Written by Sarah Stukalin, AMAST Content
A new year brings new construction trends, and with such a tumultuous transition into the new year with an inauguration and a global pandemic, the trends are bound to change and evolve. Additionally, technology is developing and improving at a rapid rate, greatly contributing to the success of the construction industry. Here are the construction trends to adopt for 2021.
Increased Safety Measures
Be on the lookout for a drastic increase in safety measures, not just regarding the dangers of working in construction, but the risks of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing and separation are particularly difficult on a construction site, as many tasks require more than one person to complete. Site managers and contractors will likely adopt more rigorous labeling systems for tools, as well as more procedural efforts such as required sanitization, and prohibiting sharing hats and gloves. While this may initially prove to be difficult to integrate into a construction site, it is important to protect the health and safety of your workers, making sure you do not lose any manpower if someone were to become sick.
Drone Technology
With the continuous rise of technology, almost no construction site is complete without a drone. Drones provide the ease of surveying a project without putting humans in any danger, and offer a closer look at places that are challenging to reach. A drone has the unique ability to provide a bird’s eye view of a project. The use of drones preserves manpower as well as financial burdens.
3-D Printing
3-D printing in the construction industry is expected to grow rapidly in 2021, as many construction sites are integrating it to build as much as entire neighborhoods. 3-D printing can also be used on a smaller scale. 3-D printing is typically used to make small components out of plastic, making it affordable to create custom pieces.
Modular Construction
Modular construction and pre-fab building were already on the rise, and there has already been a huge boost in this method in 2021. Experts anticipate an even bigger increase in modular construction post-pandemic. Manufactured buildings promote low worker density, which is excellent for working conditions in a pandemic. The equipment necessary for building decreases labor costs as well, as there are not many large components necessary for construction. Pre-fab buildings and modular construction are vital for a business with individual offices, a hospital that needs additional rooms, or a remote worker in need of a home office. Modular construction options are affordable and can be temporary, making them an excellent choice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Living Materials
Perhaps one of the most exciting construction trends on the horizon, living materials have biological compounds that grow themselves. They are projected to be integrated into many large-scale construction projects soon. The bacteria and fungi of living materials make them strong, light, and easily transportable. Some examples of living materials are self-mending concrete and mycelium composites. Adapting these materials in a construction project is not only different and innovative but greatly helps the environment.
Works Cited
Articles, C., Poché, C., & Articles, 1. (2020, September 14). 10 construction industry trends to watch in 2021. Retrieved February 05, 2021, from https://www.levelset.com/blog/construction-industry-trends/
