Digital technologies can unlock millions in infrastructure productivity benefits

“There are proven digital technologies, ready now, that can transform how infrastructure is designed, built and maintained,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr Jonathan Spear.

“Wider use of digital technology across government infrastructure can save money, boost productivity and improve worker safety.”

The Digital technology and infrastructure productivity report assessed 25 existing digital technologies and their potential to boost productivity across government infrastructure in the near term.

The report shortlists 5 technologies that offer the greatest potential to deliver big savings and productivity benefits, if widely used:

• machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)
• robotics
• advanced imaging
• advanced data analytics
• geospatial technologies.

Using robotics for inspection and maintenance across the water sector, for example can prevent water leaks by 10% and save over $140 million in maintenance and repair costs every year, the analysis finds.

Building information modelling, which uses advanced data analytics to create 3D digital models, is widely available and can also deliver big savings and other benefits. Overseas examples show that using building information modelling can reduce public housing construction costs by nearly 7%.  

“Building information modelling can reduce how much it costs to design, build and maintain infrastructure. It also helps to identify and avoid mistakes during design and construction,” Dr Spear said. “When applied to billion dollar projects, the savings are significant.”

With its rapid development in satellite imagery and locational data, geospatial mapping also shows big potential.

“Geospatial mapping, integrated with advanced data analytics, can be useful in monitoring and forecasting harmful events, understanding exposure to natural hazards, and managing traffic and logistics flows and routes.”

The report findings inform a recommendation by the advisory body on the use of digital technologies to improve productivity across Victorian Government infrastructure. The recommendation will be included in an updated 30-year infrastructure strategy for Victoria to be released for consultation early next year.

“We’re recommending government pilot digital technologies on its infrastructure projects, use building information modelling on major projects, and promote greater use of digital technologies in projects through procurement. This will help give businesses the confidence to invest in the digital capabilities they need to grow,” he said.

“Meeting Victoria’s infrastructure needs as the population grows will be a big challenge in the decade ahead,” Dr Spear said. “Digital technologies can help deliver infrastructure smarter, faster, safer and cheaper.”

Table 1: Summary of technology test cases and key economic findings

Fast facts

• The use of machine learning and artificial intelligence across the government’s entire infrastructure portfolio is estimated to deliver $9.3 billion of economic impact by 2055 (p.42).
• Building information modelling can save around 7% of project costs on residential housing. This could amount to a saving of around $76.5 million every year on the cost of building public housing. (p.35)
• Specific experience on road projects from Norway has found that adoption of drawingless construction of roads can reduce cost overruns up to 19% (p.35).
• Geospatial technologies can reduce the average time taken to detect a natural disaster by 60%. In addition, using geospatial technologies to manage hazards can also reduce the damage caused by floods to roads by 23% (p.39).

Read our report

Media enquiries

• Mandy Frostick, Ph: 0419 546 245 mandy.frostick@infrastructurevictoria.com.au
• Madeleine Brennan, Ph: 0402 715 577 madeleine.brennan@infrastructurevictoria.com.au