The construction industry has always been known for its slow adoption of technological advancements. However, with the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the industry is rapidly embracing this new wave of technology. IoT is a system of connected devices that collect and exchange data over the internet. These devices can be used to improve the productivity, efficiency, and safety of the construction industry. This article aims to explore the benefits of using IoT in the construction industry and how it can revolutionize the industry as a whole.
The construction industry is a complex and multifaceted industry that involves various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. It is an industry that requires significant collaboration and communication between all these stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. However, there are several challenges that the industry faces, such as low productivity, safety concerns, and project delays.
The low productivity in the construction industry is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. According to a report by McKinsey, construction productivity has been stagnant for the past few decades, with some studies suggesting that it has even declined. Safety concerns are also a significant challenge in the construction industry, with a high number of fatalities and injuries reported every year. Additionally, project delays are common, leading to cost overruns and dissatisfied clients.
Market Analysis:
The global IoT in the construction market is expected to grow significantly, driven by the need for improved safety, productivity, and efficiency. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global IoT in the construction market is projected to grow to $16.8 billion by 2025. The increasing demand for remote access to construction sites, real-time monitoring, and the need for predictive maintenance are the major factors driving the growth of the market.
Moreover, the use of IoT devices in the construction industry is expected to enhance the safety of workers and reduce accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 20% of all workplace fatalities in 2019 occurred in the construction industry. With the use of IoT devices, construction companies can monitor the safety of workers and detect potential hazards, thereby reducing accidents and improving worker safety.
Solution:
The use of IoT devices in the construction industry can help address the challenges faced by the industry. IoT devices can be used to monitor construction sites, equipment, and workers in real-time, providing insights into the progress of the project and potential safety hazards. This real-time information can help construction companies make informed decisions, optimize construction processes, and complete projects faster.
IoT devices can also be used for predictive maintenance, where sensors can detect potential equipment failures before they occur, allowing for timely repairs and maintenance. This can reduce equipment downtime, minimize repair costs, and improve overall equipment performance.
Furthermore, IoT devices can be used for energy management, where sensors can monitor energy consumption and identify areas where energy can be saved. This can help construction companies reduce their energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Infrastructure Needed:
IoT devices in the construction industry typically include sensors, gateways, and communication networks. These devices work together to collect and transmit data in real-time, providing insights into the performance of construction sites, equipment, and workers.
Hardware requirements:
- Sensors: Sensors are small devices that are used to detect and measure physical properties such as temperature, humidity, motion, and vibration. Sensors are placed on equipment, workers, and the construction site to collect real-time data that can be used to monitor and optimize construction operations. Some common types of sensors used in the construction industry include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, vibration sensors, and motion sensors.
- Gateways: Gateways are devices that are used to connect sensors to communication networks. Gateways collect data from sensors and transmit it to the cloud for analysis and storage. Gateways also provide a way to control and configure sensors remotely.
- Trackers: Trackers are devices that are used to monitor the location and movement of construction equipment and materials. These devices use GPS or other positioning technology to track the movement of objects in real-time. Examples of popular IoT trackers used in construction projects include WiTTRA’s Traksense 360, Spot-r, and Triax’s Spot-r EquipTag.
- Positioning Technology: In addition to GPS, there are several other types of positioning technology that can be used in construction projects, including radio frequency identification (RFID) and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. RFID tags are used to track the location of materials and equipment, while UWB technology can be used to track workers and equipment in real-time.
- Communication Networks: Communication networks are used to transmit data from sensors and gateways to the cloud. There are several types of communication networks that can be used in the construction industry, including 6LoWPAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRa, mioty and 5G cellular networks. The choice of communication network depends on the specific requirements of the project, including range, data rate, and power consumption.
In addition to sensors, gateways, and communication networks, construction companies may also need to invest in data storage and processing capabilities, as well as data analytics tools and software. This infrastructure is necessary to process and analyse the data collected by IoT devices and provide insights that can be used to optimize construction operations.
Some of the popular General User Interfaces (GUIs) used in IoT for construction include:
- BIM 360: Autodesk’s BIM 360 platform offers a range of GUIs for construction project management, including modules for document management, field management, and quality management.
