What are the top 10 trends of the Construction Industry?
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the game of construction industry and how things operate. There
has
been a lot of light shed on technology adoption. To be precise, innovations that enhance efficiency
are
being concentrated on. The traditional Brick-and-Mortar Industry, is being revamped and
emerging
technologies such as Construction Robotics, 3D Printing and the Conventional Pen and Paper planning
is
taken over by advanced processes like Digital Project Management and Building Information Modelling
(BIM).
Before getting a deep dive into these trends lets understand what has made the construction industry
hop on these trends.
What is BIM?
Building Information Modeling famously known as BIM has already revolutionized the
Construction Industry. BIM presents Architecture, Engineering and Construction ( AEC ) into
Digitalization. It cohesively clusters multi-factored data to generate a digitalized representation
for the built asset. BIM has a well structured process that enables design and
construction teams to increase their productivity and be time efficient. It allows them
to have a note of the data that is created during the process, analyze them and to better their
operations and maintenance activities.
It allows us to handle and overcome issues like over costs, redundancy, QC Issues and project delays
and makes the entire process much easier. The most recent version of BIM is known as the 5D
BIM, it enables the construction team to have shorter project cycles, increase in productivity and a
better project scope understanding. Now that we know that BIM is extremely supporting factor
to productivity of the project, let’s understand it’s advantages.
What are the advantages of BIM?
A few advantages of BIM over conventional construction methods can be listed as follows:
Increased control over the project.
Reduces tedious work of information production and redundancy.
Automates construction production management.
Higher build quality.
Increases cost efficiency by decreasing planning issues.
Easier to overview and maintain.
Increased collaboration across build teams through all phases of the project.
Reduces time delays.
2. Construction Robotics
What is Construction Robotics?
Construction is known to be one of the most labor-intensive industry in the world. It also calls for
repetitive and time-consuming procedures.
Construction Robotics are used to automate workflow that was previously done manually.
Robots and automated machinery do not have the problems of fatigue, burnout or lack of
interest in a repeated and redundant process.
Since it’s evident that Construction Robots make the project building process easier, let’s get to
know it’s advantages.
What are the advantages of Construction Robots?
Construction Robots performs as an allrounder and helps reduce the manual interference and hard work
involved. But if we want to understand its advantages, the significant advantages of construction
robotics can be listed down as follows:
Process simplification.
Data digitalization to improve decision making.
Automation to facilitate management tasks.
Delivering more efficiency and accuracy.
Shrinking operating costs and wastage.
Can be programmed to meet specific needs.
Creates safer work environments.
Meeting industry demands and labor shortages.
Producing high levels of productivity.
3. Construction Monitoring
What is Construction Monitoring and why is it important?
Construction monitoring can be explained as a collection of independent inspections tracking the
overall quality of the build asset and the progress of construction. Areas
to monitor mostly include:
The construction environment
Quality control
Timeliness and meeting targets
Negotiations, suppliers and supplier performance
Health and safety
Costings
Materials
Conformance with plans and specifications
What are the levels of Construction Monitoring? The level of
Construction Monitoring chosen will determine the value added to the project.
The CM level varies from project to project, and factors such as project size, importance,
complexity and the skill or experience of the constructor will play a part in which level is chosen.
However, to have the confidence that as-built construction meets all it’s contractual requirements
may require more in depth Construction Monitoring.
What are the advantages of Construction Monitoring?
Apart from the fact that it improves the overall process of building an asset, few more advantages
of construction monitoring are:
Maximizes communication and minimizes conflict.
There exists a central point of communication, control and responsibility.
Saves considerable amount of time and money.
Real time tracking.
Stakeholder collaboration.
Improvement of productivity.
Real time suggestions and recommendations.
4. Advanced Building Materials
What are advanced building materials?
Advanced Building Materials are making new Construction More Sustainable.
