Construction is considered one of the largest industries in the world but is also considered one of the slowest growing. However, new technology being introduced is looking to speed up the rate of change and a few of these are listed below.
Virtual design and construction (VDC) uses virtual environments to engineer and construct structures before they are actually built in the physical world. Building information modeling (BIM) is the most popular VDC. This type of software allows for creating a virtual model of the structure to be built. The BIM market size was valued at $5,205 million in 2019 and is projected to reach $15,892 million by 2027, registering a CAGR of 15.2% from 2020 to 2027.[1] Lists of some of the top BIM software can be found at BibLus, Construction Placements, Project Manager News and G2, to name a few.
Although not new, construction management software (CMS) is a significant contributor. The Global CMS Software Market is forecasted to reach $3.2 Billion by 2027. Software Advice compared the programs in 2022, and it can be found here.
Construction robotics is growing. The labor market in construction has been decreasing every year. So it would make sense that construction automation using robotics could be a solution. Fans of this tech claim that using robots increases the projects’ overall productivity, reduces labor requirements and provides safety for dangerous or hazardous tasks. Companies like Canvas, Advanced Construction Robotics and Construction Robotics are just a few putting out this technology. AEC Business has a list of 28 construction robotic companies in 2022 that can be found here.
We all know of the green building movement going on in the industry. Yet the construction industry supply chain also negatively affects the environment. For example, cement production alone accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions.[2] So now, living building materials (LVM) are being developed and used in construction at an increased rate to help offset the toll.
Enter self-replicating concrete and self-mending biocement. The self-proclaimed leader in this industry is Biomason in North Carolina, which has developed their own biocement® that performs like traditional cement and concrete but produces less CO₂. They use this in their bioLITH® tile products they claim “exceed the physical properties of standard materials” in several aspects.”[3] Anyone looking to learn more about this trend can look to the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment’s website.
[1] https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/building-information-modeling-market
[2] https://www.chathamhouse.org/2018/06/making-concrete-change-innovation-low-carbon-cement-and-concrete
[3] https://biomason.com/biolith/