Advancements in roads, buildings, and tunnels can be ascertained from the fact that there are technological innovations involved that have started to make a tremendous impact on the way the entire process of construction is approached. There are a few innovations that have spread across geographies and have made the construction of these enormous projects look unusual yet effective.
Self-healing concrete
It all boils down to concrete when it comes to building bridges, tunnels, and roads. This is the most used material after all. But ever imagined if concrete can fix itself if a crack occurs? Well, scientists have been working on it and innovations have been made in this regard. This technology makes more sense and difference in the case of big projects where human intervention once the work done stands minimal. It is only sensors through which one can keep track of what developments and alterations are taking place within the structure. Scientists have been using limestone-producing fungus called Trichoderma reesei which is a concrete admixture that fixes cracks as and when they occur.
Virtual reality in construction
VR is being used pretty extensively these days in humungous projects. Much before the project’s kick-off, virtual reality gives an understanding of how elements are going to shape-up as things move. The most highlighted part of this aspect is its contribution to the readiness of authorities during the process of construction of such projects. Through virtual reality, contractors can gauge the obstructions much before they occur.
Site Robots
There are points in these structures where the workforce cannot intervene. This is where technology in equipment comes into the picture. Through IoT and AI, contractors can keep the machines moving without having the manpower to physically operate them. Excavators, cranes and other huge equipment work with the use of AI which gets the machines to connect directly with the supervisors or handlers who are sitting at a far distance. What this technology has done is reduce the time taken quite considerably. Another aspect of applying advanced technology in the construction of these mammoth tunnels or bridges is the use of drones. The plans of these tunnels and bridges involve a very complex landscape. Through the use of imageries coming via these drones, the supervisors get to easily identify issues and work on them in advance to eradicate them. This saves time, money and helps achieve the most important element, precision.
RFID Tags
Time frame plays a very important role in the construction of such projects. It becomes mandatory for supervisors to keep a proper check on the exhaustion of materials which are usually required in bulk. Stalling of projects due to material unavailability is the last thing one would want because the costing and time both get affected because of it. These RFID tags ensure that doesn’t happen. They trigger an alert as soon as materials are reaching a stage where they are nearing exhaustion. The supervisors then take appropriate steps to order materials in advance so that the continuity is maintained.
