Five Technologies That Are Changing The Construction Industry
The construction industry has benefited massively from a large number of technological advancements over the years. Many within the industry predict that in a decade a building site will look very different. Here are the five of the most game-changing technologies in the construction world, according to the World Economic Forum.
Drones
Construction projects benefit from an aerial vantage point and thanks to drone technology it’s quicker and easier than ever to get an eye in the sky to collect video, photos and data that you can put to work on a project.
3D Printing
One of this decade’s most interesting innovations, 3D printing can be used to create construction components or to ‘print’ entire buildings. Construction is well-suited to 3D printing as much of the information necessary to create an item will exist as a result of the design process, and the industry is already experienced in computer aided manufacturing. The recent emergence of building information modelling (BIM) in particular may facilitate greater use of 3D printing.
Building information models
Building information models are files which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding a building or other built asset. Use of BIM goes beyond the planning and design phase of the project, extending throughout the building life cycle, supporting processes including cost management, construction management, project management and facility operation.
Smart devices
A lot of the devices used in the construction industry can be linked to smart phones and computers, allowing real time data to be conveyed. These devices can help with Plan viewing, Task management, Issue Tracking and to increase productivity
Virtual Reality
Many of the problems found in the construction industry are directly correlated with the inability of field personnel, designers, architects and engineers to truly experience a project before it is built. Virtual Reality can solve this problem. 3D modeling and BIM programs, which has impacted the field of project modeling, can now be adapted to VR tools to visualize a fully virtual representation of an idea in a new dimension at a relatively low cost. VR can also be used to aid sales giving prospective customers a view of the finished product, even when it is under construction.
Source: www.forbesmiddleeast.com