Technology has taken over almost every industry in the world, and construction is no different. With the fast digitalisation of many processes in the construction industry, tasks that were once thought to be challenging or even impossible to achieve can now be done within a fraction of the time and at a much lesser cost.
Here’s how technology and the analysis of digitalisation are reinventing the construction industry:
The fourth industrial revolution
For many years, construction has stuck with traditional methods that while still efficient, took a lot of time, effort and resources to fulfill. But over the last few years, we are seeing what would be called the beginning of the fourth industrial revolution, a time when more technological innovations will take over most of the traditional construction processes.
For instance, a Manchester measured survey is now capable of using a 3D laser scan to generate data about a structure, which will then be rendered through 3D BIM models that will allow architects, contractors and engineers to plan renovations and additions to a building or just evaluate its progress throughout the years.
This new phase in the construction industry focuses on maximising productivity, increasing efficiency and reducing the risks for accidents and injuries in the construction site.
The rise of big data
Big data has been widely used in a lot of industries around the world and in construction, it refers to big sets of information from the past and present that can be used for different innovations within the industry.
3D BIM models, as built 2D AutoCAD drawings and other modern construction methods now utilise big data. Why? That is because it allows for architects, engineers and contractors to analyse patterns using historical data.
It also lets them create more efficient plans for construction projects using traffic, weather and community activities that are recorded through big data.
Big data also helps with making buildings more energy efficient, using the right tools to avoid downtime and accidents during projects and allowing for easier building maintenance measures once a building is done.
The popularity of offsite construction
Offsite construction has been around for quite some time, but it has gained more momentum over the last few years due to the need to complete construction projects faster and at a lower cost.
With offsite construction, technology such as 3D laser scanning and point cloud survey can be used to conduct offsite construction for projects that are repetitive in layout and design such as apartments, hotels and schools.
This process involves manufacturing different parts of a structure in a restricted and controlled location and just have them shipped and assembled on site.
With the help of technology, offsite construction enables contractors to reduce the risks in construction sites while still making sure that every part of a structure is built according to standards.
The evolution of BIM through virtual reality
An as built 3D BIM model has been used a lot in construction projects because of its benefits in giving construction teams a better perspective of a project.
But with the help of technology, BIM is now a lot better when combined with virtual reality, which allows contractors, engineers and architects to see and understand even the most complex projects.
Having this advantage is very helpful because it helps experts create plans that are more efficient while making sure that potential mishaps and accidents can be avoided.
Wearables such as smart glasses are also now being used in conjunction with virtual reality to make safety and risk management a lot easier while completing tasks faster than traditional methods.
The bottomline
As we embrace more of technology in the construction industry, we can also look forward to faster yet more efficient projects, smarter innovations and more developments that will allow us to live in better spaces in the future.
At the end of the day, technology will give the construction industry the tools to cut down costs, reduce the risks for injuries, maximise resources and ensure that every project is done right, all while taking into account the basic foundations of construction.
