In the year 2020, the COVID-19 Global pandemic brought with it so much disruption in very many sectors. The construction industry was not spared either. Because of the pandemic, some trends such as a shifting of resources, an increase in teleworking, the need for social distancing requirements, and shifts in cash flow will continue to affect the entire global industry. At the same time, the use of new technology is always changing rapidly, and construction companies across the world are taking advantage of this new tech in order to lead to more efficiency, better margins of profit and a reduction in the costs. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the top construction industry trends that you can look out for in 2021.
1. Safety Measures
Safety has always been a matter of concern in the construction industry. Working in this industry amidst the COVID-19 pandemic calls for even more stringent safety measures. In 2021, there will be mitigations that will no doubt have to be put in place to try and help limit the spread of the virus.
This includes separation of workers to a limited number in a bid to maintain social distancing. Also, some measures have to be taken to make sure that the equipment being used is up to a certain standard of hygiene. This may force you to disinfect the equipment being used by your employees as much as possible.
Additionally, enhanced safety protocols such as the use of the hand sanitizer and wearing of masks all the time have to be observed keenly. Habits such as sharing gloves while at construction sites will have to be stopped. Each person may need to have their names written on their personal protective equipment to ensure utmost safety.
2. 3D Painting
If you are looking for a way to minimize the density of site workers to avoid over congestion, especially because of COVID-19 requirements, then you might consider using 3D painting technology. This technology uses a big nozzle that lays concrete in piles that are vertical, methodically, in accordance to a design that is programmed.
This method of painting is already used commercially across the globe. Its popularity is even set to rise in 2021, mostly in the construction industry since its more efficient and highly effective.
3. Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Building Information Modelling basically entails the creation and management of information on a construction project from the very start to finish. The model process of BIM allows construction projects to be virtually built before they are physically constructed.
This technology is set to be used by most engineers, quantity surveyors, architects and other professionals in the construction industry who wish to have a visualization of how a given structure that is proposed would look like in the end. It is expected to lead to huge amounts of time and revenue saved in the construction industry in 2021.
4. Remote Technology
Over the past couple months, the construction industry has adapted the use of commercial drones for survey and mapping purposes. By looking at projects from an aerial view, contractors can get very valuable information. Safety issues can also be discovered quickly, and the correct estimation of the quantity of materials needed for construction can also be deciphered easily.
With further remote technology, orthomosaic maps can easily be created, hence allowing a large job site to be displayed as a whole for easy interpretation. This will help to enable substantial amounts of financial savings. Acquisition of the relevant safety information can also lead to accurate assessment of materials.
5. Modular Construction
Pre-fab building and modular construction are already on the rise in the construction industry, and they are set to be even more prevalent in 2021 thanks to the pandemic. Because of how the manufactured buildings are designed, modular construction ensures a low density of workers. This kind of manufacturing is typically used in buildings that are very enormous, airy and with lots of room for social distancing.
The equipment to be used is designed in such a way to allow very large components to be moved by fewer workers than ever before. This reduces the cost for labor and worker proximity, thus ensuring social distancing.
Conclusion
The year 2020 had been a difficult year for the construction industry. However, the year 2021 looks promising for the industry, especially with the adaptation of the trends that have been discussed above. Of importance to note is that the construction industry has always operated under very strict measures and standards. This is mostly because any small technological errors could lead to results that are catastrophic. Strict adaptation of the above trends is hence very vital.
