Construction is undergoing constant modernization, increasingly employing and benefiting from technology, both on-site and off. On-site technologies enabling advanced concrete construction may change the world of construction.
Surveys indicate that many construction companies are spending more on technology every year, with a focus on ease of use. The future holds greater potential for innovation — and for smart contractors to benefit from modern construction technologies.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are venturing out of the playground and establishing themselves in the industrial world. Architects, engineers, and contractors are already using powerful VR tools for visualizing and demonstrating concepts.
Accelerated innovation is allowing for interactive experiences within VR, which enable users to change colors and materials and manipulate spaces during the design process.
Companies like Vuzix are providing AR smart glass products for industries, providing crucial information to workers delivered remotely to a lightweight heads-up display, keeping their hands free and their focus on their work.
Microsoft also recently launched a suite of AR software for its HoloLens headset, enabling CAD engineers to step into their floor plan designs and customize them from within.
3D Concrete Printing
3D printing has the potential to reduce labor costs, save on wasted materials, and embed wireless sensors directly into the walls of homes. Construction firms specializing in 3D printing have already erected many 3D-printed buildings in places like Dubai and China.
2018 saw the first 3D-printed building constructed in Texas. A non-profit startup, also based in Texas, recently began raising money to build 3D-printed concrete homes in El Salvador to help with the country’s housing crisis.
Specialist 3D concrete printing equipment is programmed with the design specifications of the home, leaving space for windows, doors, and a roof, as well as wiring and plumbing. If all goes to plan with these early projects, advanced concrete construction services are bound to become more prevalent.
Drones
Industries have found several uses for drones, which provide the ability to photograph areas from normally unreachable vantage points. They can help contractors to map out sites and get perspective on construction work.
Modern innovations are expanding their range of applications and diversifying the use of drone-based photography. New developments include 3D mapping of sites and structures, which users can upload to VR software to enhance off-site visualization.
Drones themselves are also undergoing further refinement, with better weight-carrying potential, longer-lasting batteries, and more precise control.
This technology is moving fast, and the construction sector is sure to benefit from its continuing development in the coming years.
Kelly Manuel is a writer and illustrator who has been published in many books for children. Her favorite things to do are read, draw, and play with her dog. Kelly Manuel was born on October 18th, 1985. She grew up as an only child but she always had lots of dogs around the house because her parents were both veterinarians. She loved reading from a very young age and would often make up stories about the dogs that came into the clinic where she lived with her parents.