Author: Constructech Editors
The internet has opened up a whole world of information to everyone with a connection. Unfortunately, some of those connections are completely open to others with dishonorable intentions, to use an old cliché. From the earliest days of ARPAnet to the IoT (Internet of Things) revolution, data has been as valuable as currency and just as enticing to those with opportunities to transfer that data from you to them, illegally. The bigger the data pool, the more attractive it is to hackers and others with a technology bent. Gartner predicts that executive performance evaluations will be increasingly linked to ability…
Healthy homes have healthy air. More than 55 million households, according to Parks Associates, are interested in a product that removes dust/allergens and purifies the air. About 47% of households with Internet access report that one or more residents has a health condition that makes them sensitive to indoor air quality. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted health risks in air quality for many consumers, increasing interest in smart products that can measure and deliver a healthy, clean environment. Parks Associates points out that their research shows family caregivers increasingly turn towards technology, especially monitoring services, in providing care for loved ones.…
In drought conditions, as they are experiencing in the U.S. Southwest, water tables drop, lakes and reservoirs dry up, and industry and people suffer. Water is both the most valuable and least appreciated raw material in the world. Until it isn’t available. Water is necessary for all life forms on earth. It is also a necessity for almost all construction and industrial activities, both for use as a raw material and for cooling and hydrating the workers and equipment involved. Second to water in importance, the number two material in quantity used, is sand. Obviously, sand and water go together…
The planned switch from the internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric power for the millions of vehicles needed for every day use in the U.S. has several growing pains evident. At present, the cost per electric vehicle is much higher than for an ICE car or truck. The costs are coming down, as auto companies realize the manufacturing scale necessary to produce EVs at the lower costs the public demands. The biggest step, which can’t wait for the changeover, is to implement the infrastructure of electric charging stations to compete with the vast gasoline and diesel network that has been…
If civil and geotechnical engineers want to design more resilient roadways, they should have the best available technology at their disposal. As the industry gets smarter about creating resilient infrastructure, it is getting a boost from technology that has long benefited others. For example, project delivery software and asset management software leverages the cloud to make staff mobile and empower them with sophisticated tools that align with how they work. Now those who design and build roads can take advantage of similar digital tools to create high-performance pavement in a way that not only saves time and money but also…
Construction has always been dangerous. Ancient builders met the challenge of jobsite injury by adding more men to the workforce, replacing the dead and injured. In modern times, the use of what is considered basic safety gear—such as hardhats and safety shoes—has only been accepted by the labor force in the recent past. In many ways, construction workers have had an image of being “cowboys” or “daredevils” at work. Not so much anymore. Much of the difference can be related to changes in government policy, or more accurately, to the evolution of government policy. That evolution started in 1922 with…
Cities can be more diversified and complex than any company. They have organizational structure and departmentalization issues like companies but operate at a level few private firms can match. Even so, they have one thing in common with large firms: they depend on modern technology. Integrated technologies, to be specific. While the “tech silo” approach was all too common in companies and cities for decades, most concluded that connectivity and integration is the way to go. As an example, the City of High Point, N.C., transitioned its plan reviews to an electronic portal, but the implementation lacked a way to…
It sounds like a sci-fi movie from the 1960s, but it’s a sci-fi reality in the 21st century. Swarms of robots creating an underground “hive” using 3D printing technology, resulting in a tunnel without first using a boring machine, blasting, or digging. While Elon Musk’s Boring Co., is drilling massive holes underground and then lining them to create a tunnel, hyperTunnel first builds the tunnel, then digs the hole. A significant break from tradition, the hyperTunnel method does not create the hole by pushing through the ground with a boring machine or drill and blast. Instead, it 3D-prints the tunnel…
In October 1973, OPEC introduced Americans to the term “oil embargo.” The first major energy crisis was upon us and gas stations took the brunt of the anger as long lines, rationing, alternate day schemes, and other attempts to mitigate the sudden loss of imported oil came into effect. But while transportation problems were the most visible result, many other changes were more quietly taking place. The energy crises impacted the way architects designed spaces, especially commercial interiors. Prior to the oil embargo, these areas were typically illuminated with bright ceilings and fluorescent lamps. But as the cost of fuel…
Buildings are going up faster, closeouts happening sooner, and paperwork for payment getting processed faster. If everything goes according to plan/design, that is. But how often does a project finish exactly like it was supposed to? Between start and finish there is usually a pile of change orders going from owner to general to subcontractors and trades and back up the chain. Technology trends such as BIM (building information management), digital twin, and 3D design are reshaping construction. With a shift towards faster, more iterative project delivery, the industry is frustrated with many of the current tools available including paper,…