Abstract
The complexity of construction projects, combined with an overwhelming number of rules and standards, has posed significant challenges to the industry. During the period of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Internet became integral to daily life, catalysing a surge of technological advancements. The construction industry was significantly influenced by 5G technology, which enabled safe transportation, remote production, precision delivery, and digital administration. However, construction sites, often located in remote regions, experienced disruptions in workplace connectivity and communications due to network capacity constraints in various locations. In emergencies on construction sites, certain IoT devices were expected to respond promptly, as delayed reactions could be a matter of life and death. The demand for high-quality wireless connections grew as increased bandwidth and reduced mobile network latency opened numerous use cases within the construction industry. This study explored new applications of 5G technology in the South African construction sector through a quantitative research approach. Data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire, and a random sampling technique was utilised to ensure that all respondents construction professionals based in Johannesburg, South Africa had an equal chance to participate. Data was subsequently analysed using quantitative methods, including the Mean Item Score (MIS) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The findings revealed that 5G technology had the possibility to revolutionize the construction industry. Workers could visualize completed projects layer by layer while standing on a brownfield site. Data streaming became faster and more cinematic, facilitating improved decision-making for managers. Live streaming via cameras installed on construction sites emerged as an efficient monitoring tool. Furthermore, construction sites increasingly adopted automation technologies, including self-driving vehicles and sensors capable of collecting and transmitting data. To ensure reliable 5G connectivity in challenging environments, such as underground or densely populated areas, specialised engineering solutions were required. The exceptionally low latency of 5G allowed South African construction companies to focus on real-time approaches, such as fleet management and automation, optimising performance, minimising downtime, and enhancing labour management and site operations. The study concluded that construction companies must invest in 5G-enabled monitoring systems, given the high priority of site monitoring technologies and tracking and surveillance capabilities.