Blockchain and Bricks

When people think of industries staying updated with technological advancements, they often forget to consider construction. The construction industry is excellently embracing the latest technological advancements—it just happens to be one of those things that few people witness firsthand.

Are you still having trouble believing it? Try looking at it another way: engineering and construction are two sides of the same coin. In other words, innovation drives adaptation, pushing both industries forward into the future.

With that in mind, let's talk about some of the emerging technologies in construction. Read below for more.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is one of the biggest technological breakthroughs (for countless industries). Blockchains allow for a massive amount of secure storage. This has enabled companies to go more remote, making focusing on more significant global projects easier. This applies to construction as well, as the technology's decentralized nature proves to be a secure place to store plans, updates, and financial information regarding any construction project.

3D Laser Scanners

3D Laser scanners are all the rage in specific industries (and hobbies). This tech allows individuals to scan individual objects in real-time. In other words, it's a potent tool that already has proven worth in site surveys, mapping, and project inspections. We'll likely find more uses for this technology as time goes on.

3D Printing

3D printed technology has been on the rise for decades, but it's only been in recent years that we've used it more in construction. Some designers have even found ways to build entire houses through 3D technology. This technology reduces costs across the board (labor, materials, etc.) and can potentially revolutionize the industry.

Simulations

Simulations and renderings are not exactly new - but they are finding their way into more industries as we perfect the technology. For example, many major construction projects have first had a simulation or rendering created. This is beneficial, enabling managers to understand any problems before development. This can increase safety, decrease project time, and help prevent mistakes.

Self-Healing Materials

Yes, you read that right. Scientists and other experts are actively developing new construction materials. While some of these materials are still in the early stages of development, the ultimate goal is to create materials that can self-heal, such as self-healing concrete. This example, in particular, is considered high-priority, as concrete is costly to maintain, and its production significantly impacts the environment.

Drones

If you've spent time watching the latest real estate trends, then the odds are good that you've seen more drone footage. Drones have the potential to be a game changer in the construction industry - and with good reason. The most obvious example is their broad appeal - high-up footage is more appealing and can help sell a property.

There are other uses for drones, including real-time aerial imagery for active construction sites and the potential for 3D lidar scans. These steps can make it easier to plan, monitor, and adapt construction projects on the fly.

As drone technology is perfected, their usefulness will increase. Current drone models can even manage smaller tasks, such as delivering items (under a certain weight) and more. With time, we may be able to use drones to access and construct in harder-to-reach areas.

Virtual/Augmented Reality

Virtual and augmented realities are changing the way we see the world. This is true even in the world of construction. When used correctly, virtual reality can help reduce construction costs and increase safety. How? One primary way is by enabling remote site inspections. Remember that frequent inspections are the ideal way to catch a problem before it becomes catastrophic (or expensive), so the more held, the better. That said, there's a balance, as inspections take time and usually put a stop to construction. By utilizing an alternative method, we can circumvent these issues.