What is Building Construction Digitization?
Our initiatives in building construction digitization through ICT technology.
Under Society 5.0*, the Cabinet Office has set a goal of a 20% productivity increase in the construction industry by 2025.
Under such circumstances, factory automation of construction is underway in order to centrally manage the construction workflow.
In the building construction field, the utilization of BIM (Building Information Modeling) aims to increase management efficiency by linking design (virtual) and construction sites (real) through 3D data which creates a digital twin.
Topcon is working on realizing the DX revolution at construction sites by bridging the design and construction processes using solutions such as 3D digital surveying and Machine Control systems.
*Society 5.0: "A human-centered society that balances economic advancement with the resolution of social problems using a system that highly integrates cyberspace and physical space."
Topcon Case Study
DX (Digital Transformation) revolution at Building Construction Sites
“Topcon Optonexus, New plant construction project”
Topcon, Digital Construction Case Study on Construction Sites "BIM evolutionary theory”
Topcon Corporation and Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. have realized digital twins at construction sites by using advanced technologies from both companies in the construction of Topcon Optonexus Co., Ltd.’s advanced optical components plant (Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture), which was establishedcompleted in October 2020, starting with process of BIM-based design and continuing through site surveying, foundation work, steel frame work, main construction, exterior work and more.
Here, we introduce some examples of digital construction implemented in the construction process as a path to project completion.
Example of major digital construction
Surveying Process
Marking with 3D digital surveying equipment
Construction process
Quality uniformity and work process management through Machine Control systems
Inspection Process
Quality check by 3D laser scanner
Workflow and solutions
Construction management planning using BIM models
Create a 3D model using BIM, make drawings, and input information to achieve construction planning and progress management.
Site preparation using Machine Control equipment
By using Machine Control (dozer), the construction time is significantly shortened because there is no need to install piles or check their height.
Pile centering work using Layout Navigator
Previously, a maximum of about 150 pile centering operations were performed by two people per day, and now a maximum of 300 pile centering operations can be performed by a single person.
Depth control in excavation work using Machine Control
In the past, height control was performed by two people after excavation and leveling, but by using Machine Control for height control, the number of times work needed to be checked was greatly reduced.
Steel frame erection using Layout Navigator
Previously, this work was performed by two theodolites from two different directions, and now a single layout navigator can be used to check the position in real time.
Ground foundation using Machine Control
Since the finishing accuracy of the foundation affects the finish of the floor concrete, the use of Machine Control has enabled unprecedented finish accuracy.
Flatness verification using Laser Scanner
Previously, the area was managed only at a pitch of 3m, but it is now managed via point clouds by utilizing the laser scanner.
Floor concrete marking using Layout Navigator"
The conventional analog method of using a steel tape and an ink pot has been digitized, using Layout Navigator to improve the accuracy of the work.
Management of MEP components using the laser scanner
3D measurement with the laser scanner can preserve evidence of the work before the components are hidden by ceilings and walls.
Comparison of design data and point cloud data
By comparing the laser scanner point cloud data with the design data, changes can be extracted and fed back to the as-built drawings.
Landscaping work using Machine Control
Parking lots and other landscaping works can also be finished quickly and neatly by utilizing Machine Control.
Construction completion