Construction Materials that are most commonly known are wood, concrete, bricks etc. These
materials have competition from new and innovative materials in recent times.
These new materials present us with different advantages from eco-friendly manufacturing to
sleek contemporary designs.
Why should we use Advanced Building Materials?
According to Let’s
Build, the much awaited and anticipated revolution in construction is gaining
momentum. We now have drones, virtual reality, augmented reality, BIM, project management and more.
But it doesn’t stop here! Researchers and various institutes are taking technology to the next
level. Development in concrete and various other construction materials has been aggressive and
intense.
As a result, the construction industry has managed to offer a very convincing answer to the
burning question of how modern construction materials could look like in the near future.
What Advanced Building Materials are currently used in the market?
Emerging technologies made possible a change in the field of construction. Here are the 11
advanced
construction materials used currently in the market.
3-D printed graphene
Light-generating concrete
Liquid granite
Translucent wood
Cross laminated Timber
Self-healing concrete
Transparent aluminum
Flexible Concrete
These sound tech-y and extremely ground breaking when used but let’s understand their advantages in
real time.
What are the advantages of the Advanced Building Materials?
Few of the significant advantages of advanced building materials that can be listed down are as
follows:
Faster construction
Fewer housing defects
Reduces energy and time wastages
Sustainable
Safe and secure
5. Green Building
What is a Green Building?
According to US Environmental
Protection Agency (US EPA), a Green building is the practice of
creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient
throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance,
renovation and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design
concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustainable
or high performance building.
What are the features of Green Building?
There are a number of features which can make
a building ‘green’. These include:
Efficient use of energy, water and other resources
Use of renewable energy, such as solar energy
Pollution and waste reduction measures, and the enabling of re-use and recycling
Good indoor environmental air quality
Use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable
Consideration of the environment in design, construction and operation
Consideration of the quality of life of occupants in design, construction and operation
A design that enables adaptation to a changing environment
Why should we consider Green Buildings? According to
USI, in recent years, more and more professionals have been focusing on energy
efficiency in a variety of industries. Studies show that the development and long-term growth of
larger communities has had a major impact on the surrounding natural environment. As such, experts
are beginning to focus on the design, construction and large-scale manufacturing of green buildings
that could provide individuals with a more responsible way to consume natural resources. Not only
does the widespread functionality of green buildings improve the local environment, but those
working and living inside the buildings can enjoy healthier atmospheres, free of unnecessary
pollution and waste.
These facts makes it evident that we should consider Green Buildings more often. Now let’s
understand it’s major advantages that makes it eco-friendly and sustainable.
What are the advantages of Green Buildings?
The advantages of Green Buildings can be broadly classified into 3 categories.
Environmental,
Economical and Social benefits.
They can listed down as follows:
Environmental benefits of green building:
Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems
Improve air and water quality
Reduce waste streams
Conserve and restore natural resources
Economic benefits of green building:
Reduce operating costs
Improve occupant productivity
Enhance asset value and profits
Optimize life-cycle economic performance
Social benefits of green building:
Enhance occupant health and comfort
Improve indoor air quality
Minimize strain on local utility infrastructure
Improve overall quality of life
6. 3D Printing
What is 3D Printing and how is it used in construction? Construction 3D
printing is a method for manufacturing construction elements or entire buildings by
means of a 3D printer printing concrete, polymer, metal, or other materials, layer-by-layer. The
most common type of printer is based on a robotic arm that moves back and forth while extruding
concrete. Other methods for 3D printing include powder binding and additive welding. Powder binding
is 3D printing within a basin of powder, solidifying powder layer-by-layer to create the desired
object. Additive welding has been demonstrated by printing a full-scale, functioning metal bridge in
Amsterdam.
What are the real time examples of 3D Construction? All3DP says, Over the last
five years, 3D printing technology has produced numerous incredible
structures all over the world, including 3D printed houses, cabins, offices, bridges, pavilions,
large-scale structures, shelters, and more! As 3D construction grows, it has the potential to
disrupt the traditional construction process. With many structures printed in a matter of days, 3D
printing shelters, for example, can be beneficial for victims of natural disasters.
