Infrastructure digitization: how the cloud and Big Data are transforming civil engineering.
Written by Marketing
February 19, 2024 | Digitization of infrastructures | Article
Civil engineering, a field rooted in traditional methods for decades, is undergoing a radical transformation thanks to the digitization of its infrastructures. The adoption of emerging technologies such as the cloud and Big Data is changing the way construction projects are planned, designed and executed. In this article we will look at how these innovations are driving civil engineering into the future, based on various expert sources on the subject.
Big Data: Engine of Transformation
One of the pillars of this revolution is Big Data. In civil engineering, Big Data is not just about collecting large amounts of information, but also analyzing and extracting valuable insights from that data. This translates into more informed and efficient decision-making in all phases of a project.
A study by Telos Fundación Telefónica highlights how Big Data is becoming a catalyst for disruptive civil engineering, enabling the identification of patterns and trends that previously might have gone unnoticed. This predictive capability not only improves efficiency, but also reduces costs and minimizes the risks associated with construction.
The Cloud: Empowering Collaboration and Accessibility
The digital infrastructure would not be complete without the widespread adoption of the cloud, which facilitates secure and scalable storage and access to massive data. Thus, civil engineers can collaborate efficiently, regardless of their geographic location.
In addition, the cloud enables the deployment of specialized software, such as Building.
Information Modeling (BIM), which allows civil engineering professionals to create three-dimensional virtual models of projects, improving visualization and coordination between different disciplines. This technology not only speeds up the design process, but also facilitates the early detection of potential problems, avoiding costly errors during construction.
Artificial Intelligence Integration
Another pillar in this revolution is artificial intelligence (AI), which is being practically applied in civil engineering to improve operational efficiency and decision making. For example with the optimization of construction routes, efficient resource management and automation of repetitive tasks.
In fact, Big Data and artificial intelligence are converging to offer more advanced solutions. Massive data collection combined with intelligent algorithms allows not only to understand the past and present, but also to foresee possible future scenarios, giving civil engineers a strategic advantage in decision making.
The Fundamental Role of Engineers in this Change
Digitalization has become an advantage for civil engineers who are trained in it. Beyond adopting new technologies, it is essential that engineering professionals are willing to continuously learn and adapt to this constantly evolving digital environment.
Data is becoming as important as concrete, and the ability to analyze it and use the information effectively is already becoming a crucial skill for modern civil engineers.
In conclusion, the digitization of infrastructure is taking civil engineering to new heights. The combination of Big Data, the cloud and artificial intelligence is not only improving operational efficiency, but is also enabling a more sustainable and forward-looking approach to infrastructure design and construction. The ability to anticipate, adapt and leverage these technologies will be critical to the success of civil engineers in this digital age that is transforming the industry in unparalleled ways.
In MonoM we work creating technologies for the industry, and among them for civil engineering. Our Industrial AIoT Platform is in charge of monitoring the state of civil infrastructures and buildings. We diagnose using algorithms and analysts specialized in predictive maintenance, processes and digital twins, which allows us to anticipate critical failures, to increase infrastructure safety, reduce associated costs and optimize maintenance. Find out more on our website: https://monom.ai/
Sources:
https://blog.allplan.com/es/como-el-big-data-esta-cambiando-la-ingenieria-y-la-construccion
https://www.autodeskjournal.com/acelerando-transformacion-digital-bim/
https://oa.upm.es/72952/1/TFG_Ene23_Sanchez_Vazquez_Marina.pdf
https://masqueingenieria.com/blog/aplicaciones-de-la-tecnologia-big-data/
https://fundacionabetancourt.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bigdata.pdf
https://urbanismoytransporte.com/big-data-para-ingenieros-civiles/
https://www.inf.ucv.cl/2020/12/21/ingenieria-civil-en-ciencia-de-datos-una-profesion-del-futuro/
https://blog.allplan.com/es/como-el-big-data-esta-cambiando-la-ingenieria-y-la-construccion