Construction technology tools make it easier to accomplish complex construction tasks. It can help reduce risk, eliminate errors and cut costs. These technological solutions also increase productivity levels and improve efficiencies.
For example, augmented reality (AR) tools let construction contractors view 3D models of a structure before beginning work. This helps them anticipate difficulties, eliminate risks and determine logistics.
3D Laser Scanning
3D laser scanning is a powerful construction technology that can dramatically improve your workflow. Rather than relying on manual measurements, which are often inaccurate due to human error, laser scanning enables you to scan and record data automatically. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual work and allows you to spend more time on analysis and planning tasks. In addition, 3D scanning can help you perform tasks in areas that are unsafe or difficult to access without the use of harnesses or complex machinery. This helps to mitigate safety risks on your project site, which in turn contributes to a healthier and safer workplace environment.
One of the most beneficial uses of 3D laser scanning in construction is its ability to capture accurate and detailed existing conditions data. The point cloud data generated by 3D scanning enables architects to identify clashes and optimize space utilization as they begin their design process. This can help reduce rework, costly delays, and construction issues down the road.
Additionally, 3D laser scanning can be used to create digital representations of your project’s layout and structure. This helps to ensure that everyone involved in your project works from the same set of data, minimizing misunderstandings and increasing collaboration. It also makes it easier for you to communicate complex designs to clients who may not have a background in architecture or construction.
Furthermore, 3D laser scanning can help you plan and execute building retrofits, renovations, or upgrades with minimal disruption. This is especially useful in industrial environments, where facility shutdowns can be extremely costly. The as-built data that is captured by 3D laser scanning can be used to ensure accurate prefabrication and efficient installation, thereby reducing the overall duration of your facility’s downtime.
Twin-Wall Technology
Twin wall technology is a construction technique that combines precast concrete with the qualities of erection speed and the structural integrity of in-situ concrete. It also allows for the construction of large 3D units in a controlled factory environment, or modular construction. This type of modern construction technique helps reduce site costs and is used to build a wide range of buildings, from offices to homes.
In this method, flat panels are made in a third-party factory and then transported to the construction site to be assembled into a three-dimensional structure. This construction method is particularly useful in commercial buildings that require a lot of repeating designs, such as stores in a strip mall. It is also ideal for projects in heavily contaminated areas, as it decreases the amount of soil excavation.
The kerkstoel twin-wall system consists of two 65mm thick concrete wall leafs that are suitably reinforced and connected together. The resulting structures can be easily customised to the design requirements and provide an excellent alternative to formwork. They can be fitted with a variety of doors and windows, utilities, and built-in parts for finishing.
The system was subjected to four point bending flexural tests and results showed that the failure load, stiffness, and degree of composite action increased with increasing specimen thickness. A finite element (FE) model was also developed and compared with experimental results. The FE model proved to be a good representation of the experimental behaviour and confirmed that the system can achieve the required performance characteristics. It is therefore an excellent option for constructing high-performance and energy efficient buildings.
Wood or Timber Frames
Timber framing is a distinctive style of building construction that uses heavy timbers rather than more common dimensional lumber. It is a method of construction that can be used to build homes, pavilions, and other buildings. This construction technique has been around for centuries and is known to be very durable. In fact, some of the world’s oldest surviving structures are timber-framed.
A timber frame structure is made up of a variety of different components, including posts, beams, braces, roof trusses and rafters, wall sheathing, and infill panels. The components are connected using a wide range of joinery techniques, such as mortise and tenon, lap joint dovetail, scarf joint, and tying joint. These joints are designed to be strong and durable, allowing the frame to withstand severe weather conditions.
The structural timbers are prepared ahead of time in the shop, where they are sized, planed, and joined together with the use of joinery cuts. When it is time to assemble the timber frames on site, each component is placed on a jig and aligned with the help of wooden pegs. The assembly process is often much like a giant jigsaw puzzle and can be completed in just a few days for a moderately sized timber-frame home.
The infill materials for a timber frame are typically cement board, wood or gypsum wallboard, or SIPS (structural insulated panels). SIPS act as an outer envelope with insulation and can be custom designed and ordered for each project. They can be insulated with either spray, cellulose or foam insulation. Conventional walls are then framed in between the SIPs, and drywall is added on the interior side of the wall.
Site Positioning Systems
A wide range of positioning sensor hardware and software is used to improve accuracy, safety and productivity. These tools can be used for quantity takeoffs and estimating, site planning and design, prefabrication and more. They also help contractors avoid costly rework and meet tighter specifications.
Another technology that is gaining ground in the industry is virtual reality and augmented reality, which are paired with BIM. This combination enables builders to create 3D renderings of projects and gives architects a tool to communicate with clients. It is also helpful for eliminating change orders and clash detection before construction begins.
Contractors can now build structures with more sustainable building materials, including cross-laminated timber, reclaimed wood and bamboo. Using these materials is not only more cost-effective, but it also reduces the amount of carbon emissions and energy consumed in the production process. These materials are also more sustainable than traditional concrete and bricks.
Modern methods of construction are a fast way to deliver new buildings, by maximising the efficiency of material and human resources. These techniques are continually being developed, improved and adapted to meet the needs of the construction industry.
With Trimble site positioning systems, contractors can increase productivity and improve safety on construction sites. A GNSS base station provides a robust correction source, while a Trimble radio offers flexible configuration options and rugged reliability. The SCS900 site controller delivers accurate positioning and communication technology to reduce rework and miscommunication. This system includes a controller, a GPS or GNSS receiver and software designed specifically for the needs of surveyors.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication is more than a trend, and many companies are finding that it is a great solution for reducing construction time and costs. This method of building allows for more affordable construction options and is also environmentally friendly. It also requires less on-site labor and can be used on a variety of different projects.
The concept behind prefabrication is to use production line techniques to build elements of a structure offsite, then transport those parts to the site for assembly. This reduces the number of skilled workers needed at a jobsite and cuts down on delays caused by congestion, weather conditions or equipment failures. It also means that the entire project can be built in a much smaller chunk of time, which cuts down on expenses for labor, materials and equipment rental.
When it comes to commercial construction, the technique is showing more and more promise, as buildings rely on repeating steel elements that are easier to manufacture offsite. For example, many modern skyscrapers and warehouses are built using prefabricated window and door frames. The process can be even more efficient when a company uses a modular system that can deliver pieces to the jobsite in larger “chunks” and be assembled quickly on site.
Of course, each jobsite has unique needs and constraints, and so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to prefabrication. However, it is a highly versatile option that can be applied to any building type.