Construction technology trends for 2020
The construction sector is undergoing a radical change in recent years. Looking back a few years ago, the progress is obvious.
Accelerations in technology are introducing an extensive digital transformation in the construction industry. Today, there are numerous examples of how technology is bringing a revolution in this industry.
Augmented Reality
The augmented reality is expected to be worth $90 billion by next year as it continues to provide new applications. On the client front, augmented reality means efficient project staging and making pre-construction projects tangible for buyers and tenants.
For the builders and developers, AR facilitates the use of wearable technology as well as 360-degree video to enable:
1) 3D visualization of future projects on their surrounding environment;
2) Automated building measurement;
3) Fast and affordable simulation of architectural and structural changes;
4) Safety training and hazard simulations.
Construction software and data ecosystem
The ability to integrate existing processes and systems into a single fully-connected platform can empower the way people in the industry work. Many software solutions for different functions and disciplines in the course of a construction project can now effortlessly be combined in one place.
The use of digital tools facilitates the accumulation of these valuable bits of information and by extension, the minimization of delays, rework rates, and communication hiccups between the site and the office.In this sense, reliable real-time collaboration software is expected to function as the digital backbone for the construction process from start to finish.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM is becoming standard on high-end projects such as infrastructure. There are many different levels of programming enabled through BIM. 4D and 5D BIM are two very representative examples.
Generally speaking, BIM will grant more precision in the construction process and allow the exchange of important project information among the many stakeholders. Furthermore, its evolution is expected to make construction projects more productive and cost-effective by including revolutionary sustainability and safety measures.
Some of the top BIM software solutions available in 2020 include Autodesk BIM 360, Revit, Navisworks, Tekla BIMsight, BIMobject, and BIMx.
In 2020, you will find increased adoption of higher levels of BIM in the industrialization of construction.
Drones
A lot of construction sites are already heavily dependent on the use of drones. Drones are used to monitor more efficiently the progress against the project program and provide greater project certainty.These drones are very beneficial in that they save a lot of time. For instance, surveyors can survey a site in a fraction of minutes, whereas in the past it’d take them several weeks or months. Obviously, this will also save construction companies a lot of money.
Robotics in construction
Autonomous vehicles are increasing safety and efficiency with round the clock working.
Robots to become a commanding force in the construction arena with its offering of precision and accuracy. The cost of robotics may be high at the beginning, but it will be well worth the benefits.
You may witness robots laying bricks and tying rebar or completing man-operated construction projects.
With various types of robots, such as collaborative industrial robots and logistics robots, you can expect more extensive adoption of robotics in construction. So, get ready to embrace robots as they assist in tasks that would take a human worker more effort.
Advanced uses for GPS
GPS tracking solutions aren’t anything new, but they’re now being used in more creative.
Data for prospective project sites can be quickly and accurately collected.
Project managers are using GPS in fleet management. Nowadays, each of their vehicles is equipped with a device that is tracked using both computers and smartphones. This provides everyone with the ability to know where the vehicles are.
It’s easier to find lost or stolen equipment because managers can now generate maps that pinpoint the exact location of any of these items.
3D printers in construction
With 3D printers and scanners, it is possible to build actual or virtual models. Models can be built in different stages of construction, for comparison purposes, for analysis, to check for oversights, reduce the possibility for mistakes and future corrections. This is very significant and important since it can reduce the time and cost of construction. In recent times, and in more evolved companies, 3D printers are being used to make entire objects or parts of those objects. They are a great solution for different complex or unusually shaped parts and structures.
Machines like the Concreative Concrete 3D features the world’s largest 6-Axis arm 3D Printer, capable of creating elements up to 4.5m in height and up to 6m in length in one shot.
3D printing can decrease transportation risks and environmental sensors to detect noise, heat, and wind at construction sites and serve as warnings to evacuate construction workers and move costly construction equipment.
Cloud and mobile technology
Most mobile devices can leverage cloud technology from anywhere, at any time. There are many great benefits to this, including storing almost limitless amounts of information that you can then share instantly with the touch of a button.
Another dominant trend is Cloud-based Collaboration. Effective communication is a prerequisite for the successful execution of any project, and construction projects are inclusive.
With cloud-based collaborations, you can also look out for a real-time collaboration.
Cloud can help contractors to work on the same sets of data across the back office. And you will find projects running in real-time with accurate data and digitization, eliminating various manual tasks, saving time, providing greater cost flexibility, and improving profitability and productivity.
Conclusion
These construction industry trends are changing the business and global landscape. By adopting new practices, leveraging new technologies, and investing in new projects, builders and developers can reduce risk, win more contracts, and enjoy profitability.
Without a doubt, 2020 is expected to be a breakthrough year for the construction industry. A data-driven sector with emphasis on collaboration and real-time communication is hopefully around the corner. Only then, construction stakeholders can hope for higher productivity rates and fewer painful project delays.