Keynote Speakers

Joseph Kim

California State University Long Beach, USA

Biography: Dr. Joseph J. Kim, P.E. is Department Chair and Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management at California State University Long Beach. Dr. Kim spent several years as a field engineer and safety engineer. He is a registered professional engineer and holds a LEED AP BD+C certification. He is the recipient of 2011 ASCE ExCEEd New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, 2013 ICCEPM Best Paper Award, 2016 KSEA Chapter President Award; 2020 and 2021 USA President’s Volunteer Service Awards. His research interests include artificial intelligence applications to solve civil infrastructure systems’ optimization problems, green building materials, best sustainability practices in built environments, building information modeling, cost estimating methods, construction robotics, project delivery systems, and statistical methods for construction engineers. Dr. Kim has authored more than 100 journal articles and conference papers in high-quality engineering and scientific journals such as the ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, Journal of Green Buildings, Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, and Journal of Transportation Research Board. Dr. Kim is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), ASCE's Construction Research Council of the Construction Institute, and Korean American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA). He is a peer reviewer for many technical journals.

Speech title "Improving Construction Productivity for Innovation: Current Status and Future Research Directions"

Abstract-Construction productivity is critical for the successful delivery of projects and the overall growth of the construction industry. Enhancing productivity not only reduces costs and project timelines but also fosters innovation within the construction industry. Although new technologies are gradually applied in the industry to improve construction productivity, we encounter several challenges that hinder productivity in construction because of lack of resources to invest in new technologies and training, the increased complexity and large scale of construction projects, and a persistent shortage of skilled labor.
To address these challenges, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the current status on construction productivity for innovation. In this keynote speech, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the current status of construction productivity, identifies key challenges, and outlines potential future research directions to further improve productivity through innovative practices. The discussion will cover the current status and emerging trends in using innovative processes and technologies across various categories, including building information modeling (BIM), prefabrication and modular construction, drones, robotics, integrated project delivery (IPD), safety and well-being of workers, sustainability practices, and green building materials, more. Future research directions will include (1) artificial intelligence, machine learning, and internet of things, (2) 3D printings and smart construction materials, (3) digital twin technology and supply chain management, (4) workforce development, diversity, and inclusion, (5) streamlining regulatory processes and incentives for innovation, (6) green construction techniques and climate adaptation.
My goal is to inspire ongoing research and development by offering valuable insights that can shape future research directions and industry practices regarding construction productivity. By doing so, we can better improve construction productivity and build a sustainable and healthy society for future generations.

 

 

Chian Siau Chen, Darren

National University of Singapore, Singapore

Biography: Dr. Chian Siau Chen, Darren is an Associate Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Dr. Chian is also the Director of the Centre for Soft Ground Engineering in the university. Dr. Chian obtained his Ph.D. and B.Eng. from Cambridge University and Nanyang Technological University respectively. Dr. Chian actively involves in collaborative research projects with local government agencies to recycle unwanted soils from underground construction projects as land reclamation fill materials. Dr. Chian has also expanded recycling waste material into useful pozzolans in supplementary cementitious material technology. Dr. Chian was named as Asia’s Top 10 Innovators under 35 (TR35) by the MIT Technology Review in 2016, GeoSS Promising Young Geotechnical Engineer Award in 2018, Enterprise Singapore SAC Distinguished Award in 2018, Ministry of Transport Distinguished Minister Innovation (Distinguished) Award in 2021, Award Finalist of the Land Transport Excellence Award (Most Innovative Solution) and Prominent Geotechnical Engineer Award in 2022. Dr. Chian is the current President of the Geotechnical Society of Singapore (GeoSS).

Speech title "Shaping the Future of Basement Construction Monitoring in Urban Singapore through UAV Photogrammetry and Digitalisation"

Abstract-Advancements in UAV photogrammetry have improved productivity in construction management, offering accurate and less labour-intensive methods. In basement construction, precise earthwork volume estimation is crucial to avoid over- or under-cutting. Traditional land surveying methods are time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to accuracy issues, especially in complex sites with multiple activities. This study explores the use of UAV photogrammetry for estimating earthwork volumes at a complex urban site in Singapore and evaluates its feasibility, challenges, and benefits.
The study showed that UAV photogrammetry models can achieve volume measurements with a 5% accuracy tolerance, meeting stakeholder requirements. While filtering out objects like cranes and trucks was effective, large objects blocking soil surfaces posed challenges. The integration of UAV photogrammetry with automated data acquisition and processing workflows enhances productivity by reducing time and labour, improving model consistency and efficiency.
Digitalising earthwork sites into point clouds and 3D models improves data visualisation, accessibility, and collaboration. The compatibility with Building Information Modelling (BIM) enables cross-platform integration, aiding in reporting and decision-making. Overall, UAV photogrammetry significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of earthwork monitoring, offering valuable benefits in construction management.

 

 

Wu Wei

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Biography: Dr Wu is an Associate Professor in Rock Engineering. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Shandong University, China in 2007, Master’s degree from NTU in 2008, and PhD degree from Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland in 2013. Prior to joining NTU, he was a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. He currently serves as the President of Society for Rock Mechanics & Engineering Geology (Singapore), the Associate Editor for International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, and the Assistant Chair for Research in School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NTU.