Construction Industry Trends

Last Updated on July 19, 2022 by Matt Gardner

What are some of the latest industry trends in construction technology?

Construction industry professionals are excited about emerging technologies. They can expect more novel and valuable transformations, backed by augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR), drones, robotics, and additive printing. 

These innovations will provide them with the tools they need to complete their jobs faster, better, safer and cheaper than ever before. For example: 

Augmented Reality is an industry trend that is making it easier for construction industry professionals to plan projects using mixed reality in a 3D environment instead of 2D drawings or physical models which saves time on site measurements. 

AR allows workers to see what their project will look like so they have a clear picture of what the finished product should be achieving much earlier in the process than ever before. 

Drones are an industry trend that is changing the way construction industry professionals conduct aerial surveys and inspections. 

They can now capture high-resolution images and videos of job sites which helps with progress tracking, safety, quality control, and estimating.

Robotics is an industry trend that is automating many tasks in the construction industry. For example, there are robots that can place bricks, mix mortar, and drill holes. 

This not only increases efficiency but also leads to better accuracy and quality in construction projects.

Additive (otherwise known as 3D) printing is an industry trend that is helping to reduce waste and increase the speed of construction projects. 

By using additive printing technology instead of traditional manufacturing methods, construction industry professionals can produce customized parts on demand which reduces the time needed to make alterations or repairs to a project.

All of these emerging technologies are changing the way construction industry professionals work and they are sure to see even more amazing innovations in the years to come. 

With the help of these technologies, they can expect to see their industry grow faster and be more efficient than ever before.

So what are the top construction industry trends for 2022 and beyond?

Modeling & Monitoring

5-D Building Information Modeling (BIM)

5-D Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of the characteristics, including physical and functional aspects of a project, which forms a reliable basis for decisions during the project’s life cycle. 

5-D BIM technology takes this one step further by adding in time as the 5th dimension. This allows for better coordination and management of construction projects, as well as enhanced visualization capabilities. 

One way that 5-D BIM is being used to modernize the construction industry is through the use of augmented reality (AR) technology via wearable devices. AR technology can be used to overlay virtual information on top of real-world objects, providing construction professionals with an interactive view of their project. 

By combining 5-D BIM with AR technology, construction professionals can experience a more immersive and efficient construction project. This will help to improve communication and coordination among team members, as well as reduce the likelihood of errors. 

5-D BIM is just one of the many emerging technologies that are transforming the construction industry. With its ability to improve project management and enhance visualization, 5-D BIM is a powerful tool that can help construction professionals to better serve their clients.

Construction Monitoring

Recently, construction companies have been turning to technology in order to more efficiently monitor construction projects. 

This is done by using drones and other devices to capture images and data of the construction site which can then be analyzed to look for potential problems. 

This emerging technology can be especially useful for construction professionals who need to keep track of multiple construction sites simultaneously. 

HD Surveying and Geolocation

HD Surveying and Geolocation are modernizing the building industry.

HD surveying provides a higher level of accuracy than traditional methods, while geolocation technology allows for virtual simulations of construction sites to be used as part of project planning.

HD Surveyors can also use laser scanning to capture 3-D images of structures in order to provide an accurate model that can be used by designers or engineers during the design process.

HD surveyors have many opportunities available and are projected to see a growth rate averaging between 10% – 12% per year over the next decade. 

As HD surveyors become more commonplace, the construction industry will benefit from faster and more accurate surveys, leading to fewer delays and a decrease in overall costs.

Additionally, HD Surveying can help to create a virtual model of the construction site that can be used by engineers and designers during the planning process. This type of technology has the potential to revolutionize how construction projects are planned and executed.

If you are a construction professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, it is important to familiarize yourself with HD Surveying and Geolocation technologies.

HD Surveying provides a more accurate way to survey land or buildings, while geolocation can create a virtual model of the construction site.

These emerging technologies have the potential to change the construction industry, and those who adopt them early will be at a competitive advantage.

Digital Twin

As the construction industry becomes more and more modernized, new technologies are emerging to help streamline the process.

