Utility of Internet-Based Applications in Construction

Abstract This paper presents the state of the art and the adoption of Internet-based applications by the construction industry. Even though considered as the laggard in adopting Internet-based services in construction project activities, many construction companies have now entered the Internet age. The variety of options available to construction companies to enter the Internet era, research in academia on exploring the use of Internet services for construction activities, and related commercial products are also discussed. However, to implement Internet-based services in construction project activities successfully, the services should be acceptable in the construction environment and the utility assessment of such services is needed. An assessment model to measure the utility of Internet-based services in construction project activities is then presented. The assessment will determine whether the Internet-based services in the construction industry can perform as intended and may provide an optimal configuration of Internetbased services for supporting construction project activities.