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Technology in Construction – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Technology in Construction – Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

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By its very nature, the construction industry has many variables. It thereby requires a high level of flexibility, so it has always been challenging to automate processes in construction. As a result, construction industry has been somewhat reluctant to embrace new technology.

Digital technology first made its impact with software like AutoCAD and MS Project. With AutoCAD, designing and generating drawings for a project became easier and faster. MS Project started enabling engineers to plan their projects and manage their resources better. However, all the major work processes remained labour intensive despite these tools.

Today technology has started making further inroads into this sector with digital document management, online and cloud-based project management processes, Building Information Modeling (BIM), drone-based site surveys, etc. Nowadays, virtual walkthroughs enable clients to visualize how their project would look upon completion digitally.

The project management processes have become paperless, with the forms being raised and approved on cloud-based software platforms. Thanks to such software, there is a clear data repository and audit trail.

The latest digital technology, BIM modeling, is now fast becoming popular. BIM modeling allows a 3-dimensional view of the project. It can also incorporate element details, schedule details, etc., making the model a single repository of all relevant project information. BIM models developed in such a way can be used as digital twins of the project and help with asset management even after the completion of the project.

Going forward, technology is expected to redefine the construction industry in myriad ways. Artificial intelligence can influence almost all aspects of construction, including design, planning, execution, safety, and quality.

Let's take a look at some of the ways modern technology can revolutionize construction.

AI-enabled analytics can be used to assess the real-time performance of projects. Comparison of actual work done with planned work can be made automatically, and corrective measures can be taken at the onset of an issue. Further, long-term data can be used to train algorithms to predict cost, time, and resource requirements for future projects and suggest innovative solutions for onsite issues.

Supply chain optimization is another aspect wherein neural networks, and deep learning algorithms can help. Resource allocation, be it material, labour, or equipment, can be done optimally through such algorithms to achieve the highest possible efficiency and productivity.

3D printing, modularization, and robotics can be game-changers in the way projects are executed by enabling highly precise and just-in-time delivery of pre-framed elements. Projects would have shorter construction time, and it will be easier to meet and better conventional deadlines.

Augmented reality and virtual reality techniques have already found many uses on a construction site, but the potential benefits are much more comprehensive than envisioned. AR to project the design plans onto the site, which helps in easy translation of measurements, and site marking can be accurately done at a fraction of time. Similarly, proposed design modifications can be layered onto the existing design and then on the physical space at the site to understand the exact effect of those changes.

Automation of health and safety processes leading to real-time monitoring, assessment, and resolution of H&S issues is possible through computer vision techniques.

Construction robots, a concept still in its infancy, is another aspect with many possibilities. This particular technology becomes Even more relevant when dealing with issues like labour shortage, shortage of skilled workforce at manageable costs, and social distancing. Robots can be employed in manufacturing components, prefabricated concrete elements, for mechanical activities like carrying and moving loads, etc. Perhaps we could even envision a future where the robots scan the construction site and micro plan work activities based on the immediate onsite requirements.

Integrating processes, people, and tools so that the project execution is smooth and seamless across various aspects can be achieved only through modern digital technology. This is why one must expect digital technology to play a massive role in the construction sector.

- By Sneha Sabu, Manager, Project Management, Colliers India 

For further information, please visit:

https://www.colliers.com/en-in/news/technology-in-construction

 


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Colliers India
Sukanya Dasgupta, Head Marketing and Communications - sukanya.dasgupta@colliers.com

Colliers (NASDAQ, TSX: CIGI) is a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. With operations in 66 countries, our 18,000 enterprising professionals work collaboratively to provide expert real estate and investment advice to clients. For more than 28 years, our experienced leadership with significant inside ownership has delivered compound annual investment returns of approximately 20% for shareholders. With annual revenues of $4.5 billion and $98 billion of assets under management, Colliers maximizes the potential of property and real assets to accelerate the success of our clients, our investors, and our people. Learn more at corporate.colliers.com, Twitter @Colliers or LinkedIn.

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