One such technology is the digital twin, a simulation of a physical asset or living entity. This digital twin enables convergence of the physical and virtual world, where every process, product or service can be represented.

This has huge implications for the building industry, as it allows for predictive analytics and a better understanding of how a structure will behave under different conditions.

With a digital twin, builders can test different scenarios and see how the building will respond before construction even begins. This can save time and money, and ensure that the final product is as safe and efficient as possible.

Digital twins are revolutionizing the way we build things. By allowing for predictive analytics and a better understanding of how structures behave, they are making the construction process faster, safer and more accurate.

Software & Systems

Project Management Software

As construction professionals, you can benefit from the use of emerging technologies like digital project management.

This type of technology uses cloud-based software to help manage construction projects more effectively. By using this type of software, you can reduce the amount of time and money wasted on construction projects. 

In addition, it can also help you stay organized and keep track of all aspects of the construction process. There are many other benefits to using digital project management software as a construction professional. Some of these include:

• Reduced construction time and costs
• Easier communication and collaboration between team members
• Increased accuracy and efficiency in construction tasks
• More visibility into construction progress
• Better organization and tracking of construction documents and files

Robotics & AI

Construction industry experts are optimistic that robotics will soon play a bigger role in the industry. In particular, there are several potential applications for robotics in construction projects. 

One such application is the use of drones to survey job sites and collect data. This can help construction professionals save time and money by allowing them to plan and execute projects more efficiently. 

Another application is the use of robots to help with manual labor tasks such as lifting and moving heavy objects. This can reduce the risk of injuries for construction workers. 

Finally, additive printing technology could be used to create customized building components on site, which could help speed up construction times.

All of these applications could have a major impact on the construction industry, and it will be interesting to see how they are adopted in the coming years.

Drone Technology

Drones are being used in industry for a variety of purposes.  From aerial photography to inspections, drones are the perfect tool for construction professionals. 

Drones can offer a bird’s eye view of any site and provide more details than traditional cameras. Construction professionals can now use drones to measure areas that were once difficult or unsafe to access. 

With augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), construction professionals will be able to plan every detail before they start building without ever leaving their office or site. 

Using technology like AR/VR, project managers will have an interactive system which allows them to see what the completed project would look like using photorealistic 3D renderings on top of live camera footage from the drone itself!

This gives everyone involved in the project a clear understanding of the end goal and allows for changes to be made quickly and easily.

Virtual Reality (VR)

As technology rapidly evolves, many industries are finding new and innovative ways to apply virtual reality (VR) in their work.

The construction industry is no exception, with VR offering a number of potential benefits for professionals working on projects. Some of these benefits include: 

Visualizing a project before it begins: One of the biggest advantages of VR in construction is that it allows professionals to visualize a project before it begins. This can help reduce miscommunication and wasted time and money due to unforeseen problems down the road. 

Training employees: Another big advantage of VR in construction is that it can be used to train employees on how to complete tasks safely and effectively. This can save companies time and money, as well as reducing the risk of injury. 

Improving communication: VR can also be used to improve communication among team members working on a project. This can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that no steps are missed. 

Augmented Reality (AR)

Construction industry professionals are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, and AR is revolutionizing the industry. 

With augmented reality (AR), construction professionals can see a virtual representation of what their site will look like before they build it. 

This reduces time wasted on incorrect designs and ensures projects stay on track from start to finish without costly changes in design or materials. 

Augmented reality also offers new opportunities for collaboration among project stakeholders by making information accessible no matter where you are in the world. 

In addition, the technology has applications outside of work — imagine how much more efficient your next home renovation could be with AR!

IoT

The construction industry is one of the most important and largest industries in the world. It’s also one of the most antiquated. But that’s changing fast thanks to the IoT and advanced analytics.

The IoT allows construction machinery, equipment, materials, structures, and more to talk to a central data platform. This provides a real-time view of the entire construction process that can help identify problems and optimize performance.

Other technologies, including sensors and near-field-communication (NFC) devices, can monitor productivity and reliability. This data can be used to improve safety, quality, and efficiency in construction projects.

