La filière bois, artefact et catalyseur pour une construction 4.0 au Québec

Abstract

Traditional methods of project delivery are struggling to bring out the productivity of the construction sector. The wood industry stands out for its ability to combine innovation, technology and efficiency, particularly through high-performance products such as CLT. The latter helps developing large scale structures and manufacturing and installation processes leading to an improvement in productivity. Quebec has adopted Vision 2030 for fostering the development of the wood construction industry and facilitating exports of Quebec products and know-how by 2030. Budgetary incentives helped with the development of exemplary projects. Based on a comparative case study of three major Canadian projects, we observed how technologies, organization and processes, depending on the context, can support the adoption of new project delivery methods and achieve productivity goals. At the same time, the observation of the modification of construction project delivery methods in the scientific literature, particularly in the United Kingdom, allowed us to bring up the idea of Construction 4.0, echoing Industry 4.0, where the data its generation and treatment dictate the pace and productivity of the supply chain. Also, to develop the conceptual framework of Construction 4.0, we propose four pillars: 1) integrated approaches, 2) Lean Construction, 3) DfMA and off-site manufacturing and 4) BIM VDC. The wood industry, a source of innovation, would be the catalyst for this new era of Construction 4.0 in Quebec since it already conveys different processes due to its inclusion in the dry industry. This involves using a different logistics chain on site. Time saving (no preparation, waiting and drying time as it is the case for concrete) and better distribution of labor through off-site manufacturing that provides a safer work environment; then the CNC technology that links the design software to manufacturing workshops and that allows better quality control before the final assembly, therefore, reducing rework and wastage. To begin the Construction 4.0 turnaround, we list the innovative delivery chain practices of three exemplary projects. We draw a statement of the range of possibilities in order to propose realistic strategies and actions. We unite them with the goals and objectives of ongoing initiatives in the construction industry around digital, innovation and productivity in Quebec and Canada to propose a roadmap for the adoption of Construction 4.0 in Quebec.

Date	7 Dec 2018
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Daniel Forgues (Supervisor)