The construction industry might be slow sometimes when it comes to adopting innovations. However, things across this industry are changing and they are more open to accepting new technologies these days. And, one of the latest adoptions is IoT technology.
Providing a superfast and safe environment at the construction site is very important from day one. And, IoT devices can resolve several issues and challenges that a construction company faces such as workplace safety, equipment monitoring, and asset tracking. Let’s find out what makes IoT technology the future of a construction zone.
IoT streamlines construction work and keeps workers safe
Smart sensors and IoT technology provide lots of benefits to the construction zone. The right kind of technology can help improve equipment fleet tracking, site safety measures, and the handover process. IoT developers are creating new technologies that are helpful to this industry in the days to come.
These include IoT-equipped construction machinery and safety wearables for the construction workers. They can add more benefits. Although the construction industry accepts the innovations after some time, many companies are now investing in IoT technology. As such, when the technology becomes sophisticated over time, IoT could become common in every construction zone.
IoT technology combined with BIM technology
The use of IoT technology in a construction zone is accompanied by BIM (building information modeling) tools and other asset tracking platforms. BIM helps construction companies to use a 3D model of the building and streamline the building handover process. Moreover, BIM tools are used to get updates by grounding IoT sensors.
One construction company can use the BIM model of a construction site that is in progress along with the IoT data to track resource use effectively. The data logged in the BIM model when combined with the data from IoT sensors help provide resource use forecasts and better estimates.
The IoT technology transmits information to both the stakeholders and project managers instantly. Also, relevant data are shared with the clients to help smoothen communication between all parties involved. New sensors are installed before the handover process.
This 3D model can help the owner with data on the performance of HVAC equipment, the quality of air, and other information. Issues with malfunctioning equipment are detected by the sensor. Hence, it reduces the chances of serious damage.
Use of IoT in monitoring equipment on the construction zone
The most common use of IoT technology in construction zones can be seen in equipment monitoring. There is nothing new that construction equipment comes with IoT-powered mechanics. The smart sensors in these machines monitor and report all kinds of information such as engine temperature, vibration, speed, and location.
This information help construction zone managers keep track of fleet health. Also, the same data might be used in predictive maintenance schemes that allow construction zone managers to minimize unexpected repairs, maintenance costs, and downtime. Monitoring equipment health improves safety because unpredictable behavior can cause a major safety risk.
Moreover, certain use of IoT technology can improve overall equipment performance. Many metal buildings, for example, consists of cable assemblies that improve strength by reducing building sag.
So, proper installation of the cables makes sure that they don’t fail to provide support. Hence, smart machines use technology such as GPS and LIDAR to improve their accuracy and ensuring the precise installation of important components like a cable assembly.
IoT improves construction zone safety
Despite the advancement in safety technology in various industries, the construction zone remains one of the dreaded places. Heavy equipment, heights, electricity, and extreme working conditions make safety a top priority for the workers. While having rubber speed bumps on construction zones is a must, IoT technology can significantly improve site safety.
In short, IoT technology can extend the functionality of safety equipment in construction zones. GPS locators help to monitor the location of the workers. Therefore, in case of an evacuation or accident on the site, managers can use the information and make sure that the site is fully evacuated.
Smart wearables, on the other hand, provide information such as worker fatigue, tracking slips, employee footfall, etc. This kind of information is very helpful in finding out whether workers are pushing too hard or when a site becomes a safety risk. A technology that detects a worker on the machine’s path can apply emergency brakes or alert the operator.
