29 MAY 2024 | 4 mins Reading

Construction Technologies That Boost Productivity and Efficiency

Productivity and efficiency are essential attributes for every successful construction company. Each building project needs to be completed with precision on a streamlined, time- and budget-friendly schedule. So, discovering new ways to improve construction productivity is vital.

In the building and construction sector, new technology is constantly emerging, which can transform the way you approach building projects. From Building Information Modelling to Drones and Aerial Imaging there are plenty of affordable and modern construction technologies to make each task speedier and more profitable.

Overview of Construction Technologies

Construction technologies include the vast array of machinery, tools, software and systems you utilise in the planning, building, maintenance, and overseeing of your construction and infrastructure projects.

In the early twentieth century, the industry was transformed by the introduction of heavy machinery. Speed and efficiency were enhanced in later decades by project management software and CAD (computer-aided design). And now, building firms across the globe are embracing the new wave of productivity solutions that will place them firmly ahead of the competition.

Key Technologies Enhancing Productivity

Now let’s take a look at some of the most effective modern construction technologies which can help to transform the way you approach, work, and complete a project.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

BIM (Building Information Modelling) allows you to create a digital model of buildings and infrastructure. These detailed and comprehensive models of physical and functional aspects improve both planning and project execution.

Benefits of these building construction technologies include:

  • Enhanced 3D model visualisation.
  • Improved collaboration and communication.
  • Time and cost saving.
  • Identify potential problems earlier.

High-profile building projects which successfully utilised BIM include the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the One World Trade Centre in New York.

Drone and Aerial Imaging

Modern construction technologies such as drones and aerial imaging will completely transform the way you monitor and survey your sites. Drones can speed up site inspections, project tracking, and topographic mapping. You can also quickly view a location and generate 3D maps to improve your project planning and site analysis.

Benefits of these modern construction technologies include:

  • Enhanced accuracy in surveying and mapping.
  • Save time on land surveys and topography.
  • Cost-efficient and labour-saving.
  • Real-time monitoring and project tracking.

Successful construction projects using this technology include the highway building of the California Department of Transportation and BHP mining.

Prefabrication and Modular Construction

Prefabrication construction techniques involves building modular parts of a structure in a separate location and then transporting them to the construction site. This can include assembling entire sections or room and creating floors, walls and roofs offsite.

Here is a breakdown of the benefits of prefabrication and modular construction technologies:

  • Increased Efficiency and Speed.
  • Reduce labour costs and minimise waste.
  • Save time by building in a controlled environment.
  • Improved quality control.

Successful building projects that utilised prefabricated and modular construction include the B2 Tower in New York and the Battersea Apple Store in London.

Technologies Improving Efficiency

Modern construction technologies are a practical and affordable method of increasing efficiency across building sites. Here is a guide to how new construction tech can improve safety, lower costs, and save time across a wide variety of tasks:

Automation and Robotics

Construction robots such as drones and 3D robots can assist in more accurate and efficient planning and monitoring of your projects. On the practical side robotic arms and bricklaying robots can automate structure building with high precision and accuracy. High-tech self-driving excavators and loaders can also improve the efficiency of tasks which are both time and labour intensive.

Examples of building construction robots and automation include the Hadrian X bricklaying system and the SAM100 robotic bricklayer.

Construction Management Software

Construction Management Software plays a huge role in all modern building projects. Using these modern construction technologies, you can track project progress, manage budgets and track resource usage. This will increase time and cost efficiency and allow you to effectively control a site.

Examples of efficiency-enhancing construction management software include Swiftcheckin-EzyBuild. This construction site management software helps you manage labour costs, maintain compliance, and improve productivity on each project.

Green Building Technologies

Green building technologies help you reduce the environmental impact of your construction projects and increase the long-term green-efficiency of buildings. Energy-efficient building helps to lower energy costs, increase building values, and ensure compliance.

Some examples of these building construction technologies include using recycled and renewed materials, low-emission and solar technology, and energy-efficient roofs and walls.

Future Trends in Construction Technologies

Looking ahead, it is undeniable that modern construction technologies are set to transform the way builders execute and oversee projects. These changes will improve cost efficiency, increase accuracy, streamline administration, and speed up completion. Here is some of the construction technology which will revolutionise the way you do business:

  • 3D printing technology will allow complex designs to be created quicker and at lower cost.
  • AR (Augmented Reality) allows you to overlay plans and designs onto real-world sites.
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) improves project planning, decision-making and risk management.
  • IoT (Internet of Things) enable you to monitor and track your sites in real time and quickly collate data relating to productivity and workflow.
  • Drones and Robots will take over time and labour-intensive tasks.

Conclusion

Significant changes and industry-changing technologies will continue as developers create even more revolutionary modern construction technologies in the coming decades. To remain competitive, it is essential that you consider and plan how to integrate these new practices into your current business. These new developments will not only save time and labour but create new opportunities for growth and innovation for your construction company.