U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Launches New Digital Transformation Plan for Civil and Military Construction Management

The construction industry benefits every year from technological advancement that has proven to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance safety. Innovative software and adaptable devices also allow military teams to quickly collaborate on-site and adjust to complex project demands.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which oversees management of military construction and civil works, has struggled because government regulations have historically failed to keep pace with industry innovation. This has often kept the USACE using legacy methods and technology, despite being tasked with some of the country’s biggest and most important construction projects. To address this gap, they recently launched a modernization plan for better positioning at the forefront of innovative construction management.

A New Digital Plan for Technological Advancement in Construction Management

The USACE designs and builds projects that provide vital services to the nation, such as flood control, water resource management, navigation, and military construction. They also play a key role in disaster response, environmental protection, and civil works projects, such as the construction of dams, bridges, and transportation systems. This wide influence on public safety and infrastructure makes it crucial for USACE to stay current with, if not drive, industry best practices.

USACE’s new digital strategy aims to take the lead in three key areas:

1. Tools: USACE is leveraging new digital tools to make construction projects run more smoothly. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software will enable engineers, designers, and builders to work from the same 3D building model. Geographic Information Systems tools will help teams understand a project’s suitability and environmental impact. Mobile apps will provide real-time data on-site via phones or tablets, allowing for better communication and quicker problem-solving.
2. Training: New digital tools are only useful when project staff know how to use them. The plan includes time and resources for training on new tools and data analysis methods so teams can manage plans, identify challenges, and make more informed decisions.
3. Resources: The USACE strategy also focuses on building the digital infrastructure needed to support these tools. This includes creating digitized systems to share data, documents, and regulations and addressing cybersecurity concerns with a Mandatory Center of Expertise and standard operating procedures.

Implementing AI and Other Emerging Technologies into Construction Management

The USACE’s approach also aims to leverage emerging technologies that are already making a big impact on construction management practices. Artificial intelligence (AI) will help predict problems in construction projects before they happen. AI can also look at large amounts of data to help teams make informed decisions and keep projects on track. Drones can survey and capture high-quality images of construction sites, giving project managers a way to monitor progress without having to send people into potentially dangerous areas. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) help workers practice handling dangerous situations in a safe environment before facing them on real construction sites.

“This strategy is about making sure our staff is on the forefront of innovation and has the resources they need to implement it.” —Darrick Godfrey, USACE Construction Management Innovation Officer

Making Construction Safer and Smarter

One of the biggest goals of digital improvement strategy in construction is improving safety. More than 1,000 construction workers died in workplace accidents in 2023. Digital tools can help USACE anticipate and address safety concerns before they become serious hazards. For example, drones can monitor a site for risks, mobile apps enable near-immediate reports of emerging safety concerns, and wearable devices can analyze employee behaviors to identify unsafe practices.

Digitization also benefits business processes, research, and development. With project data stored in digital systems, teams can track progress, identify issues, and make quick adjustments, which helps keep projects on time and on budget. They can also collaborate on and prototype new ideas more quickly. All these actions can provide more measurable data prioritizing worker safety and project efficiency. The vital work of the USACE makes the need for proper resources and the embracing of technology to get the job done even more important.

Career Opportunities in Construction Management

The USACE’s modernization plan is a reflection of how construction projects benefit from innovation and digital transformation. At Capitol Technology University, our degree programs in Construction Management put you at the forefront of industrial knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in this dynamic field. Our programs teach students how technology and construction powerfully intersect for the development of safer, more effective projects and improved outcomes.

Explore what a degree from Capitol Tech can do for you! To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request more information.