Tech

5 Important Trends For Construction Technologies

The construction industry has taken a paradigm shift, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t expect more. Many new technologies help to boost work efficiency and site health. Not to mention, contractors are always looking for ways to reduce costs. Here are five crucial trends for construction technologies.

1. Augmented reality/Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology have taken over the construction industry. VR helps to replace the real world with a simulated environment while AR shows a user-generated image on a view of the world. Since buildings are becoming complex, these technologies can help to detect errors.

2. Drone-based supervision and inspection

Drones are used to monitor and inspect construction projects. They are programmed to sweep mega projects in a matter of hours.

Besides that, they can assess constructions from viewpoints that are inaccessible to humans. That way, it’s easier to detect any issue that may be hidden on sight. Drones also enhance safety – they work without exposing the surveyors to injury.

They can inspect hard-to-reach places and supervise many projects simultaneously. Today, many construction industries are slowly embracing this technology.

3. Automation

The scope of automation in the construction industry is broad. With the adoption of data-driven technology, you’ll find embedded sensors on a work site.

This creates enormous opportunities for managing data on safety and operational workflow. What’s more, there are smart devices that give a clear picture of the construction progress.

An excellent example of an automated device is the Orion road flare. These lights give signals in case of an emergency. If you have an ongoing road project, the road flare will illuminate the surrounding objects.

The light can be seen even during rainstorms. Orion road flare is an essential toolkit that is universally recognized for emergencies. When drivers see a flash on the road, they immediately know they show slow down and pay attention to the construction project.

Another automation technology is the internet of things (IoT) sensors. They collect relevant data like pressure and temperature to allow construction firms to automate machines and robots.

Most construction companies are now using a robotics installation system for elevators. Also, devices can be connected and equipped with telematics to know the exact location of construction trucks. This prevents theft and enhances fleet management.

Robots offer numerous advantages in the construction industry. They are cheaper and can get the work done quicker.

With robots, you can expect construction activities like cutting, welding, and dispensing to be fully automated. And because these machines work with efficiency, they remove human error and inconsistency.

4. Cloud services and data storage

Sometimes, contractors work under pressure to meet the project deadline. They also face the challenge of cost management and scheduling. With cloud technology, contractors can set the pace of work to ensure the projects are completed on time. The on-site workers may need the latest information, but it’s not available for them.

Today, construction companies can deploy their data centers, which require ongoing support from the IT staff. Thankfully, companies can get access to the IT infrastructure by paying a subscription fee. Apart from storing a large amount of data, the information can be accessed by various devices.

In the construction industry, you’ll find engineers, consultants, suppliers, product manufacturers, and contractors. All these entities must work together to complete the projects on time.

With cloud technology, construction companies can manage the assets along with the field service. Typically, engineers should plan and oversee a construction which can be time-consuming. To overcome this problem, data must be stored in the cloud. Of course, the technology of cloud computing gives construction companies a competitive edge.

5. Building Information Modeling

If you think BIM revolves around 3D modeling, well, it’s more than that. Over the years, BIM has undergone digital transformation. This technology promises to tackle problems like project delays, budget overspend, and quality control issues.

When BIM is incorporated in engineering software, it allows for collaborating modifications. The construction team and consultants can now maximize time and money to reduce any friction in a project.

With building information modeling, you expect improved communication and teamwork. Secondly, it provides real-time access to information and allows for analysis by the team members. And when a project undergoes design modifications, you can easily refer to the earlier model.

More specifically, BIM presents data to the whole team and helps to foster coordination between designers and engineers. BIM also allows for 2D schematics and 3D modeling.

Final thoughts

The above trends for construction technologies are the next big thing in the construction industry. If you’re in the quest for efficiency, quality, and improved safety, then these are the trends to watch.