Learn about the main trends in the use of technology in
civil construction and how to follow the changes caused by these movements.
According to a study carried out recently by McKinsey *
consultancy with more than 2,400 technological solution companies focused on
the engineering and construction market:
- Between 2008 and 2012, technologies aimed at our segment
received approximately US $ 9 billion in investments.
- Between 2013 and 2018, the total invested was US $ 18
billion.
In other words, investment in technologies aimed at the
engineering and construction market has doubled in the last decade!
And it couldn't be different.
After all, changes in the behavior of consumers and
professionals and the rise of digital tools are causing a profound
transformation in our sector, and the digital technologies and solutions that
are emerging because of this are fundamental to ensure that the days of
conservatism and the low productivity in the engineering and construction
market are left behind.
To help you understand how technological evolution is
impacting the engineering and construction sector and how to keep up with the
changes caused by these movements, in this article we explore the main trends
in the use of technologies in our market. Follow!
The McKinsey survey identified four areas in which new
technologies are being applied more widely in the engineering and construction
market. Are they:
1) 3D printing, modularization and robotics
The study pointed to a movement by the construction sector
towards the use of prefabricated and standardized components that are produced
externally.
According to McKinsey's analysis, consistent adoption of
these techniques can increase industry productivity by up to ten times.
Technologies such as:
- Fully automated prefabrication processes that transform a
2D drawing or 3D model into a prefabricated building component.
- Construction robotics, such as masonry or welding robots.
- Autonomous heavy machinery to make construction safer,
faster and more accessible.
- Exoskeletons and wearable robotics to improve mobility of
injured workers or harness the strength of robotic arms.
- 3D printing on metal of long production items, allowing
the production of high performance components and, ultimately, more efficient
and economical parts. This is the case with joints, for example.
Learn more!
3D printing in civil construction: current scenario and
future perspectives ? Prefabricated and modular constructions help to reduce
costs and accelerate production ? What will the engineering and construction
market look like in 2050
2) Digital twins
Digital twin (digital twin or digital copy) is a virtual
version of a product / system / project / object.
In practice, a digital twin behaves in the same way as its
real-world counterpart. For this very reason, it can simulate performance
conditions and features .
Therefore, using a
digital twin, it is possible, for example, to carry out tests to check, among
other things, the need for adjustments - without harming the “real” brother.
In the engineering and construction market, digital twin
platforms and reality capture solutions ( drones or satellite images) minimize
rework in the field, allowing a dynamic view of the project and real-time
comparison of the work's evolution with the projected design.
McKinsey's study indicated that currently the most
interesting applications of digital twins can be found in the seamless
integration of 3D models generated by images of drones that capture performance
indicators through connected sensors (internet of things).
“This approach creates an exact digital replica of the
physical project, generating high accuracy of the data and allowing real-time
updating, according to the evolution of the project. This technology also
allows users to interact virtually with 'mixed reality' models, which combine
3D design and as-built configurations ”, detail the researchers.
Among the main benefits of this system, we highlight the
reduction of decision-making cycles in a construction project . This is
possible through the complete automation of project schedule and budget
updates.
Learn more!
Drones in civil construction: an (r) evolution underway ?
Necessary precautions for the use of drones in civil construction ? How the
internet of things contributes to efficient construction management ? Smart
cities and the future of civil construction
3) Artificial intelligence and data analysis
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing more and more rapidly.
So much so that it is difficult to predict the parameters that it should reach
in the future.
However, the application of AI systems in the engineering
and construction market is still timid.
McKinsey's study revealed that few leaders have the data strategies,
processes and resources needed to power the algorithms and significantly
implement this technology in construction.
However, the trend is that this will change very soon.
Therefore, no company in the industry should ignore the evolution of these
systems.
Among the possible applications of AI in civil construction,
the following stand out, for example:
- Systems that optimize project schedules can consider
thousands of alternatives for the delivery of the work and continuously improve
the overall planning.
- Image recognition and classification allows you to
evaluate data collected on video in the field of work. Thus, it is possible to
identify, for example, behaviors that pose risks. This information can be used
to train the workforce.
- Analytical platforms can collect and analyze sensor data.
This allows you to create and target solutions in real time to:
-> Cut costs.
-> Prioritize preventive maintenance.
-> Avoid unplanned downtime.
Artificial intelligence in the engineering and construction
market ? Big data in construction management - the importance and benefits of
data analysis in civil construction ? How to create a culture of analysis and
use of data in civil construction
4) Optimization of the supply chain and marketplaces
The survey also identified a growth in the emergence of
companies that offer digital solutions to facilitate the process of acquiring
materials, equipment and labor.
Startups that offer platforms for the purchase and sale of
goods and services in the areas of engineering and construction, as well as for
hiring professionals in this sector, are gaining strength in several countries.
McKinsey researchers believe that these companies have
enormous potential to optimize the supply chain, improving productivity and
profitability - just as this process automation has also revolutionized other
sectors, such as retail.
“In construction, these markets can also improve bidding
processes, improving the transparency of costs and the availability of
materials, labor and equipment for future and ongoing projects. They will also
become increasingly important, due to the increasing use of prefabricated
components ”, highlight the experts.
What construtechs are and how they should impact the
engineering and construction market ? 7 Brazilian construtechs to keep an eye
on in 2019 ? How to choose the best digital tool to manage civil construction
projects
How to follow the changes caused by the use of technology in
civil construction
Can you already see the impact of the use of technology in civil
construction in your daily life?
No? Believe me: it is a matter of time before they become
part of your routine and significantly transform your company's positioning and
processes, in addition to your work as a whole.
The question is, will you be prepared for this?
What will define whether your company will be able to keep
up with the main movements in the engineering and construction sector - and
remain relevant in the market for years to come - is the level of knowledge of
your team and the alignment of your processes with such trends.
The articles below provide important information and tips in
this regard:
The fourth industrial revolution and the engineering and
construction market ? 7 major movements that are shaping the future of
engineering and construction ? Engineering management: how to successfully
conduct changes ? The foundations of an innovative company in civil
construction
Need help knowing where to start? We can support you on this
journey into the future!
Celere consultants are experts in improving the management
and processes of engineering and construction companies to bring more
efficiency and profitability. With our help, your business will have better
results and more productivity, through methodologies and tools aligned with the
main market trends.
Source: https://etechnologytrends.com/
