JULY 2016CIOAPPLICATIONS.COM9Augmented Reality and 3D ModelingVirtual reality (VR) is making headway in various industrial applications and offers possibilities for use in construction. For example, using virtual or augmented reality (AR) in a controlled environment to model a construction site is a great application for the technology. This kind of technique can be used in tandem with the latest building information modeling (BIM) software to provide a three-dimensional rendering to identify potential issues that may not show up on a blueprint. Identifying these types of problems prior to installation could result in tremendous savings. Using AR on the job site itself seems less likely, since the environment is continually changing. To be able to apply AR technology at the construction location requires being able to track real-time changes, such as a dropped beam or a low-hanging duct. That kind of real-time simulation demands a tremendous amount of computer processing power and connectivity bandwidth, and it's still fraught with safety concerns and potential inaccuracies.Some construction professionals also are experimenting with 3D printing technology for parts and components. 3D printing is still cost-prohibitive for most construction applications, not to mention that you can't guarantee the quality or safety specifications on 3D-printed parts. However, there may be a role for 3D printing in component or part modeling, but that has yet to be proven to be practical or cost-effective.Drones Drones are starting to make their way onto construction sites. When properly licensed and used, drones can be a valuable construction tool. For example, drones can be used to inspect hard-to-access locations, such as on a high rise or where it's too dangerous for human inspectors. There will be some application for drone technology in construction, but first it will require a close look at costs versus returns in light of potential liability and licensing fees.Like it or not, it has been noted that recently employees have started to bring their own flying drones from home to get a bird's eye view of a job site, but these kinds of maverick activities pose tremendous risk. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that drones be registered, and if a drone is involved in an accident or hurts someone, the FAA makes it clear that all parties involved could be held responsible, including the contractor.Adapting Technology to ConstructionIt seems unlikely that the construction industry will be innovators in some of these areas, although we certainly may be early adopters. New wearable safety technology and exoskeletons will likely be developed for other industries, such as oil and gas, and then adapted for construction. As third parties create new technologies with potential applications, they will make their way to the construction market as long as they demonstrate ROI.We also will see the emergence of new jobs as well. IT managers will be needed on-site to set up and manage computer networks that connect the construction team and these new IoT technologies with the corporate datacenter. For some of jobs, such as a construction site in downtown Los Angeles, you can connect to the local infrastructure with intelligent router boxes. Other jobs, such as solar arrays installed in remote locations, may require a satellite feed or other means of communications. Whatever new technologies are adapted for construction, they will have to have a positive impact on the bottom line. Some technologies present potential liabilities as well as benefits and may not prove cost-effective, while others, such as smart safety vests may be implemented sooner since safety is always a primary concern. Virtual reality (VR) is making headway in various industrial applications and offers possibilities for use in constructionSam Lamonica
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