It seems as though each and every day more and more technological advancements come to light. From artificial intelligence (AI), self-driving cars, and augmented reality, the possibilities are endless. But what does all this mean for the construction industry? How will the industry be impacted and what can construction workers expect to see in the not so distant future? The following is a list of some of the newest technological advancements and how they may be implemented in the construction industry.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. This new technology has been implemented in several video games however, whose to say that this technology can’t be applied to the construction industry? Augmented reality could revolutionize how projects are designed and built. Some believe that before long, instead of using safety goggles, workers will start planning and plotting sites before even breaking ground!
BIM- Building Information Modeling
BIM is a collaborative method of working based on the generation and exchange of data and information between various project parties. While already a popular tool used within the industry, BIM is expected to continually grow and increase in popularity. Generally speaking, BIM helps to bring more accuracy to the building process and facilitate the exchange of important project information between stakeholders. This collaborative data ecosystem is expected to make projects more productive and affordable.
Drones
Many construction sites are already utilizing drone technology. The number of construction companies utilizing drones in the field is only expected to rise as time progresses. Drones can save industry professionals a lot of time and subsequently money. One way we can expect to see drones being used is to survey sites. Drone technology allows surveyors the ability to survey an entire site in minutes as opposed to several weeks and even months.
Self-Healing Concrete
Several industry professionals believe that we can expect to start seeing self-healing concrete used on roads, buildings, and homes. Self-healing concrete contains bacteria which will allow cracks in concrete to be fixed without needing construction workers. The concrete is mixed with a bacteria called Bacillus Pseudofirmus and an organic nutrient called Calcium Lactate. The bacteria can lie dormant in the concrete for up to 200 years after construction. After concrete cracks, water gets into the concrete which activates the bacteria inside. Once activated the bacteria starts producing limestone to fill in the cracks naturally. This whole process can fix the concrete in just 3 weeks!
Robotics
Although not as new, robotics is a technology that should not be overlooked. Many industries are investing a lot of money in this technology. The construction industry may want to pay attention to this trend. As these robots become more precise and accurate, they may just become a commanding force within the industry. Eventually, we might start to see robots performing tasks such as laying bricks. The future of the construction industry looks bright. With these new technological advances, nearly anything is possible!