Beyond the Blueprint: The Tech That’s Rebuilding Construction
The construction industry has always been behind other industries when it comes to progress and technology. There have been very things that have changed with construction however, this has all changed in the last 10 to 15 years.
There are a number of businesses that are incorporating modern technology into their construction projects, helping to be more organised and efficient. Something that the construction industry has been crying out for several years.
In this article, we are going to highlight the significance of technology in the industry and what we can expect in the future.
Design Phase Disruption: Digital Blueprints & BIM
Once upon a time, architects would spend hours designing blueprints with a pencil and a piece of paper. There would be endless sheets of paper for the construction project managers to read through and ensure everything is being followed. Physical paper models can be easily damaged and lost.
Using paper blueprints is no longer the case as we now have BIM, which stands for Building Information Modelling. This type of technology uses devices to view a building’s physical and functional characteristics before it is built. It can also provide 3D models, which makes it much easier to understand. BIM models can be shared with architects, engineers, contractors, and owners of buildings, which is essential during the construction process. Not to mention, they can connect by accessing real-time data through the BIM models.
There are several benefits with BIM, such as lifecycle management, which means that BIM goes beyond the design phase, as it can provide extensive information throughout the process. Additionally, BIM will also help with decision-making throughout the project. Due to these benefits, it helps to improve cost management and reduce the number of errors that occur on-site. The BIM model can also be used for virtual walkthroughs, which are great to display to clients and investors.
BIM makes a construction project far more accessible, efficient and cost-effective due to its reducing errors that could potentially occur on site.
Smart Construction Sites: IoT, Drones, and Automation
Construction sites have become much smarter in terms of the IoT. This is quite a broad term which includes sensors, track equipment and more. The IoT is responsible for a lot of things on site, and it is difficult to understand how construction sites functioned before all of this.
Site safety is one of the most important things on a construction site, and if the site is deemed unsafe, it will be closed down. This is where IoT comes in. It is capable of monitoring air pressure, gas levels, temperature and overall air quality.
It can also track the usage of materials to ensure that materials don’t run out on site. It helps to keep track of what has been used and provides real-time data to the construction management. Furthermore, it can also detect when a machine or a tool requires maintenance. Something else that is essential on site and will help to reduce delays.
Drones have been very popular in recent years, and they are even being used on a modern construction site. One of the jobs that they are used for is site surveys, as they have cameras and LiDAR surveys, which can create 3D models of the site. They can be used for regular inspections along with aerial images that can be provided to investors and clients to show the progress.
Robotics:
Robots and automated machinery are also becoming much more common at construction sites, especially for monotonous jobs such as bricklaying and tiling. Additionally, they can also be used in engineering for welding.
There are a couple of issues in regards to robotics, and one of those is the initial costs. Robotic machinery can be very expensive, especially with the initial costs, because you also have to pay for the training on how to use these for projects. That being said, there are significant benefits to using robots in productivity, efficiency, and site safety. Investing in the technology and the training for it is worth doing to ensure that you are maximising the benefits of using robots on a construction site.
Project Management Reimagined: Cloud, AI & Software
One of the more noticeable differences that technology has impacted construction with is project management. Project management has always been something difficult to keep on top of in previous years however, there are many software tools which have transformed this. Again, these software tools are great for real-time data sharing, so there is no delay when communicating. The cloud also gives people access to important documents which would need to be accessed on-site.
This software can also streamline workflows because of BIM and mobile or tablet apps. The benefit of this is that it helps to reduce manual processes, along with minimising errors and speeding up the whole process.
Artificial intelligence (AI):
Artificial intelligence has come a long way in the last few years, and it has taken the world by storm, no matter what industry you are in. In all honesty, it is a great cause of concern for many people who work in the technology industry. That being said, it is proving to be quite beneficial with construction.
One of the benefits of AI is its use in project management. AI can automate tasks with scheduling, cost estimation, and risk assessments, which leads to much better project forecasts. Additionally, it is also capable of optimising the use of both materials and labour, helping to identify any areas that could be improved in terms of reducing waste.
One of the core benefits of AI is its capability of analysing machinery equipment and predicting when maintenance would be required. This will help reduce any downtime and address any potential issues that could cause further problems.
As AI is capable of completing risk assessments of projects before they begin, it reduces the amount of manual labour that is required to complete this. Risk assessments can take quite some time, so using AI will help to speed up this process.
Sustainability & Construction
The world is moving towards a sustainable future, and this includes construction. Technology is helping the industry become more sustainable, which is good because construction needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Technology is very important when it comes to decision-making, and with the help of this, critical decisions can be made with access to real-time data. This data can display the energy consumption, material waste and optimising fuel consumption.
Technology in Residential Properties To Help Be More Sustainable
There is no doubt that technology has benefited the construction industry, from project planning to home efficiency, it has completely transformed residential buildings. A great example is smart thermostats. These thermostats learn when you turn on your heating and when you turn it off. Once it has learned this, it will automatically turn your heating on when you need to turn it on. Additionally, they are capable of detecting when the house is empty, so it won’t turn on your heating if your home isn’t occupied.
Smart Appliances:
Most modern homes will also have energy-efficient smart appliances. This includes refrigerators, washers, and dryers. These appliances run at a low cost and use less energy, which will help to reduce your energy bills. Additionally, these can be used during off-peak hours where energy demand is low and costs less with your energy bills.
Smart Lighting:
Smart lighting is something else that is often in a modern home, and a great way to be more sustainable. For example, LED lights can be connected to smart lighting meters, which automatically adjust when more natural light is available. This again helps to reduce energy consumption and the cost of energy bills.
Water Management:
Leak detectors can be fitted to water management systems, which helps to conserve water. This improves usage and prevents overall water wastage due to real-time monitoring.
Technology and Research
Due to technology advancements, we have been able to complete more research on machines on a construction site and in home construction. Insulation is something that has been around for a number of years, but with more research, insulation is becoming far more advanced and improving efficiency. Conservatory insulation is a prime example of this, where years of research have been put into a product to perfect it. Triple-glazed windows are also far more common for the modern home to help reduce heat loss. A lot of money has been put into the research of improving the overall efficiency of homes as well as construction, showing that it is a vital part of the construction industry on all scales.
Summary
Technology has completely transformed the construction industry for the better. It has made it more efficient and greener. Wastage has been reduced significantly for a construction site because of technology. Health and safety have also been improved significantly, which used to be another cause of concern on construction sites. Due to VR, construction workers can complete simulations to help improve health and safety.
