The construction world is well-used to technological development, and at present it's going through an era of novel technologies that promise to change how things are made.

From highly advanced robotics and 3D printing to virtual reality and Internet of Things (IoT), the world of construction is seeing new equipment and procedures that enhance safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

In this blog, we'll examine six of the most thrilling new construction technologies on the horizon and discuss how they're changing the game in the way we design, construct, and maintain the buildings that define our world.

Latest Trends in Construction Technology

1. Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Among the most certainly well-liked technologies is Building Information Modelling (BIM) – an automatic process of creating a virtual 3D image of a building and its components, and applying it in designing, construction, and maintaining a building.

BIM makes communication and coordination between architects, engineers, and contractors easier, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. In the last decade, BIM developed as a standard technology in the building industry to boost productivity, quality, and sustainability.

For example, BIM was heavily utilized in the development of the Shanghai Tower, an internationally acclaimed architectural project and a model for BIM projects, due to its being one of the world's tallest and greenest skyscrapers.

Over 30 AEC consulting companies participated in the project, with dozens of subcontractors and extended design project teams handling particular areas of the massive skyscraper. They used BIM to attain the rigorous coordination necessary to witness the project to completion.

Applications

• Information is easier to share, add value to, and reuse.

• Architectural concepts can be thoroughly studied, simulations made to run fast, and performance benchmarked, allowing for improved and creative solutions.

• Environmental performance is more foreseeable and lifecycle costs are better understood.

Challenges

• Staff with limited qualifications or knowledge to seamlessly integrate BIM and construction projects.

• Switching to BIM does cost money for software, education, and time. The fact that the potential advantages outweigh the expenses is something to consider, though.

• Management of the workload of the BIM project team.

2. Prefabrication

Prefabrication, or modular construction, merely describes the construction of buildings or building components in a location other than the construction site. The method has become more and more popular in the construction industry since it can reduce construction time, reduce waste, and improve quality control

Prefabrication may be used on a wide range of construction projects such as houses, offices, schools, and hospitals. The building components are prefabricated off-site and quickly assembled on-site, reducing disruption to the surrounding area. This also offers a more timely delivery of the project, since the period of time worked on-site is drastically reduced.

Applications

• Factory tolerances and workmanship are higher in quality and consistency than on-site work.

• There is typically less waste.

• Independence from inclement weather and winter working conditions.

Challenges

• Local prefab facilities and a trained workforce to install prefab components are both available.

• The project delivery method prevents effective prefab planning; prefab does not apply to project types.

3. Drone Technology

Drones are some of the most advanced construction equipment, with numerous applications in construction, including land surveying, site mapping, structure inspection, and project monitoring.

They are able to perform site surveys quicker and more precisely than a ground team, and they are cheaper than aerial photography. They can even be fitted with different sensors for gathering information regarding environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality.

With precise information in real-time, drones make it possible to enable construction crew members to better-informed decision-making, increased safety, as well as decreasing project expenses.

Applications

• Photogrammetry provides real-world insights

• Image acquisition that is quick, repeatable, and on-demand

• Improved documentation and faster subcontractor reconciliation

• Remote access to the site to check on its current status

Challenges

• Lack of adoption or inertia in implementation due to unfamiliarity, limited

• knowledge, privacy concerns, and security concerns

4. 3D Printing

3D printing technology has already transformed the construction sector by giving an affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods of construction. 3D printing technology has the capability of creating enormous objects through layer-by-layer production, which is useful in creating complex architectural structures and geometric forms.

3D printing technology is also utilized for printing concrete and other building materials like steel and plastic. This means that you can already print materials earlier and streamline through eliminating some excess steps in the middle. With 3D printing, one can also undertake in-house material manufacturing, saving on waste, transportation, and storage fees.

Recently, a three-story apartment building in Wallhausen, Germany was designed and built using COBOD's 3D printer. It stands currently as the tallest 3D-printed residential building (most 3D-printed homes are only one story).

This project was printed on-site, therefore there were no individual parts that needed to be sent and assembled, unlike some other like-sized ambitious projects. This resulted in financial savings and also made the project more environmentally and sustainably friendly because there was no need for shipment.

Applications

• Construction sites typically generate a lot of waste, but 3D printers use only the materials needed to build something, resulting in almost no waste.

• 3D printers use materials to create lattice patterns, so recycled plastic can be used to create a strong structure.

• While traditional construction methods involve reusing plans and templates, 3D printing creates unique solutions.

Challenges

• 3D printers are expensive, and the purchase price does not include materials or maintenance.

• Finding qualified workers to work in 3D printing, and construction environments may become even more difficult in the future.

• Quality in 3D printing could become a costly mess if not constantly monitored.

5. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT, the Internet of Things, is technology that collects information from multiple interlinked devices via sensors and algorithms. This data is useful for the construction business and enables workers to identify areas of safety risk and ensure construction is on time.

Due to sensors, information in real time is now present for construction companies, enabling them to respond immediately and professionally.

Applications

• Workers can be warned if they get too close to a dangerous area using wearables designed to prevent injuries. One company that creates equipment that employees can wear is Smartcap.

• Using IoT software and techniques, the connected and monitored equipment may follow pressure, temperature, and humidity calculations to alert them of any potential danger that necessitates prompt action.

• It can be used to instantly map out the construction site.

