Since its inception, the construction industry has constantly evolved. Ingenious minds ranging from engineers and chemists to do-it-yourself property owners have brought countless innovations to the sector. All these changes have been driven by a variety of factors, including dynamic consumer demands and growing sustainability concerns to name a few. Certain new trends are currently bringing changes to the construction industry and giving it direction for the future. Many of them revolve around technology.
Technology in Construction
As is the case with most industries right now, technology is bringing about numerous transformations in construction. For one, software that’s designed specifically for construction companies is bringing them quite a few benefits. Some software solutions focus on specific aspects of construction whereas others cover every phase of the process from placing bids on projects to supply chain management. Whether construction companies need to find a Komatsu dealer for heavy machinery or outsource their waste disposal needs, software solutions can help. That’s only one trend currently taking hold, though.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a major driving force behind many of the modern evolutions in construction. It’s being used in several ways. For one, it’s being incorporated into the previously mentioned software solutions to give construction companies an added advantage in the industry. AI aids in project and resource management. It provides predictive analysis for identifying potential problems and delays. It fosters quality control and construction site safety. It can even be used to drive construction equipment and alert users of potential machinery malfunctions. Those are only a few of the possibilities.
Smart Technology
Smart technology is likewise bringing significant changes to the construction sector. Those AI-driven machines mentioned above are part of this aspect. At the same time, smart sensors can be used to monitor the condition of building materials. For example, they can be built into concrete formwork to track moisture levels, temperatures, and other factors during the curing process. Smart technology can be used to track equipment, monitor workers’ health, and measure stress on building components. All that barely scratches the surface.
From another perspective, the ever-growing internet of things is becoming an integral part of daily life. A growing number of people want it incorporated into their homes. Businesses want it to be a part of their daily operations. Entire smart cities are currently under development. Construction companies will need to keep that in mind moving forward. As such, building smart technology into structures will be changing the way they approach the construction process.
3-D Printing
Yet another promising advancement is 3-D printing. This type of technology is working its way into multiple industries, including medicine, manufacturing, science, and aerospace. Construction is no different. At present, 3-D printing is being used to create models of buildings as well as full-scale structures. It allows for faster construction and more precise delivery of materials. It also reduces the workload on humans. At this point, the use of 3-D printing in construction is relatively limited, but it’s expected to become more common and versatile moving forward.
More Resilient Structures
Trends are also taking shape in the realm of resiliency. Natural disasters, like earthquakes, floods, and storms, are becoming more frequent and severe. Many of the buildings currently in place can’t handle the stress those disasters place on them. Because of that, there’s a growing emphasis on creating buildings that are more resistent to damage. That involves using stronger, more flexible building materials, developing innovations in construction techniques, and factoring in new design principles. Technology is an essential tool in all those aspects.
Seeing Construction Into the Future
Countless new developments have come into play in the world of construction. Many others are sure to emerge in the years to come. Quite a few of the current trends in the industry involve advanced technology in one way or another. From BIM software and remote monitoring to construction equipment driven by AI, there’s endless potential here. All these innovations can make construction faster, safer, and more cost-effective. They can even help to ensure buildings last longer and have less of an impact on the environment.