There are legitimate concerns regarding the construction industry’s hesitancy to ditch practices from the Stone Age. But that got us thinking about the many reasons construction workers actually deserve praise for all the steps they’ve taken in the industry – especially in the last decade. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing some of the most innovative and modern construction solutions that are being used today.
Augmented Reality
You may know AR from video game hits such as Pokémon Go or Angry Birds, or perhaps from Amazon’s “View in Your Room” feature. What if we told you that this awesome tech has found a new home in modern construction?
AR is a technology that overlays digital information onto the physical environment. In the construction industry, AR can be used to display virtual models of proposed buildings over the real-world environment. This allows contractors to get a better sense of how a building will look before it’s even built, pretty cool, right? By using AR, construction workers can also see detailed plans for a project as they are working on it, helping them to work more efficiently and accurately.
Drones
Drones have become an essential tool in the construction industry. They can be used to provide aerial views of construction sites, which allows for better planning and organization of the site. Drones can also be used to monitor progress and ensure that work is being done according to plan. In addition, this aerial tech can help to reduce risks and improve safety on construction sites by providing a bird’s eye view of the site and identifying potential hazards.
“Exciting new technologies such as drones are becoming more and more popular in construction companies. Other technological tools like mobile and desktop applications are also being embraced by many firms” (Gerardi, 2015).
Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics. This technology allows architects, engineers, and contractors to work collaboratively on a building project. By using BIM, construction workers can get a 3D visualization of a building’s structure, which enables them to identify potential issues before construction even starts. BIM is an innovative construction solution that streamlines processes and reduces costs.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication is a game changer in the industry. It is a service process in which building components are manufactured off-site and then transported to the construction site for assembly. This process increases efficiency and reduces waste on the construction site. The use of prefabricated components can also help to reduce the time it takes to complete a project since the components are manufactured in an environment with better quality control.
3D Printing
3D printing is a new and innovative technology that is being used in modern construction to create complex shapes and designs. This process allows for the creation of prefabricated components with incredible precision, reducing waste and increasing efficiency. The use of 3D printing in the construction industry is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we build buildings.
Looking for a Competitive Advantage in Construction
The tools above are not the only innovative construction solutions available. The desire for competitive advantage drives the industry forward. Materials become better, more efficient, and easier to install. Equipment, whether it is a smart track-hoe or hydraulic scaffolding, serves to bring efficiencies to companies looking to gain a competitive edge.
Better communication tools help to shorten the distance from field to office and more efficient ways to keep track of hours worked. Laser tools provide better measurements and locating while helping to mitigate risk. Over the course of history, construction companies have continuously looked for new technologies for improvement.
New and innovative ideas are lurking around every hand tool, excavator, and handheld device. As you can see, there are many innovative construction solutions being used in the construction industry today. These solutions help to streamline processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. The use of technology in construction is constantly evolving, and it’s exciting to see what new innovations will be introduced in the future. As a construction worker, contractor, or handyman, it’s important to stay up to date with these new technologies and use them to your advantage in your work. Only by doing so can we keep our industry modern, vibrant, and competitive.
