Undoubtedly, technology has advanced the world as we know it. No industry has been left untouched, including construction. Innovations in building materials and construction processes have revolutionized nearly every aspect of commercial and residential structures.
How has advancing building materials changed the way today’s buildings are established, and what does this mean for the future of construction? This blog will explore the role of construction technology in each step of the design and implementation process and how these innovations have streamlined the finished product.
From One-At-a-Time to Mass Construction: The Future of the Industry
When was the last time you considered having a home or commercial building designed from scratch? If it’s been more than a few years, chances are, you were quoted a long delay due to problems like material shortages, high demand and low supply of workers, and permit restrictions.
Until recently, changes in construction technology weren’t easily accepted due to concerns about safety and sustainability — understandable in an industry where the finished product is often the highest expense an individual will encounter. Yet, the lack of advancements meant continually slow construction times.
But today’s professional architects know how to work around the reasons for those delays. For example, FMP Construction explains how steel, a favorite material for commercial structures due to its durability, has evolved into structural steel and pre-engineered options. Pre-engineered steel is created in a factory and sent to the site to be assembled by the crew, making it easier to handle.
Today’s construction of a red iron building may involve industrial-grade steel primed with red-tinted iron oxide mixed with other alloys. Together, these changes allow for shorter construction times without sacrificing the finished product’s durability, strength, and longevity.
Digital Technology and Smart Construction
The end result is the new potential for mass construction of multiple buildings erected on a job site in significantly less time. However, whether pre-engineered, red iron or other, steel isn’t the only building material with advanced construction.
Just as wireless networking has simplified everything from e-commerce to information accessibility, digital technology has impacted construction. Smart equipment, integrated software, and long-distance connectivity streamline nearly every aspect of a project, from design to the finished product.
Let’s look at how other changes have shaped the industry and how it is set to evolve even further in the future.
IoT (Internet of Things)
If you’re like most people, you’ve used the internet for everything from social media to researching products and services before you buy. The Internet of Things is an extension of the overall World Wide Web. It refers to the network of physical “things” connected to the internet.
Any object that uses sensors, software, or other advanced technology to connect to the internet and exchange data with other systems and devices is part of the IoT. This category can include vehicles, tablets, home appliances, wearables, and anything that transmits data online.
Working together, IoT devices allow those in construction (and other industries) to monitor construction sites in real-time, communicate information instantly, and exchange data to drive decisions.
BIM (Building Information Modeling)
Architecture begins with a blueprint map, and technology has changed how these designs are created. Digital representations of a building’s characteristics are entered into Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.
Using BIM, everyone involved in the project, from architects and engineers to contractors, can collaborate, plan, and monitor resources and the progress of construction. This real-time coordination helps streamline the job, predict and eliminate obstacles, and reduce errors — and, therefore, increase cost and time efficiency.
Smart Tools
As mentioned in the IoT section, physical objects are becoming indispensable to the construction industry. One category that stands out is the development of smart tools.
Sensors and data analytics monitor the behaviors of workers and equipment through wearables and smart technology. By catching any problems early, the safety of workers, consumers, and equipment is significantly increased.
Predicting the Future of Construction
While these advancements are exciting and have already shifted the current landscape of the construction industry, the future looks even more promising. Technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D printing, green applications, and other burgeoning innovations are set to create another shift, making building homes and commercial structures even more efficient and sustainable.
Conclusion
With consistent evidence of long-term safety and sustainable improvements, more construction companies are integrating technology into their processes. However, many of these advancements are still in their early stages, requiring training, education, and tweaking to improve efficiency.
As technology continues to grow, keeping up with advanced building materials will be a challenge. Companies choosing to benefit from these changes will need to be prepared to invest resources into the continued development of workers and equipment.
But along with this commitment to growth will come advantages like faster, more efficient, and safer construction processes, boosting the bottom line for everyone involved.