How Innovations and Technology are Revolutionising Construction
Over many centuries humans have changed their building methods, evolving to use many different materials and techniques. Some of the earliest homes were made of only straw and mud, which baked solid in the sun – and later, the Romans combined lime and volcanic rock to create concrete, from which they built a number of sophisticated, elegant buildings, such as the Pantheon.
More recent developments have seen architects and engineers create even more complex structures, including glass curtain walls, earthquake-proofed foundations, and steel girders. Many exciting and futuristic technologies have been invented in the construction world, some of which will be further explored in this article.
Concrete that Heals
As the most commonly used material in construction, concrete is a cheap and effective building material. However, it also has some serious failings – including deterioration and cracking. Past solutions for cracked or damaged concrete included reinforcement, patching or starting from scratch, yet a new innovation from the US has introduced ‘smart’ concrete that is able to ‘heal’ cracks without outside intervention. This self-healing concrete, designed by a graduate student at the University of Rhode Island, is believed to be the most cost-effective solution to the issue of damaged and cracked concrete.
Metal ‘Glass’
A long-held dream in architectural circles, scientists have been searching for a material that has the strength and durability of metal, with the transparency and modern appeal of glass. In the 1980s scientists started to experiment with aluminium, oxygen and nitrogen - applying extreme heat and pressure - until eventually they had created a substance that was clear like glass, but with the durability and strength of aluminium. The creation of ‘transparent aluminium’ has the power to revolutionise the construction industry, particularly if used for skyscrapers, aquariums and military buildings.
Robot Swarms
Chairman of the Mid Group Sahel Majali understands the importance of using the latest innovations and technologies in the construction industry, with one of the most exiting inventions being robot swarm construction.
Modelled on the effective building strategies of the termite, ‘robot swarm construction’ sees small construction robots work together as a swarm to build walls, one brick at a time. With built-in sensors, each robot can detect the presence of the others in the swarm, and they can easily reach precarious or very high areas.
This technology could keep workers away from dangerous, dirty and repetitive work – freeing up manpower for other areas on the construction site.