Adaptability of digital technologies in construction practices in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Enormous literature sources suggest that with the development of digital technologies many industries tend to change their business models, strategies and applications. Accordingly, some scholars argue that the construction industries are facing significant challenges as more processes are digitised and automated. Therefore, this study aimed at studying how developing technologies affect the future of construction industry. In this study, the objectives were formulated as, identify the current level of application of modern technologies in Sri Lankan construction industry, identify the possible developments in modern technologies in Sri Lankan construction industry, and explore the possible issues of modern technologies in Sri Lankan construction industry and solutions for them. The qualitative approach was adapted to attain the aim and objectives of the research. A manual content analysis was done to analyse the responses received from semi-structured interviews and validated. One of significant findings of the research indicate that lack of awareness about the advantages of adopting technologies in construction industry activities has become a severe problem, in this case, actions should be taken to increase the awareness of the entire industry. There were some identified limitations throughout the whole research process. Mainly, time was recognised as a crucial boundary for the research, especially for the data collection process. However, these study results suggest to carry out some research in the future to assess effect through economic, social and environmental aspects of technologies used in the construction industry and to develop a framework to understand the future role of each expert in Sri Lankan construction industry due to due to changes in technologies.