Tech Trends in Construction 2022
The construction sector has been evolving at a spectacular rate over the last decade.
Technology is opening up new possibilities and opportunities—for better or for worse.
There’s a steady stream of headlines about innovative, disruptive technologies and business models laying the foundation for an industry overhaul.
What lies ahead, hopefully, are more efficient and profitable construction processes ready to fuel a new era of growth.
Let’s take a look at a few of these trends, including ones related to the HVAC industry.
HDS, 5D, and IoT
The construction industry has been adopting CAD and BIM technologies for the last couple of decades. Computer Aided Design has allowed architects and engineers to create detailed plans more precisely and efficiently.
Building Information Modeling offers builders the ability to include design, materials, structure, costs, and budgeting all in one dashboard. BIM even allows trades to avoid conflicts at the design stage. For example, onsite conflicts between plumbers and electricians (a common construction problem) can be completely eliminated.
On the heels of CAD and BIM come HDS, 5D, and IoT. Let’s take a look.
- High-Definition Surveys for Construction Projects (HDS). HDS is a new and powerful alternative to manual surveying for commercial and industrial sites. Project delays are common in construction, and those delays often start with unforeseen issues with the conditions of the soil, bedrock, and even underground utilities.HDS technologies incorporate high-definition photography, 3-D laser scanning, geographic information systems, and more. These techniques are combined to capture the exact location of obstacles and utilities before construction begins, saving time and money that would otherwise be spent on redesign and repair work. Beyond site mapping HDS data is valuable for civil, structural, and MEP design.
- 5D Building Information Modeling (5D). 5D BIM refers to adding additional information layers into already powerful BIM systems. These enhancements include augmented reality (AR) systems and wearable devices. Augmented reality brings the power of BIM directly to the construction site, where AR can be used to track and document how projects are progressing. These apps identify where you are in the floorplan and automatically take pictures at every capture point. Doing so ensures that team members always capture at the exact same location over time, thus improving progress capture efficiency and accuracy.
- The Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things refers to the increasing interconnection of every piece of machinery and device on the construction site, including where humans are in the mix via wearables like data connected helmets and safety gear. Sensors pick up data and relay it to a central data platform via near field communication technology. The end result is enhanced awareness of progress, bottlenecks, logistics, and safety. This allows for issues to be dealt with in real time more often than ever before.
It’s easy to see how all of these areas are related to computing technology and cloud-based systems. They may not change the fundamental ways in which ground is cleared and buildings are erected, but their value is in how they can help foresee costly problems, eliminate conflicts, and prevent accidents, all of which provides for greater efficiency and reduced cost.
HVAC Trends
The HVAC industry is not unaffected by modern construction trends.
Software solutions like CAD and BIM have become a robust part of making sure that ductwork is precisely fabricated, that connections and accessories are exactly right before being shipped, and installation is well coordinated with other trades and little troubleshooting needs to be done on site. The availability of up-to-date databases have even turned estimating from manual predictions to a precise science.
A few emerging HVAC trends include:
- Smart HVAC Technologies. The increasing use of sensors and computer-controlled systems mean that today HVAC systems can monitor a building for occupancy and area use. Whether or not a conference room is at a comfortable temperature can be in response to people heading for and entering the room. Smart systems can even respond to whether sunlight is hitting a building, or work in concert with HVAC to raise and lower blinds to help with heating and cooling.
- Eco-Friendly HVAC. The green building market in the US is big. There has been a 19% increase in LEED-certified buildings since 2017, and the trend continues to grow. It expected to hit $99.8 billion by 2023. 17.2% of green buildings in the US belong to the education sector. Cutting-edge eco-friendly HVAC systems today can incorporate the use of solar panels and wind turbines along with gas and electricity to reduce costs. Smart technologies can juggle energy resources seamlessly, turning in real time to the most efficient, comfortable, and affordable energy supply.
- Air Cleaners, Ionizers, and Fresh Air Ventilation. While HVAC filters have been around in commercial buildings since the 1930s, the recent COVID epidemic has shown a spotlight on the idea of keeping building occupants healthy by removing bacteria, viruses, and contaminants from indoor air supplies. Solutions include MERV-13 or higher air filters, plasma and ionization systems that kill pathogens, and duct designs that maximize fresh air ventilation. Benefits of increasing air quality go beyond corona virus concerns, bringing benefits to those with allergies, asthma, and respiratory diseases like COPD.
Duct Fabrication is TCG’s Business
At TCG Duct, we can provide all or part of your HVAC fabrication needs. Your project is priced from a Material List or via a take off from prints you provide. Our team of engineers, fabricators and technicians are trained on the latest equipment and methods that enable us to meet your exacting standards.
Let TCG Duct be your partner in the HVAC Industry as an experienced, high-quality manufacturer of HVAC duct of all types. Our goal is to partner with our customers in ways that make the entire workflow from order to installation a seamless exercise in time and cost savings.
The Cincinnatus Group supplies traditional Rectangular Ductwork as well as Spiral Ductwork, Double Wall Spiral Duct , PCD Ductwork, and Industrial Welded Ductwork.
Why Choose The Cincinnatus Group?
As your partner, The Cincinnatus Group helps your organization stand out in its marketplace, win more bids, save substantial costs, and build the knowledge and skills your team needs to continually meet new challenges effectively and profitably.
Our strong work ethic, accountability, and pursuit of excellence sets us apart from other contracted sales and marketing services, and our unique expertise and proprietary ductwork systems make us unique amongst our competitors.
At The Cincinnatus Group, our fabrication partners gain access to our unique experience and expertise in contracted sales and marketing.
Our assets help you navigate the ever-changing markets of the 21st century.
To learn more about our Contracted Sales services or other services we provide: Contracted Estimating and Take Offs, CAD/BIM/Coordination Drawings, and Project Management Assistance, please call The Cincinnatus Group at 878-295-8009, or visit our Contact Us page today. We are looking forward to the opportunity to help grow your business.