- Procore: Procore provides a cloud-based construction management platform that includes GUIs for project management, financial management, and field productivity.
- PlanGrid: PlanGrid offers a GUI for construction document management that allows users to store, share, and collaborate on construction plans and documents.
- Trimble Connect: Trimble Connect provides a GUI for construction project management that allows users to manage project data, collaborate with team members, and access project information from anywhere.
- Aconex: Oracle’s Aconex platform offers a GUI for construction project management that includes modules for document management, workflow management, and project controls.
Benefits:
The benefits of using IoT devices in the construction industry are numerous. Firstly, the use of IoT devices can improve safety on construction sites. With real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, construction companies can identify potential safety hazards before they occur, reducing accidents and improving worker safety.
Secondly, IoT devices can improve productivity on construction sites. With real-time monitoring and data collection, construction companies can optimize construction processes, identify bottlenecks, and complete projects faster.
Thirdly, the use of IoT devices can reduce costs in the construction industry. With predictive maintenance and energy management, construction companies can reduce their maintenance and energy costs, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Finally, the use of IoT devices in the construction industry can improve the overall quality of projects. With real-time data collection and monitoring, construction companies can identify potential issues and make timely adjustments, ensuring that projects meet quality standards and client requirements.
Implementation:
To implement IoT devices in the construction industry, construction companies need to first identify the areas where IoT devices can be used. This can include real-time monitoring of construction sites, equipment, and workers, as well as predictive maintenance and energy management.
Once the areas for implementation have been identified, construction companies need to select the appropriate IoT devices and sensors. This can include sensors for temperature, humidity, motion, and vibration, among others. The selected devices should be capable of collecting and transmitting data in real-time.
The data collected by IoT devices need to be processed and analysed to provide insights and inform decision-making. Construction companies can use data analytics tools and software to process and analyse the data collected by IoT devices.
Finally, the implementation of IoT devices in the construction industry requires collaboration between all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients. This collaboration is necessary to ensure that the implementation of IoT devices is aligned with project requirements and client expectations.
Companies involved in IoT in construction:
The IoT in the construction market is growing rapidly, with a number of companies developing and implementing IoT solutions for the construction industry. Here are some examples of companies involved in IoT in construction:
- Caterpillar Inc.: Caterpillar is a leading manufacturer of construction equipment and machinery. The company has developed an IoT platform called Cat Connect that provides real-time monitoring of equipment and operations. Cat Connect allows construction companies to optimize equipment usage, reduce downtime, and improve safety.
- Komatsu Ltd.: Komatsu is another leading manufacturer of construction equipment and machinery. The company has developed an IoT platform called SmartConstruction that uses drones and other sensors to collect real-time data on construction sites. SmartConstruction allows construction companies to optimize construction processes, reduce errors, and improve safety.
- Autodesk Inc.: Autodesk is a software company that develops a range of tools and solutions for the construction industry. The company has developed an IoT platform called Autodesk Forge that allows construction companies to connect IoT devices and sensors to their existing software and workflows. Autodesk Forge provides real-time data insights that can be used to optimize construction operations.
- Bosch: Bosch is a global provider of technology and services, with a range of solutions for the construction industry. The company has developed an IoT platform called Bosch IoT Suite that provides real-time monitoring and control of construction sites and equipment. Bosch IoT Suite allows construction companies to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency.
- Trimble Inc.: Trimble is a leading provider of technology and solutions for the construction industry. The company has developed an IoT platform called Trimble Connect that allows construction companies to connect IoT devices and sensors to their existing workflows. Trimble Connect provides real-time data insights that can be used to optimize construction operations.
These are just a few examples of companies involved in IoT in construction. As the market continues to grow, we can expect to see more companies developing and implementing IoT solutions for the construction industry.
Conclusion:
The use of IoT devices in the construction industry can provide numerous benefits, including improved safety, productivity, quality, and cost savings. The global IoT in the construction market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the need for improved safety, productivity, and efficiency. However, the implementation of IoT devices in the construction industry requires collaboration between all stakeholders and a thorough understanding of the areas where IoT devices can be used. The construction industry must embrace IoT technology to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of clients and stakeholders.
