Construction Industry

Construction Industry: 5 Trends to Look Out for in 2021

Featured image by Scott Blake

Accelerations in cutting-edge technologies have introduced an extensive digital transformation in the construction industry.  

These developments and technological advancements have revolutionized the industry as they dramatically reshape the future of the construction sector, driving away the long-standing inefficacies. As per McKinsey, digital transformation has a significant impact on businesses in this sector, increasing their productivity by almost 15%.

The digital landscape in this industry is ever-evolving, whether you’re deploying new construction management software or considering using cobots in the field. So the question for construction companies is not if they will adopt it at their workplaces but howwhen, and what technologies they need to look for in 2021 to ensure impressive outcomes.

We suggest starting with the following:

1. Augmented Reality (AR)

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) continue to cross roads in the construction industry. Both are emerging technologies that are on the rise in terms of adoption and development. 

Virtual reality combined with Building Information Modeling (BIM) is improving collaboration, communication, and design. It also allows architects to deliver an exceptional experience to clients.

Most virtual reality apps in construction are leveraging BIM models as a foundation to create virtual settings. This helps in eliminating clash detection and change orders before beginning construction.

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2. Drones

Drones are one of the most commonly used technologies that are evolving rapidly. Today, many builders heavily rely on drones as they can more accurately and quickly conduct site surveys. Additionally, the data gathered and the high-resolution cameras help create topographical maps and interactive 3D models and take volume measurements.

Another benefit of using drone technology in the construction industry is its ability to scrutinize rigorously to reach locations around tall buildings or bridges while ensuring safety. 

Goldman Sachs anticipated that by 2021, government and business investment in drone technology would reach 13 billion. Regarding drone production, by 2025, commercial development of drones is expected to reach 10.9 billion. Also, the market size of the drone industry is estimated to reach 23.78 billion by 2027.

And, in 2021, the overall drone tech industry was projected to reach 11.2 billion. Leveraging drones in the construction sector can facilitate companies in many ways.

3. Data Collection Apps

Applications are becoming commonplace in the construction industry, and for a good reason. The improved portability of smartphones and tablets allows for effective and seamless communication and offers the ability to operate from anywhere. 

Also, more precisely, data collection applications facilitate construction organizations to gather more accurate, quality data and information from the job site. 

When you integrate this kind of technology into your existing processes, it’s beneficial. It requires less upfront investment while providing you with major benefits such as reduced errors in data entry, enhanced workflows, instant reporting, improved safety compliance, and more.

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4. Building Information Modeling (BIM) Platform

Building Information Modeling (BIM) presents avenues for effective collaboration as every person, and their expertise area, can add value to similar models, rather than breaking them into multiple 2D paper drawing versions.

That way, the model evolves instantly as people contribute to it, increasing efficiency and streamlining the process. BIM also allows companies in the construction industry to cope with problem-solving in a specific project’s planning and design stages. It does that by automated clash detection and provides a bigger picture of your project.

More and more initiatives are taking place globally to make building information modeling a mandatory procedure for large-scale site projects, including in Hong Kong, South Korea, France, Italy, and Germany. BIM is already compulsory for government-related construction projects in the United Kingdom.

According to the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Market Report of Research and Market trends (2021), it indicates that that will have a direct impact on the sector, including AI development in Building Information Modeling, increase in demand for cloud collaboration for BIM, and modular prefabrication and construction.

5. Artificial Intelligence

For many years, artificial intelligence has presented ample opportunities to construction projects, like those for steel and metal buildings, via increased safety, improved workflows, and completing jobs better and faster.

However, many construction organizations continue to learn and navigate how to apply this complicated technology within their company.

Some bigger firms have begun to create their AI-powered programs to facilitate internal decision-making operations and processes. However, others depend on a third party to audit their existing practices and recognize opportunities for implementing machine learning.

Wrapping Up

Investing in advanced construction technologies is indeed a strategic business move. However, it is critical to find and leverage the right technology and tools that allow you to achieve your company’s goals. Digital tools are the construction industry’s future for eliminating inefficiencies, improving productivity while making the processes easier and job sites safer.

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