TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN CONSTRUCTION


New Technology on Rise in Construction Early Adopters Reap Rewards, While Industry as Whole Continues Slow, Steady Approach


By Carol Eaton W


hether it is digita- lization of jobsite processes, increasingly


connected jobsites, or the growing use of drones, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, 4D and 5D BIM and myriad other tools, new and emerging technology continues to shape the notoriously change-averse construction industry. Many AGC member contractors


are leading the way in technology adoption. Working in partnership with construction technology and software firms such as HCSS, Rhumbix, Procore, and Raken to name just a few, these contractors are embracing technology’s potential to stretch profit margins, improve efficiency and increase productivity and safety on construction jobsites and offices. Some larger projects employ


dedicated full-time virtual design & construction (VD&C) teams to implement the latest technology solutions. Case in point: the five- person VD&C team from Mortenson | Clark on the Chase Center project (see story on page 10), which works alongside 30-40 trade detailers to maintain a highly detailed 4D BIM model that has been an integral tool on the project. Te team has also developed several custom-tailored apps for the job and employed drones, virtual reality and a host of other technologies to keep the complex megaproject on track. “We have pushed the envelope


as hard as we can on this job,” commented Project Director Jim McLamb. “It is VD&C taken to a new level.” Another leading AGC contractor


20 September/October 2018


technologies, to predictive analytics that leverage the massive amounts of information regularly collected by the construction industry. “Most AI systems require immense


Virtual Reality in use on a McCarthy Building Company project in Southern California.


on the cutting edge of technology adoption is McCarthy Building Companies. Dave Burns, Director of Innovation & Field Applications, said the company’s longtime commitment to research & development (R&D) of new technology applications plays a major role in its ability to stay competitive. “McCarthy leadership recognizes


that identifying and prioritizing technology opportunities that align with the business’s goals and strategy requires a disciplined, focused approach,” Burns said. “As the pace of technology change in our industry continues to increase, it will become even more critical for our company to mature our R&D capabilities.”


AI One of Leading Tech Trends Artificial intelligence (AI), drones,


and connected jobsites driven by the Internet of Tings as just a few of the leading tech trends Burns sees shaping the construction industry today and in the near future. AI provides a range of oppor-


tunities on construction jobsites, he noted. Tat can encompass everything from photo analysis technology, which can be used to improve safety and quality, to various process automation


datasets in order to learn and automate in an effective way,” Burns said. “Progressive construction firms and technology companies are recognizing this industry opportunity and devel- oping solutions to help identify or even predict project challenges before they occur.” As part of its AI toolbox,


McCarthy has employed an automated learning platform by Pype (a Virginia- based construction software startup founded in 2013), which Burns said has increased efficiency across a wide range of processes and helped streamline operations on its projects. “Pype was implemented at


McCarthy to drive efficiency for our project engineers as they build the submittal register and other key deliverables based on the project’s specifications,” Burns said. “As part of our early pilots, we recognized a time savings of 200-500 percent over the ‘old way’. In some cases, this equated to over two weeks of time saved on the projects, allowing employees to focus on supporting other critical activities of the project.”


Industry Survey: Gradual Increase in Tech Adoption


So just how widespread is new


technology adoption in today’s construction industry? JBKnowledge, a leading construction information technology company, has been tracking the growth of technology adoption annually since 2012 through its Construction Technology Report. Te company surveys thousands of construction companies on everything


California Constructor


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