Recently, we were enjoying an issue of Civil & Structural Engineer and that got us thinking about some of the exciting trends in the construction industry and earthwork takeoff services. The industry is moving forward in leaps and bounds, and here’s a look at a few trends shaking the dust, so to speak.
1. Easier Communication
In the past, when changes were made to construction plans, it meant delays. Every member of the team needed to be notified and updated, which took time. Software companies, such as AGTEK, are working to eliminate these types of delays and improve job site communication. When changes are made, everyone on and off the job site can receive updates and learn about changes in real time. All you need is a smartphone or tablet and you can access the most up-to-date information.
2. Prefabricated & Modular Construction
Rather than handling all construction tasks on site, modular construction can be handled off-site, which means construction projects can be completed faster than ever before. While your building structure components are being handled somewhere else, you can be dealing with earthwork takeoff services. Everything can be completed more quickly, but you don’t have to sacrifice quality or safety. In addition, construction doesn’t have to stop due to inclement weather which can be a huge bonus in many areas prone to heavy rains, hurricanes and other weather issues.
3. Drones, Drones, Drones
If you aren’t using drones yet, maybe you should be. Drones are the easiest and cheapest way to take aerial photography of your construction site. In the past, drones were extremely delicate and difficult to use, but in the last few years, drones have become cheaper and easier to use. When it comes to earthwork takeoff services, images from drones are highly precise, and some of the cameras include features such as infrared sensors and geo-location sensors, which will increase the accuracy of your 3D models.
Drones also can improve site safety, as a drone can take measurements in areas where people previously would have to climb to reach. Additionally, drones can be used throughout a project to ensure that everything is working according to plan.
4. Safety Improvements
We’ve all heard the horror stories of the past. For instance, more than 20 people died during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, not to mention the many construction workers that were badly injured or maimed. However, we don’t even have to go back that far to talk about construction nightmares. During the building of Channel Tunnel, 10 workers were killed, and that was only about 25 years ago.
Fortunately, earthwork is much safer than it was even in the 1990s, and improving safety continues to be a huge priority. Several companies are developing wearable technology for construction workers that will alert them if hazards are imminent and track workers that have become injured so that medical help can be sent for immediately.
5. Going Green
These days, everyone is concerned about sustainability and limiting their impact on the environment and this is definitely trending in the construction industry. This includes using greener materials to create buildings and homes, as well as making these structures as energy efficient as possible.
When it comes to earthwork takeoff services, the team at EarthCalc is always keeping up with the times. We handle dirt estimates and the creation of machine control files using the most up-to-date software programs from AGTEK, Trimble, Topcon and more. If you need either service, give us a call today or just click on the Send Us Work tab on our homepage.