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Industry Trends
Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out in commercial construction, it is important to stay informed of the latest trends in the industry. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to plan for the future and ensure your business continues to thrive. There are a number of excellent resources for keeping up with the latest industry news and developments. These include:
A recent report by the Associated General Contractors of America indicated that many construction firms are facing material shortages and rising prices. To address these issues, many companies are implementing a variety of strategies. Some are focusing on reducing the use of materials in their projects by using alternative building products or materials that are more sustainable. Others are embracing 3D printing to reduce waste and improve turnaround times.
Another option is to utilize prefabrication and modularization. These processes enable construction crews to build complex structures offsite and then transport them to the site for assembly. This can significantly cut down on project costs by reducing the amount of materials needed and eliminating labor costs. In addition, these processes can help to increase productivity by allowing workers to focus on the most important tasks.
In addition, contractors are also experimenting with drones and other innovative technology to reduce operating costs and enhance worker safety. For example, a company called Built Robotics has developed an automated system that can monitor a machine and alert operators to potential problems. The system can be installed on late-model excavators in just minutes and is operated by a single trained operator.
One of the most important trends in construction is attracting and retaining skilled workers. To this end, some construction firms are promoting careers in the trades by reaching out to kids as early as elementary school and offering retention bonuses. Other firms are leveraging digital tools to attract young people and streamline communication with employees.
These are just a few of the industry trends that you should keep an eye out for in 2023. In addition to these changes, many firms are experimenting with new construction techniques that aim to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. This includes incorporating more green construction materials and using energy-efficient greenhouses.
Building Materials
The construction industry is constantly evolving and changing with new materials and technology. However, there are some basic building materials that have remained consistent through the years. These five include concrete, wood, steel, brick and stone.
Whether it’s to add a finishing touch to a home or build a skyscraper, the right materials can make all the difference in the finished product. Choosing the right material is essential to ensure that the structure is durable and will stand up to environmental hazards like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes or earthquakes. In addition, some building materials are better suited to certain climates than others.
Steel is a popular and versatile building material that can be used in many different ways, from making beams to providing support for walls. It can also be used to form the foundation of a structure, or it can be embedded in concrete to provide added strength. Steel is not as fire-resistant as some of the other building materials on this list, but it’s still a great option for buildings that require extra durability.
Brick is another common building material that has stood the test of time. It is particularly good for colder climates, as it helps to keep heat inside the home. However, it is not as strong as stone and is more likely to erode over time. The good news is that it is relatively inexpensive to use, especially when compared to other building materials.
One of the most recent innovations in building materials is concrete, which offers a variety of benefits. It is very durable and provides an attractive finish for a building. It is also lightweight and affordable compared to other options.
Concrete is made up of aggregates, such as stones and sand, which are mixed with a binder, such as cement, to create a solid mass. It is a great alternative to other materials, such as brick or stone, and it can be used for both exterior and interior building applications. It is also environmentally friendly and has low toxicity. It is becoming more and more popular for building projects, especially in residential areas.
Drones in Construction
Using drones in construction offers numerous benefits, from helping to avoid accidents to increasing productivity and keeping stakeholders updated on project status. Drone technology continues to evolve, but it is already a critical tool for many construction professionals.
The latest advancements include a drone that nails shingles to a roof and a drone with thermal sensors that can detect water leaks in concrete. The ability to use a drone to monitor a roof in real time allows for quicker problem-solving and prevents costly repairs, such as roof replacements.
A drone can also be used to inspect a foundation and detect any cracks or other problems. Previously, these inspections were done by workers climbing up onto unstable platforms. A drone is a much safer and cheaper solution that can provide high-resolution images that are processed into a CAD file.
Construction site managers can save time by capturing data and creating maps quickly and accurately, which helps them to keep their projects on schedule. They can also more easily share the information with other teams and stakeholders, which allows for better collaboration and keeps everyone up-to-date on current progress.
According to a recent study by 3DR, the average cost of a drone-based survey is USD 35K, which makes it more affordable than sending a team of surveyors to the jobsite. It is also a safer solution that decreases the chances of an accident, which can lead to lost work time, lawsuits and medical bills.
Drones can also be used to track equipment and inventory. This eliminates lengthy discussions during the reconciliation phase when contractors argue over claims of equipment being used or soil moved. With daily cut-fill views based on WingtraOne drone-captured data, stakeholders can see the exact measurements and compare activities, reducing disputes.
Drones are also helpful for tracking erection sequences, crane locations and perimeter security. These overhead images help to keep projects on schedule and on-budget. In addition, they can be processed into 3D models that allow investors and developers to have a realistic view of the project. This enables them to make informed decisions and improve quality control.
Green Construction
Green construction is the process of creating a sustainable built environment. It is a holistic approach to building, and encompasses all aspects of the design and construction process. This includes materials, energy, water, waste, and air quality. It also considers social and economic factors. The purpose of green construction is to reduce the environmental impacts of buildings and improve their performance. Green buildings can also have a positive impact on the economy.
Many governments have been working to promote the use of green construction techniques in their own countries. Some examples include the BREEAM in England and LEED in America. These standards differ from one country to the next, but they all aim to minimize resource consumption and protect the environment. They also aim to meet international standards for quality and safety.
The main purpose of the recent construction journal for everyone is to provide a central vehicle for sharing information and research results on new developments and advances in the built environment. This includes building construction, management and technology issues, sustainability, and construction procurement. The journal publishes a broad range of original research and application papers in the field. It covers all aspects of the built environment, including urban economics, rural and regional development, housing, management and resource issues, construction procurement, strategies and policy issues, construction materials and technologies, information an communication technologies, and environmental conservation and preservation.
The authors have developed a methodology for the extraction of green construction evaluation information from BIM models using an ontology and SPARQL inquiry. This method enables the automatic search of the aspects that need improvement in green construction. It also helps project managers to use BIM data more effectively. The methodology is based on the evaluation indicator system of five primary indicators, and relevant attribute sets are defined based on previous studies and standards. Then, the evaluation indicators are translated into IFC entities, and the extensions of these entities are carried out based on the attribute sets. Lastly, these IFC-based evaluation indicators are mapped into OWL as the basis for the knowledge base.