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Adopting Emerging Construction Technologies

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Shubika Bilkha, Business head, The Real Estate Management Institute (REMI)Technology advancements can streamline processes in Indian Real estate sector and ultimately benefit the buyers. It is important for professionals in construction and related industries to stay up-to-date on the latest technology trends so that they can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive. Now with such high end technology, developers are confident for timely delivery and high quality product. Innovations in the real estate domain are taking shape and changing the course of the conventional construction techniques uses earlier. People need safer and more comfortable places to live, and prices need to be reasonable. Many companies have begun incorporating new construction technologies, but most of their efforts are focused on integrating software tools digitally. Digital tech is used to assist with document control and integration as the design progresses from sketches to construction documents.

Mobile Apps and devices are one of the most widely adopted technologies. Easy to access apps allow workers to document, edit and share important project information even on the field. Mobile devices specially catered for construction feature bar code scanners and radio-frequency identification readers to track. Wearable gear or tech is the next ‘big thing’ and an evolving path to augmented reality. Smart glasses and hardhats can provide visualization, augmented and mixed reality to improve accuracy, efficiency and safety. Wearable tech in the form of safety vests, smart watches and health trackers, are being utilized to monitor safety, productivity and risk. Laser scanning offers accuracy, especially when there is a conflict between determining existing conditions and new building elements. They capture very detailed geometric information in the form of ‘point cloud’ data that can be fed into BIM or CAD files. Further improvements can come in the form of quick data incorporation and seamless software interfacing.

Drone is a millennial favorite. Capturing images from drones can be used to back
up site assessment and inspections, throw light on project team’s understanding of progress and as-built conditions and monitor logistics, deliveries and the workforce. Some companies take drone footage and convert it into 3-D pictures to compare it with architectural plans. Expected improvements would include advanced cameras and lenses and enhanced communication in real time between drones and software on the receiving end. GPS tracking is a boon for any company that manages an equipment fleet that enables managers to see where their vehicles are in real time. Future trends in GPS tracking likely involve greater interconnectedness with other systems and instant data about field conditions and equipment condition that feeds this information into a central dashboard can improve operations.

The world’s first 3-D-printed office was recently constructed in Dubai. Robotic arms in conjunction with 3-D printers were used to print a variety of forms. Robots also are being used for demolition, layering bricks, excavation and many other tasks. Industry conversations about big data have been limited to asset management, such as sensors in buildings to collect readings. Contractors already use tech to monitor equipment, fuel usage, and maintenance. Building materials suppliers are capitalizing on the Internet of all things for quality control, delivery and forecasting, but in the future big data is going to unite and transform other technologies. Experts anticipate a turn from proprietary products and movement towards open source software to support this synergy.

Industry conversations about big data have been limited to asset management, such as sensors in buildings to collect readings

As the demand is increasing day by day for affordable housing there has to be an equal supply for the demand. Precast construction is cost-efficient, fast and sustainable building technology for large housing projects that does not compromise on quality. Precast is a standard building system based on ready-made, factory-manufactured elements and intelligent connections. It provides how to style and construct an ample range of appropriate homes to fulfill the requirements of city dwellers in an exceedingly affordable time frame and at an affordable price. Such new technologies will help boost the supply faster for affordable housing at a reasonable price. Different technology for smart buildings is widely used by the developers. Smart buildings use information technology to stay connected to building systems and people and use automated processes to control building operations such as air conditioning, lighting, heating, security and other home systems.

The different types of modernized technologies being used in construction are: Pre-fabricated structures, MIVAN Technology, Avanse Technology, ACRYSOL for construction applications, DURAMOULD moulding systems, ROPAQUE and ROVACE. Technological innovations are happening and the industry is changing faster than anyone had thought. New technology and construction practices that make prefabrication even more beneficial are emerging. The growth in green building has also impacted the use of prefabrication in construction. Using prefabrication and energy simulation, teams can design and construct buildings which are more environmentally friendly.