The construction sector is evolving and increasingly resorts to the use of new technologies. Whether to improve safety on construction sites or to design buildings that meet the major challenges of the energy transition, new technologies are changing the way professionals in the field wor
WHAT CAN NEW TECHNOLOGIES BRING?
The use of new technologies in construction is obvious. They allow companies to remain competitive and profitable while meeting the challenges of the energy transition.
Optimise productivity
Certain technological advances will enable building professionals to be better supported in the processing of information between the various actors on a construction site. Others will make it easier to carry out readings or diagnoses on site. The digitization provided by these new technologies makes it possible to optimise everyone’s work.
Better manage safety on construction sites
Some new technologies are an asset to better manage worker safety. They will make it possible to analyse beforehand the state of a ground or to be able to carry out checks on elements located at the top of a building. In this last situation, the use of a drone for example is less expensive than the rental of a helicopter. New technologies are also a means of collecting data on the state of machines and of being warned in the event of a failure of one of them.
Meeting the challenges of the energy transition
Another important point brought by new technologies in the field of construction: they facilitate innovation with the aim of improving the carbon footprint of buildings. This may involve using innovative materials that are more insulating, or reusing materials through 3D printing, for example.It should also be noted that since the profiles of companies specializing in construction are different, the use of new technologies must be adapted to each of them according to their needs in particular.
SOME NEW TECHNOLOGIES USED
To better understand how new technologies can be used in construction , here are some examples.
BIM technology
BIM is the English acronym for “Building Information Modelling”, also called “built real estate modelled” in French. Thanks to the democratisation of the Internet and the rise of collaborative work, BIM technology allows several professionals to work on the digital model of a project. This model contains all the technical details of the project and makes it possible to modify its design, construction, operation and maintenance. It also simplifies the calculation of the environmental impact of the building, to then intervene with the aim of improving its energy performance.
drones
Follow the progress of a construction site, map a site, integrate the 3D modelling of a building into an aerial view, etc. : so many possibilities made possible thanks to the use of a drone in construction. A drone is inexpensive, easy to handle and capable of reaching places that are difficult for a human to reach. It is a tool that participates in particular in optimising safety on a construction site by making it possible to carry out diagnoses on delicate structures in real time.
Connected objects
In the construction sector, using connected objects helps to increase productivity. They make it possible to geolocate work tools and increase efficiency. Another possible use: use a sensor placed in a material to indicate exactly when it is dry, such as concrete. Thus, we know precisely when to continue construction.
L’impression 3D
Finally, there is also 3D printing. Some projects in the world have been completely released thanks to 3D printing. This technology makes it possible in particular to limit accidents on the construction site, but remains not financially accessible. It can nevertheless be useful in the context of training in order to allow students to better understand a project.
How to realise the spaces?
Virtual and augmented reality have invaded our living rooms, but not only. They are found in medicine as well as in construction . In our sector, they are used to facilitate the marketing of certain projects. It is difficult to correctly visualise your future home by looking at 2D architect plans. Same thing on 3-dimensional computer plans. How to realise the spaces? This is where virtual reality comes in. We can immerse ourselves in the future home and explore it as we see fit.
It is easier to see errors or elements that are not suitable. And in the end, it’s a gain in efficiency and a reduction in the margins of error during delivery. Some manufacturers even call on drone companies, such as Sky Drone , to obtain aerial images of the views that their future bedroom will offer them. You will live a total immersion in the acquisition and the realisation of a life project.
