By Nidhi DhullReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Aug 22 2024Recent research has highlighted that, despite numerous technological advancements, the construction industry has seen limited transformation. Much of the building process remains manual, underscoring the need for greater integration of modern technologies.
Study: Why technology has not transformed building. Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
Background
A construction worker from the 1920s would likely feel at home on a modern project site, as much of the infrastructure in Europe and the United States is still built using largely manual methods. The construction techniques employed today have not really changed over the past century.
In 2017, the McKinsey Global Institute projected that adopting new technologies could boost productivity in the construction sector by 50-60 %, potentially increasing the industry’s global value by $1.6 trillion annually. While there have been some improvements through updated production methods and new software applications, the sector has not realized these potential gains. The construction industry remains a digital laggard compared to many other fields.
Recent technologies, such as 3D printing, modular construction, robotics, and digital tools, offer promising opportunities to transform the building industry. This article examines how these technologies are currently being implemented in construction.
3D Printing of Infrastructure
3D printing in construction involves extruding materials like concrete to build the walls of a structure. Researchers at the University of Maine are pioneering this field with the development of the world’s largest 3D printer for such applications. They have successfully created a prototype called BioHome3D, a 600-square-foot house made from a blend of wood fibers and plant-based resin.
BioHome3D has proven its durability through two Maine winters, and the team plans to use this technology to construct a neighborhood of nine similar houses. Despite these advancements, 3D-printed houses are still largely limited to demonstrations rather than widespread practical use. The technology faces challenges, including high costs, exceptionally thick walls, and the need for open, flat construction sites. As a result, the number of 3D-printed houses remains far below the number of projects that have been publicized.
Modular Construction
Modular construction involves manufacturing building parts in a factory, shipping them to the site, and fixing them into place. This method could be more efficient than 3D printing in terms of construction quality due to reduced chances of error on a construction site. Factory manufacturing provides greater quality control of the products than on-site construction.
Despite these advantages, modular construction is not yet widely adopted for residential buildings. The process requires detailed planning and adherence to factory-produced components, which can be hindered by restrictive government policies.
Developers often face challenges in selling modular homes quickly due to regulatory hurdles. These issues are more prevalent for private developers compared to local authorities or housing associations, which can navigate such regulations more effectively.
Constructing Houses with Robots
Bristol-based Automated Architecture (AUAR) is tackling the challenges of modular and traditional construction by introducing micro-factories that use robots to build timber houses. These micro-factories can either assemble standard parts at dedicated facilities or on-site, enabling the construction of buildings up to six stories high.
Larger construction firms can license these micro-factories, avoiding the need for expensive, large-scale factories typical of modular housing companies. This approach allows for the production of innovative, high-quality, and energy-efficient homes at competitive market prices.
The use of automation in these micro-factories not only enhances profit margins by reducing build times, risks, and waste but also significantly cuts labor costs—by 20-60 % compared to conventional methods. AUAR’s goal is to build 30,000 energy-efficient homes annually by 2030, leveraging this advanced manufacturing approach.
Digitization in Construction
While the construction industry as a whole has seen limited transformation, many smaller components of the construction process are gradually becoming digitized. Although the hype often centers on the high-profile aspects of construction technology, significant improvements are occurring behind the scenes.
Digital tools are now employed to identify suitable land for construction, while artificial intelligence helps forecast future construction needs and trends. These advancements are poised to streamline the house construction process considerably.
Additionally, traditional paperwork and filing cabinets have been replaced by digital systems. This transition allows various construction-related activities—such as quantitative surveys, health and safety management, commissioning, handovers, and carbon emission regulation—to be handled through apps and computer software, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Overall, this article explored various technologies with the potential to revolutionize the construction sector by enhancing efficiency and addressing related challenges. A major obstacle is the high fragmentation within the industry, which complicates the uniform implementation of technological advancements across all stages of construction.
In typical projects, a primary contractor oversees multiple subcontractors—such as those handling mechanical systems, electrical work, plumbing, finishing, and earthworks. Each team’s plans can affect the others, and errors in the field often lead to significant cost overruns in later stages.
Technology offers solutions to these challenges. For example, creating a 3D model of the building and sharing it with all stakeholders can help identify discrepancies early, preventing major issues. Such data facilitates effective communication between on-site teams and back-office operators, enabling better forecasting, planning, and purchasing decisions. This approach can help streamline the construction process, even within the industry's fragmented framework.
Reference
Woollacott, E. (2024). Why technology has not transformed building. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8vzzjqyz5qo
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