The construction industry is like Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’ where new technologies are always hailed. There was a time when a segment of the industry resisted technological change but with globalization and the new world order, this position has completely reversed.
Some of the new technological innovations that have hit this industry recently have been reminiscent of H.G. Wells and Arthur C. Clarke in their ingenuity. The following are some new construction technologies that will definitely impact the industry positively in the years to come.
Drones
Experimentation is well underway when it comes to drones and their importance in the construction industry cannot be understated. By using drones in construction, surveying can be performed by aerial imaging and activities can also be monitored effortlessly.
Plus, since the data is pumped into the cloud server in real time, remote collaboration of engineers during planning is now possible. Site progress can be tracked regularly with this technology and millions of dollars could be saved on big projects.
Primer Patch Combo
Fast setting primer technology is available right now but its use would be most relevant in the years to come. The most notable application of this technology has been in Jordan Hare stadium where cyclical flooding demanded massive repairs.
With the help of the primer patch combo, water problems were easily addressed in areas where bonding is hard and the current coating couldn’t be removed. The stadium’s longevity has also been improved because of this technology and certain future water problems have been taken care of as well.
Green Construction
The world is becoming more sensitive towards the environment and the construction industry is no different.
The contribution of the construction industry towards the environment is in the form of green construction technologies such as geothermal heating, energy efficient equipment and appliances, eco-friendly materials, bio-degradable paint, auto-tinting glass and so much more.
Self-Leveling Cement
The traditional trowel based finish of cement in the construction industry is riddled with issues of flatness. However, a new underlayment system has made use of integrated delivery, BIM and Lean system where self-leveling and low alkali cement has been used for building a Swedish hospital.
This technology has led to savings of about $35 million in the project and have also lead to time and effort saving.
Rapid Drying Concrete
This technology of rapid drying concrete was developed by a few construction companies for a Texas School whose project deadline was cut short form 14 months to 10 months because of the 2013-Fall term.
The technology has low permeability, compressive strength, early high strength and quick drying time which brought down the time between concrete pouring and final flooring to 21 days instead of the usual 4 months.While some of these technologies might seem not-so-important to a layman, the construction industry is extremely grateful for them.
Some other technologies that deserve an honorable mention include concrete roof tiles with titanium dioxide, polyaspartic concrete coatings, bio composite with lime and hemp, green optimization and thermal insulation systems.
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