The construction industry is one of the biggest and arguably most important sectors in the world. And while its significance is undeniable, the industry has been dealing with some incredibly challenging circumstances over the last few years, from labor shortages and material scarcities to restrictions and delays caused by COVID-19. However, the outlook is brighter than ever as the construction sector moves towards the modern era and the digital world. To that end, here are some of the most important trends in the construction industry to prepare for:
Increased safety
Safety has always been a critical concern in this industry, considering the fact that construction workers are at an increased risk of accidents, injuries, and even death on the job. This concern was only heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as certain studies have found that construction workers are five times more likely to be hospitalized due to the virus compared to employees in other fields. Fortunately, new innovations are looking to increase the health and safety of construction workers on-site, from redesigned PPE specifically made for women in the field to smart, wearable technologies that enable managers to track the health of their on-site workers in real-time.
Tech and automation
Although among the largest industries in the world, construction has historically been quite slow in adopting new, more advanced technologies. That is all about to change, however, as construction companies are noticing a loss in productivity and a consequently hurt bottom line, presenting the need for more efficient solutions. As a result, technology and automation are beginning to rise in this sector. Business management software is helping to streamline workflows, mobile applications are used for managing projects, automation software is streamlining inefficient manual tasks, and robotics is increasing in popularity in terms of production. It seems like the construction sector will have to keep up with technological advancements after all.
Modular construction
The global modular construction market has significantly grown over the last few years, and it’s only expected to continue expanding in the future. The notable increase in speed and a reduction of costs related to construction projects are among the main reasons modular building has gained such popularity. However, certain projects are still more prevalent than others. For instance, modular classrooms have become one of the most popular building solutions, and for a good reason. Promising a 40% increase in speed, experienced construction companies can maximize space while minimizing building time and provide schools with necessary buildings and amenities with no disruptions in the form of noise and waste that might distract students.
The rise of 3D printing
Modular building isn’t the only form of construction gaining track; 3D-printed solutions are rising in popularity as well. This process promises to minimize waste and turnaround times while providing custom-designed components and parts for increased flexibility. While we have yet to see 3D-printed structures on a larger scale, more practical solutions are already widely used, from equipment parts and building components to 3D-printed materials. Certain office buildings and villas around the world have already been built using 3D printing technology, but this innovation currently seems like the best, most practical solution for building low-income and emergency housing more quickly and at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional construction methods.
New building materials
Apart from 3D-printed solutions, other new types of materials are also on the rise – eco-friendly alternatives. As the need for sustainability increases across the globe, construction companies now have to demonstrate environmental consciousness while improving their profitability with the use of more affordable materials that aim to reduce the overall costs of building projects. Potential improvements in this area to prepare for include recycled materials, reclaimed wood, plant-based polyurethane rigid foam, engineered cementitious composites, hemp concrete blocks, and other similar developments. Due to their sustainable nature, these solutions might even allow construction companies to minimize waste, reduce shipping costs, and lower material costs as well.
A focus on smart cities
Sustainability has become an important aspect of urban development as well. Cities are looking to become smarter and more connected, aiming to improve the economy, environmental friendliness, as well as the overall quality of life. As smart cities become more prevalent, the nature of building projects will be more complex as well. WiFi-enabled lighting, pedestrian sensors, a new emphasis on public transport, improved waste management solutions, smarter roads that reduce vibrations, emissions, and fuel costs, as well as IoT-enabled sensors that measure noise levels, traffic flow, energy use, and air quality, are all aspects that will make future cities more efficient. Evidently, advanced technical knowledge will be needed for keeping up with these new demands.
The construction industry is clearly changing and showing potential for a major transformation in the near future. In order to stay ahead of their competitors, construction companies should evaluate their business operations and see how well they are adapting to trends like the ones mentioned above.