The Adaptability of construction 4.0 throughout the project life cycle of construction projects in Sri Lanka : project manager's perspective

Abstract

The construction sector has embraced the concepts associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, commonly known as Construction 4.0. This concept represents merging digital advancements and innovative methodologies to transform the construction sector. It revolutionises traditional practices through digital technologies, improving productivity, safety, and sustainability across the project lifecycle in construction. However, the adaptability of Construction 4.0 technologies throughout the project life cycle can vary significantly, largely due to differing regional and contextual factors. In developing nations, including Sri Lanka, evidence regarding adopting Construction 4.0 is scarce, although certain projects demonstrate the use of advanced technologies. As a result, this research focused on establishing a framework to assess the adaptability of Construction 4.0 technologies throughout the distinct phases of a project’s life cycle. The assessment was conducted from the viewpoint of a project manager in the construction industry. Additionally, the study utilized a qualitative approach, incorporating an in-depth literature review and semi-structured interviews with 15 industries professional. Manual content analysis was applied to analysis the collected empirical data. The research findings revealed thirty (30) PM roles, categorised as twelve (12) for the pre- construction phase, ten (10) for the construction phase, and eight (08) for the post-construction phase. Thirty-two (32) Construction 4.0 technologies were revealed through literature review and expert interviews, used across various stages of the project lifecycle. Consequently, this study aligned thirty (30) project manager roles with thirty-two (32) Construction 4.0 technologies, but only twenty (20) unique technologies were discussed due to overlaps across project life cycle phases. In addition, the study uncovered eighteen (18) barriers to adopting Construction 4.0 and highlighted twenty-two (22) strategies for successfully integrating these technologies throughout each phase of the project. Further study categorised the identified strategies (22) under each barrier. The findings of this research will support the Sri Lankan construction industry by offering a framework for integrating Construction 4.0 into project management across all phases of the project life cycle.