Construction technology trends to watch

In the recent years the dynamics of construction technology trends have been influenced by different emerging trends due to the challenges of the building industry.

From IoT and advanced analytics to 3D printing and robotics the new construction technologies are transforming the industry.

Here are 8 construction technology trends that will shape 2024.

3D printing

Ever since Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of South Carolina attempted to materialize the first 3D-printed wall in the year 2004, innovations in this domain have increased expotentially and today it is possible to build a house in a day.

The offering of 3D-printing technologies to facilitate mass production of complex structures, ranging from small to large, has immensely gained the applause of the world of property developers looking for ways to increase efficiency in labour and reduce the time of construction.

This has made 3D printing one of the most talked-about construction technology trends as the 3D printing construction market is expected to grow at a CAGR of as high as 91.5 % from 2021-2028.2.

IoT and advanced analytics tools

IoT is a technology that gets data from multiple connected devices simultaneously through sensors and systems.

Such information can enable constructors to easily spot areas of safety risks and correct them early enough so that construction work continues to execute safely.

Yet, on the other hand, the modern analytical tools enable tracking the current situation and alerting of risks instantly.

These are useful when working in such damped construction sites.3.

Robotics

Robots are indeed increasingly penetrating construction sites as builders seek alternatives to the current worldwide shortage of labour.

Using robotics in sites, the caters can automate repetitive tasks for example bricklaying and rebar tying as robots are able to perform such jobs easily.

Such process can ease routine work for the employees.

But in contrast, robots can work without stopping and hence, constructions are likely to be completed much faster when compared to the timelines that can be achieved by human workers.4.

Green construction

Green construction is the use of energy-efficient technologies and emerging products which allows lesser carbon emissions to the atmosphere.

This results in building of durable structures which on one hand are less energy consumers and on the other hand, very low maintenance costs.

It contributes to make buildings more resistant too.

In fact, cities are tackling the ‘urban heat islands’ phenomenon where towns are warmer than rural areas because of greenery shortage; hence, green building is now increasingly mandatory in various parts of the world.5.

Wearables

The human-wears such as exoskeletons, smart helmets, and safety vests have been coming out as one of the fastest adopted construction technologies.

These devices have the ability to monitor the movements of workers, give real-time data on site conditions and thus reducing common injuries like back strains.

Wearables are probably going to be a standard fixture in the construction industry as builders try to boost worker safety while increasingefficiencies.6.

Augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that augments reality by overlaying digital information over a user’s view thus creating a mixed reality experience.

AR is reshaping construction by enabling architects, engineers, and site personnel to see building plans in real-time enabling them to better comprehend a project, effectively coordinating stakeholders.

Streamlining the construction method, AR is enabling builders to decrease construction errors and accidents while increasing productivity.7.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) refers to a technology which enables development of a computer-generated simulation of an environment which can be experienced through a head-mounted device.

It enables a user to interact with and move through a virtual world designed to replicate real world experiences or to invent brand-new experiences.

One of the newest trends in preconstruct includes the use of VR as a medium of architects and engineers to visualize and modify designs instantaneously.

This provides for swifter and better decision making.

VR and AR can possibly transform the way we design and build constructions too.8.

5D BIM

BIM is regarded as a digital representation of the physical and functional properties of a building which can serve as a source of reliable information during the building’s life cycle, starting with the concept phase to deconstruction.

It adds the temporal dimension (time or 4D BIM) and cost (5D BIM) to the three primary spatial dimensions – width, height and depth – as other dimensions, like asset management, sustainability, etc.

BIM is one of the most up-to-date technological trends in the construction industry.

Among many other things BIM facilitates cooperation regarding the whole built asset from design planning through to construction and on into operational phase.