Posted By:Infra Bazaar
The last decade has seen an overwhelming spurt in the field of technology, everything we do, today, has changed the way we function. Infrabazaar takes stock of a few tech products that have infiltrated construction scenes and have been impacting them, positively so…
AI: Artificial Intelligence has now become a very important part of the construction industry. This allows the collection of data through the analysis of visual data. It is used to deter potential risk factors. Sometimes machinery enabled with AI is used on the forefront for risk-based tasks, while humans deal with comparatively low-risk or safer works.
Drones: Drones are yet another latest & almost unavoidable technological inclusion, that is used to collate data from sites. It is also being used as a safety measure. Drones reduce the dependency on manual labour and minimise errors. Some of the popular choices in drones are DJI Phantom 4 RTK, MicroDrone mdMapper 1000G, SenseFly eBee X, Delair UX11 among many others.
Laser scanning: It is one of the most popular technological inclusions in the construction industry, as it gives the most accurate data about the site. Right from inventory to keeping track of stages of construction, this helps with improving the accuracy and quality of construction. The ability to get a quick scan helps get answers almost instantly, which otherwise would lead to a waiting period when done the conventional way. Some names in the world of scanning solutions are Reality Capture Software, ScanStation P40, RTC 360, BLK360.
Computer-Assisted Designing: It is a modern substitute for manual drawings. The best thing is the ability to create simulated looks of what the end product is likely to look like. Designers can create 2D or 3D designs of buildings offering easy modifications to the models using this software in no time.
BIM (Building Information Modeling): This technology comes with many benefits allowing the building of a virtual structure before actually starting any work on any given project. It gives insights into potential risk factors and possible defects that could arise in the future. This can reduce risks and lower the overall project cost. For instance, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk BIM 360, Vectorworks Architect, Tekla Structures BIM Software, and Graphisoft ARCHICAD to name a few
Various software specifically for construction needs: A lot of softwares have seen the light of day that are designed for information sharing and staying updated on schedules and tasks, some for administrative issues and others for handling paperwork. Some softwares are used for accounting, estimation of cost and also the management of projects.
Prefab and modular construction: It is a fortune to the construction industry. Prefabrication and modular construction are similar. It is a game-changing practice where all the components of buildings are manufactured at a different site and then carried to the site of construction. Workers assemble all the structures and hand them over to the client. It works great when one is on a timeline and does not have the luxury of building from scratch. It saves a great deal of time and money.
3D Printing: This technology in the construction industry makes printing of materials on-site possible. Using this technology can reduce waste while saving costs on transportation and storage of materials. However mass production is a limitation. Although it is possible but can be very expensive. Some of the sources where this can be achieved are Cura, PrusaSlicer, ideaMaker, LycheeSlicer, and AstroPrint among others.
Smart wearables: It is a technology that has a very positive impact on the industry not just in productivity but also in safety. It is known to increase productivity by 8% or more! There are so many options in the smart wearable world like exoskeletons (clothes that reduce the weight and impact on the body, especially during heavy lifting), emergency alert-enabled vests, GPS-enabled and smart personal protective equipment and so on. The list keeps growing every day, with growing technology and inventions.
Smart compaction and pavement control: Intelligent compaction is a very important step in paving. It basically refers to the compaction of road material using modern rollers that comes with an integrated measuring system, GPS, computer reporting system and some feedback control. It is pivotal to get high-quality and uniformity of pavement materials that ensure the lasting performance of roads.
Weighing and monitoring tools: Using smart weighing tools has become essential for the construction industry. A simple error can result in inaccuracies and increase the accidental risks. The correct weighing solutions help the manager to determine correct and accurate figures reducing the chances of error.
Site mapping systems: These easy-to-use systems help in mapping the construction sites with precision. It helps in preliminary site analysis without having to wait for surveyors. It is similar to machine control systems with the difference, machine control systems focus on machine's location while the other works by broader approach.
Advanced materials: These advanced building materials complement the new ways in the construction field. These materials are light in weight and have high water holding capacities. Materials produced from living organisms and self-healing concrete using bacteria are the most popular along with 3D printed concrete.
Green building: It is a hot concept in construction as it involves eco-friendly measures. These optimize energy and resource utilisation reducing wastage and achievement of zero net carbon emissions from buildings.
Safety of construction workers: One of the most overlooked sector in the construction industry is workers' safety. This age construction sees to be understanding the need to follow worker safety protocols. To prevent on-site accidents immersive technologies are increasingly being used as things like PPEs or personal proactive equipment may work as a life saviour. These help in reducing the financial and physical losses
To add it up, the new age of construction is something that combines the traditional methods with a tweak of technology, playing a vital role and transforming the construction industry that we see today. Moreover, the companies that take right decisions now might emerge as the leaders in coming years in the field of construction.
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