The construction industry is a sector that is always thriving. Even during the covid-19 times, this industry was still working all the way through. However, it did encounter a few issues along the way such as the increased prices of materials, especially when the war in Ukraine occurred.
Nevertheless, the construction industry is always in demand, whether it is with newly built homes or more commercial premises.
It has also had a lot of improvements in the last few years. This has helped improve the efficiency of a construction site and it will only get better.
Let’s take a look at how technology has transformed the construction industry and how it is adapting to modern technology.
Improved and Sustainable Materials
Science has had a large role to play in the construction industry. It has helped the development of many new materials which are now used in the industry. The biggest aim for the construction industry is to be more sustainable. Whether it is for new build homes or an office fit-out, construction projects are more eco-conscious with the materials they use.
Carbon fibre is a material that is reshaping the industry and making it greener, however, it is only certain types of carbon fibre that are considered green. Builders are also using recycled concrete to help be greener as well.
In the last 15 to 20 years, 3D printing is also impacting the construction industry. This allows companies to get past any loopholes where natural materials cannot be used on a project.
Improved Efficiency
One of the benefits of technology is that it has improved the efficiency of a lot of industries, not just construction. We are now able to work at a quicker rate and more safely as well.
Drones have helped the industry a lot, surveying construction sites to ensure that it follows health and safety standards. It is much quicker than a human surveyor and it can reach certain spots that a human can’t reach.
Another positive with technology is how easy it is to track what has been used on a construction site. Manually writing down stock or putting the data into a Google sheet is no longer required. Sensors are now able to track which and how much materials are being used on a construction site, giving site managers a more efficient way to track raw materials.
Health and Safety
Thanks to technology, health and safety have improved a lot in the last 50 years. Cameras are now attached to large machinery. That allows site surveyors to recognise any health and safety risks that may occur. They can also use this technology to identify whose fault an accident was if one occurs on-site. Cameras are a great way to improve health and safety on-site which is why more companies are now enforcing them on new machinery as well as around a construction site.
Due to technology improving, PPE safety equipment has also improved. For example, safety glasses use special lenses to protect construction workers’ eyes. Additionally, we can now use gloves which cannot be cut through.