FEATURES
How emerging technological trends are changing Construction Management Improving productivity and profitability has been one of the most significant challenges facing the construction industry. When compared to other industries, the construction industry has had the lowest productivity gains over the years. This makes the industry ripe for the new industrial era known as Industry 4.0, which aims to digitalize and automate the manufacturing and construction industry. Industry 4.0 comprises various technologies such as Blockchain, 3-D printing, Nanotechnology, Virtual and Augmented Reality. Other technologies gradually taking recognition within the construction industry are drones, Artificial Intelligence, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) The adoption of these new technologies is revolutionizing how the site’s daily operations are performed and construction management. Continuous adoption will lead to increased productivity, improved quality, improved site safety and enhanced decision making. Inherent risks the construction industry faces such as delays due to inadequate management practices, poor communication among stakeholders and delayed payments will be forestalled. Some of the ways construction management will change include:
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1. Site inspections The emerging technological trends have enabled the increasing replacement of the human element in terms of visual inspection. Drones, Unmanned aerial vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicles are being increasingly deployed to oversee large areas of work significantly reducing the survey time for construction managers. This allows for the collection of real time site information which is then used to check for site progress and productivity while mitigating risks involved such as when inspecting hazardous e n v i r o n m e n t s . 2. Collaboration among parties Ineffective collaboration is an eminent problem facing the construction industry especially during project delivery.
By Carol Njeri
Emerging technological trends through different software are seeking to change this and bring harmony into the sector. The use of Blockchain technology allows all stakeholders to access shared ledgers hence all parties and stakeholders to a project are updated on all project changes and data is readily available yet secure. The most significant benefit associated with this Blockchain technology is decentralization and t r a n s p a r e n c y . Similarly, applying the Common Data Environment (CDE) on BIM allows for different parties to always have access to upto-date project information. The Internet of Things expedites communication and decision making such as through predictive analysis on different subjects. Issue 004 | December 2021
