The construction industry is perhaps one of the few sectors that have not been very open to new technologies. This is because of many reasons, and one of the main reasons is perhaps because it takes years for planning and completion of a project.
However, of late, there are many forward-looking construction companies and entrepreneurs who are beginning to understand the importance and benefits of using new technologies.
If we look at many modern-day construction works, it is common to see the use of autonomous drones, virtual reality, concrete 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and other such technologies. These technologies help quite a bit in improving efficiency and also productivity, at each and every stage.
These include planning to construction. They come in handy for complex construction jobs like foundation and even for simple things such as collapsible cone. There are many new technologies that are making their presence felt, and here are a few of them that are becoming quite popular.
Use Of Drones
Drones have mostly been used for reconnaissance and military purposes. However, they are now also used in the construction industry. These drones add quite a bit of value whenever there is a need to map out areas and possible sites that are hazardous and far-flung.
They offer a better way of digitally mapping out the probable construction sites, and they are known for their accuracy. They prevent errors from happening, and this indeed is a big takeaway. Mistakes could lead to time overruns and increased costs.
Drones can help in adding value by increasing the accuracy, speed, and safety standards associated with various cycles of constructions.
3D Printing
3D Printing is a high tech feature that is used regularly by NASA for building spacecraft and other such flying vehicles. Experts in the construction industry believe that this technology can be put to use in the building of apartments, bridges, tunnels, commercial constructions, and other such large-sized projects.
Usage of 3D makes it possible to use embedded wireless technology quite effectively. It can be embedded in the walls of the property. This makes it possible to integrate technology and have the right environment that is needed for smart buildings.
BIM – Building Information Modelling
Usage of new technologies comes with many advantages, and there are quite a few of them that are coming into vogue.
One of the biggest challenges for the construction industry is staying within budget. Using BIM or Building Information Modeling technology can help in managing and generating digital representations for having a better understanding of the functional and physical characteristics of various construction sites.
The good thing about BIM is that it is being used by medium and also small sized building companies and even individual home builders in some cases. The future looks quite encouraging for BIM because it is likely to be used extensively for automated maintenance and other such supporting activities. This will be spread across the entire lifecycle of the properties.
The property managers would be in a much better position to know about the various fixtures and fittings and also have updated information about installation dates, service intervals, certificates, and other such useful information. All these could be obtained from the original construction details.
Smart Devices
Usage of smart devices in construction could add a lot of value to the industry. They could help in better management of projects and make changes quite rapidly and speedily.
On the contrary, if such changes were to be made using conventional technologies, it could lead to quite a bit of wastage of time, money, and effort. These are mobile-based applications, and therefore, they are user-friendly and are capable of offering solutions that are quite fast. It also could help a lot in moving towards a paperless system.
Virtual Reality
Visualizations of construction is indeed a fantastic value addition, and many house buyers, architects, civil engineers, and project manager are showing a keen interest in it. They do stand benefitted quite a bit using this VR in their construction activities.
It could come in handy for making changes to color schemes, potential refurbishments, and designs, and all this can be done without having to visit the site. The good thing is that the end-users or customers are showing a lot of interest in VR, and many of them are insisting that it should be made a part of any modern-day construction activity.