Purpose This paper aims to focus on 11 digital technologies (i.e. building information modeling, artificial intelligence and machine learning, 3D scanning, sensors, robots/automation, digital twin, virtual reality, 3D printing, drones, cloud computing and self-driving vehicles) that are portrayed in future trend reports and hype curves. The study concentrates on the current usage and knowledge of digital technologies in the Swedish architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to gain an insight in the possible expectations and future trajectory of these digital technologies. Design/methodology/approach The study applies an abductive approach which is based on three different types of methods. These methods are a literature and document study which focused on 11 digital technologies, two workshops with industry (13 participants) and an online survey (N = 84). Findings The paper contributes to a current state analysis of the Swedish AEC industry concerning digital technologies and discusses the trajectory of these technologies for the AEC industry. The paper identifies hype factors, in which the knowledge of a digital technology is related to its usage. From the hype factors, four zones that show different stages of digital technology usage and maturity in the industry are induced. Originality/value The contribution of the paper is twofold. The paper shows insight into opportunities, the current barriers, use and knowledge of digital technologies for the different actors in the AEC industry. Furthermore, the study shows that the AEC industry is behind the traditional Gartner hype curves and contributes with defining four zones for digital technologies for the Swedish AEC industry: confusion, excitement, experimentation and integration.

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce a method of performance-based procurement, based on the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT), for low-disturbance bridge construction projects in urban environment.\ud Design/methodology/approach – The first part of this paper reviews the key performance indicators (KPIs) of low-disturbance construction and the procurement procedure based on the MEAT principles. The second part reflects on two actual bridge projects (the Rotebro bridge in Sweden and the Arno river bridge in Italy) as observatory case studies to analyse how clients and contractors can implement the KPIs in MEAT.\ud Findings – The research findings demonstrate the possible inclusion of the KPIs of low-disturbance construction into the MEAT criteria. The MEAT principles can then be used in combination with either a traditional or an integrated procurement strategy.\ud Research limitations/implications – The implementation of MEAT to achieve low-disturbance construction projects is considerably new and still requires an empirical validation. A further elaboration of the procurement strategy within the EU regulatory framework is strongly recommended in order to assure the broader impacts of sustainable construction.\ud Practical implications – The findings and recommendations support the practical development and the use of MEAT in construction projects in the EU.\ud Originality/value – This paper presents some results of the FP7 collaborative research project “PANTURA”, which addresses the actual research agenda of the European Commission on low-disturbance and urban-friendly civil infrastructure projects

<p>The construction of infrastructure projects represents a large sustainability impact, both positive and negative. Increased positive and reduced negative impacts can be achieved through better design and planning of the construction. To make more sustainable choices, well-defined predictive sustainability assessment methods are required. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is a well- suited method for predictive sustainability assessment. This paper evaluates two MCDA methods for sustainability assessment of infrastructure construction and exemplifies their application with two case studies. The aim of this paper is to discuss if the methods are suitable for identifying the most sustainable alternative during the procurement process of an infrastructure project. It is recommended that MCDA methods are further developed to comply with the recently published EN standard on sustainability assessment of civil engineering works.</p>

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Abstract:For some years an intense debate regarding the building costs has been ongoing in Sweden and reducing construction costs is highly prioritised among the construction companies. At the same time, passive houses have started to appear on the Swedish market and so far the construction costs for these have been higher compared to tradition1al houses. It is therefore important to investigate the construction methods to find out where to focus and where to improve the process so the energy performance can be increased while at the same time construction costs can be reduced. Based on an interview study with construction site managers, seven key areas could be identified which were different compared to traditional housing; system design, building documents, construction planning, working methods, quality control, leadership and attitudes. Projects that were successfully accomplished from an economical and productivity point of view had been planned with special focus on these aspects. In the less successful projects, the importance of the understanding of the concept had been ignored and underestimated which led to additional time consuming activities which could be described as waste of time. There is a need to find alternative production methods which prioritize the product quality in an integrated and efficient manner.