At present, the construction industry is undergoing a substantial transformation. Innovations, economic uncertainty, construction workforce shortages, and other factors have forced building companies to change the way they work and deliver their projects.
Technology Trends in Construction: 2024 Outlook
Like any other industry, the construction domain has been increasingly digitalized in recent years – companies are leveraging software, sensors, drones, and other technologies that revolutionize the construction processes and are sure to transform the future of construction. While the complexity of construction projects is increasing, digitalization provides construction companies with a number of benefits: high efficiency of processes, precise project planning and visualization, real-time cooperation, new market opportunities, reduced risks, more effective decision-making, optimized construction costs, etc.
Let’s review what construction technology trends will drive the
1. Drones used in construction
With the use of drone technology, construction workers may take pictures in real time and collect information that can be used to identify any issues that are hard to spot from the ground, such damage or cracks in buildings.
Construction surroundings will be safer and fewer mistakes will be made during the planning stage of projects if drones are used to undertake laser scanning of construction sites prior to the start of work. Project managers will be able to maintain value and technical engineers will be able to obtain the precise size and projection of structures more quickly with the use of VR and drone scanning.
2. BIM, or building information modelling
One of the more recent developments in construction management is building information modeling. With the aid of this program, users may access a comprehensive 3D model of a building in a virtual setting, complete with all of its structures and parts. It has already been applied successfully, particularly in complex construction projects; on the basis of this data, realistic construction project schedules can be created, errors in the design phase can be promptly detected and corrected, and a complete picture of a structure’s functional and physical characteristics can be obtained.
3. Interconnected building sites
A network of hardware, software, and sensors is used on connected construction sites to link people, equipment, and data. This increases safety, facilitates more efficient real-time communication and teamwork, and enhances the productivity and efficiency of the building operations. Since the technology is continually evolving, we anticipate seeing a greater range of uses for it in building projects in the near future.
4. Automation and robotics
Automation and robots are frequently used by industries, including construction, to improve efficiency. These innovations assist construction firms in cutting expenses, improving sustainability, and addressing the shortage of trained labor. Using robots in the building process has the added benefit of shortening the schedule for construction projects since they are more efficient, don’t get weary, and make less expensive mistakes that need to be fixed. Using automated technology can reduce the amount of accidents on building sites in contrast to traditional construction methods. Lastly, using robots and automation raises the caliber of the work produced. For construction organizations, implementing these technologies might be a wise investment that will ultimately lead to improved performance.
Thus, technological advancements in the construction sector help to improve the quality of work produced, streamline projects, and save costs and construction schedules. Thus, we should expect to see more of their uses in the building industry by 2024.
Other Construction Management Trends and Challenges in 2024
1. Ecological viability
Most businesses have a unique focus on sustainability; they are working to lower carbon emissions, which is often mandated by law. Because of this, the construction industry employs a range of strategies, such as installing energy-efficient windows and doors, utilizing recycled materials for fixtures and plumbing parts, developing sustainable structures, etc.
The movement in the building industry towards sustainability is exemplified by the creation of Zero Net Energy Buildings (NZEBs), which generate and utilize the same amount of energy year-round. In example, by 2025, all new homes must be NZEBs under UK government regulations. As they limit the energy use of their tenants and lessen the demand for fossil fuels, their popularity is growing.
2. The lack of workers in the construction industry
The aging of the workforce and high turnover rate are the reasons for the labor shortages that the construction industry has been experiencing. This is a significant difficulty for the industry as building projects will go over budget and take longer to complete without the necessary human resources. A wide range of construction personnel are needed by the sector, including architects, welders, carpenters, field engineers, project managers, and managers of safety and quality.
Thus, one of the themes in the construction business that will persist in 2024 will be tackling the current labor shortage. Making use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain productivity in the face of a shortage of human resources is one strategy to address this problem. Focusing on employee retention—for example, by supporting staff members’ professional development—is the alternative strategy.
3. Making use of substitute and manufactured materials
Building businesses are increasingly using prefabricated, environmentally friendly materials (such as modules and panels) in their construction projects, in keeping with the industry’s sustainability objectives. Along with off-site construction, their utilization is now gaining traction and is expected to continue as a trend through 2024 and beyond. Prefabrication’s primary benefits include speeding up construction, improving labor productivity, and aligning with sustainability efforts.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an example of a sustainable construction material. It is a lightweight substitute for conventional building materials for walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs. What advantages does CLT offer? It uses less energy than conventional materials like steel and concrete, to start. Second, even in the event of an earthquake, it is robust and resistant to fire. Lastly, these materials may be manufactured in advance .
4. Enhanced security for employees
The focus on providing a safe working environment is growing yearly due to the somewhat hazardous nature of the building processes and the construction profession. This entails, among other things, conducting safety inspections more regularly and providing better training. Digital technology have the potential to reduce accidents among construction workers.
Worker training may be conducted more successfully by utilizing virtual reality.
By evaluating data from several sensors, artificial intelligence assists in identifying possible risks. Wearable technology may monitor worker activities and provide notifications in case of an emergency.
Because there are increasingly sophisticated chances to safeguard workers from risks, we may anticipate workplace safety to continue to grow as technology progress.
5. Handling Uncertainty
Construction businesses are attempting to discover strategies to manage the present economic crisis and continue to be able to complete their projects while reducing costs. Furthermore, ongoing supply chain problems brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic and the present geopolitical unrest may result in a lack of materials, ambiguity surrounding the timeline for building projects, delays, and cost overruns. Therefore, in 2024, building companies will still take precautions to guard against these unknowns and reduce associated risks.
