Online remote construction management trials in Queensland Department of Main Roads: a participant's perspective

Abstract

This paper describes research into use of Online Remote Construction Management (ORCM) on road construction projects, from the perspective of an industry representative in the research project. The aim of ORCM is to use advanced electronic communication technologies to enhance online real-time communication between the parties to a construction project, and thus improve the project delivery process. It aims to maximize the use of time of personnel and reduce paperwork. A typical trial construction project in the Queensland Department of Main Roads, with which the author was employed at the time of writing this paper, is described. This site used a Web-based system to manage communications. Observed benefits from using ORCM and issues in implementation are discussed. While the process is promising, there needs to be additional review into the attendant risks and cultural issues, and the ways in which these matters are addressed.