Top Trends in the Civil Construction Industry

With the construction industry growing steadily in Australia, civil engineering contractors must be on top of their game to outbid competitors. Keeping up with new trends in the civil engineering industry is probably one of the best ways to stay competitive in a market that continues to modernise. Modern equipment, materials and advanced construction techniques create better, sustainable and durable infrastructure. This article looks at some of the emerging trends in the civil engineering industry.

Off-Site Construction 

For a long time, civil works have depended on on-site construction, primarily because labour was cheap and the skill gap was not a problem. However, the industry has significantly changed over the years, forcing civil engineering contractors to rethink their strategies. While off-site construction has not been around for some time, its popularity in major civil works is difficult to ignore. From major highways to massive warehouses, off-site construction has proved that standardised construction parts can produce durable and safe infrastructure. Also referred to as off-site fabrication, off-site construction promotes efficient use of labour, eliminating the skills gap issues. Furthermore, off-site construction offers a significant reduction in project costs, increasing a contractor's bottom line. Besides, civil engineering contractors can compress project timelines since off-site construction is not affected by unfavourable weather. Thus, it enables a contractor to bid for multiple construction projects and deliver on time.

Pollution-Eating Buildings 

Pollution has been a significant concern for civil engineers because of its effects on human health and its adverse impact on the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure. It is mainly the case in industrial cities where smog seeps into building crevices and weakens structures. Fortunately, pollution/smog-eating buildings have emerged. The structures are made from special concrete that neutralises pollutants in the atmosphere. Notably, titanium dioxide, a photocatalytic additive, is mixed with the cement during construction. The oxide activates when exposed to the sun and turns into salts such as calcium, which neutralise smog pollutants. Although the technology is still in its infancy, it promises to reduce pollution and protect buildings.

Augmented Reality (AR) 

Although virtual reality technology still plays an integral role in civil construction, augmented reality is rapidly becoming the go-to simulation technology for civil engineers. AR is beneficial in civil works when explaining construction projects to investors who do not understand technical issues. Therefore, it serves as an aggressive marketing tool that civil engineers can rely on to harness investment opportunities. AR also allows engineers to review building plans on an absolute scale, identifying errors before construction.

Contact a local civil works service to learn more.