The 9 Powerful New Technologies in Construction

Technological innovation continues to be the driver that pushes the construction industry forward. Companies who research and utilise new technologies reap the benefits through increased productivity, improved collaboration, and accuracy when it comes to deadlines and budgets. Better technology also enables engineers and designers to push the boundaries when it comes to bigger and more efficient buildings.

Below we overview the main technologies progressing efficiency, safety and productivity on large projects across the world.

1. Modular Building

Modular Construction is the process of fabricating buildings and industrial assets in controlled settings, delivering them to site in large components, and assembling them using cranes and lifting equipment. Although it is not a new concept, modular construction has seen a revival thanks to optimization through digital modelling technologies. And whilst it is still an outlier, modular building is known to be twice as fast as regular building construction methods. Other benefits of modular construction include:

• Decreased waste: Since building modules are constructed in the same manufacturing plant, any excess from one project can easily be used on the next.
• Carbon footprint: By reducing total deliveries and time spent on-site, modular construction decreases the carbon footprint of construction projects.
• Low exposure to construction risks: Because the bulk of modular construction takes place in controlled manufacturing environments, the health & safety risks associated with busy and unpredictable construction sites is greatly reduced.

2. Augmented Reality (AR)

AR is a layer of digital information that enhances a view of the physical world. By using a digital device with AR capabilities, construction professionals can look at a job site with additional digital information laid directly on top of the image. Here are a some further uses for augmented reality:

• Automate measurements: By measuring physical spaces in real time, AR assists construction workers in accurately following designs.
• Visualization of modifications: By layering potential changes directly onto the physical job site, construction contractors can visualize potential changes and costs before committing to them.
• Safety Data: By recognizing hazards in the environment, augmented reality devices can display real-time safety information to safety planners and workers.

3. 3D Printing

3D printing involves layer-by-layer creations using robotic technology. 3D printers take a digital design and render it in the physical world. It can used a range of raw materials to create entire structures such as bridges and buildings.

Whilst 3D printing is still in its infancy for large-scale construction, entire houses have already been printed using this technology

Emerging Tech Safety

Here are some of the ways that 3D printing will benefit construction:

• Efficient materials usage: A growing field is invested in printing building materials (like cinder blocks) or entire structures (like bridges) out of concrete, producing less waste than traditional methods.
• Speed: In comparison to traditional construction an entire 3D-printed structure can come to full fruition in 2-3 days.
• Eliminating errors: Once a 3D printer receives a design, it renders it perfectly in the physical world, eliminating costly errors.

4. Exoskeletons

Back and muscular injuries continue to be one of the top workplace accidents in the construction sector. Exoskeleton suits, or exosuits, are wearable machines with motorized joints that provide extra support and power during repetitive movements like bending, lifting and grabbing. Some exoskeletons are electrically powered whilst others just redistribute weight throughout the body, but they all provide the same advantages when carrying out heavy manual work. The following are examples of exoskeletons suits for various supports:

• Lifting: This powered suit fits around the shoulders, back and waist and reduces strain during lifting.
• Crouching: Attached to the legs, a crouch support exoskeleton acts as a “chair” even when no chair is present, making it easier to crouch for long periods of time when working at floor and lower levels.
• Overhead: By redistributing weight from the shoulders, exoskeletons can prevent fatigue when performing overhead lifting in trades such as painting, plastering and carpentry.

5. Drones

Drones have already become a familiar sight on construction sites over the last 10 years. Small drones carrying camera and surveying payloads can reduce the costs of surveying processes that are traditionally very expensive. The following are some of the ways drones have been bringing value to construction projects:

• Mapping: Topographic mapping is vital during planning and design stages of construction. Drones can survey large swathes of land quickly, reducing costs by up to 90%.
• Progress tracking: Clients and project managers have the ability to remotely monitor project progress in a fraction of the time using aerial drones.
• Safety and security surveillance: Construction sites are vulnerable to theft of work equipment and materials when no one is working. They can also attract trespassers including teenagers and young children. Automated drones can react to physical movement and monitor work sites in the absence of staff and workers.

6. Robotics

Robotics in construction are still a ways off from revolutionizing the industry, but robots are firmly on the table as the industry considers strategies to deal with a labor shortage and rising material costs. Three main types of robots seem positioned to help reshape processes in the construction industry:

• Factory robots: Factory robots can repeatedly perform a single manufacturing job without error.
• Collaborative robots: These robots can physically assist workers on sites by carrying loads like construction materials and job equipment.
• Autonomous robots: Fully autonomous robots can scan the work site and perform complex tasks independently of human input or assistance. These type of robots are intended to help combat the potential future labour shortage.

7. Wearables

Internet of Things (IoT) as enabled collection of valuable data through wearable clothing, equipment and devices. In a construction setting these are typically in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE). Whilst wearables are a boon for productivity, the likelihood of mass adoption will be down to the valuable health & safety information they provide to managers and workers alike.

Here are a few construction wearables that are already available today:

• Smart boots: smart boots equipped with sensors can detect workers at risk of a collision with nearby construction vehicles.
• Smart hard hat: smart hard hats can detect workers at risk of falling asleep in safety critical roles such as machine operation.
• Smart clothing: smart vests monitor a construction worker’s vitals over a period of time allowing an understanding of peaks in fatigue that may affect judgement and performance.

8. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence is the ability for technology to make decisions independent of human input. Machine learning is the ability for technology to learn from past experiences and big data analysis. Both of these technologies have major implications for construction, where efficient and intelligent decision-making has notable effects on efficiency, productivity, and safety. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning offer the following improvements:

• Safety Predictions: By using machine learning processes, software can analyze job site photos, data, and live CCTV footage to identify risks and safety hazards – before they impact the worker(s).
• Decreased costs: By analyzing past projects, machine learning software can identify inefficiencies and propose more effective timelines.
• Better design: Machine learning can improve building design aspects by exploring hundreds of variations.

9. Building Information Modelling (BIM)

BIM is the process of creating a digital model of a structure before building it. This accurate representation of the structure enables all involved to anticipate problems, hazards, determine logistics and optimise efficiency.

• Error reduction: BIM helps reduce the need for and cost of change orders by anticipating problems early in the process.
• Logistical planning: project animations are used to help coordinate the various construction steps and processes involved, to ensure that subcontractors and suppliers only arrive on site when required.
• As-built reference: BIM creates a reference hub for the owners by providing valuable information on all facets of the building throughout its lifecycle.

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