The tech construction industry has seen significant advancements in the past couple of years, from the mania of wearable construction exoskeletons to the emergence of bioplastics in commercial construction to the possibilities of construction on Mars.
In today’s blog episode, let’s refresh our memories and review all the major and trending construction tech fronts that helped shape recent years.
Here's the list:
1. The Revolution of 3D Printers
A 3D construction printer has lately been in the rounds for solving the challenge of creating complicated architectural designs. How? It allows the construction industry to develop prototypes and execute complex and challenging projects.
A 3D construction printer uses a 3D scanner and CAD software to create a structure. It interprets the given design and uses successive layers of material like molten plastic layers, adhesives, and ultraviolet light to make a digital file.
It’s a vital advancement in construction technology. It adds finesse to custom-made models, cutting down construction time. It can save labor costs and resources like building materials. Experts even suggest that 3D printing can help solve the worldwide housing crisis. Read about the whole topic here.
2. HyperCell Technology & Its Impact on Urban Cities
A self-assembled architectural system was best conceived in thought until HyperCell technology knocked on the doors of tech construction a couple of years ago. A team of students and advisors at London's Architecture Association Design Research Laboratory (AADRL). have devised a system that can restructure themselves based on necessity and environment. They have designed it in a way that works on a time-based system with no fixed structure.
The fusion of HyperCell technology with construction aims to breathe life into the concept of living architecture. It strives to create a building that restructures the needs of residents. Its first and most advantageous use would be disaster relief. While its development is challenging, it can significantly impact urban development.
3. Martian Concrete: The Construction on Mars
The year 2022 it brought a significant development in the conversation of the colonization of Mars. While scientists are busy researching ways to send humans safely to the Red Planet, Lin Wan and his team at Northwestern University have been developing a means to build habitats on Mars. It’s called Martian Concrete.
Martin Concrete combines Martian soil with molten sulfur, which can be a possible solution for human settlement on Mars. This formulation doesn’t need water, is recyclable, and can be melted down and reset into a new form. It can make building a home on Mars easier and cheaper than expected.
4. Nano Trusses in Architecture
The construction industry has long needed advanced structural frameworks. The solution presents itself in the form of Nano Trusses.
Nano Trusses are detailed fractal structures built within their small frameworks. Designed with high-end precision, each truss member is close to 5 nanometers and shows high potency in its engineering.
They are built with improvised materials, and they can emerge as a reliable construction solutions in the future. While its development is still ongoing in research labs, tapping into its potential can bring morally-aligned advancements to the industry.
5. The Power of Cement Rechargeable Batteries
Renewable energy is all the rage globally today. While energy storage techniques are still limited, research from the Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, shows a possibility of the most advanced alternative.
Cement rechargeable batteries are based on the idea of a house working as a massive battery powerhouse itself. Since most construction uses cement and concrete as building materials, they can work as conducting elements. While the concept is far from commercialization today due to battery energy density and lifespan, it can be a helpful energy and construction resource. Learn more about the topic in detail here.
6. Bioplastics Reinventing the Commercial Construction
Like every other industry, the construction sphere also reduces its dependability on disposable plastics. It's increasing the use of recycled plastics by prioritizing bioplastics in construction processes.
Since bioplastics are made from renewable sources and biodegradable materials such as corn oil, sugar beet, sugar, grass, and plants, they can help decrease pollution significantly. Its recent and monumental use in the construction industry is in the modern Bioplastics Pavilion in Stuttgart, Germany.
Using bioplastic materials can reduce carbon emissions in cities and enhance the concept of sustainable homes.
7. Wearable Exoskeletons Revamping the Face of Construction
Construction workers deal with heavy lifting daily. Naturally, it can be strenuous for workers’ bodies in the long run. Exoskeletons come to the rescue of construction workers all around the globe.
Construction exoskeletons, or exosuits, are wearable machines that enhance a person’s biomechanical capabilities. It is available as a full-body suit or can aid a specific body part with a metal framework that mirrors the wearer’s internal skeletal structure. As a result, they can lead to a decrease in injuries in the construction industry. Moreover, they will also boost workers’ productivity.
A Peek at 2023 Tech Construction Trends
The tech construction industry welcomes 2023 with new advancements. Let’s have a glance at them -
● Drones
Drones are becoming one of the most conventional trends in the construction industry for their real-time data recording and unique aerial advantage. Its usage includes -
1. Remote monitoring
2. Land surveys
3. Equipment Tracking
4. Security Surveillance
5. Structure Inspection
● Robotics
Robotics facilitates the convenience of automation in the construction industry. Technology can assist in workers’ productivity and help to reduce their errors. Moreover, it will aid in affordable resource costs and a decrease in the number of accidents.
● Reality Capture
If we talk about a boost in design and construction workflows, reality capture deems to be a potential 2023 trend. It includes the usage of 3D laser scanners and high-definition 360-degree cameras to replace traditional methods of surveying and assessing a construction site.
● Artificial Intelligence
With AI, the construction industry is becoming smarter. Its probable uses include -
● Tracking the real-time interactions on site
● Sending immediate alerts to supervisors in case of potential safety issues.
● Managing construction errors
● Tackling productivity issues.
The past and upcoming construction technologies suggest the industry is experiencing exciting times. This technological renaissance will improve the everyday work experience and deal with the most significant challenges in the industry.