Technology is revolutionising every aspect of everyday life. It has improved the longevity and quality of modern-day structures in several ways. The construction industry has rapidly evolved with new high-tech devices being installed into homes and builders using advanced equipment and tools to build structures that will last a lifetime. Innovative construction technology enables huge improvements in the productivity, efficiency, and safety of large-scale construction projects. Here are some of the latest and modern-day technologies that are used in home construction.
5 Technologies used in house construction:
· Drones
· Precast walls
· Telematics
· Construction robots
· Building Information Modelling
Drones
Drones have made a huge impact and contribution to the construction industry in recent years, and they are set to grow even further. A drone can drastically improve the accuracy, speed, and safety standards of many parts of the construction cycle. The drones have high resolution cameras and once the data is collected it can create 3D or interactive topographical maps. Drones can make a huge impact and difference on construction sites in the following ways:
· Equipment tracking
Rented or purchased equipment used on a job site can get misplaced quite quickly, however with the use of a drone they can be located and always tracked while on site.
· Security surveillance
Construction and building sites are vulnerable to theft of equipment and materials on non-working days. A drone can be used to monitor and survey the site for a purpose of security while the workers are not present.
· Topographic maps
During the preconstruction phase, mapping is vital to this process. Aerial drones can be used to survey a wide range of land efficiently and quickly, reducing the costs of mapping by as much as 95%.
Telematics
Telematics is revolutionising the construction industry, powering efficiency and visibility. Telematics is all about data and is used by well-known companies such as drivewaypaving.ie. It allows you to send and receive data through telecommunications technology. Telematics is used in the construction industry to track vehicles, construction machinery, and heavy equipment. The technology provides safety, GPS
tracking, remote diagnostics, and fleet management. Telematics used during the housing process will allow a company to manage multiple job projects and sites, monitor usage hours to determine when a piece of equipment is up for maintenance, know exactly where construction assets are always, and monitor asset utilisation to maximise output.
GPS enabled telematics is essential for keeping a construction site operating by locating and tracking construction assets and equipment. It is important to know what assets you have for the project to keep the construction under budget and on a proper timeline. Several job sites can be monitored easily by using on-screen locations to ensure all sites are stocked with the equipment they require, monitoring engine hours for preventative maintenance, and keeping the whole operation as fuel efficient and safe as possible.
Construction Robots
Robotics are yet to see a significant role in the construction industry. However, construction sites are becoming smarter and with the rise in technology robots can be programmed and used during construction projects today. There are 3 main types of robots that seem positioned to reshape the construction industry, these include the following:
· Fully autonomous robots
Fully autonomous robots can scan the environment and perform many difficult tasks with tools on its own.
· Collaborative robots
Collaborative robots can be used on a construction site to help a human carry the appropriate equipment and tools.
· Factory robots
Factory robots can perform a simple manufacturing task perfectly and repeatedly.
Cartesian robots are the most popular robots due to their ability and ease for 3D printing. Cartesian robots use a 3-axis system X, Y, and Z of cartesian coordinates. 3D printing is one of the most popular applications to enter the construction industry. This is due to the ability to create a variety of products including a 3D printed home. The efficient, affordable, and quick way of 3D printing a home.
Building Information Modelling
Building information modelling is a process used in construction creating a digital presentation of a structure before the building commences. An accurate presentation of the building will enable everyone involved in the construction to determine logistics, anticipate difficulties, increase efficiency, and eliminate all risks. The high priority for any construction project team is to keep within budget and the BIM will help considerably with this. BIM uses tools such as 3D laser scanners and robotic total stations to give the designer more in-depth insights into projects. BIM can be used for all stages of construction.
· Before construction
Building information modelling helps reduce the need for future change orders by anticipating challenges.
· During construction
BIM improves efficiency and communication by offering a central hub for accurate and up to date reference documentation.
· After construction
BIM software can create the possibility for building management for the structures entire life cycle by providing owners with valuable information about every detail of the building. BIM has become one of the most important developments in construction due to its effects and improvements on every aspect of the construction process.
Technology is consistently changing and evolving, and it now plays a huge role in the construction of new homes. With the help of technological advancements in the construction industry, the longevity and quality of modern-day structures have improved drastically.
Precast Walls
Precast construction is a sustainable and cost-efficient building technology that is used in the latest and modern-day housing projects without compromising on the quality of the building materials. Precast concrete is a superb construction material offering durable and flexible solutions for roofs and walls during home construction. Precast is more efficient and requires less labour. It helps save time and money. Precast concrete walls are manufactured off site in a controlled environment. The construction process speeds up with the use of precast walls. It is an optimal technology for developers of large housing projects where reduced risks of project delays, low costs, and high productivity are essential. The technology also uses less steel, cement, water, and labour in comparison to traditional slabs and walls.