The construction industry is evolving gradually. Therefore, construction firms need to leverage upcoming technologies to gain a competitive edge. New technologies are effective in reducing waste on construction sites and increasing the profit margins. Here are the key trends shaping the future of construction.
Utilising Technology to Improve Efficiency
With the construction industry facing a shortage of labour, companies are leveraging innovative techniques to improve efficiency. The use of smart contracts makes it easy to track projects. With the shared system used for smart contracts, construction firms can buy, track, and pay for services in one system. It provides an efficient way of handling contracts and improved security.
The use of drones to map out the construction site offers real-time data. The data gathered is useful in decision-making. Drones can also help with the increasing theft in construction sites. It can be used in video surveillance of the construction site instead of hiring security personnel.
The utilisation of augmented reality continues to provide new applications that assist in decision-making. The use of 3D visualisation of a building helps house owners to make changes before actual construction begins. The construction crew benefits from the automated building measurements and safety simulation before the project starts.
Modular Construction
Prefabricated buildings are famous due to the speed at which the construction projects are completed. Modular construction methods involve manufacturing of prefabricated units in a controlled environment. After production, they transport the units to the actual construction site and join the pieces to form modular buildings. This type of construction method is ideal for creating repetitive structures like offices, schools, and hotels. Prefabrication will continue to trend due to the efficiency of the process. Manufacturing the units in the factory means construction continues irrespective of the weather. Besides, materials used to make the prefabricated buildings are recycled to ensure minimum wastage. Modular construction generally saves time, money, and construction materials.
Green Construction
Construction industries contribute to carbon emissions. With the demand for more buildings, the environmental impact is significant. Therefore, environmentally friendly construction methods are becoming the norm in the industry. Green construction is not different from the standard building procedure. However, it aims to lower the use of non-renewable sources of energy and to reduce the carbon footprint. Green buildings are beneficial to both the environment and the occupants. There is an increase in research into the green construction methods as more construction companies adopt green technologies.
Sustainability
Sustainability is almost similar to green technology. However, green construction aims at lowering the emission of greenhouse gases. On the other hand, sustainability covers construction techniques, business models, and improvement of society. Sustainable construction incorporates efficiency in resource utilisation, conservation of non-renewable resources, and promoting cultural sustainability. An excellent example of sustainable building designs is utilising natural light to light a building by increasing windows or the addition of floodlights. The use of natural light automatically reduces electrical cost. There is an increasing interest in sustainable construction methods by consumers. Therefore, many companies are incorporating the features into their construction projects.