As technology continues to develop and grow, we can expect that the construction industry will continue to transform each passing year. Here are the top 10 construction trends shaping the industry.
1. Prefabrication
Construction managers are beginning to realize the importance of prefabrication. Instead of sequentially constructing structures, this allows the contractors to work on multiple projects all at once; resulting in faster, safer, and less expensive plan.
2. Energy Saving Building Systems
Construction firms are getting more environmentally conscious and as much as possible, they look for ways on how to reduce carbon footprint while improving energy-efficiency at the same time. Energy saving buildings are the result of this.
3. 3D Modeling
For the past few years, architectural models have changed. Instead of 2D drawings, 3D drawings are now being used to offer better visualizations of the project. This allows the consultants to utilize BIM in structural engineering, as well as in electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems to ensure that there wouldn't be any problems later on.
4. Smart Buildings
As buildings get more connected with the system that offers data monitoring and access, it gives the owners the privilege of being able to track and monitor remote access. That means aside from being able to follow the facility's systems; it has become possible to automate them as well.
5. Smart Traffic Barriers to Speed up Emergency Responses
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors worldwide. Fortunately, with intelligent traffic barriers, the authorities would automatically be alerted during emergency situations, and this would significantly lower the number of fatalities. Likewise, this kind of technology also allows technicians to monitor the whole area.
6. Integrated Mobile Technology
The construction industry has been utilizing mobile devices to file reports and share necessary information within the job site. The use of this doesn't only reduce the overall cost but also improves the reliability of the stories. Furthermore, through the use of custom applications on mobile devices, project teams can now answer questions right away.
7. UAVs
Also known as drones, UAVs are small devices with cameras that are used to take aerial shots or videos. These can be controlled using an Android device, iPad, or even an iPhone. Construction managers are slowly integrating this into the construction site as they are quite helpful when it comes to creating 3D models and digitization of the project.
8. 3D Printers
3D printers are machines utilized to create a 3D design and is now being used in the construction industry to create 3D models. The beautiful thing about this is that not only does it speed up the process, but it's also more environmentally friendly.
9. Robotic Automation
In the construction industry, there are specific tasks that should be repeated over and over again. This can be labor-intensive, but with the use of robotics, it would be something that's easy to carry out. Robots and automated technology are being developed to handle specific tasks, such as bricklaying, masonry, and many more. Skilled workers would then be able to focus on jobs that are more important.
10. Self-Healing Concrete
Last, but not least would be self-healing concrete that's capable of repairing its cracks. The material is referred to as “concrete,” capable of self-healing. When the specific starts to crack, and water enters the space in between the cracks, this would come in contact with the concrete bacteria, and this will serve as its food source-- where the healing process begins.
