6 Emerging Construction Technology Trends in 2023

As our world continues to grow, further embracing urbanization as we go, the construction industry has never been more vital. Responsible for all the infrastructure we rely on every day, whether in terms of our homes or our workplaces, we need the industry to carry on to go through our way of modern life. 

Though some may perceive the construction industry as one that does not or does not need to keep up with technological advancements, this is far from true. The construction industry continues to not only build our basic infrastructure needs but also innovative, unique infrastructures and buildings, thanks to technology. Here are a few ways technology has helped the construction industry thrive and evolve:

1. 3D Printing

3D printing is a technology plenty of industries like medical, automotive, and aerospace have started embracing. Though not entirely common and globally widespread yet, companies in the construction industry have delved into 3D printing technology as well.

By utilizing 3D printing, construction can become more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective. Whilst traditional construction sites generate plenty of waste, 3D printing allows building materials like concrete, steel, or plastic in the required amounts and only when they are needed, leading to very little to no waste. Companies can also save money on transportation and storage since 3D printing enables them to build materials on the spot. 3D printing is also ideal for complex architectural designs

YC-backed Mighty Buildings utilizes 3D printing as a solution to housing shortage while also aiming to rid of carbon emissions massively produced from traditional construction.

2. Prefabrication

Also known as modular construction, prefabrication is the act of manufacturing and assembling buildings or building components at locations other than the construction site, with them moved to the job site later on.

According to the UA Builders Group, modular construction will increase 6.1% globally by 2028, seemingly deservingly so. Prefabrication allows construction times to shorten as delays usually caused by bad weather in traditional construction are almost entirely removed. Delays and repercussions caused by accidents will also minimized, thus reducing costs. Infrastructure quality may also improve since components can be individually and carefully assessed prior to being placed onsite.

3. BIM Software

A construction team comprises many members, each one responsible for several aspects of the building process that will eventually bind together upon the completion of a project. With the many potential issues a team can stumble upon, efficient communication and a streamlined workflow are essential. This can be achieved with BIM software.

Team members can better collaborate with each other by utilizing BIM software, with a centralized space that allows people of different expertise areas to work on the same model at the same time. The traditional method of construction design requires multiple versions of a 2D paper or digital drawing to be passed along from one member to another for revisions and confirmations, making the design process time-consuming and inefficient.

Global governments have realized the efficiency BIM software can offer, with the UK making the use of BIM mandatory for government construction projects, and several countries like India, Hong Kong, and France in the process of making BIM compulsory for large-scale facilities projects.

4. Sustainable Materials

We have established the importance of the construction industry for our society. However, its impact on the environment has been harmful, through greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, as well as waste. This has pushed companies to come up with ways of continuing construction without having to harm the environment further, one way by creating and utilizing sustainable materials.

Construction companies have made use of recycled materials, energy-efficient materials, and materials made from renewable energy. This includes MIT spin-out startup Boston Metal, which has come up with “green” steel using an electrochemical decarbonizing process it calls Molten Oxide Electrolysis (MOE).

5. Drones

One robotic form of technology that has been widely used in the construction industry for quite some time now is drones. Drones can be used to conduct site surveys, ensuring that a site fits all the requirements for a company to build on. They can also inspect hard-to-reach places that may be considered unsafe for a construction crew to check on.

With modern technology now more advanced than ever, AI-powered drones can even collect sensory data such as temperature, humidity, and air quality, as well as scan volume measurements more timely and accurately so construction teams can plan ahead before starting their build.

6. Data Management App

Lastly, in our modern age, there exists an app for everything, including data collecting and management apps for companies in the construction industry. These apps are aimed at collecting, organizing, and analyzing data from multiple sources like project schedules, budgets, contracts, or material deliveries.

With the ability to manage data and analytics in just one platform, companies can automate tasks and streamline workflows, identify and address problems early on to prevent delays and cost overruns, as well as mitigate any hazards or scheduling conflicts, improving efficiency and productivity.

One unique and quite useful data management app in the industry is one made by YC-backed Pirros. Pirros created a centralized, searchable app that architects and engineers can use to store and organize past design blueprints.

Like with every other industry nowadays, technology plays an immensely important role in helping bring efficiency and sustainability to construction teams and companies. With technology not replacing but assisting humans, more and more players in the industry are invited to embrace technological innovation.

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