Challenges

• Project completion on time and within budget

• Security Issues Cannot be Foreseen since some of the most frequent causes of occupational fatalities include failure of personal protective equipment, electric shock, falls from great heights, injuries from repetitive action, and trench collapse.

• It allows site managers to provide their employees with training in real time while simultaneously reducing the frequency of workplace injuries and the associated expenditures on medical care.

• A major problem is the lack of qualified workers.

6. Blockchain

Blockchain facilitates data ownership transparency. Hence, co-creation and trust among parties will become more robust, and data will be more openly exchanged. Through its unalterable ledger, the blockchain has the ability to drive higher transparency for every kind of agreement and transaction on a construction project.

It can lead to an enhanced procurement process, reducing the high level of dispersion and complexity of large projects. The origin of the resources can eliminate waste & push product quality and services forward with high accountability. Such technologies can improve predictability, both in terms of procurement and overall project delivery.

Blockchain has the potential to become the sole source of information for all elements of a construction project when combined with Building information modeling (BIM).

Such a framework may facilitate an asset's design, building, operation, and maintenance over its entire lifecycle, serving as its trustworthy digital twin.

Applications

• It allows the transfer of digital data that is inherently unique and cannot be changed, copied, or replicated.

• Cryptographic codes protect the information's integrity and security.

• The blockchain's participants independently confirm and verify any modifications that are made there. As a result, there is no requirement for third-party authentication or authorization.

Challenges

• Regarding the legality of the data uploaded to the blockchain, data authenticity will continue to be an issue, although wearable technology, biometrics, drones, and sensing technologies may limit the potential for fraud.

• Continuous internet access or ways of offline data storage, while connectivity can be established, are essential whenever construction is taking place. Keeping a duplicate of the blockchain requires a sizable amount of storage space.

7. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies are being used by the construction industry more and more for applications like viewing designs, training labor, and delivering immersive experiences to customers.

AR overlays digital information on the real world, whereas VR provides a completely simulated experience. Consider a construction worker with Google Glass receiving live updates on the job. With AR technology, employees can be given safety notifications if they exhibit signs of exhaustion, so they will take a break.

AR can also give instant access to information such as temperature and pressure, giving workers the power to identify problems early. The technology increases safety and productivity by providing vital information directly to the worker's line of sight.

Applications:

• Visualising and experiencing architectural designs before construction begins.

• Training workers on equipment operation and safety procedures in a risk-free virtual environment

• Allowing clients to "walk through" a building before it's built for better understanding and feedback

Challenges:

• Ensuring the accuracy and fidelity of virtual models and environments

• Integrating AR/VR technologies seamlessly with existing workflows and systems

• Providing adequate training for construction professionals to utilize these technologies effectively

8. Robotics

Robotics is transforming construction sites, with robots being used for tasks such as bricklaying, material handling, demolition, and even 3D printing of entire structures. Automated construction processes can improve efficiency, reduce manual labour, and enhance safety.

Applications:

• Autonomous bricklaying robots that can construct walls with high precision and speed

• Robotic material handling and transportation systems for improved logistics on construction sites

• Robotic demolition machines that can selectively deconstruct structures with precision and minimal human intervention

Challenges:

• Integrating robotic systems with existing construction processes and workflows

• Ensuring the safety of human workers operating alongside robots on construction sites

• Training and upskilling construction professionals to operate and maintain robotic systems

9. Wearable Technology

Wearable devices, such as smart helmets, safety vests, and exoskeletons, are being adopted in the construction industry to enhance worker safety, monitor health and fatigue, and improve productivity.

Applications:

• Smart helmets with built-in sensors and cameras for monitoring worker safety and site conditions

• Exoskeletons that augment human strength and endurance, reducing strain and injuries

• Wearable devices that track worker movements, vitals, and fatigue levels for better resource management

Challenges:

• Ensuring the reliability and accuracy of data collected from wearable devices

• Addressing privacy concerns related to worker monitoring and data collection

• Providing adequate training and support for workers to use wearable technologies effectively

10. Digital Twins

Digital twins are virtual representations of physical assets, processes, or entire construction projects. They leverage data from various sources, such as sensors, BIM models, and IoT devices, to create a comprehensive digital model that can be used for simulation, analysis, and optimization.

Applications:

• Creating a virtual replica of a construction project to simulate and optimize various scenarios before physical construction begins

• Monitoring and analyzing the performance of a completed structure throughout its lifecycle

• Improving maintenance and repair processes by leveraging data from the digital twin

Challenges:

• Integrating and synchronizing data from multiple sources to create accurate digital twins

• Ensuring the security and integrity of the data used to create and update digital twins

• Providing intuitive interfaces and tools for construction professionals to interact with and leverage digital twins effectively

• The future of construction technology involves creating smarter, safer, and more sustainable built environments by integrating innovative digital tools and solutions.

In Conclusion

Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies are being used by the construction industry more and more for applications like viewing designs, training labor, and delivering immersive experiences to customers.

AR overlays digital information on the real world, whereas VR provides a completely simulated experience. Consider a construction worker with Google Glass receiving live updates on the job. With AR technology, employees can be given safety notifications if they exhibit signs of exhaustion, so they will take a break.

AR can also give instant access to information such as temperature and pressure, giving workers the power to identify problems early. The technology increases safety and productivity by providing vital information directly to the worker's line of sight.

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