Published on 18th November 2021
Construction Technology can be broadly defined as the innovations and modifications in the industry that lessens manual labor.
In other words, it is the knowledge and expertise required for Construction. Construction Technology has reshaped the Industry by skyrocketing productivity while answering the labor shortage problems.
Here, we’ve prepared a list of the top construction Technologies that transformed the industry.
Construction Wearables are, as the name suggests, clothing and gadgets worn during construction.
This wearable technology ensures the safety of the workers. They also enhance the work rate.
The clothing includes Smart Boots, Smart Hard Hats, Smart Bodywear, and Power Gloves. The ‘smart’ wearables are capable of detecting and sensing various parameters. They also monitor the users’ health conditions.
Now, let’s not forget about the amazing accessories which aid the user in navigating through the work! These Include Smart Watches, Augmented Reality Glasses, and Monitoring wears.
Last but not least, we have the Construction Exoskeletons that transform the workers into superheroes, literally! These Exosuits boost the workers’ productivity by providing them with mechanical power and support.
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Big Data is the term used for the gigantic collection of data sets used in the construction. It is the continual collection of data from various sensors, equipment, and meters present in the construction process. This data collection is often an unceasing and highly frequent process. Hence, these readings generate a stupendous amount of data that helps us see more and helps us see better!
It can also be amassed from innumerable searches and digital communications related to the construction industry spread across the internet. Websites, social media apps, and mobile data are some of the common sources.
In a world revolving around data, Big data plays a colossal role by improving the efficiency and accuracy of the construction project. It figures out the patterns and probabilities of the risks involved in the construction.
Big data hence helps in the clash detection tech, increasing the safety of the workers. Also, it is the crux of the analysis and assessment of the sensor inputs.
Furthermore, Big Data is the backbone of Artificial Intelligence and automation systems. This means that there is so much in store for the future!
Artificial Intelligence is the emulation of human intelligence by robots and machines. This feat is achieved by complex algorithms that help the machine understand the patterns better.
AI can increase productivity by handling repetitive tasks on its own. This economizes the construction process and helps solve the labor shortage crisis. Not only is AI a master in monotonous tasks, but it is also capable of analyzing and suggesting required improvements in the pro.
When AI combines with Machine learning- the ability to learn from its own experiences, the safety violations and risk factors can be plunged.
Machine learning (ML) also helps in predictive analytics of the project. The construction manager quickly gets an idea of the financial requirements using ML. And can save money using the data provided by the AI.
Since AI can think for itself, it provides engineers with cheaper and more efficient designs. Imagine a robot doing all the legal and technical data procedures within seconds that had taken the previous generation days, if not months. Isn’t AI awesome?
Modular Construction is a newer member of the construction technology trends. It refers to the offsite prefabrication of ‘modules’ or structures.
Modular Construction is time-saving as the site clearance and construction can be done at the same time. This also helps tackle construction delays arising from weather, geography, and other onsite factors.
It reduces the carbon emissions as the number of onsite constructions is lowered.
Also, the construction wastage is significantly reduced as the offsite subcontractors can sell the remaining modules to other clients.
It is also worth remembering that offsite construction is highly suited for locations that prefer remote work. This is mainly due to various technical difficulties at the construction site.
It does all these without compromising the quality of the structures. In fact, it can be as good as traditional buildings. Pretty cool, right?
Building Information Modeling or BIM, for short, is a 3D modeling tool. BIM assists construction professionals in planning, designing, and changing the infrastructure.
The 3D models help in clash detection and optimize the construction company goals.
BMI also makes the logistics easy by determining the essentials in advance with great accuracy. Earlier, BIM developers used to create proprietary construction softwares for their specific needs. This created problems for many parties as one’s application needn’t match with the other's solution.
Thus came the non-proprietary standards to share the BIM data. Hence, the Interoperability between parties no longer pulled the construction industry back.
Drone Technology has become invaluable in the construction industry. Drones are small flying machines that make the construction of buildings much more accessible. They are remote controlled and hence have access to places where workers can’t reach. And, they survey the whole construction site to alert potential risks and dangers. Moreover, Construction Managers can use drones to supervise the project without being physically present at the site.
These tiny flying machines provide engineers with accurate spatial data.
Drones can also be used to deliver materials to the construction site.
Aren’t these cute little robots a great addition to the construction industry?
The Internet of Things is everywhere! IoT is what happens when mechanical devices meet the software and technological devices. They are capable of generating and operating the data from their surroundings. Construction Project managers are eager to adopt this community of devices in their works.
IoT is primarily used in sensors, construction wearables, and maintenance systems. But they are also present in the electrical and mechanical systems, used to control and monitor the data.
As expected, they improve the safety of the workers.
By increasing efficiency, IoT helps reduce project costs.
Another important aspect of IoT is its significance in building automation. IoT plays a massive role in implementing the results of BIM too.
Just as importantly, IoT also helps with the nagging waste management issues as they can easily be made sustainable.
Another big one among the trends in construction technology is cloud Computing. Cloud Technology facilitates accessing, modifying, administration, using, and exchanging data from remote locations. These are done using specific construction softwares.
Cloud Computing hence assists the construction companies for more lucid communication. The engineers, architects, and other contractors can share their ideas and plans without the worry of being misunderstood.
Cloud communication has greatly enhanced the speed and performance of construction projects. It has changed the nature of every project from a local to a global scale.
Naturally, the availability of instant data exchange has amplified the productivity of construction companies greatly. Also, it helps in cutting down the unwanted costs arising from miscommunication between the contractors.
Anyone with mobile technology can instantly access data from cloud storage. Even your own mobile device is capable of this feat!
As the name suggests, the idea behind 3D printers was “machines that could print three-dimensional shapes.” The tech adoption of this fascinating idea was a huge success.
This new technology, although expensive, is driving the construction industry to new heights.
Its advantages include speed, waste reduction, and flexibility in designs. 3D Printing also abates human errors caused in the manufacturing of materials, especially concrete.
The high startup fee of 3D Printers is justified by the profit it generates from the cheap production of construction materials.
Although this construction tech is in its natal phase, the innovation strides expected from it are pretty high in the industry!
Yes! You heard it right. Towering buildings, which are represented as the stark opposite of the wilderness of the woods, can also be, well, Green!
Green Building Technology refers to the erection of buildings in a sustainable manner.
This replaces the traditional home appliances with energy-efficient ones and includes shifting to Solar Power as the primary energy source.
A key aspect of Green Building Technology is the Conservation of water. This, too, is cost-efficient. Another big plus of making your buildings green is that they use low-emission materials and have thermal insulation on the walls.
Not only does this help the planet heal, but it is also cheaper than the conventional buildings in the long term. But sadly, most people tend to overlook this fact and stray away from it at the sight of high installation costs.
Shelter is one of the most important factors for survival. For human beings, buildings are not just shelters. They can be home, workplace, stadiums, auditoriums, halls, and so on. So the construction of buildings isn’t gonna stop anytime soon. In fact, the rate of new structures is increasing day by day.
Hence, it is necessary to increase productivity too. Also, these days, the labor shortage problem is plaguing the whole planet.
Construction Technology answers all these questions and paves the way for a better, brighter, and greener future!
