Construction economy uses technology in order to improve the efficiency and sustainability of construction management, as well as processes on site. Since quite some time, technology is a major player in the construction market. OnIndus presents a variety of innovative construction techniques. read more?
1. BIM
It is important to remember that the layout and design of buildings are a collaborative process. Many stakeholders contribute, such as engineers, architects, contractors, and customers. With the old system, it’s difficult to monitor changes because each individual is responsible for their own file. The result is that many versions of a single plan are produced, which can cause confusion. The solution to this is advanced BIM software, which offers a central data base that allows all stakeholders to work together on the same model. In 6D BIM, energy budgeting is taken into consideration. 5D BIM includes overlays for cost and time. They can identify conflicts earlier in the project and increase workflow efficiency. Combining AR and VR with building information models allows for rapid virtual testing.
2. Robotics and Construction
Construction is still one of most labour-intensive industries in the world. The repetitive tasks and long-term processes can be completed faster with automation and robotics. The use of construction robots can also help reduce the risk of human error or fatigue. For example, collaborative robots can accurately handle repetitive bricklaying tasks, such as riveting or bar tying. Robotics is also able to handle heavy fleets, equipment, and digging. The safety of workers in construction is improved while operational times are reduced. The use of robots in construction increases efficiency for the entire project, reduces labor costs and improves safety.
3. Construction Project Management
Digital project management is a new trend in the construction industry that uses cloud-based technology to help meet objectives for quality, time, and costs. The project manager has already defined the construction process. Project managers use AI prediction models in order to assess the feasibility of work during the first phase. After the approval, the project manager will assign everyone milestones. He or she then allocates all resources to ERP software. The cloud, as a complement to ERP, offers transparency and allows for large data storage. The digital construction management system reduces the amount of waste produced, increases labor productivity and ensures on-time completion.
4. Recent Building Materials
The construction industry is moving towards flexible and eco-friendly approaches. The use of bacteria to create self-healing cement is growing in popularity as it’s a natural material. The building industry is also embracing sustainable materials, such as fungal composites. bioplastics, or bio-foam. Next-generation novel materials include aerogels, graphenes, spider silks, graphite composites and hydroceramics. These materials are thinner and more capable of storing water. Bamboo, translucent woods, aluminum foam, cross-laminated plywood, and translucent hardwoods are all advanced aluminum and hardwood materials. They have better strength and biodegradability. Many startups are trying out new ideas.
5. Offsite Construction
The offsite construction method is the most recent development in the construction industry. This allows elements of a building to be manufactured, designed and constructed at a manufacturing facility. Traditional buildings are more expensive due to weather-related issues. This is because they require extra labor hours, and have contingency fees. The amount of trash generated by on-site construction is also significant. The offsite builder, in contrast, changes the lifecycle of construction from the perspective of sustainability, quality and worker safety. Offsite building uses cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing, new assembly methods, and a wide range of materials. Offsite construction begins with volumetric building. It includes pod and modular construction. With this technology, heavy 3D structures, like rooms or homes, can also be prefabricated. Second, panelized construction involves flat sheets being produced in a manufacturing facility and used as walls, flooring, or ceilings.