As we move into the new year, it’s time to start thinking about the construction industry trends that will shape 2023. From construction management software to new construction robots, construction companies are looking for ways to stay competitive. Here are 13 important construction industry trends that you should watch out for:
In this Article:
What are the current trends in the construction industry?
1. The virtual construction market
A variety of new technologies are being adopted by the construction industry. These include virtual design and visualization, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Construction Management Software. BIM helps construction projects to be designed and built efficiently, while construction management software helps construction firms to manage construction sites, construction projects, construction equipment, and materials.
2. From BIM to DIM
The name-building information modelling (BIM) has evolved with the advent of digital information management, transforming the acronym into a different form for more people. The aim of establishing this project will involve introducing and expanding the BIM Concepts into business processes and systems. It only requires using language and presenting the same messages differently. BIM provides a major advantage in terms of communication between project stakeholders and other players. The BIM is not dead but the model has been updated and improved to enable the management of information by a digital approach.
3. Growing need for laborers
The biggest trend in construction in recent years was the labor shortage at the job site. Quality labor is costly and competitive although robotics can help with some work. Despite the best efforts, this robot is making it necessary for the future of the human population to understand the data produced using this technology.
4. Green building
Construction firms are now more mindful of protecting the environment during construction projects. The construction industry is beginning to embrace green buildings such as energy-efficient solutions, renewable energy sources, and advanced building materials. Green construction helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can help construction firms meet government standards for construction projects, all while helping to improve the building’s energy efficiency in the long run.
5. Modular construction market growth
The modular construction market is expected to grow significantly over the next few years due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce construction times significantly. The construction process is also simplified and streamlined due to the nature of modular construction, which reduces labor costs, material costs, and other associated expenses. Additionally, offsite construction allows construction firms to better manage their construction sites by reducing the need for skilled laborers and increasing the use of automated machinery.
6. Remote work sites and mobile access
Mobile applications in the construction provide worksite access like no other. It allows construction managers to track construction projects in real-time, share data with stakeholders and employ construction robots for repetitive tasks. It also allows construction workers to access construction sites remotely and improve productivity levels by simplifying complex construction processes. Additionally, this technology can reduce material waste as well as energy use when used properly.
7. Construction management software
Comprehensive construction management software can help you maintain competitiveness, build valuable business models, and improve operating efficiency. Some software providers offer various types of features while many of them have the best end-to-end requirements.
The most popular software solutions in construction management include construction projections, construction project tracking, construction materials management, and construction site safety. The construction industry is rapidly evolving, and the right software can help construction companies stay ahead of the curve by improving their operations.
8. Construction Robotics
The construction robotics market has grown significantly in past few years due to the increasing demand for automation on construction sites. Construction robots are used for various types of construction work from construction equipment to assembling building components. Construction robots can provide an accurate and reliable solution that can reduce labor costs, labor shortages, improve safety on job sites, and help construction firms meet project timelines.
9. Offsite construction (prefabrication)
Offsite construction is a construction method where buildings are partially or completely assembled in a factory and shipped to be assembled on-site. It is rapidly becoming a popular construction trend due to its cost-effectiveness, improved safety, and reduced construction timelines. The prefabricated construction industry is expected to grow significantly over the next decade as more construction firms adopt this technology for new construction projects.
10. Smart cities
A smart city is a city where the infrastructure and buildings are all connected to the internet of things (IoT). This helps everything run more efficiently by collecting data. Smart cities use construction robots, construction management software, and other new technologies to improve construction processes. Smart cities also use advanced building materials that are more energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help construction firms meet government standards.
11. Living building materials
Living building materials are construction materials that are harvested from nature and used to construct buildings. This type of construction is becoming more popular as it reduces construction costs, improves energy efficiency, and helps reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. Living building materials include natural stones, wood, mud, and other green construction components.
12. Drone technology
Drone technology is being used in construction to provide aerial insights of construction sites, share construction data with stakeholders, and improve construction safety equipment. Drones can help construction firms monitor construction projects by providing real-time information about the project and increase productivity levels by reducing the need for manual labor.
13. Safety equipment
Worker safety is an important construction industry trend, and construction firms must ensure that their construction sites are safe for construction workers. Construction safety equipment includes hard hats, protective clothing, gloves, eyewear, respirators, and other items to protect construction workers from workplace hazards.
Is the construction industry growing?
Construction is a huge industry with a huge budget. In the US the construction industry has a global value of 1.35 trillion USD which contributes about 2.8% of its economy. As of 31 December 2017, the US workforce accounted for about 8% of construction jobs across the country. The construction industry is expected to be worth approximately 10.5 billion USD by 2023 and grow at 4.2% annually. Several factors influenced the growth of the industry, including increased infrastructure needs and increasing demand for affordable housing in an increasing population and increasing urbanisation.
Conclusion
The construction industry is under pressure to become more efficient and adopt new technologies. Data collection and analysis are crucial to improving efficiency, and technologies like BIM can help collect, connect and improve data flow. With advanced materials, new methods of construction and a focus on sustainability, the whole sector is shifting in a new direction.
Sustainability will continue to be a top priority for construction companies as they strive to reduce their environmental impact. The adoption of new technologies will help firms become more efficient and improve communication, but sustainability will remain a key concern. Construction companies are reviewing circular economy procedures being reviewed by international organizations toward a net zero waste goal.
