Tag Archives: Singapore Construction

BCA promotes use of 3D in construction industry

Posted on 16 May 2012 | Comments Off on BCA promotes use of 3D in construction industry

3D computer generated imagery (CGI) used in the movie industry may soon become more vital in the construction industry.

Khaw Boon Wan, Minister of National Development, wrote in a recent blog post that the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is now promoting the use of 3D technology.

With the emergence of 3D technology, engineers and architects will likely transition from the two-dimensional Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings they have used for years. A new tool called Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows architects and engineers to see, work and fix problems before, during and after construction. The time- and effort-efficient technology helps minimise reworking and wastage.

Along this line, Khaw opened the BuildTech Asia Exhibition at Marina Bay Sands yesterday, which marks the second Singapore Construction Productivity Week spearheaded by the BCA. An online BIM Competition with over 300 participants comprising 40 teams was the event’s highlight.

“This is triple the participation rate at last year’s inaugural competition. It speaks volume about how the industry has been venturing into the technology to up their productivity,” noted Khaw in his blog.

“The real test is in the industry’s response to BIM. That has been overwhelming.”

To promote BIM and technology adoption, the BCA Centre for Construction IT (CCIT) has introduced the Construction Productivity and Capability Fund (CPCF). Around 250 companies applied for the CPCF to finance their software and hardware costs, consultancy and training.

Additionally, the BCA recruits graduates with BIM training. Citing a recent CCIT survey, Khaw noted that companies in the built environment are willing to pay an average of 10 to 20 percent more for BIM-trained graduates.

Some of the projects which have adopted the BIM technology are the SAFRA Toa Payoh (pictured) and the Arts Science Museum, as well as the upcoming Sports Hub, Sky Habitat and the Star.

“Many more buildings will follow, as BIM transforms the way Singapore’s building professionals collaborate together. The common aim is to deliver more competitive and challenging projects that will be the pride of our construction industry,” added Khaw.

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Move to build more HDB flats may benefit construction industry

Posted on 30 May 2011 | Comments Off on Move to build more HDB flats may benefit construction industry

Analysts said the move by the Ministry of National Development to build more HDB flats may give the local construction industry a fresh boost.

The majority of first time HDB home buyers can rejoice with the MND’s decision to develop more build-to-order (BTO) flats this year.

And with the decision to address rental flat shortages, industry observers said the planned supply changes would be positive for the construction industry as developers bid for more contracts.

However, the plan for more homes in Singapore also comes with challenges like rising costs in the industry.

“If you suddenly have an increase base you need more of these materials. These stockpiles may not be adequate so you’ll have to import more,” said Mr Vashdev Khialani, engineer at C&V Consultants LLP.

“Prices of construction will generally go up across the board, whether it is HDB or private, residential, commercial or industrial.”

And the need for more construction workers will only add to construction price woes.

“Foreign worker levies are on the uptrend, so construction companies when they bid they have to be more aware. They’ve got to price their costs very carefully, and see if they can retain an attractive margin,” said investment analyst at SIAS Research, Liu Jinshu.

Industry observers said that aside from construction, engineering businesses will also benefit from more HDB supply as a chain effect.

Analysts added that a lift in income ceiling for first time buyers could further prompt HDB to build flats ahead of demand.

“The ceiling is S$8,000 for first time flat buyers. So if they do lift up this ceiling, then it would be an astute move to build ahead of demand, to smooth any impact on the raising of the income ceiling as well,” said Mr Liu.

Going forward, analysts said a likely rise in income ceiling may shift preferences for private homes in the mass market condo segment to the HDB market.

Source : Channel NewsAsia – 30 May 2011

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