Construction professionals have a lot to look forward to in 2016. Analysts predict 2016 will be a strong year for the industry, as Dodge Data & Analytics’ 2016 Construction Outlook report predicted 6% growth, with the value of construction starts reaching an estimated $712 billion. With Construction technology as a buzzword in the industry, it is hard to deny that the success of a construction company goes hand in hand with its successful implementation of current technology trends. Here is a look at some of the top technology trends to watch in 2016, according to industry experts:
3-D Printing
Although BIM tends to dominate the construction technology, experts pointed to another emerging technology that is having a significant impact on the industry: laser scanning. 3-D laser scanners can create a digital reproduction of the dimensions and positions of objects in a certain space, and then turn that information into a point cloud image.
Drones
Whether they’re used for surveying, to show clients and potential clients an aerial overview of completed projects, to monitor jobsites to ensure safe practices or to inspect bridges and other structures, drones have the potential to become a extremely important tool in the industry.
Paperless Environment
By incorporating construction software technology, a company’s office, clients, and field staff can work more efficiently. Replacing paper-based processes with electronic document and data management also allows a company to capture costs and other critical information in real-time. This gives you better control over your projects and helps you identify potential issues early, before they affect the profitability of the job.
Sustainability and Green Construction
Environmental consciousness and “green” construction remain a major consideration for many builders and their customers. This trend shows little sign of declining in 2016. Many construction clients are urging, sometimes requiring, builders and contractors to use recycled materials or proven sustainable materials that can be easily renewed. Interest is growing in sustainability factors such as zero-energy homes that produce all the energy used within the home. Energy conservation is also becoming more popular, and in response high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, LED lighting and other efficient lighting equipment, and low-flow plumbing fixtures and water conservation processes will be installed more frequently.
