Every day we are seeing how technology is helping to improve our lives through making tasks easier. One industry that is considerably being impacted by the new of technology is the construction industry. From using software to get instant access to important documents to using autonomous equipment to perform excavation on site. Construction Technology is allowing construction companies and their employees to work much more efficient and effective than ever before. What is construction Technology? So, what is construction technology? According to CII technologies, Construction Technology refers to the collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications, so=ware, etc. used during the construction phase of a project that enables advancement in construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment. Construction technology also is used in all kinds of projects from small residential house to sophiscated industrial plants. From the initial planning to the actual construction process, there are many careers associated with improving the industry. Some of the main jobs associated with con-tech are construction managers, project managers, building inspectors, cost estimators, architects, civil engineers, and skilled laborers like plumbers, brick-layers, and carpenters. However, a lot of these jobs require certain education requirements. Skilled laborers can learn their way through trade schools, and tons of universities across the world offer degrees in construction technology fields like construction management, engineering, and architecture How will construction Technology respond the industry after Covid-19? In light of Covid-19, change has taken on a new shape for construction businesses, one that involves new risks and requires new ways of adjusting. Every day, businesses are forced to reevaluate how to navigate this complex and rapidly-evolving situation. Some employees are working from their home office (or the kitchen table) while also caring for elderly relatives or young children home from school. Others are continuing to work on site, requiring businesses to implement additional safety measures. Directives are changing by the day if not by the hour. It’s in moments like these that we see the true potential construction technology has to keep teams and projects connected and moving forward. The need for technology to uphold our industry has never been in need as it is today. In a relationship-driven industry like construction, the lack of face-to-face communication makes virtual communication essential. That’s exactly what we’re witnessing: teams and businesses coming together online to collaborate and find solutions. They are discovering new ways to manage this change effectively just as they always have, albeit in a new way. Pre-fabricated Materials Some of the latest trends in construction technology include the prefabricated materials in factories, here we can mention AFRIPRECAST Rwanda, a precast concrete factory in Rwanda, which is playing a tremendous role in the building infrastructure development by offering solution to contruction using precast technology. Drones Many construction sites are already heavily dependent on the use of drones. These drones are very beneficial in that they save a lot of time. For instance, surveyors can survey an ensure site in just a few minutes, whereas in the past it’d take them several weeks or months. Obviously, this will also save construction companies a lot of money. As drone technology continues rapidly developing in its accuracy and precision of its readings, even less human involvement will be necessary. In the past, many companies were hesitant to use drones because they will needed a pilot, but today as the technology grows much more efficient, more construction. Companies are willingly and openly embracing this technology. Self-healing concrete Many of the industry’s experts believe we’ll start seeing self-healing concrete being used on roads, buildings, and homes. Since concrete is the most widely produced and consumed material in the contruction industry (being used to create buildings, roads, and bridges) many believe that by 2030 we’ll be using about 5 billion metric tons per year. Part of this is due to the urban boom that’s being experienced in China and India today. Currently, the United States already makes up 8% of the total global emissions in this area a number that’s also slated to rise. With also this in mind, scientists have been developing ways of limiting concrete environmental impact. the process includes embedding self-activating limestone producing bacteria within building material itself. It is designed to decrease the amount of new concrete produced, and lowers the costs for maintenance and repairs. Robotics With reference of JB Knowledge, robotics is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Industries like healthcare are already investing a lot of money in them. As these robots grow even more precise and accurate, they’ll become a commanding force in the construction industry. In the beginning, the cost of robotics is estimated to be high as it has since emerged that it is well worth it to at least pay attention to this technology. Eventually, we may witness robots being able to do things like lay bricks or even take on some currently human operated aspects. With other numerous construction technologies acting or those that are being adopted will effectively act in response to covid19 and assist in the completion of construction projects on time and on budget. Personally, I also encourage everyone interested in the construction industry to think outside the box and come with ideas that might shape the industry to its best. Even small ideas can create big impact!
