It’s an exciting time in the building and construction industries. Technological innovations are changing the way we work, yet it can often feel like these changes happen too quickly to keep up with.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by technology, construction professionals should explore what will help make their lives easier. Some innovations may be out of scope or unnecessary for your business at this time, but others may transform your capabilities and help you to secure new clients. Take a look at the following 5 construction innovations to watch in 2018:
One of the most dynamic areas of innovation is the use of drones in construction. Over the past few years, drones have been used to capture aerial images of project progress, aid with real-time mapping, deliver supplies and tools to remote areas of construction sites, and surveying.
If you’re considering incorporating drones into your business, note that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requires registration for drones used for commercial purposes. It’s also necessary to obtain an operator’s certificate if you plan on using the device in public air space. Small drones (less than 2kg) may be exempt from some of these regulations.
Robotics are increasingly being used for packaging and palletising building project materials. Additionally, robots are being designed to handle some of the repetitious, labour-intensive, and dangerous tasks involved in construction, like laying bricks, vertically dispensing concrete, and building prefabricated walls. The benefits of these robots are obvious: you can have your employees use their time handling high-level tasks while robots do the tedious and dangerous work.
Consumers are becoming excited by the idea of personal self-driving vehicles, which may allow them to read or nap during their commutes, but did you know that self-driving vehicles are also exciting construction professionals?
Automated crash trucks are fortified vehicles that lead road construction crews, and are saving money on labour. Fewer workers are needed per crew, and the workers can remain in safer environments.
Construction companies have been using 3D printers to fabricate custom equipment parts for years. Today, some construction companies are using 3D printers on a much grander scale.
For example, a Russian engineering firm has created a large 3D printer that can print concrete structures on site; giving builders the combined benefits of prefabrication and on-site construction.
New rapid-curing polyaspartic coatings can be used to reduce drying times for both metal and concrete surfaces. With faster drying times, you can speed up construction and condense your schedule.
In addition to faster drying times, these coatings resist UV damage, chemical spills, and abrasion. They’re ideal for surfaces that will be cleaned often, and they retain their colours - perfect for industrial usage.
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