In a recent interview with Indian Infrastructure, Rajan Aiyer, Managing Director, Trimble, and Roshan Purohit, Regional Manager, SAARC Region, Trimble, discussed the role of digital solutions, the current level of adoption and the company’s strategies to promote their utilisation in the construction sector. They further discussed the potential of technology in driving sustainable growth. Edited excerpts…
How do you think technology is transforming the infrastructure sector? What are some of the biggest technology interventions?
Rajan Aiyer
Globally, construction is a multi-trillion-dollar industry. India is the third largest construction market. Operating within a multi-stakeholder environment, where technology adoption is low and pollution is high, the industry is witnessing a lot of reworks. However, changes in designs and regulations, information disparities, and operations and maintenance (O&M) adjustments lead to cost and time overruns in projects.
A complete digital virtual twin of the physical structure to be constructed is available, which allows everyone to use a single source of truth. It will make things speedier and factory-like. Trimble is leading the way with this solution.
The first step should be collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring operations from a single source. The concept is to build a virtual structure in 3D, and then overlay time, cost and resources, also known as building information modelling (BIM) 4D, 5D and 6D. A complete virtual twin of the actual physical structure to be built is available. Trimble is leading the way by developing an ecosystem to digest information from any of the software or hardware packages and build a common data environment (CDE) for seamless integration into the existing customer ecosystem.
It is also creating a cloud-based architecture called Trimble Construction Cloud, enabling customers to build up on the software with additional solutions, and facilitate easy interaction with Trimble. India is expected to be the fastest growing economy for a long time to come. Hence, the construction sector is poised for robust growth. The sector needs to become environmentally sustainable, ensure economic return on investment and improve safety by using our technology.
Roshan Purohit
There are instances where the detailed project report (DPR) and actual construction differ significantly, necessitating design revisions. Constructability is essential to bring everybody together onto one common platform. Our technologies are promoting stakeholder cooperation and maximizing efficiency.
Which sectors have been more receptive to technology adoption?
Roshan Purohit
Expressway projects are growing rapidly, and all stakeholders are interested in adopting technology, automation and digital construction without compromising on quality.
The National Highways Authority of India mandated the use of technology for the Lucknow-Kanpur expressway where all the machines were equipped with 3D machine control technologies, driving automation and digital construction. Every machine was connected, and data was transferred back to the control centre, enabling monitoring of the project’s daily and overall progress. Airports is another sector that is adopting technology solutions for faster construction. Some of the recent examples are expansions at Delhi and Bangalore airports, and development of new airports in Jewar, Navi Mumbai and Bhogapuram. BIM is being used for terminal construction.
In the Vizhinjam port project, machine control technologies were adopted on a large scale, enabling monitoring of various processes happening underwater.
Rajan Aiyer
The metro rail has adopted technology from the design to the construction stage. Tunnelling activity has increased, and Trimble’s tunnel profiler solutions are being used. There is significant interest from the public sector. The CPWD, for example, is keen to use the BIM technology to ensure that there are no violations. Hence, there are abundant opportunities for digitalization in construction.
Is the degree of technology adoption greater in the pre-construction phase of a project or the O&M stage?
Roshan Purohit
The government is focusing on the quality and pace of construction. The lack of a skilled labour force is a challenge, exacerbated by the pandemic. This affected the quality of construction. Therefore, contractors considered using technology. While the primary focus is on critical and greenfield projects, adoption is also being witnessed in brownfield projects such as road widening.
Rajan Aiyer
I would also like to see technology being adopted as a forethought rather than afterthought. Solutions should be deployed from the outset, mandated by government guidelines that necessitate 3D automation, data surveys and O&M using digital, AI and machine learning based technology, as already being implemented in Singapore and the UK.
The demand for quality from citizens is rising, aimed at proper use of taxpayers’ money and good checks and balances. The quality of DPRs needs to be improved. If that happens, companies would start budgeting for it.
