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How emerging technological trends are changing construction management By Carol Njeri
How emerging technological trends are changing Construction Management
By Carol Njeri
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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: 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 environments.
2. Collaboration among parties Ineffective collaboration is an eminent problem facing the construction industry especially during project delivery. 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 transparency. 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.
3. Contract Management and Administration
Paperwork will be significantly reduced due to the Internet of Things. Payment applications, clarifications, Requests for Information, Change orders will be submitted to online systems allowing all project parties to access them in real-time. In large projects where a lot of data is exchanged, systems are essential to avoid things getting out of control. There has also been the emergence of smart contracts. Smart contracts will enable automatic payments to contractors and subcontractors, provided the set contractual conditions and clauses are met. The main focus of smart contracts is on the automation of the contracts to reduce mistrust among parties and improve the efficiency of contract participants. Moreover, contractors can submit claims on the platform, and tracking can be done on updated variations. Disputes will hence be reduced since there are permanent transactions documented, providing a basis for future r e f e r e n c e .
4. Design
To mitigate rework issues, Building Information Models (BIMs) have been utilized to assist construction stakeholders in detecting conflicts and problems in projects beforehand. With Virtual reality, the project can be viewed before construction and its suitability reviewed with the client and stakeholders. 3D modeling allows model manipulation to test the effect of design changes before they are implemented on site. This aids in the cost and time management of a project. The use of BIM also allows different project consultants to concurrently work on the design of the project while greatly accelerating the design process.
5. Health and Safety Management
Construction managers will be able to effectively manage the implementation of health and safety practices on site through the use of wearable devices. These devices can detect fatigue risk, high heart rates, and stress among laborers. Hence, construction managers can be alerted of any danger through the sensors and real-time locating systems thereby averting accidents on site.
AUTHOR BIO
Carol Njeri is a Final Year Construction Management student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. She is exceptionally passionate and zealous about various construction matters and pertinent issues facing the industry. Over her student years, she has extensively pursued further knowledge on construction matters keeping her abreast of the multiple developments. Moreover, she has participated in various professional bodies forums and her attachment experience on various sites has greatly equipped her for the practice. Her exemplary diligence and proactive nature led her to win an award at a construction manager’s student competition. Ultimately, she looks forward to practicing Construction Project Management.She can be reached through
