Construction Trends: Rising Technologies and an Optimistic 2020

Growth in any industry is inevitable, and with the rise of technology, eager eyes are glued to the news, awaiting the newest trends and technology that is sure to usher new things. 2020 is just around the corner, and with it, comes the rise of innovative ideas that supports the efforts of hardworking builders and intuitive minds alike. But is there a reason to be optimistic? Based on the progress of the past decade, it is safe to say that advancements in the industry have been on the upswing.

The industry reached great heights, thanks to new technologies. The integration of smartphones in the workplace has improved working conditions significantly. Safety is improved, progress is faster, and thanks to these handheld wonders, the old, redundant methods have become simple. Management app developers have also gone the extra mile cross-platform integration features, making their apps work seamlessly with their PC counterparts. Adding to this, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones have also done their part in making work better. Because technology improves over time, expect innovations to enhance the old, if not wholly reinvent the game.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology is a relatively new innovation that has yet to reach full potential. While developers of the tech are focused on creating simulations for entertainment and work-related environments, the past few years have seen the tech maximised for ideas- a definite sign that the succeeding years will see VR and AR technology reach their full potential. The digital age has also brought forth the promoted use the technology of building information modelling (BIM) for large projects, making visualization of projects easier. Because the digital age brings a different kind of work scenarios for the builders, it will be a competitive advantage for those who utilize it today and the coming years.

Outside of the digital realm, one tech has made waves in the industry for being strikingly similar to what one would expect from Hollywood movies. Exoskeleton suits are basically large robotic armors that allow wearers to perform specific tasks that generally require the use of larger, more cumbersome machines. Some of the capabilities include heavy lifting and the use of small, but powerful construction machinery at a distance.

As far as construction trends go, there has been a rise in design-build projects and prefabricated homes, also known as modular homes. Both concepts are not particularly new, but demand has increased in the past years, primarily due to the several advantages it provides clients and builders alike. For design-build, it allows homeowners to be more specific with the designs which can accommodate eco-friendly features or sustainable building practices. Modular construction bodes well for the environment as well, as working off-site means builders will be able to work on parts of the project with minimal work restrictions, while material waste will no doubt be kept to a minimum.

On the topic of sustainability, advancements (or repurposing) of new construction materials are also making significant progress. For example, Ferrock is a new type of green alternative to cement that is made from recycled material. Following that are concrete innovations that improve on the original. For example, the market now has hybrid-foliage concrete and unique solar-powered roads that have risen in demand due to trends and/or in conjunction with other new and prominent technologies.

Technology is what’s keeping the industry afloat. It is what keeps its workers safe and what gives way for new dream projects to become a reality. The future is undoubtedly bright for the tech, but one can only hope that everyone can benefit from it sooner.