5 Advancements in Construction Science

The Future of the Construction Industry

As technology progresses, many industries are affected, often times making them more productive

and efficient. The construction industry, in particular, is an industry that has become increasingly more

sustainable with the help of technology. There have been many new construction technologies, which are

currently being implemented, that are shaping the future of the construction industry.

1) Autonomous Robotic Construction

Fitted with four different kinds of sensors, the robots are given a blueprint of the structure

they are to build as well as a set of traffic laws that tell them where they can and cannot go

during construction.

2) Autonomous Robotic Construction

DUS, a Dutch

architecture firm, has

launched a public art

project to build a 3D

printed house. The team

first needed to build one

of the world’s largest

3D printers in order to

produce large LEGO-

like plastic components

that can be assembled

into individual rooms of

the house.

3) Self-healing Concrete

When a crack forms, the capsules

rupture and release a gel-like healing

agent that hardens to fill the void.

This new form of concrete has the

ability to eliminate the need for costly

concrete maintenance and make our

roads and walkways much more

sustainable.

4) Plant-based Foam

A polyurethane foam made from plant materials

(such as hemp, help, and bamboo)can be used

in anything from turbine blades to insulation

and furniture. This product is non-toxic and

made from sustainable resources. Another great

advantages it that it helps to improve quality of

living because of its amazing insulating

properties and higher thermal resistance. The

foam is currently being manufactured by

Malama Composites in San Diego, California.

5) Carbon Dioxide as a Building Material

MIT biological

engineers have found a

way to convert carbon-

dioxide emissions into

useful building

materials or solid

carbonates, using

genetically altered

yeast. This process can

produce around two

pounds of carbonate

for every pound of

carbon dioxide

captured.

These advancements within the construction industry are extremely

important as the world looks for ways to become a safer and more

environmentally friendly place.