The combination of IoT and advanced analytics is revolutionizing the construction industry. It’s making it faster, more efficient, and more sustainable. This is good news for everyone involved in the construction process – from builders to consumers.

3D / Additive Printing

Additive printing is a technology that allows for the creation of three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer. 

It works in much the same way as traditional 3D printing, but instead of ink being deposited on paper to create an object, it starts from nothing and builds up. The industry has been booming in recent years with new firms entering into this industry every day. 

The industry was pioneered by MIT’s Media Lab around 1990s then grew slowly over next decade before really taking off after 2010 when patents expired and prices came down sharply. 

Additive printing is now used extensively across industry sectors including aerospace, automotive, biomedical engineering and architecture among others and is being used to create building components such as walls, ceilings and floors. 

In the near future, it is likely that entire buildings will be printed using this technology. This would not only save time and money but also reduce the amount of waste produced during construction. 

The industry is still in its early days and there are many companies coming up with new materials all the time. 

So if you’re a construction professional, it’s worth keeping an eye on the latest developments in additive printing to see how you can benefit from this exciting new technology.

Tools & Equipment

Equipment Rental

Construction firms will continue to consider renting construction equipment instead of buying new construction equipment. 

This is because construction firms are realizing that it can be more cost effective to rent construction equipment than to buy construction equipment, for a variety of reasons. 

First, construction firms may not need the same level of quality in their construction vehicles as they do in their other machinery, and second this way there’s no long-term commitment or large capital expenditure involved since they’re only paying monthly rentals. 

This means that if the company ceases operations, all they have left is an outstanding rental contract on some heavy-duty machines which might take years to pay off. 

And finally this way companies don’t have any risk that the machine breaks down and becomes unusable at a critical time.

Building Materials

Self-healing Concrete

Self-healing concrete is a new technology that may revolutionize the building industry. 

Self-healing concrete has the ability to heal structural deterioration, and even building cracks, without any need for human intervention. 

Self-healing concrete may be one of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction since reinforced steel and formwork were introduced in 1855. 

Self-healing concrete could offer an inexpensive way to protect structures from damage caused by everything from earthquakes to simple wear and tear. 

Self-healing concrete also offers environmental benefits because it reduces waste generated by patching holes and does not require harsh chemicals or solvents. 

The self healing process begins when cracks are filled with an electrically conductive material that transmits electricity through the crack as long as the material remains wet. 

The electricity encourages the formation of calcium carbonate, which heals the crack. Self-healing concrete is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to change the construction industry forever.

Advanced Building Materials

As the world becomes increasingly more focused on sustainability, the construction industry is beginning to adopt more sustainable, advanced building materials into their projects. 

One of the most promising of these new materials is mycelium composites, which are made from mushrooms. 

Mycelium composites have a wide variety of applications, including insulation, soundproofing, and even as a replacement for plastic. They are also biodegradable, meaning they can be easily recycled or composted.

Another sustainable material that is being used more frequently in construction is bioplastics. Bioplastics are made from plant-based materials, such as corn, sugarcane, or bamboo, and can be composted after use. 

They are often used as a replacement for traditional plastics, which are not biodegradable. Biofoam is another sustainable construction material that is gaining popularity. Biofoam is made from natural materials such as vegetable oils, jute, and other plant fibers. 

It is also biodegradable and can be composted. Biofoam has been shown to have better insulation and acoustic properties than traditional foam insulation products.

Technology

Remote Worksites and Mobile Access

It’s not just the building industry that Remote Worksites and Mobile Access is transforming.

Remote worksites are also making a huge impact on other industries, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, public safety and more.

Remote workers who have access to mobile applications can now complete tasks such as real-time inspections and accurate measurements taken from a mobile phone camera in areas where they might otherwise be restricted or prohibited to go.

Remote workforces can help increase efficiency by reducing travel time between sites, providing 24/7 support for emergencies with flexible working hours and more! 

In the construction industry, for example, Remote Worksites and Mobile Access allow worksite access like never before.

