The construction sector is vast and complex. BIM has already the led way for the construction sector to achieve higher efficiency, sustainability, productivity, cost & time savings, and safety. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a flexible and scalable process that can integrate new tools and technology based on project requirements. IoT and 5G incorporated with Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a powerful combination that can meet the needs of various construction industry requirements.
Technology like IoT and 5G will transform AEC companies in how they build modern buildings, facilities, and infrastructure. It has helped them build quicker, smarter, safer, and be more efficient. Using 5G, construction companies can leverage exceptional performance in terms of remote connectivity, communications, etc.
The New Construction Trend
With BIM at the helm, the construction industry has entered a new phase in digitized and information-based construction. IoT enablers aren’t mere sensors, but smart devices that can handle complex processes like remote communications, materials tracking, equipment repairs, remote monitoring, AR/VR, BIM, onsite installations & safety, etc. As project stakeholders work from remote locations, there is a dire need to enhance connection bandwidth, this can be achieved using high-speed 5G.
AEC companies and project owners who want to build quick and efficient facilities and infrastructure are ready to adopt IoT & 5G. The short-term investments can be high, but long-term profits of investing in new construction technology can be high-cost savings and quick turnaround times.
One of the most important aspects of using IoT with 5G is its ability to garner faster data access, address mission-critical issues, and allow remote devices to be connected for efficient data collection and analysis. 5G coupled with IoT can be categorized into –
Broadband Internet of Things – project stakeholders can leverage high-volume data and fast data transfer.
Critical Internet of Things – can be used for critical applications to collect data from devices that require high-bandwidth.
Massive Internet of Things – construction projects involve large numbers of project stakeholders. Various IoT devices can be integrated and used for offsite and onsite construction purposes. This is where Massive IoT can connect higher numbers of devices for greater productivity, efficiency, and the ability to make quick informed decisions.
The benefits of IoT in the construction sector can be listed as follows :
- Collecting data from various devices integrated with IoT sensors viz. temperature, pressure, load, etc. With accurate data collection and analysis construction, stakeholders can leverage quick decision making and garner lesser project downtime.
- 5G connectivity can boost IoT performance for smart devices like thermostats, power meters, electrical circuit breakers, etc. With perpetual data flow, data specialists & facility managers can use AI-powered algorithms to analyze crucial energy data usage that can enhance project sustainability and saves on project costs.
- With so many apps for multiple devices, onsite personnel can leverage these apps to make onsite construction safe. Various wearables when synced with apps improve safety based on information received from IoT sensors installed in equipment like vests, boots, helmets, wristbands, etc. All these work in unison to prevent onsite disasters from taking place.
- Connecting onsite personnel with the offsite team or vice-versa requires data to be transmitted in real-time. Progress reports can be leveraged by various project stakeholders in the form of electronic reports, BIM synchronization with various software, drone data capture, smart wearables, etc. There are various IoT based devices connected to the internet that feed data back to the job site in real-time. With this technology in place, project stakeholders can leverage significant savings in cost and time, and also hold the ability to make quick, informed, and safe decisions for onsite personnel.
- Construction material, equipment, and labor can be tagged using RFID sensors that send data back to a mobile device or app. With BIM using 4D scheduling, automated workflows can be created to determine accurate schedules for material and equipment to reach the Jobsite. With onsite personnel tagged with RFID sensors, project stakeholders can leverage Geofencing as technology to determine labor location, time spent, work performed, etc. thereby increasing enhancing monitoring capabilities and improving onsite productivity.
- IoT devices help construction managers manage complex construction projects by streamlining project operations using smart sensors. With RFID technology in place, construction project managers can track material and equipment, and reduce project overruns based on cost and time. This is defined as IoT Construction Management. It also enhances productivity and readiness levels that improve project quality and handovers.
- With sensors installed inside concrete casts, concrete manufacturers can monitor concrete curing for moisture and temperature at the early stages of the manufacturing process. This makes the concrete more usable, efficient, and up to project specifications.
Conclusion
IoT will unlikely to replace the human experience, but it would surely make the entire construction process streamlined and hassle-free at every level of the project lifecycle. It will modify business models to mitigate unnecessary rework, reduce cost and time overruns, enhance onsite safety, make AEC projects more efficient, and garner higher ROI for Owners and project stakeholders. It is also making significant headways for contractors to enhance their processes, reduce onsite waste, promote digital coordination and collaboration, build productive business opportunities. With a growing demand for smart buildings, IoT and 5G will certainly prove to be a powerful combination to help reduce the carbon footprint and lower environmental impact.