production operation. It is necessary to build a whole set of talent support system, education system, training system and external talent introduction mechanism adapted to the development of the industry, in order to meet the needs of different levels and types of talents of China’s architectural and engineering enterprises in the field of intelligent construction, and to continuously improve the quality of the enterprise’s talents and enhance the core competitiveness of the enterprise.

It is of great significance and urgency to promote the development of intelligent construction of China’s architectural and engineering enterprises around the “three new and four high” and by clarifying the development ideas and implementing specific initiatives, it can help the enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, realize transformation and upgrading, and achieve greater development space in the domestic and international markets. At the same time, as intelligent construction moves to a higher level, it will also promote the sustainable development of the entire construction engineering industry and create more value for society.

1. Ministry of housing and urban-rural development and other departments on the guidance for promoting the coordinated development of intelligent construction and industrialized building.
2. Tan Zhu Ting, Research on the expansion characteristics of the top ten cities in the five central asian countries based on RS and GIS.
3. Liu XY, Yin N (2023) Research on the application of intelligent construction sites in state-owned construction enterprises under the background of digital transformation. China Housing Facilities 2: 7-9.
4. China construction eighth engineering division second company. Intelligent construction facilitates the green digital and intelligent transformation and upgrading of the construction industry. Architecture 12: 68-71.
5. Xia YF, Dong N (2024) Research on the promotion and application of new quality productivity in the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry. Inner Mongolia Science Technology & Economy 13: 45-48.