13 Best Technologies for Construction Projects
The construction industry is adopting tools that make work more efficient, safe, and collaborative.
As we enter a new year of construction technology trends, we see more firms adopt key pieces of technology to improve project efficiencies. Cutting-edge tech is making its way into construction, transforming how certain jobs are performed and reshaping what’s possible on a construction site.
Here are the best technologies for construction projects for a more efficient, sustainable, and collaborative effort.
Drone Technology
Drones are inexpensive and have multiple uses in construction. They can perform aerial surveys of a site to evaluate it pre-construction, offer progress monitoring and video capture to supplement reports, and perform safety inspections or quality-related oversight, ensuring tasks are carried out correctly. Most importantly, they do all of this fast!
Building Information Modeling
BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a 3D modelling software that fosters real-time collaboration between architects, engineers, construction project managers, and project stakeholders. BIM delivers a view of physical and functional details, such as the materials, lighting, and HVAC system. This information allows details to be approved, denied, and modified.
Construction Software
Plenty of construction software can help you manage projects, from accounting to scheduling. When you utilize construction software, you can optimize and reduce costs and schedules and increase overall efficiency. The ongoing monitoring that comes with software technology also means you can resolve conflicts and unexpected developments on-site much faster.
Cloud-Based Data Sharing
Cloud-based project management software enables real-time communication, document sharing, and project tracking. Collaborate remotely from anywhere while reducing your administrative overhead costs. Send and receive data, reports, and documents with ease. Invite stakeholders to register and join you using the designated software you use.
AI And Machine Learning
AI innovates several construction technologies, including wearables, BIM, laser scanners, and data collection sensors. AI can analyze data patterns and assist with project planning, monitor worker performance, warn of any safety hazards becoming prominent, and help with project scheduling and budgeting.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Augmented and virtual reality are two forms of technology that facilitate design visualization in a way that has never been done before. Stakeholders can fully immerse themselves and experience a project before it is completed. Set them in a virtual environment to analyze what they see, make recommendations or corrections, and work toward full approval.
Safety Wearable Technology
Wearable technology in construction helps monitor a worker’s health and safety in real-time. There are several types of wearables, such as tracking falls and worker locations, which studies have shown can reduce injuries by up to 25%. This high-tech equipment and other wearable technology provide safety data that a construction project may not otherwise see.
IoT Sensors Can Monitor Everything
Use IoT sensors to generate even more data on-site. These sensors and other smart technology can monitor equipment, track materials, enhance safety, and improve project management. Achieve real-time visibility at all project stages and ensure you have full insights into seemingly every asset or resource you have placed on the project site.
Prefabricated Components
Prefabrication can dramatically speed up construction projects while improving quality and reducing potential errors. Constructing and assembling building components on-site allows you to cut on-site labour and reduce overall costs. This faster way of working is becoming more prominent in modern construction projects.
Printing In Construction
Similar to prefabrication is 3D printing. The difference is that 3D printing can create entire housing modules directly on-site and customized to the required specs. Compared to traditional builds, a study on residential homes found that 3D-printed homes could be delivered up to 70% faster. Those are major time savings!
Robotics for Repetitive Tasks
Robotics have immense potential in construction. They can perform a wide range of repetitive tasks, cutting labour costs and potentially filling positions that are hard to keep workers in. Robotics can also assist with dangerous tasks like working at heights or in confined spaces. It’s already seeing some use in bricklaying, concrete pouring, and site cleanup.
Automate Equipment and Processes
Just like robotics, automation can assist with controlling and monitoring equipment, labour, materials, and the project as a whole. Construction software can automate all administrative tasks, from issuing progress reports for clients and project stakeholders to collecting and recording invoices. Automation in the construction industry will only grow in the years ahead.
Sustainable Technologies
An entire category of eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction tech is only growing by the year. Most clients want to integrate more green building practices and technologies in construction. As net-zero energy buildings become the norm and more clients seek sustainable solutions, these technologies will continue to see an uptick in adoption.
Final Thoughts
As construction progresses, new technologies change how projects are planned, carried out, and managed. Drones offer quick site assessments, while eco-friendly practices match the goals of today's environmentally aware world.
The construction industry is adopting tools that make work more efficient, safe, and collaborative. As these technologies improve, they will shape a future where construction projects become more efficient, sustainable, and impactful.
