The world is always changing, with new technologies and ways of doing this emerging all the time. This is the case in the construction industry where various developments change the direction of the industry. Most things in the construction industry have changed, with many players moving towards sustainable and healthy solutions while also leaning heavily on technology. These changes and trends are what we are going to focus on in this article.
A Focus on Protection and Safety
Protection and safety have been topics of conversation for some time, and it is great to see that the industry is working towards making sites and projects safer for employees. Construction workers now have access to better safety equipment, with rules and regulations in place to ensure they have the right equipment to keep them safe.
We are also seeing some managers reduce the amount of load carried by humans by employing robots and other kinds of mechanical solutions to help carry these loads.
Lastly, employers are using solutions that help them identify safety issues and eliminate them before they become a problem.
Use of Technology
We are beginning to see technology being incorporated into construction, especially technology that enhances efficiency. The use of construction drones, for example, makes it easier to map large areas or even gauge a project’s progress. Additionally, these drones can collect a lot of data that can be used in decision-making, thereby streamlining the whole process.
Augmented reality can help with project staging and pre-construction visualization, especially in projects that are looking to attract investors.
Rising Material Costs
The cost of construction materials has been increasing over the past few years, increasing by 17% in 2021. We expect another increase over last year when the latest reports come in this year. Construction project managers have to keep an eye on the cost of construction materials as it is a key determinant of the final cost of the project.
They also have to find ways to reduce the cost pressure, and one of the best ways of doing so is using different materials that serve the same purpose. For example, it is no longer feasible to use materials like metal conduits for large projects as they can get very expensive.
Instead, project managers can switch to fiberglass composite alternatives that last longer while costing a lot less than metal conduits. They can source cost-effective options from companies like FRE composites, widely regarded as the North American composite industry leader that provides numerous fiberglass products for different construction needs.
Modular and Offsite Construction
Prefab and modular construction has taken off and there are no signs that it will slow down. This construction trend involves creating the building materials away from the main work site and then bringing them together at the time of construction.
This can save both time and money while also ensuring little environmental damage during construction. Modular construction can also help ensure the safety of workers as everything is created at ground level and then brought together using cranes and other mobility solutions.
Although the last two years have been an anomaly for the construction industry, it shows no signs of slowing down. We expect the trends discussed above to shape the industry, affecting it in different ways as the year and the decade unfolds.