Emerging Technology in Industrial Construction

There are numerous parts of our world where emerging technology is making a big impact, and the realm of industrial construction is no exception. There are several ways that cutting-edge technology is showcasing major promise and usefulness within the industrial construction industry, and being aware of these can be helpful for everything from cost savings to safety and more.

At Redi, we're here to help clients around Wyoming, Colorado and nearby areas with all their industrial construction needs, including in tech-based areas like fiber optics and more. While this is far from an exhaustive list, as new technologies are constantly being developed that may impact construction in new ways, here are some of the most notable examples of burgeoning tech that clients should be aware of.

3D Printing

One of the broadest and most versatile forms of emerging construction technology is 3D printing, a process by which three-dimensional objects can be created through the precise layering of materials. While you might not think of 3D printing as related to industrial construction because it's often associated with smaller-scale items like toys or jewelry, it has major potential for use in large-scale construction projects.

For example, some companies are exploring 3D printing as a way to create entire buildings more quickly and cheaply than traditional methods. Other potential uses for the technology include creating custom-made building components, such as piping or other parts that might require intricate designs or shapes. Not only could this save time and money in manufacturing these pieces, but it could also lead to stronger and more precise construction overall.

The future of 3D printing is fairly incredible to consider. Some experts believe that one day, entire homes could be "printed" using this technology, with minimal labor required. Not only could this potentially reduce costs and timeframes for construction projects, but it could also open up opportunities for more creative and unique designs.

Self-Healing Concrete

One form of emerging tech that could have an impact on not just construction but also daily consumers is self-healing concrete, also known as bioconcrete. This type of concrete is infused with bacteria that can produce limestone, allowing it to repair cracks and damage over time. While this technology is still in its early stages, researchers believe it could greatly extend the lifespan of structures and reduce maintenance costs.

Beyond just repairs, self-healing concrete could also have a major impact on the environmental footprint of construction. By reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs, less new concrete would need to be produced, which could save significant amounts of energy and resources.

Modular Construction

While the concept of modular construction itself is not a technological breakthrough, it's one that's been facilitated by improving technology in several areas. This concept refers to building structures using pre-fabricated, standardized modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled as needed.

Modular construction has been around for several years, but advancements in areas like 3D printing and robotics have allowed for more precise and efficient production of these modules. Plus, as technology continues to improve, there will likely be even more opportunities for customization and optimization within modular construction processes.

In addition to potentially saving time and costs, modular construction also has the potential to be more environmentally friendly. With less waste produced and more efficient use of materials, this method can reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.

Wearable Technology

From a safety perspective, one of the most promising areas of emerging technology in industrial construction is wearable technology. This includes items like smart helmets, vests, or glasses that can monitor workers' health and safety and provide real-time data on things like temperature, noise levels, and more.

Not only can this help keep workers safe and alert to potential hazards, but it can also provide valuable insights for managers and project leaders to improve processes and identify areas for improvement. Plus, as technology continues to evolve, there's potential for even more advanced wearable tech that could further enhance safety on construction sites.

Augmented or Virtual Reality

Finally, while we're still in the very early stages of exploration, augmented and virtual reality have major potential for use in industrial construction. These technologies allow for immersive, simulated experiences that can help with everything from training workers to planning out complex projects.

For example, using VR or AR technology, workers could be trained on how to operate new equipment in a realistic and safe environment before ever stepping foot on a real construction site. Plus, project managers could use these tools to visualize and plan out projects in a more detailed and accurate way, potentially reducing errors and delays.

Emerging technology is making a significant impact on the industrial construction industry. From 3D printing to self-healing concrete, wearable tech, and augmented reality, there are numerous ways that these advancements can improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in construction projects.

At Redi, we are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest technology and utilizing it to provide our clients with the best possible service. As new innovations continue to emerge, we look forward to incorporating them into our processes and helping our clients benefit from these advancements. Contact us today to learn about any of our industrial construction solutions around Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada.