E-Thesis 10 views 6 downloads
Bridging Design and Delivery: Platform-Based Automation of Temporary Works and the Rise of Productization of Engineering Services / MATTHEW HALL
Swansea University Author: MATTHEW HALL
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.71339
Abstract
This thesis presents the culmination of a nine-year, part-time research journey into the automation of temporary works design, resulting in the creation of “Charlie” — a fully operational, web-based platform capable of generating complete civil engineering design packages on demand. Developed and pr...
| Published: |
Swansea University
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Li, C. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71339 |
| Abstract: |
This thesis presents the culmination of a nine-year, part-time research journey into the automation of temporary works design, resulting in the creation of “Charlie” — a fully operational, web-based platform capable of generating complete civil engineering design packages on demand. Developed and proven in commercial operation, the system delivers calculations, drawings, risk assessments, certification, and sustainability reporting within minutes, challenging the traditional time-based consultancy model.By productising engineering expertise into fixed-cost, repeatable outputs, Charlie demonstrates a scalable alternative to the “hours in = revenue” paradigm, enabling faster site mobilisation and reducing the risk associated with delays. Its end-to-end automation removes repetitive manual tasks while maintaining human oversight, freeing engineers to focus on higher-value decisions. Sustainability is embedded from the outset, with integrated optioneering and lifecycle CO₂e reporting aligned to PAS 2080, allowing carbon performance to be evaluated and optimised in real time without additional client cost.The research makes a dual contribution: first, in delivering a technically robust, commercially viable automation service for temporary works; second, in reframing how consultancy services can operate by integrating advanced digital tools, lean delivery principles, and embedded sustainability into the core business model. By uniting engineering rigour with platform-based delivery, the work offers a replicable framework for improving speed, consistency, and environmental responsibility in infrastructure projects, providing a pathway for the civil engineering profession to adopt more complex and innovative methodologies without increasing delivery cost. |
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| Keywords: |
Temporary Works, Construction Methodology, Design automation |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
Richter |