Here are a few real time examples of projects that are planned using using 3D Construction and
a parameter:
Icon takes its first (of a few) spot on our list with its ambitious announcement to 3D print 100
homes in Austin, Texas. Working with leading homebuilding company Lennar, Icon plans to
break
ground on the housing development in 2022. Icon’s innovative Vulcan construction system,
which will be used for this project, can rapidly create buildings of up to 3,000 square feet.
The manufacturing method produces homes that are resilient, energy-efficient, and built to the
International Building Code (IBC) structural code standard.
Habitat for Humanity delivered an amazing Christmas present in 2021 by opening their first
3D
printed home to occupants in December. The charitable organization partnered with
Alquist to
print the concrete single-level home.
Offering the home to low-income families who volunteer with the organization is further
proof of the technology’s massive cost savings, while this project also serves as Alquist’s
proof of concept to move forward with their large-scale Project Virginia plans.
SQ4D generated their own flurry of headlines when they listed this Riverhead New York home on
the market. That’s because it’s the first 3D printed house authorized to be sold
commercially in
the United States.
While many builders are bragging about the potential of 3D printed homes, SQ4D put their
money where their mouth is by listing it on Zillow for 50% below the price of comparable homes
in the area, proving the much-talked-about benefits of 3D printing construction.
Now that we know there are actually many projects that are being executed with 3d printing
technology involved, let us now see what the advantages of it.
What are the advantages of 3D printing in construction?
One of the great things about 3D printing is the design freedom that it offers.
Other than that, here are a few
more advantages:
Shorter supply chain and quicker design process
Fewer logistical processes and less waste
Making customized houses available to the wider market
Simpler and more efficient installation of pipes and electrics
7. Connected Construction Site
What are connected construction sites? Connected
construction refers to a network of construction equipment, vehicles, devices, people, and
locations that are all communicating with each other via wireless or digital technology under a
single firm or organization.
Another way to think about connected construction is through the lens of information
technology. Imagine all of the computers and technological devices in a traditional office, and how
they communicate with each other and are monitored by a centralized IT team. Now, add construction
vehicles into that mix, and you should have a better idea of how connected construction works.
Why is Connected Construction the future of construction industry? With connected construction, components
work together as a body, ensuring collaboration among
stakeholders to improve productivity and efficiency. It automates
processes , keeps all stakeholders
up to date, and aids in all phases of development, including design, planning, construction,
handover, and commissioning. You can also use it while out in the field or the office. As Hewlett
Packard writes, “Sensors and tags are used to connect job sites, machines, and workers,
allowing for
real-time visibility and analytical capabilities for managers… The connected network never sleeps,
providing a constant stream of information and analytics to help guide project management.”
Now we have an overview of how Connected Construction has a lot of pros to look forward to.
let’s list them out clearly.
What are the advantages of Connected Construction?
Connected Construction enables all the components to work together as a single unit collaboratively.
Other than this fact, there are a few other advantages:
Improved communication and transparency.
Real time updates to Minimize risk.
More accurate timelines.
Interoperability between tools eliminating redundancy.
Better and more informed decision making.
Seamless communication and collaboration across all stakeholders.
Reduced construction conflicts and project costs.
8. Construction Project Management
What is construction project management?
In brief, construction
management is the process of managing construction projects. When comparing
construction project management to other types of projects, the main distinction is that
construction is mission-based. That means that the project’s organization ends with the completion
of the project build.
Why is construction project management important? Effective
construction project management benefits owners by increasing the potential for successful
project completion—on time, within budget, and free of financial or legal complications.
