Innovative and emerging technologies are transforming how things are built. The construction industry is tapping into everything from advanced robotics to augmented reality, IoT sensors, and construction management software tools. Embracing new technology is never bad when it’s tied to making projects safer, more cost-effective, and maximizing efficiency.
Here are the most exciting and popular technology trends in the construction industry today.
BIM to Detect Design Flaws Early
Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is a huge asset in construction. By digitally representing a building before it is built, BIM allows stakeholders to identify flaws, make changes, and minimize rework.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS analyzes site conditions before construction begins. It compares the site with project requirements to judge compatibility. GIS can be utilized in many ways, including integrating it with drone data for comprehensive site mapping.
Construction Management Software
The long list of features in construction management software makes it worthwhile for any stakeholder to use. Manage documents. Send private messages to stakeholders. Automate reports. Utilize this software as a hub for collaboration, monitoring, and managing key project elements.
Prefabrication for Building Components Off-Site
Prefabrication creates buildings or building components off-site. It reduces construction time on-site and minimizes waste. Prefabrication is also an excellent way to monitor quality control better. Assembly on-site is fast and easy, minimizing disruption to the surrounding buildings and tenants.
3D Printing Can Produce Building Components Fast
3D printing reduces material waste and can accelerate a project’s timeline by quickly producing building components. Quickly cut, form, and assemble custom designs with unparalleled precision.
Growing Interest in Robotics
Although robotics in construction is still in its infancy, many firms are beginning to use them to remedy labor shortages. Robotics can automate repetitive tasks, such as bricklaying and pouring concrete. Robotic arms exist for more precise tasks. Autonomous vehicles can also transport materials across the job site. These are some of the ways robots can reduce manual labor requirements.
Drone Tech to Map Sites and Inspect Structures
Drones can fulfill several unique jobs on a construction site, making them essential to any technology trends list. Conduct site surveys faster and more accurately than a ground crew member can.
Collect data on environmental factors across your site, such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. Inspect structures remotely to approve safety and quality before moving to the next phase. Monitor site progress in real-time, ensuring you have accurate, up-to-the-minute project information.
AI-Driven Analytics Optimizes Resources
AI-powered tools can analyze data and optimize resource allocation. They can also maximize productivity and cost savings by automating routine scheduling and inventory tracking tasks. AI plays a major role in helping managers make smart data-backed decisions. It can also help you track costs in construction projects.
Internet of Things Sensors Gather Data
IoT sensors can gather data from sensors placed across the construction site. They can spot safety concerns before they become catastrophic and warn workers if they get too close to a hazard. They can also confirm progress is being made on-site and monitor pressure, temperature, humidity, and more.
Blockchain in Construction
More construction companies are using blockchain for secure, transparent project transactions. This facilitates stakeholder trust, tracks data, ensures material authenticity, and reduces fraud.
Wearables in Construction Provide More Oversight
Equip workers with wearables to monitor their movements, behaviors, and work. Wearables enhance on-site safety by notifying a wearer of physical strain or nearby safety hazards. GPS-enabled sensors can also track worker movements to optimize workflow.
Augmented Reality Can Overlay Designs
AR is another important tool for visualizing construction plans on-set. Workers can overlay designs over the real environment for an accurate view of where work is heading. AR is also applicable in client presentations, providing an instant view of how a project is progressing.
Virtual Reality Enables Walk-Throughs
VR can enable project walk-throughs so stakeholders can experience a building before it’s even built. It can also help train construction workers in safety protocols and facilitate safety training simulations. VR is also sometimes paired with BIM for enhanced project visualization.
Emphasis on Eco-Friendly Sustainable Construction
Clients and contractors alike prefer energy-efficient building materials and construction techniques. More projects are using new techniques and more sustainable materials. Systems being installed, such as solar panels and smart HVAC systems, also fit this idea.
More High-Tech Materials in Use
Every year, new technology-driven materials are introduced to the construction industry. Some popular examples include self-healing concrete that repairs cracks autonomously, phase-changing materials that regulate temperature, and transparent solar panels that cover windows.
