Associate Dean for Research

Professor Song Wu

Leading researcher in digital construction, AI applications, and reality computing at Nottingham Trent University

Professor Song Wu
FCIOB FHEA PhD
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Years Experience

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Publications

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Research Funding

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PhD Students

Bridging Technology
& Built Environment

Professor of Construction Management and Associate Dean for Research at Nottingham Trent University's School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.

As an internationally leading researcher in digital construction with more than 20 years' experience in the UK higher education sector, I specialise in computer modelling and data analysis in the built and human environment.

My current research focuses on reality computing and Artificial Intelligence, including 3D scanning, UAV data capture, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, serious game technology, and AI applications.

Education

  • PhD - IT Tool for Construction Process Management
    University of Salford, 2004
  • MSc - IT in Construction
    University of Salford, 2000

Professional

  • Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building (FCIOB)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Areas of Expertise

01

Reality Computing & 3D Scanning

3D scanning, UAV data capture, and reality computing technologies for built environment digitalisation.

02

AI & Machine Learning

Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in construction and infrastructure asset management.

03

AR, VR & Serious Games

Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and serious game technology for construction and training applications.

04

Digital Twins & BIM

Building Information Modelling and Digital Twin technologies for infrastructure and construction management.

05

Bridge Health Monitoring

Optical monitoring methods for geometry, defect detection, and digitalisation of bridge infrastructure.

06

Construction Process

IT tools and methodologies for optimizing construction processes and workflows.

Current Research

2025-2026

Panoptic Bridge Management (Asset Visualiser Deployment) - Phase 2

Network Rail R&D - Principal Investigator

£500,000 (NTU: £263,000)
2025-2026

Railway Lineside Cable Failure Prediction

Network Rail R&D - Principal Investigator

£63,000
2024-2026

Intelligent Digital Structure Examination System (IDSES)

Innovate UK (KTP) - Principal Investigator

£212,249
2022-2025

Panoptic Bridge Management (Asset Visualiser Deployment)

Network Rail R&D - Principal Investigator

£700,000 (NTU: £383,000)
2022-2026

EPSRC Industrial Case Studentship

EPSRC with Network Rail - Principal Investigator

£114,485

Selected Works

2025

Masonry bridge inspection using point cloud data and 360-degree images: a case study on railway bridges

Sen, A., Wu, S., & Talebi, S.

Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities

2025

Infrastructure automated defect detection with machine learning: a systematic review

Talebi, S., Wu, S., Sen, A., Zakizadeh, N., Sun, Q., & Lai, J.

International Journal of Construction Management

2020

Indoor sound environments and visual media displays: a case study on canteens

Wu, S., et al.

Building and Environment

2018

Optimized rescheduling of multiple production lines for flowshop production of reinforced precast concrete components

Ma, Z., Yang, Z., Liu, S., Wu, S.

Automation in Construction

2017

The impact of occupants' behaviours on building energy analysis: a research review

DelZendeh, E., Wu, S., Lee, A., Zhou, Y.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

Let's Connect

For research collaborations, PhD supervision enquiries, or other academic matters.

School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment
Nottingham Trent University

PhD Opportunities

I welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in digital construction, AI/ML, and reality computing technologies.

  • Reality computing & 3D scanning
  • AI/ML in construction
  • AR, VR & serious games
  • Digital Twins & BIM
  • Bridge health monitoring