Cyber-Physical Systems in the Construction Sector

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) are mechanisms for monitoring and controlling processes using computer-based algorithms. In the construction industry, CPSs help to increase the viability of construction projects by reducing costs, time and management effort. This book aims to develop the fundamental concepts of construction project management associated with the CPSs and their applications within the modern construction industry in alignment with the scope of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). The book has been structured in a systematic way for easy understanding by construction industry researchers and academic faculty. The first part of the book helps readers to develop a basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of construction project management and CPSs. Followed by the second part about the CPSs implementation framework and understanding the operational concepts associated with the notion of IoT and Digital Twins within the construction industry. The third part of the book describes modelling/simulation techniques to develop the customised CPSs for construction project management. The concluding part provides an in-depth review of applications of CPSs, associated threats and security.

Dr Wesam Salah Alaloul is a Senior Lecturer at the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of Technology PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia. He obtained his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering and M.Sc. in Construction and Project Management from the Islamic University of Gaza, while his PhD in Civil Engineering/ Construction and Project Management is from UTP. Before moving to academia Dr Alaloul spent 5 years in the construction industry in several organizations, where he practised the BIM and digitalization transform. In academia, Dr Alaloul has been practising Output-Based Education (OBE) for more than 8 years. He has trained in active learning approaches and complex engineering problems.

Dr Alaloul’s research interests include construction management, construction materials, structures decommissioning, IR 4.0 applications in the construction industry, precast systems, and lifecycle cost assessment. He is a certified trainer in construction costing and sustainability. He has published more than 100 manuscripts in several ISI/Scopes journals, international conferences book chapters and books. Dr Alaloul is a member of several evaluation committees for projects proposals. He participated as a member of the steering committee in the sustainable urban planning of smart cities.