Construction management is a professional service that uses specialized project management
techniques to oversee the planning, design and construction of a project. While project oversight
services evolve over the course of the project, construction management is intended to optimize best
industry practices, prudent management decision-making, and effective and transparent project
controls and reporting methods.
Construction management is particularly vital to large-scale projects that have more potential
for problems that could significantly delay the project and cost money. A construction manager
measures each design decision with careful analysis that calculates the impact that decision will
make on the budget and schedule. Without a professional construction management team, an unforeseen
problem risks derailing the entire project.
Now let’s understand the advantages of the same.
What are the advantages of construction project management?
Optimize and accelerate the project schedule
Ensure compliance with the latest regulations and industry standards
Leadership and centralized communication
Budget Management and accounting
Document sharing and control
9. Construction Worker Safety
What is Construction Worker Safety? According to United States Department of Labor,
Construction is a high hazard industry that
comprises a wide range of activities involving construction, alteration, and/or repair. Construction
workers engage in many activities that may expose them to serious hazards, such as falling from
rooftops, unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction equipment, electrocutions, silica
dust, and asbestos.
The information, tools, and resources provided in these Construction Industry web pages are
designed to assist those in the industry - whether worker or employer - to identify, reduce, and
eliminate construction-related hazards.
What are the common causes the reduction of worker’s safety at a construction site?
Tool misuse
Trenches
Electrical sources
Poorly structured construction site rules and regulations
Powerful industry vehicles
Excavations and hazardous gases
Confined spaces
Fire and emergencies
1. 1 in 5 deaths among U.S. workers is in the construction industry
2. Of the 42 annual crane-related deaths, around 60% involve a falling object
3. A total of 1,008 construction workers died on the job in 2020
4. Each year, 10.2 of every 100,000 construction workers suffer a fatal injury, which is
the third highest rate of any industry
5. Falls account for 34% of all construction deaths — eliminating falls in construction would
save more than 300 lives every year
Why is Construction Worker Safety important? Clock Shark says
that, if your worksites are not safe, neither are your workers, and neither is your
company. Construction has a notoriously high level of difficulty finding skilled workers, and it’s
crucial to protect the ones you have.
Having safety regulations also protects the public, since many construction projects are in
populated areas.
But physical safety is not the only reason it’s important on your worksites.
You need a high level of safety standards for jobs that require bonding. And you’re much more
likely to get such contracts if you have a positive and credible reputation in the industry.
Plus, you’ll save money. Your Experience Modification Rate (EMR) establishes the costs of your
annual construction insurance. Insurance companies use your EMR to determine how much risk your
company is.
What can we do to protect workers at construction sites?
All employers have a responsibility in protecting the
health and safety of their staff, regardless
of their occupation or industry. For construction workers, who are exposed to high risk
environments, there are additional dangers which must be considered.
Ways we can keep our Construction site safe are:
Start with safety training
Minimize and manage risk
Site security
Safe work method assessment
Use clear signage throughout the site
Entry and exit points
Compliant chemical storage
Environmental conditions
First aid
Providing personal protective (PPS) equipment
Dropped objects
10. Offsite Construction
What is Offsite Construction and what are its types? Offsite construction is a process
that involves the planning, designing, fabricating, and
transportation of fabricated building components and their subsequential installation on site.
Offsite construction increases construction productivity, reduces jobsite congestion and the
associated safety risks, increases quality, and reduces construction schedules.
When can Offsite Construction be used?
Offsite construction is excellent for projects that meet the following criteria:
Working under pressure
The Jobsite is plagued by inclement weather
The construction of the building necessitates repeating internal structures
Limited space on the Jobsite
Theft and vandalism-related risks and issues
Building height, intense heat, and cold pose safety hazards
What are the advantages of Offsite Construction? Offsite
construction is a growing trend, with many companies growing wise to the advantages of
moving the building process away from the physical site and into a controlled factory environment.
Here, we take a look at some of the reasons why offsite is the next big thing.
Here are a few advantages of Offsite Construction: