Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TRUEPIVOT (Advanced engineering analytics for the detection of errors in the structural design of critical urban infrastructure.) Reporting period: 2016-02-01 to 2016-07-31 Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project The objective of the innovation project was to further develop and commercialise our engineering analytics software, through use-cases with industry leaders. The two areas of interest for the project were testing our real-time error detection software and testing our optimisation software as they relate to structural engineering and construction. Over 45% of all structural failures to civil infrastructure projects are caused by errors at the design stage of a construction project. This is a global problem that our error detection software sought to address.Construction is responsible for up to 8% of all global carbon emissions. Reducing carbon emissions is vital to society’s future wellbeing and was the problem our optimisation software sought to address. Beyond the technical objectives, market analysis and the development of a business plan for the innovation project were also key objectives. Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far Use Cases with customers were established. These did validate the Error Detection technology at a technical level, however, in the course of our interactions with engineers it became clear the technology would have needed to be extensively extended to gain widespread industry uptake and the business case for this action was less compelling than developing our optimisation software which met with immediate and widespread industry approval. We adapted our optimisation software based on user feedback and have mapped future technical developments. We have also identified route to market and developed a strategic business plan to refine and commercialise our optimisation software. Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far) Progress to date has been excellent, user feedback has allowed significant improvements to the optimisation software. Case studies suggest carbon savings in the region of 15% -20% can be achieved for the Sub & Super Structures of buildings. This will have a significant environmental impact reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry considerably. Among the other benefits of our optimisation software will be a reduction in build costs and build times this should manifest in cheaper homes, offices and commercial properties reducing the cost of living in the near future. design-optimisation.png
