The Power of Digital in Construction

Here at Sherlock Recruitment, we have seen the impact that digital tools have had on the construction industry and how they have slowly transformed their work for the better. New technologies such as Laser Scanning, Drones and BIM (Building Information Modelling) are helping companies do the same job easier, faster and more accurately. Below, we’ll look at some of the key advances in technology and how they benefit the construction industry.

Drones

Drones were first used in the military for missions, but they have been proven to have many functions in other professional fields including the construction industry. For example, they can be used to carry out aerial surveys and evaluation of a site. They can also capture aerial photos and videos, as well as supervise on-going construction projects.

Drones can inspect tall structures without the need of risking a worker’s life to go up a scaffolding to do the inspection. This particular technology has helped reduce human errors, improve efficiency and has increased the safety of workers on construction sites. If height restrictions on tall buildings are indeed reconsidered in Ireland, we believe that there would be an increase in the use of Drones in the industry so as to alleviate health and safety risks posed to workers when surveying at heights.

Laser Scanning

Similar to the drones, laser scanning also allows a fast, definitive, low-cost survey and evaluation of present structures, buildings and their interior. A line of laser light is used to capture the dimensions and spatial relationship of objects digitally.

The process is also known as a point cloud survey; it’s sometimes used to create 3D images that can be modified for use in BIM (Building Information Modelling) or CAD (computer-aided design). Laser scanning combined with drone surveying allows for the creation of 3D models of construction projects.

BIM

All information gathered from advanced technology such as drones, and laser scanning can be entered into the BIM system. This is a method that allows everyone on the project ie, AEC (architects, engineers and constructors) to collaborate on coordinated digital models, which gives everyone a better insight into how their work fits into the overall production

Using BIM will be able to provide the correct information to the right people at the right time as it will do the work for all professionals in the project more efficiently and effectively. Knowing how to operate and contribute in BIM will give you a substantial competitive edge which is why it is essential to understand and adapt to this system and not get left behind.

While the digitalisation of the construction industry has been slow for Ireland, we can see that through the introduction of mandatory BIM use in the UK in 2016 this is a reality that the industry will have to face and embrace with open arms one day. Technologies such as the drones and laser scanning will not only improve project efficiency and but also lower risks on sites, without a doubt the power of digital in the construction industry is inevitable. Ireland as a country needs to take a step forward to push the pace of its implementation.