Many of the observed impacts are obtained at the scale of each technological development, but we have also observed impacts at a more general scale, relevant with the whole Built2Spec concept.
On thermal inspection techniques (WP2), progress beyond the state of art has been realized on several aspects:
- quantitative thermal infrared analysis methods: the experimental set-ups allowed to obtain successful results beyond the state of the art as it was possible to obtain relevant thermal characteristics through remote sensing thermal infrared data, by applying reverse methods.
- direct modeling tools for the thermal performance assessment of the impact of single local defects (e.g. thermal bridging).
- surface identification software tools (e.g. link between visible/infrared images and 3D model).
On acoustic quality checks techniques (WP3), two main developments have been carried out: 1) new type of sound source device (Omnidirectionnal Parametric Loudspeaker, OPL), 2) acoustic test app, specifically designed to be operated by non-expert, integrated with the VCMP.
The indoor air quality developments lead to a new portable solution to analyze a list of substances impacting the indoor air quality. The device and related quality check are integrated with the VCMP.
The airpulse airtightness test device represents an alternative solution to the blower door test. It is already fully integrated in a quality check protocol with the VCMP.
Regarding smart materials, the design and deployment of embedded sensors into precast concrete elements has shown good results.
Imagery techniques adapted to the construction site context have been improved, especially relating to point clouds to BIM functionalities and 3D scanning by drone technology.
BIM related functionalities have been developed, allowing to import/export expert data from the BIM server and to only process the information useful within the VCMP.
All the previous technology developments and many more (related mainly to energy) have also been formalized with the definition of detailed related quality checks.They have been integrated in a complete Virtual Construction Management Platform (VCMP), which constitute the central piece of Built2Spec developments, and which offers 3 main innovations:
- direct software integration of the novel quality check measurement technologies (previously described).
- inclusion of the whole Built2Spec quality assurance framework (methodology).
- multi-stakeholder and collaborative approach.
In a more general way, the project has achieved to demonstrate that a change of paradigm is possible regarding the control of quality inspection technologies throughout the construction stages of a building. As a first impact, the project provides new technologies to the onsite stakeholders. A second effect, more indirect, can be described as an impact on the behaviour of the professional personnel on site. For most of the stakeholders involved in the whole quality check process, we can observe a greater commitment and a stronger desire to achieve a good quality level before the self-inspection test. Therefore, by motivating the stakeholders to be proud of their work by inviting them to provide the evidence of it, the self-inspection quality checks offered by Built2Spec do not only allow to detect the defects, but they also provide a way of avoiding large numbers of defects occurring in the first instance, thus resulting in more savings (time, money) and more efficiency.
