£1m project using digital technology to transform building safety compliance
GMI Construction Group is taking part in a £1m Innovate UK initiative to create an interactive digital platform to access key elements of the complex legislation within the new Building Safety Act.
The Leeds-based business is partnering with spatial computing and AI provider SimplyVideo, Leeds Beckett University, and software developer Anglestack.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence into the platform ensures safety regulations can be matched directly to specific types and stages of construction projects – ensuring consistent and efficient compliance by all parties involved while reducing the risk of oversight.
Central to the initiative is the support of the “Golden Thread” concept, which provides a clear and complete record-keeping system which tracks all aspects of a building’s design, construction, and maintenance throughout its lifecycle, ensuring transparency and accountability.
GMI Construction Group says its investment in this project highlights its commitment to innovation and safety in the construction sector.
Once fully assessed, this solution has the potential to be rolled out industry-wide, transforming the way safety compliance is accessed and managed.
The platform will be accessible through a web app, mobile app, and smart glasses for site workers, as well as virtual reality (VR) Meta headsets via Microsoft’s immersive Mesh environment, enabling users to immerse themselves within a digital representation of the construction project.
The Building Safety Act 2022 introduced significant changes to the building control process, focusing on higher-risk structures and enhancing the competence of those overseeing, managing, and executing construction projects.
Thomas West, group services director at GMI Construction Group, said: “This collaboration is a game-changer for the business and builds upon the wider digital transformation that has taken place in GMI over recent years.
“By integrating AI with cutting-edge software solutions, we can provide our employees with immediate access to crucial regulatory information.
“This will not only streamline the compliance processes but also bring clarity, enhancing understanding and engagement for all those involved.”
Alex Deighton, CEO of Leeds-based SimplyVideo, which is involved in the development of AI, smart glasses and VR using Microsoft Mesh, said: “We are combining both AI and spatial computing cutting edge technologies in a truly exciting way, to aid the construction industry in being compliant with the new BSA Regulation.
Using AI to search both BSA regulation and Golden Thread information will save hours for construction professionals. Being able to access the AI and information in Smart Glasses and VR will be a gamechanger.”
Dr Jamiu A Dauda, a chartered building engineer and senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, said: “By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, we’re empowering stakeholders to navigate complex regulations more effectively, facilitating the comprehensive realisation of the Golden Thread’s advantages across various infrastructure and building.”
Omolola Arawomo, director of Anglestack, added: “Our focus has always been on leveraging advanced software solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the construction industry and beyond.
“This project represents a significant leap towards ensuring that compliance with the Building Safety Act is not just a regulatory obligation but a streamlined, and intuitive process.”
