The subject of new building technology is vast and constantly evolving. Here we will take stock of the most advanced and demanded building technologies and innovative materials in the sector. Their current integration already draws a sketch of the construction of the future.
Industry characteristics
The construction sector is often criticised for its excessive conservatism, its excessive standardisation and bureaucracy. However, it is not easy to implement the latest technologies there due to industry compliance and security requirements. Indeed, each building technology must have a normative basis, be standardised and self-remunerated; development costs must therefore be well managed, and the amortisation must be significant and sustainable. Any building technology requires careful design and quality control, as well as adequate training of personnel; all this leads to an additional workload for the project team.
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY: THE ADVANTAGES
However, the integration of new technologies in the construction industry has recently gained momentum. This trend is notably driven by the growth of cities, populations and economies, as well as the communications revolution in the era of BIG DATA. Therefore, building technology has taken a new turn and a prominent place in discussions.Furthermore, the very speed of technological development is leading to large-scale digitization of the construction industry. The application of information technologies is already a competitive issue. Innovations in construction are changing the job site and increasing profits, while winning tenders.
Increased productivity
Often companies have multiple projects in different locations, and it’s important to monitor the lifecycle of each one and meet deadlines. Sensors collect data on the job site, then it is processed by software and gives the contractor a complete picture of the work situation. This technology helps control large-scale projects, reducing the time and cost to solve tasks.
Security/Safety
Injuries and fatalities are a constant problem on modern construction sites. The IoT can significantly reduce risk and prevent injuries.Sensors on workers’ clothing, on the job site, and in building materials track the movement of people in areas, hazardous substances in the air, storage violations, emergency conditions, and more Again. Sensors on building materials can also prevent theft.
Resource management
The IoT also makes it possible to optimise the costs of maintaining installations and supplying resources. Intelligent sensors make it possible to monitor the consumption of electricity, water or fuel and to optimise this item of expenditure. Data is collected automatically and aggregated; it is thus possible to anticipate deliveries, replacements, repairs or carry out preventive maintenance.
A recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute Estimates that $160 billion could be saved by implementing the IoT in construction and mining. The potential of the Internet of Things will only be unleashed in construction in the years to come, as the global digitization of the sector is advancing very rapidly.
Virtual and augmented reality
Among the new technologies of architecture and construction, virtual reality (VR) deserves to be highlighted. It makes it possible to reproduce a “real” world in a digital environment, using photos, renderings and 360° videos. The capabilities of this technology allow navigation in a realistic digital environment, where it is also possible to interact with objects in real time. Augmented reality already makes it possible to superimpose digital elements in a real environment, thus completing the final model.
VR brings even more integrity and wholeness to a virtual object, as digital information “comes alive” with physical information. Virtual reality can reinforce large-scale multidimensional models. It’s a special first-person experience that adds more professional solutions and brings expert judgement. It transforms the way infrastructure is built in general.
This technology allows to:
Test viable new designs in near-real-life conditionsTrack progressIdentify problems in the early stages of constructionExplore complex structures from the field
