'New tech' snippets: some food for thought (UK construction focus)

August 27, 2024

A couple of issues arising from the use of new technology in construction to get you thinking ahead.

What tech are you using to house the golden thread?

Various construction journals reported recently on Construction Leadership Council (CLC) research that found "a widespread lack of understanding of the move towards digitised project documents among manufacturers". The CLC's view is that "firms need to adopt a holistic data strategy" (see Construction News, 22 July 2022).

It is not only product manufacturers who need a data strategy. The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) requires dutyholders to create and maintain an electronic golden thread of information on Higher-Risk Building projects. There are currently no specific requirements on the technical requirements for electronic platforms that will host the golden thread. However, a comprehensive, reliable tool that supports dutyholders in setting up, managing and sharing the golden thread of information effectively will increase project efficiency, cost-effectiveness and transparency.

Dutyholders should be planning and collaborating with supply chain partners (if they have not already done so) on how they will store the golden thread data. The marketplace is responding with a range of solutions for the challenge and, clearly, considerations to be factored in will vary depending on the project and the parties. Preparation and ensuring your team includes tech-savvy experts will ensure that the right systems can be put in place in timely fashion - and in a way that supports the carrying out of golden thread duties under the BSA, as well as applications for building control approval and the handover of the golden thread on completion. Remember also that the Building Safety Regulator can request information about the building on request. The better your golden thread records, the easier it will be to comply with such requests.

You can read the HSE guidance on the golden thread here: Keeping information about a higher-risk building: the golden thread.

AI and construction contracts: are you managing the risks?

From a construction law and risk management perspective, parties to construction contracts, especially at the drafting stage, should also be vigilant in identifying risks arising from the use of AI within the construction process. Such risks should be assessed and, where necessary, allocated/managed in the contract. Discussions should be held at the outset of the build process to ensure that the extent of AI use on the project is understood and managed appropriately.

You can read more about getting to grips with AI here.