Victoria is leading the nation with the application of sophisticated technology and digital engineering to identify more efficiencies with major project delivery, including cost and time savings.
Speaking virtually at the BUILT Environment Summit, Treasurer Tim Pallas highlighted the new innovations that will help transform how Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline is delivered and maintained.
The ground-breaking application of artificial intelligence (AI) is a new initiative that is seeing Victoria pioneer the use of algorithm machine learning for identifying potential project problems and risks.
Victoria is now one of the early adopters of this cutting-edge technology, joining major infrastructure investors including global energy companies, European rail operators and engineering firms delivering complex projects.
By analysing and comparing data from hundreds of thousands of project schedules from across the globe, the algorithm learns by comparing what was planned against what actually happened on a project at an individual activity level. The application of this AI can then identify where problems are most likely to occur and where efficiencies could be made, allowing departments and agencies to adjust programs to improve project delivery.
The AI algorithms were secured from Australian and UK partners, Octant AI and nPlan respectively, following a competitive tender process conducted by the Office of Projects Victoria (OPV) earlier this year. Pilots are already underway for applying AI to major projects, including the Level Crossings Removal Project with encouraging results.
In another boost for major project delivery, the government also announced the release of Victoria’s Digital Asset Policy which provides clear requirements for digital asset information management to support the planning, design, construction, and operation of Victorian Government projects and assets.
The Digital Asset Policy is the most comprehensive policy of its kind in Australia offering the most advanced policy, guidance, systems, and training in digital civil infrastructure project practice, cutting costs, sharing and working from the same digital and 3D models of the project from early planning through to post-completion maintenance.
Developed with input from contractors, consultants, industry associations, academia, as well as key government agencies, the policy is one of the tangible outcomes from the $11 million allocated in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 to OPV’s Digital Build Program over the next five years.
Work has already commenced with major infrastructure stakeholders to undertake pilot projects to deliver world-leading digital project examples to enhance project and asset decision-making, leading to safer project delivery and more cost-effective outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“By championing digital innovation and applying new technologies like artificial intelligence, we are working to ensure we maximise the value of our infrastructure pipeline investment to benefit all Victorians.”
“These initiatives will help transform the way we design, deliver, construct and maintain our infrastructure and assets safely and efficiently.”