Currently, sustainability is emerging as a major theme across sectors. How do you see technology assisting the industry to become more sustainable?
Rajan Aiyer
Digital technology has significantly enhanced the efficiency of the manufacturing sector. For instance, in factories, if an issue arises at any given stage, the entire line stops to promptly identify the problem as all processes are operating from a single source of truth, which then enables them to progress further. For the construction industry to operate in a similar manner, it is crucial to adopt technology.
With the use of technology, the environmental issues inherently associated with sustainability can be addressed. A 30-40 per cent reduction in rework and implementation of just-in-time inventory signifies a decrease in wastage, and reduction in the number of machines being used decreases pollution caused by the burning of fuel and oil. Further, maintenance expenses are reduced. During construction, if compaction is not performed properly, substrate may be poured to a depth of 25 millimetres, which may result in increased material waste and road gaps. Consequently, more material may be exhumed. By employing Trimble’s digital technology, the level of substrate can be optimised. At Trimble, sustainability is factored in at every step, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the industry by delivering everything digitally.
Furthermore, if the borders are not properly positioned during port development, machines will work overtime to remove and reinstall them. Moreover, if divers go underwater and are struck by them, or if the machines malfunction, this would become a significant safety concern.
For example, in the road sector, around 50 per cent of the budget is allocated towards O&M. If road assets are constructed as per plans, the O&M costs should significantly reduce, freeing up funds for technology development. Similarly, by employing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) for road maintenance, one can predict potential road cracks, reducing the environmental impact and maintenance costs.
Roshan Purohit
Previously large road contracts were awarded to bigger contractors but now we see smaller length of road contracts are being awarded in very large numbers. This has led to opportunity for several new contractors participating in construction. But they lack the necessary initial expertise and skills before bulding up in due course of time. In this period and after Technology is the only way to deliver good quality assets.
What more needs to be done to encourage technology adoption among contractors, vendors and government authorities?
Rajan Aiyer
Imparting knowledge about digital technologies with the help of organisations like Trimble is necessary. These technologies generate a digital model for planned constructions, which can be reused in the future. In addition, historical data can be utilised to make intelligent bids.
Increased government participation is required to acknowledge sustainability as a critical component of Indian infrastructure. Recent incidents such as workers being trapped for 17 days in the Silkyara Tunnel highlight the criticality of sustainable construction with the adoption of technological measures. The government must establish sustainability as a fundamental goal for construction. Given the amount of money spent on infrastructure, an individual should be tasked to ensure sustainability in projects. In instances where a contractor is unable to certify sustainability in the project, immediate measures should be implemented.
What will be your strategy for the Indian market in the next year and your key focus areas?
Rajan Aiyer
Conducting education sessions will be a key focus area. A potential construction-specific seminar is in the works to educate Trimble’s valuable customers and partners on the company’s recent technological advancements. Previously, Trimble has been convening sessions to impart knowledge in silos. However, it would be beneficial to hold a unified conference encompassing all segments — geospatial, construction, software and O&M. Upgrading existing clients to more advanced solutions and expanding technology to Tier II and Tier III contractors are priorities. Furthermore, the firm plans to assist clients in developing their skill sets.
A cost-conscious country like India requires appropriate technologies. Trimble is currently looking for solutions to address the country’s requirements. For instance, we are currently engaged in the development of a digital compaction solution designed for India, as not every feature that a foreign contractor might require in France or the UK would be applicable here. Additionally, we aim to reuse our existing technologies to minimize expenses. This is a part of our “Make in India” strategy.
Roshan Purohit
India is a land of abundant opportunities. Currently, a multitude of developmental activities are underway. Nevertheless, the primary emphasis is on specific segments such as the construction of expressways and ports. These areas are typically expected to witness significant growth owing to the groundwork that has already been established. Currently, only a limited number of solutions have been implemented. Going forward, India must scale up.