Remote inspections can be carried out in real-time, on-site accountability is increased and accurate measurements can be taken from a mobile phone camera.

This allows construction companies to save time and money by reducing the need for site visits, as well as improve safety by reducing the number of people working in potentially dangerous conditions.

The bottom line is that Remote Worksites and Mobile Access are transforming the way construction companies operate by giving workers the ability to connect and collaborate from anywhere at any time.

With the continued growth of mobile devices and cloud-based services, we can expect to see even more amazing things happening in the world of remote construction work!

Methodology

Connected Construction Sites

Construction sites have numerous dynamic components, and maintaining control over all of them is critical to the success of the job.

Connecting construction sites is one method to guarantee smooth on-site operations, which may be done by employing structured workflows.

The construction industry has been slow to adopt emerging technologies because of a lack of understanding about their benefits or how they function in the field. 

The use of mobile devices for data collection offers significant advantages over paper-based methods for collecting data on construction projects. 

Mobile technology offers measurement tools that are accurate, timely and efficient as well as software that provides real-time guidance to workers on what needs doing next, including notifications when tasks are completed, so there’s no need for paperwork at each step in a job’s progress. 

This means that construction professionals can now have access to the most accurate and up-to-date construction data which will help with making better decisions for their construction projects.

Emerging technologies can help with connecting construction sites and ensuring smooth construction site operations. Construction professionals should learn about these technologies and how to use them in order to get the most out of them.

Offsite Construction

Offsite construction is a building industry trend that has been steadily gaining traction in recent years. 

It’s a technique that has been around for decades. In the industry, it is also known as prefabricated building or modular building. Offsite construction can be defined as having all the parts of a new structure fabricated off site and then assembled at its final location. 

• Off-site construction offers many benefits to industry professionals including: 
• Cost savings
• Reduced environmental impact
• Quick project completion times

Modern assembling techniques like AR/VR, drones, robotics and additive printing have made this process even more efficient than ever before. 

These innovations allow for quicker assembly time due to precise measurements which reduce human error in fabrication and installation. They also allow for better quality control over projects because there

Green Building Construction

Green construction is the next big thing in architecture.

Green building includes both the technology to lower a building’s carbon footprint and the use of resources and building models to reduce the use of resources.

Green construction has many benefits, including lower energy costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, better air quality for people inside buildings and reduced waste from materials used during construction.

Green construction also helps make our communities more sustainable by reducing pollution and improving public health with green roofs that help clean indoor air or rain gardens that soak up storm water before it enters streams or rivers.

Green builders have created innovative technologies such as solar panels that can generate electricity without harming wildlife or adding noise pollution to neighborhoods; they are designing smarter homes with features like rooftop gardens, triple-pane windows and energy-efficient appliances that can save homeowners up to 30 percent on their utility bills.

Green construction is quickly modernizing the building industry, with more and more people looking to go green.

There are many reasons why people might want to build green. Green construction can save money on energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and conserve resources.

Green roofs also have environmental benefits by cooling the building and the city below it, reducing rain runoff, and providing habitats for plants and animals. In addition, green construction can create jobs in the building industry.

Green construction practices make use of local materials and resources whenever possible, so they also help to strengthen the economy of nearby communities.

The bottom line is that green construction is good for the environment, good for public health, and good for the economy. So if you’re thinking about building or renovating, consider going green!

Advanced Building Materials

As the construction industry continues to grow and evolve, so too does the technology used in building materials. 

In recent years, there has been a shift away from traditional materials like concrete and steel towards more innovative and sustainable alternatives like bamboo, hempcrete, and straw-bale.

This shift is due in part to the growing awareness of the negative environmental impacts of traditional construction methods. 

Sustainability is now a key concern for architects and builders, and new materials that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective are in high demand.

In addition to their environmental benefits, these alternative materials also have a number of other advantages over traditional construction methods. 

They are often easier to work with, more durable, and better suited for use in earthquake-prone areas.

As the construction industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and sustainable building materials replacing the older ones.