BSRIA partners with Built2Spec

On 2 March 2017, BSRIA announced it is working in collaboration with the EU on Built2Spec, a Horizon 2020 research project.

Built2Spec (B2S) was launched in 2015 to reduce the gap between the design performance of buildings and their actual performance in use, by the development of innovative on-site quality assurance tools.

The B2S project will deliver a new set of ‘breakthrough technological advances’ relating to:

3D and imagery tools.
Building information modelling (BIM).
Smart building components.
Energy efficiency quality checks.
Indoor air quality tools.
Airtightness testing tools.
Thermal imaging tools.
Acoustic tools.

These will be connected to a virtual construction management platform (VCMP) supporting the collection and sharing of all project data, from initial design to delivery.

BSRIA has been involved with determining the requirements to integrate thermal inspection techniques with the VCMP system by looking at the technology involved, training specifications, systems operation and identifying the potential limits of these techniques. The idea is to create a platform for construction workers with limited training and technical expertise to perform quality checks using a thermal imaging camera. The results will then be uploaded to the VCMP system so they can be monitored by technical experts, managers and the client.

BSRIA has also been provided input on the development of the air tightness testing methods and indoor air quality in buildings.

Divya Deepankar, Research Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group, said:

“BSRIA is delighted to be working with the EU on this exciting research project that aims to reduce the gap between the design and build performance of a building. This project is in sync with BSRIA’s goals and fully supports one of our key strategic ambitions. The crucial outcome of the project is an online virtual construction management platform with integrated tools which will reduce the gap between client/customer and the expert.

"It is great that the scheme is an example of virtual management in the – for all those involved in the building industry – at its best.

"In essence: it is essential that the health of the building is checked on a consistent basis during construction. The Built2Spec project certainly addresses this.”

--BSRIA