Technology in civil construction: what are the advantages of investing
The world has never evolved at the speed it is evolving now. This evolution has impacted all sectors, and civil construction would not be different.
With global population growth reaching the milestone of 200,000 new births per day, the demand for homes and other buildings has never been higher, combined with the demand for basic infrastructure in cities.
All this puts pressure on the construction industry, requiring it to renew itself and update its processes to be able to meet the demands of this new world. Industry 4.0, the last stage of the industrial revolution, is bringing digitalization to the shop floor Now it is also reaching construction, bringing the solution the sector needs to work harder and better.
But how is this technology applied to civil construction? More than that: what practical benefits does it bring to the sector? Want to know the answer to these and other questions? Keep reading! The concept of Industry 4.0 and its application in construction
The era of industrialization began in the 1700s with the introduction of water and steam powered power looms on mechanical equipment. The second industrial revolution occurred in 1870 and brought electricity, transforming the manufacturing process and giving rise to the concept of mass production.
The third industrial revolution in the 1970s witnessed the emergence of electronics. The shift from analogue electronic and mechanical devices to digital technology is a result of the fourth industrial revolution, also known as the digital revolution.
Industry 4.0 was built on the foundation of the digital revolution, which connects people and technology. It not only represents modern techniques, but also encourages sustainability with renewable energy and energy efficiency as its two main elements. This industrial transformation will encompass all facets of industries and economic activities and will affect our daily lives.
In the case of construction, we are currently undergoing a breakthrough with new technologies that are putting pressure on industry penetration. Adaptation of Industry 4.0 in the field of construction includes physical and digital technologies, composed of two main components: cyber-physical systems (networked control systems) and digital ecosystems.
Main emerging technologies of Construction 4.0
The Industry 4.0 concept incorporates digitization, automation and a growing use of Information Technology in the construction sector. This revolution has already brought about significant changes and is heavily reshaping the industry to increase its overall efficiency for successful project delivery. This has been done, in particular, with the use of the following technologies:
1. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM can be explained as a virtual prototype of a structure or site that allows you to simulate and evaluate any aspect of the project before starting construction. It provides information and tools for efficient planning, design, construction and management of buildings and infrastructure.
The incorporation of BIM has seen rapid growth due to the numerous advantages it offers. It provides greater access to accurate execution data, helping to accurately estimate costs and reduce errors from the design phase through delivery, maintenance, demolition and material reuse.
2. Drone Technology
Drones are among the most revolutionary trends in the construction industry. The aerial viewpoint and data collection offered by drones make them beneficial for all types of construction projects. They can be equipped with cameras, GPS units, thermal sensors and infrared sensors to collect important data in the workplace, making them suitable for various activities.
3. Cyber-Physical Systems
Cyber-physical systems can be defined as systems that allow computer-based algorithms to control or monitor buildings. This can be achieved using central information repositories such as BIM workflows in combination with wireless technology.
These systems present bidirectional information that can be used to verify the functioning of assets in real time and identify any problems before they manifest themselves in the physical environment. Industry 4.0 will raise the construction industry’s awareness of cyber-physical systems, improving how we design, build and maintain assets.
4. Prefabrication
Prefabrication is a construction technique in which different components of a structure are made in a fabrication facility and transported to the jobsite site for assembly. The prefabricated technique creates innovative high-quality structures with greater efficiency and precision.
It takes less time than conventional construction methods and also reduces construction waste.
