Construction Industry Trends 2019 – BIM and Digitalization

Construction Industry Trends – Where Are We Headed?

Despite pleasing growth rates, the construction industry is currently facing major challenges. When it comes to digitalization, efficiency, BIM, and environmental awareness, there's significant catching up to do. Add to this the growing urbanization trend, which means more construction projects need to be completed in ever shorter timeframes, and neighboring areas and the environment must be protected from construction impacts. This situation can only be addressed through innovative technology and a fundamental willingness to change.

These Are the Construction Industry Trends for 2019

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Although the industry is traditionally far from innovation-focused, advancing digitalization won't bypass construction either, since digital technologies can drive increased efficiency and lower costs in this sector. The go-to tool for this is called BIM (Building Information Modeling). This powerful software enables computer-aided planning, construction, and management of buildings of any kind and complexity, capturing and managing all building data, and representing construction projects as 3D models. The use of BIM will continue to grow in 2019.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

When constructing a building, multiple components must work seamlessly together. The architect's technical expertise, the craftsmanship and design skills of construction workers, the quality of building materials, the professional execution of various construction types by engineers, and the timely and appropriate availability of suitable work equipment and machinery on the job site all play an important role. Especially in the early phase of a construction project, when it comes to maximizing the technological potential of building elements and advancing preparatory work and standardization of individual components, interdisciplinary teamwork saves time and money.

When it comes to machinery resource requirements, these can be covered cost-effectively by construction equipment rental providers like the Munich-based company klarx. When architects, engineers, and supervisors work even more closely together than before, even large-scale construction projects can be reliably completed within time and budget constraints.

Learn more about klarx

Mobile Transmission Technologies – Smart Grid

Although mobile transmission technologies can also be installed after construction is complete, it's advantageous for cost and time savings to plan the corresponding cabling from the outset in new buildings. Through a central unit called a "Smart Grid", intelligent devices in the building are networked and interfaces for external users are implemented. This allows devices to communicate for the user's benefit, and energy flows can be optimally controlled this way.

However, the possibilities offered by remote control, sensor technology, and networking are far from exhausted. Via smartphone app, blinds can be operated, room temperature regulated, and windows and doors opened and closed.

New Technologies and Working Methods in Demand in Construction in 2019

Closing the construction industry's evident digitalization gap as quickly as possible would not only bring cost benefits – work processes can be optimized and synergies created. With existing virtual reality systems, actual job site inspections can largely be avoided, since building dimensions and details can be displayed virtually with original accuracy. This provides an increased safety factor for all involved. Furthermore, remotely controlled technical systems are capable of dramatically accelerating construction work. Robots can be deployed for simple routine tasks, freeing skilled workers to focus on value-added activities.

Using drones equipped with cameras, objects and their surrounding areas can be optically captured in their entirety, and construction progress can be clearly documented. Identifying potential construction defects with drone cameras is also possible in hard-to-reach areas without difficulty. This reduces inspection time and enables effective quality management.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The use of alternative energy forms, the commitment to environmental and climate protection, and advancing digitalization are developments felt worldwide that will revolutionize the construction industry sooner or later. Innovative technologies and modern construction and building methods are poised to conquer the market and establish themselves as standards in building construction.

"Green Housing", which encompasses the energy sustainability achieved through reducing active energy consumption via appropriate insulation and thermal insulation measures, right through to resource-conscious material selection, will become self-evident in the future.

Barrier-Free and Needs-Based Construction

Demographic change is advancing inexorably, and studies show the average age of the German population is steadily increasing. The construction industry therefore faces the challenge that specially adapted buildings will increasingly be needed to meet this social reality. Barrier-reduced living (easy-to-use bathrooms, stairlifts & elevators, etc.) is becoming more and more common. While it's still relatively easy to make appropriate provisions for this when constructing new buildings, existing structures often require high levels of adaptation.

---

Disclaimer:
Please note that our web offering is provided for informational purposes only and without obligation. All information provided is without warranty as to accuracy and completeness. The contents of our website – especially the legal articles – are researched with great care. Nevertheless, the provider cannot accept liability for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the information provided.