Mitigating Risks in Smart Construction: Integrating Emerging Technologies for a Sustainable Future
Saleem Ahmed Al-Azazi, Aawag Mohsen Alawag, Mokhtar Ali Amrani, Wesam Mohyialdin, Khalid Alezi, Farag Qasem
Abstract
Smart Civil Infrastructure (SCI) enhances conventional civil systems through digital technologies, offering improved performance and efficiency. However, this digital integration, while beneficial, also introduces significant risks from increased connectivity and systemic interconnectedness. This paper addresses the urgent need for comprehensive risk management and resilience in SCI by exploring inherent challenges and outlining mitigation and resilience-building approaches. Through a literature review, risks are classified into primary categories of physical hazards (e.g., aging infrastructure, natural disasters) and cyber threats (e.g., system vulnerabilities, cyberattacks). To mitigate these risks, the study explores strategies including structural reinforcement, cybersecurity measures, intelligent sensing, nature-based solutions, and policy interventions. Beyond mitigation, the paper emphasizes resilience-building through system redundancy, adaptability, institutional/social capacity, and life-cycle sustainability. Key considerations such as data integration, security, funding mechanisms, and public acceptance are also examined. Furthermore, the paper delves into the transformative potential and applications of emerging technologies (AI, digital twins, blockchain) for SCI resilience, examining their implementation challenges and future research. This study advocates for a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to developing safer, more sustainable, and resilient smart infrastructure for future generations.