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6 Ways Construction
Technology Has Transformed
the Industry
FROM USING YOUR SMARTPHONE AT WORK TO AERIAL DRONES MAPPING
AND SURVEYING THE JOB SITE, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS EXPLOD-
ING INTO NEW REALMS WITH THE TECHNOLOGY OF TODAY.
Digital blueprint apps and cutting-edge
software manage every facet of a project
without having to lay a brick, while
3D imaging and gadgets have lent a whole
new perspective to the design and building
of a project, not to mention the likely advent
of robots taking on a larger role.
We have revolutionized one of the biggest
industries in the U.S, and indeed around
the globe, turning it from one of the slowest-growing
sectors (compared to say, the
manufacturing industry) into one of the most
exciting, with a steady onslaught of technological
wizardry.
1. The Internet
We can’t talk technological growth without
paying homage to the Internet. It has completely
transformed how we design, build,
and monitor construction projects, and has
proved to be a basic foundation for many of
today’s innovations.
Construction management software, GPS,
laser-based survey equipment, and laser-guided
excavation and tunneling
equipment have meant better precision in
foundations, perimeters, and corners. The
automation of a previously very manual activity
has meant there is far less room for error,
having a domino effect on time, resources
and ultimately, money.
This technology further manages risk, as
well. By using available software solutions
to design and analyze structures before construction
even begins, engineers and contractors
can pinpoint areas of high risk for
worker injury, improve maintenance access,
and maintain a safer job site.
2. Construction Management Software
Today’s task management software is designed
to increase productivity and keep everything
on schedule, proving an invaluable
resource to construction companies to monitor
progress and keep all members of the
project fully informed, in real time, of actual
progress versus scheduled goals.
Budgeting, billing processes, and time
management tools streamline the entire
process from start to finish. Companies offer
top-of the range, constantly evolving software
to match the ever changing and demanding
needs of this sector.
Building Information Management, or BIM,
contains most of these solutions and more
to provide the ability to create a 3D building
plan and combine it with a construction
schedule. Such all-encompassing software is
thoroughly integrated and can pave the way
for prefabrication. With part of construction
taking place in a manufacturing environment,
fewer workers are needed at the jobsite.
Safety is also enhanced with less work
needed at height and less manual handling
of supplies.
3. Computer Aided Design
CAD has enabled construction to begin before
the design is fully complete, allowing
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