The construction materials industry is undergoing major transformations. From bullet-proof materials to 3D printing and even artificial intelligence, these new technologies are set to revolutionize the industry.
Innovative construction materials align construction with sustainability goals. For example, self-healing concrete contains encapsulated bacteria or microcapsules that release healing agents when cracks occur.
Transparent Aluminium
Aluminum oxynitride, better known as transparent aluminium, offers impressive transparency across a wide spectrum of wavelengths. It is also highly durable, making it an attractive material for applications in the aerospace and defense industries. Its shatterproof and optical clarity make it ideal for armored windows and military optics. Additionally, it can be used to produce IR domes for surveillance and other security applications.
This material is a great alternative to glass and other conventional materials, which have long dominated the construction industry. However, despite its unique qualities, transparent aluminium is still in the early stages of development. This is due to a high production cost and competition from conventional materials like glass.
The US is expected to drive the North American market for transparent aluminium, with its large commitment to technological innovation and significant R&D projects. Additionally, the country’s presence in key markets for this technology, including aerospace and defense, will help to fuel its growth. Additionally, ongoing research to minimize impurities, control grain boundaries, and eliminate micropores will continue to enhance the material’s performance.
3D Printing
Using a computerized model of the structure to guide the printing process, 3D printing minimizes material waste and creates structures that are much more cost-effective. It also makes it possible to build bespoke, complex parts and structures that would be difficult or impossible to create using traditional methods.
This technology has the potential to revolutionize construction by bringing significant efficiency and design freedom to the industry. However, a few key challenges must be overcome before the full benefits of this breakthrough can be realized.
First, the printers used for 3D printing must be able to reliably print load-bearing components with sufficient strength and durability. This requires considerable research and development, which is currently being carried out by leading companies in the construction technology sector.
Another challenge is addressing environmental concerns. Many of the materials used in 3D printing are based on conventional Portland cement, which dumps billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Leaders in the construction industry should focus on developing greener materials if they want to capitalize on this technology’s potential for heightened sustainability.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize production and manufacturing. This technology helps manufacturers improve quality, efficiency and productivity. It can also save on operational costs and reduce downtime. However, implementing AI into a manufacturing process can require significant investment of time, effort and resources. And, it requires employees to be open and willing to adopt new technologies.
AI can help managers identify hazards on construction sites by analyzing data from sensors, security cameras and other building devices. These algorithms detect perilous situations before they happen and alert site managers, preventing accidents and saving money.
AI can also assist with material sourcing and inventory management. It can analyze data and predict the amount of materials needed, forecast transportation problems and optimize how prefab components are loaded and arranged on trucks. Furthermore, it can help optimize site layouts and streamline operations to maximize efficiency. It can even detect issues with a structure’s design, reducing the risk of costly rework and structural failures.
Off-Site Construction
Offsite construction refers to a method of building where various parts of the structure are assembled offsite before being transported to the site for final installation. This is a newer technology, but it’s rapidly gaining traction in the construction industry. It involves the design, fabrication and transport of standardized components that are then assembled on site to a higher degree of finish than conventional brick-by-brick onsite construction.
The process can include 2D modular wall panels used to complete the interior and/or exterior walls of a project or 3D volumetric modular units that consist of entire rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms. When compared to traditional onsite construction, offsite construction reduces waste as fall-off material is reused within the manufacturing stream. Shipping, setting and stitching costs are also reduced. Experienced design teams and contractors that have worked on offsite projects develop familiarity with the workflow and processes which can increase efficiency.
Moreover, working in an established manufacturer’s controlled environment prevents weather delays or subcontractor sequence delays that can slow the project timeline. As a result, the construction schedule is more streamlined and project owners receive their buildings on time.
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, uses a digital blueprint to create physical objects. Software translates the digital blueprint into a set of instructions that are followed by the machine, which either extrudes a mixture of materials like concrete or metals, or laminates sheets of material together, depending on the type of additive process used.
The resulting structures are lighter, meaning they require less energy to be built and transported. They also have greater fabrication freedom, allowing the creation of shapes that could not be fabricated using traditional methods, which can lead to significant savings in costs and environmental benefits.
Aside from reducing labor and transportation costs, additive manufacturing allows for faster production, and it minimizes the use of raw construction materials by only printing what is needed. For example, Lebanese startup Buildink uses concrete 3D printers to construct whole buildings and single-story houses in just a week. The company is even exploring the use of its machines for disaster relief and reconstruction. The technology also reduces waste of construction materials and can be used to produce spare parts for building maintenance and replacement.