Introduction
Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor technology are robust and fast-growing technologies in the current construction sector. The ever-evolving building industry can undoubtedly reap enormous advantages using these technologies. The worker’s safety, cost reduction, and predictive maintenance are among some of the compelling benefits.
Utilization of this technology collects massive amounts of data and provides different types of analysis beneficial at construction job-sites.
Descriptive: Reflects the current environmental conditions as well as conditions of construction equipment.
Predictive: An Effective forecast of potential malfunctions or safety risks.
Prescriptive: Provide ways to optimize the workflow and avoid delays and issues.
Let’s catch the scenario of construction world as for how they are reaping the benefits of IoT and sensor technology.
Predictive Maintenance with sensor technology
The construction equipment fitted with sensors generate valuable data about elements such as temperature, weight capacity, light, and chemicals. The information is further used to influence decisions made to maintain a schedule. Also, the overall safety of a construction site is taken care regarding fire safety, energy use, worker capacity as well as general wear and tear.
Many of the construction organizations face cost issues and budgeting regarding the construction project. Thus, maintaining these assets is vital to avoiding crucial errors as well as expensive repairs or replacements. Also, regular maintenance is another balancing act to ensure that it occurs without affecting current projects and continues functioning intelligently.
Usage of sensor-based technology enables its users to conduct maintenance which eventually helps reducing costs regarding the depth of the repair as well as avoiding delays in the project timeline.
The technology not only monitors the condition of construction assets but also communicates with the users regarding its exact status and alerts them when maintenance is due.
Sensors are a smart and intelligent way to alert operators as to when maintenance may become necessary. For example, sensors alert if a particular area is too hot for a specific type of equipment. The users thus can take paramount steps to reduce the temperature or can pause the activity until conditions cool down.
Internet of Things- IoT in construction
Sensor technology and the maintenance framework mainly rely on IoT technology. The network connectivity enables them to gather, exchange and communicate data in a natural way. In addition to sensor-based appliances, on-site workforce can make use of IoT enabled devices. It includes wearable accessories for their safety and betterment.
Biometric wearables can supervise worker’s heart rate, temperature, and other signs as well as alert safety managers in case of any mishap.
Weight-bearing sensors help to track workers in the field to make sure that they are aware of job-site hazards and different injury risks. Various innovations are in beta phase to improve job-site risks. A connected safety shoe which is sensor enabled is designed to alert workers if they lift a load above the recommended weight. The shoe will keep informing until the pressure has been reduced to a safe volume.
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Construction
Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies are expanding their wings rapidly across the globe. These are one of the top 10 BIM trends in the construction sector.
AR/VR technology allows project managers to in-depth insights of the entire project from end to end. The Sensor technology allows the construction team to pinpoint issues. It also helps in necessary maintenance on equipment before they can hamper the project on a large scale. Thus, help reducing labor cost as well as repair.
The Virtual and Augmented reality in construction can amazingly improve the safety of workers. In risky situations like an underwater or below ground, getting a complete view of the field with the help of AR/VR technology make aware of potentially hazardous conditions. In some cases, the technology also allows operating robotic tools remotely. It helps on-site workers to get a high level of precision without risking their safety.
Related: Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in Architecture and Construction
Drones are another approaching application in the construction sector. Construction contractors use drones as a marketing tool. The unmanned vehicles are used to conduct real-time surveys. They are also useful in mapping as well as tracking the overall progress of the project. The aerial access and tracking capabilities as well as 3D imaging proves beneficial for workers regarding safety as well as reduce survey time.
Conclusion
The costs related to mishaps, labor mistakes, and equipment maintenance have significant effects on the bottom line of a building project. The current construction sector is extremely slow to adopt as well as implement new technologies. The adaption of the modern techniques like sensor technology, Internet of Things (IoT) can tangibly minimize the inefficiencies in the construction arena. More companies are now reaping benefits in shortening project timelines, lowering maintenance costs and reducing on-site accidents.
Also Read: Growing construction Productivity Must be Top Priority In Future