Here are some examples of innovative construction technologies. Smart glasses can detect hazardous materials and drones can inspect structures. Augmented reality and 4D computer-aided design are also emerging as technologies that aim to improve safety at construction sites. These new technologies are being used in many different industries, and will continue to improve construction site safety. The following article will discuss some of these technologies in more detail. Read on https://constructionreviewonline.com/management/top-11-innovations-that-improved-the-construction-industry/ to learn about the latest developments.
Smart glasses detect hazardous materials
The advent of smart safety glasses has spawned several ideas. These smart safety glasses contain embedded cameras, a projected screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity. These glasses enable construction workers to take measurements in real time, make adjustments, and send information off site. They also contain two microphones and earbuds, allowing workers to make real-time adjustments without disturbing the surrounding environment. These glasses may one day warn workers of hazardous materials or leading edges.
In construction jobsites, workers may need to focus on multiple tasks simultaneously, causing them to fall ill and cause accidents. Wearing smart glasses can help reduce such accidents by consolidating conflicting activities. This will make it safer for workers to make critical schematic checks while still answering incoming phone calls and power tool buzzes. Additionally, these glasses may flash alerts to workers of hazardous materials and highlight other workers’ locations.
Drones inspect structures
The use of drones in construction can be advantageous for many reasons. Drones can gather high-quality data in a short amount of time. They can also be used in hazardous scenarios, such as when workers are rappelling into positions on scaffolds. These drones can provide vital visual data without requiring an inspector on-site. And the use of drones can help reduce the costs of liability insurance.
Another benefit of using drones for construction site safety is that they can be flown over high-voltage power lines, reducing the risk of electrocution, fires, and power outages. These aerial vehicles can also access difficult-to-reach areas, such as contaminated or confined spaces. They can also be used to inspect sites that are prone to environmental hazards, such as volcanic eruptions and oil spills.
Augmented reality
While the application of AR technology is not yet mainstream, it is already making its way into the construction industry. Until recently, these technologies were in the prototyping and experimentation stage. These immature devices and high cost posed a significant barrier to their use on construction sites. Today, however, AR devices that are suitable for use on construction sites are commercially available. Users can choose between the various devices based on their performance needs and the type of construction site they are working on. For instance, for high-risk and valuable construction, RealWear HMT-1Z1 is ideal while Google Glass Enterprise Edition 2 is appropriate for daily civil infrastructure.
The benefits of AR technology extend beyond the obvious use in construction sites. It can help improve remote collaboration between project stakeholders. For example, it allows stakeholders to view images in greater detail and identify potential safety concerns even without physically being present at a construction site. Other applications of AR include increasing worker safety. For example, some AR devices can scan labels and tags to relay vital safety information. Using these technologies can increase the efficiency and safety of construction sites.
4D computer-aided design
In a recent survey, we asked participants to rate the benefits of 4D computer-aided design to improve health and safety management. We derived the significance of each benefit based on relevant HSE statistics, literature, and aspects of the CDM 2015 regulations. We found that the most valuable benefits of 4D were attributed to planning site logistics and plant movement. The benefits of using 4D were most valuable to professionals who use it, while they were least useful for safety management.
The study reveals that the barriers to the adoption of 4D are related to cost, time, and culture. This follows a common theme in construction industry reports, with cost and time as the top barriers to adoption. In addition to cost, 4D is costly and time-consuming to implement. It requires training, and adoption may vary depending on the size of the construction company and the type of projects it carries.
Predictive analytics
Most safety professionals take pride in being proactive. Although most safety approaches are proactive, predictive analytics aim to make these efforts more proactive. These systems use data from multiple sources to create a more comprehensive picture of the workplace and behavior of employees. As a result, they can help to reduce the number of incidents and costs associated with them. Listed below are three ways that predictive analytics can benefit your safety program. These systems are also beneficial for the health and safety of workers.
To use predictive analytics, you need a large amount of data. This data may be stored in separate physical locations or in separate software systems. You should then enter the data into the model. The quality of the data you input will determine how well the model performs. Typically, the better the data, the better the results. The complexity of predictive analytics models will vary. It is recommended that teams that are new to data analysis start with a small data set before advancing to more complex ones.
Driverless crash trucks
Self-driving construction trucks have hit roads. These autonomous trucks are outfitted with crash barriers and lights to warn drivers that roadwork is underway. They are capable of following a lead vehicle and mimicking its driving patterns to avoid collisions. While on the job site, they are equipped with large signs and rear crash barriers to protect construction workers and other drivers from the dangers of the road. Whether or not these self-driving construction trucks improve construction site safety is still up in the air.
In addition to the new trucks, the Department of Transportation has tested a self-driving version of an autonomous impact protection vehicle. The autonomous system uses military technology to protect road crews, and the vehicle mirrors the movement of a manned vehicle in front of it to protect road workers. These crash trucks are typically the first line of defense for construction workers. They have been credited with cutting fatalities and work-zone injuries in half.