A revolution is taking place on the tech front. Evolution in technology is changing the operational ability of various industries. It spawns from boosting the efficiency of everyday operations to producing advanced high tech products. Generally, the ability of the companies to acclimatise and adopt technological changes help them survive the competitive business world. In this article, we have listed various construction technologies that have become a necessity to survive and grow in the competitive construction world.
Mobile Apps
Mobile devices top the list of most widely used technology today. The easy to use apps allow workers to access the documents, share and edit the information from the field. More advanced devices developed for the field have screens that lit better and can be used in poor weather conditions and bright daylight. More specifically, some industry-specific components such as radio frequency identification readers and barcode scanners aid in tracking materials, equipment and shipment.
BIM
Another widely used technology is BIM. The latest versions include an increased amount of information added to the model. For instance, checking the historical database to boost delivery of information on simple construction project scheduling, and site conditions. The technological advancement facilitates connecting BIM models to several devices on the field. Real-time sharing boosts productivity. Team members having access to the project BIM model is expanding. Moreover, it links the data sets and uses the machine learning abilities, and enables faster, real-time delivery of the information.
Laser Scanning
Laser scanning provides tremendous efficiency in evaluating as-built conditions or sites. Field measurements done with laser scanners take into account all the geometric data in the form of “print cloud”. Laser scanners are not only accurate; these display a precise state of space or the facility. It helps to assess the risk of any clashes between the current conditions and the new construction elements. This data can be added to the CAD or BIM files. It leads to cost and time savings. The future developments can be seen in faster incorporation of data, and better design streamlining. Earlier, importing print cloud data into a building site was time-consuming. Now the task has turned more accurate and faster.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is a boon for a company that aims to manage a fleet of equipment. When GPS hardware is installed in every vehicle, it enables communication with the “home base” through satellite helping managers see where the vehicles are.
Telematics system and field tracking software offer quick data about the equipment conditions as well as the field conditions. In future, GPS tracking is expected to include a higher connection with other systems.
Drones
Unmanned vehicles have been in use for many years now to reach locations that cannot be accessed easily by humans. All the images taken assist in inspecting and assessing the project as well as raise the understanding of the progress and the conditions. Drones are also known for tracking the logistics, the workforce and the deliveries. Lately, a few companies are taking drone footage and transforming them into 3-D pictures so that they can be compared to the architectural plans.
3-D Printers and Robotic Constructors
Plastics, extruded concrete and other materials are utilised for making building materials and even the entire buildings. For instance, a 3-D printed office was constructed in Dubai recently. Robotic arms combined with 3-D printers have been employed for printing a variety of forms. Engineers are working on enhancing the scalability and agility of the activities.
Big Data and the Internet of Things
Until now, the big data involved just asset management. For instance, sensors on the buildings can gather readings to evaluate building performance, and some historical data can be utilised for informing scheduling decisions. Contractors have started using tech to track equipment usage, maintenance and fuel usage while the construction equipment manufacturers are investing heavily in intelligent machines.
Parting Thoughts
It’s time to embrace the new technologies with an appropriate strategy and some forward thinking. It will assist in achieving the best quality product and make it easy to move into an automated future.
