Over the last decade, rapidly developing technology has changed various industries.
The same thing goes for the construction industry. Changes are happening pretty quickly. Innovations are constantly bringing in more advancements and developments.
In this post, we’ll walk you through eight ways how construction companies can innovate their services to deliver better on their projects:
1. AI and machine learning for construction workflows
Artificial intelligence or AI is the ability of a specific technology to make decisions that are entirely independent of human input.
On the other hand, machine learning is technology’s ability to learn from past experiences and through data analysis.
Here are some ways how AI and machine learning are reshaping the construction industry:
- Enhanced safety: By utilizing various machine learning processes, the software can find risks and safety violations.
- Decreased costs: By analyzing past projects, machine learning software can find inefficiencies and thus provide more effective timelines.
- Better design: Over time, machine learning can learn that it can enhance aspects of the building design by exploring different variations.
- Over time, both artificial intelligence and machine learning affect every aspect of construction projects, from planning to closeout.
2. The next wave of 3D printing
3D printing is a type of construction technology that could affect material sourcing. During the prefabrication process, materials for a specific project can be printed, placed on the job site, and ready for use. Doing so allows you to source materials faster and streamline the process by removing extra steps.
It also allows you to print materials on-site, reducing waste and saving on transportation and storage costs.
3. Computer-aided design (CAD)
During the middle ages, people made fascinating structures using various methods of construction and design that were profound for their time.
But as centuries passed, this largely remained unchanged. It was only during the late 20th century when the computer-aided design was introduced, which irrevocably changed the construction industry. For the first time, issues in the design phase are exposed.
4. Digital twins & digital as-builts
Digital twins and digital as-builts have been around for decades. It was NASA that first used the form of this technology back in the 60s.
Digital twins are a growing construction industry trend as more and more teams move from the tiresome manual documentation.
This technology offers you real-time data during all phases of the construction and maintenance stage. You can utilize these digital representations in predicting carbon footprint, creating scenarios, and gathering real-time data through installed sensors.
You can also use this to gather design and information that allows you to have quick decisions regarding operational and maintenance costs. It also lets you make material and labor predictions.
With the help of Building Information Modeling Or BIM, they play an essential role in digital transformation in the construction industry.
5. Smart safety monitoring
This tool allows you to identify the worker’s physiological status and other potential hazards.
It enables you to detect:
- Symptoms like fatigue, overheating, inadequate respiration, etc.
- Falls
- Proximity or closeness to moving objects
- Environmental risks such as extreme temperatures, high-pressure areas, and gas.
In the same way, it can provide you with actionable responses if any of these situations are detected. Let’s say an accident happens. Appropriate medical personnel and nearby workers are alerted.
There’s also remote guiding, getting workers out of places where they are stuck, like complex structures or mines. It can even detect when a particular worker uses a machine that they’re not certified to handle.
Furthermore, it will warn the worker and alert the management if someone accesses a restricted area.
6. Augmented & Virtual Reality
With Virtual Reality, workers are exposed to environments like confined spaces or working at height in a relatively safe environment.
VR simulators have been used to train soldiers, surgeons, and pilots over the years. In the same way, they can also train workers in everything from masonry work to lifting cranes.
Augmented Reality, on the other hand, improves construction site safety. It involves developing a more detailed safety plan or providing training for heavy equipment using real equipment on actual sites through augmented hazards. There are several ways that AR can be used on the job site.
AR has enormous implications for the construction industry since it offers additional information precisely where it’s needed.
Other helpful uses of augmented reality:
- Automate measurements: AR technology helps you and your workers follow building plans accurately.
- Visualize modifications: When contractors layer project modifications directly on the job site, they can visualize changes before fully committing to them.
- Offer safety information: By knowing environmental hazards, augmented reality devices can show real-time safety information to workers.
7. Drones
Drones enable survey technology to be much more accessible. It also comes with light detection, GPS positioning, and ground-penetrating radar.
They also help with worker safety during surveys and other monitoring activities since they provide access to hard-to-reach, otherwise inaccessible locations.
Aside from that, drones are also handy for maintenance checks like thermal and visual monitoring.
8. Advanced takeoff and estimating tools
With the rising popularity of advanced takeoff and estimating tools, you no longer need to put together quantity takeoff and estimates using spreadsheets. You can now implement processes such as getting a construction estimating software that allows you to do work more efficiently and with better accuracy.
Since these solutions work in the cloud, you can view and manage bids anywhere. It also lets you connect your data and teams in a single platform, resulting in better collaboration.
Also, because of automation and 3D visualization, you can do more quickly, come up with competitive bids, and get more work done.
Over to you
So, there you have it. There’s no doubt that the construction industry is rapidly evolving. These top construction innovations are valuable to your business today and in years to come.
Adapting to the latest construction technologies and solutions and implementing them is key to making your construction business thrive. So make sure that you continuously innovate as you go. Good luck!