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breaking temperatures, contributed to the construction sector’ s 0.8 percent productivity decline- valued at £ 114 million- that month.
Climate change adversely impacts construction projects in three key ways. First, is the increased likelihood of delays and disruption, resulting principally from stoppages, inability of workers, equipment and materials to reach the site. Other factors to consider include concrete curing time in wet conditions, and access to water in a drought. Studies show extreme weather can extend project timelines by up to 21 percent, leading to missed deadlines and financial penalties.
Second is reduced worker safety. Extreme heat increases the risk of heat stress and dehydration. The impacts of heat stress are felt above 26 ° C on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index, with risks to health sharply increasing as temperatures rise above this threshold. Physical exertion at higher temperatures also causes impaired judgment which in turn increases the risk of accidents.
A third consequence is the deterioration in site conditions. Flooding and raised water tables prevent operations such as excavation and tunnelling, while high winds make lifting and working at height more hazardous, and the need to take extra precautions to secure equipment on-site.
The increasing complexity of project planning
A changing climate, therefore, makes project planning more complex. First, unpredictable, fast-changing weather requires the ability to quickly update schedules and site models at short notice. Furthermore, with so many factors to consider, determining the probability of outcomes and their impacts on budget or timelines becomes almost impossible without the help of sophisticated digital tools.
AI-driven information management can be effective in overcoming these challenges. By integrating predictive analytics, real-time updates, and advanced planning capabilities,
▼ Using AI to analyse data makes it possible to predict how diverse weather conditions will affect the construction site- and models with updated scenarios can be generated quickly
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