Sunday, May 5, 2024 
Sunday, May 5, 2024
March 17, 2024
A look at the world of Construction Technology – by Arnie Gess, publisher of Construction Links Network.
Calling All Construction Tech Enthusiasts! Do you have the latest scoop in construction technology? Submit your news releases to us! Don’t miss the Tuesday deadline each week.
Welcome to the Construction Links Network’s weekly construction technology blog, your essential guide to the rapidly evolving world of construction tech! Every week, we delve into how technology is reshaping every facet of the construction industry, from innovative design and meticulous planning to efficient project management and on-site execution. This blog series is dedicated to bringing construction professionals the most current updates on emerging tools, techniques, and trends. From exploring the latest in software solutions to groundbreaking building materials and pioneering research, our blog is a comprehensive resource for anyone keen on the technological advancements driving the future of construction. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our in-depth coverage of all things construction technology.
In a recent episode of The Construction Record Podcast, Warren Frey interviews Procore Technologies‘ Kris Lengieza about 2024’s construction technology trends. Lengieza highlights the rapid integration of AI, including ChatGPT and other large language models, for various applications and preserving institutional knowledge. He also discusses the advancements in robotics for enhancing safety and efficiency on construction sites. Learn more and listen to the podcast.
In 2023, it was reported that the Buffalo Bills stadium project was projected to have $300M in cost overrun. The project, initially estimated at $1.4 billion, was more recently reported to be on track to cost close to 1.7 billion. A major concern is that the Buffalo Bills are contractually required to cover overruns. Here’s how Jonas’ integrated construction software helps mitigate cost overruns while protecting against profit fade. Read the article on LinkedIn.
Transit systems in large metropolitan areas are expanding to accommodate growing urban populations. A case in point is the Sound Transit system project in the greater Seattle area that involves a 25-year, region-wide system expansion program that includes 116 miles of light rail, a new Bus Rapid Transit program, and extended commuter rail service. During these types of projects, coordinating a wide variety of services and designs and managing a combination of modeling and design review tools is no easy task. To help overcome this obstacle, the Stantec team used Revizto to centralize models and designs and enable collaboration. Download the case study.
The Energy Management Association is teaming up AESP to host a free AIA-approved webinar where the speaker will present an overview of the advances and opportunities currently being experienced through Artificial Intelligence in the energy industry. Learn how AI models are developed and trained using “ground truth” data. Understand how to measure the success of a model. Learn how AI helps manage and control complex grids for utilities. Learn how facility managers can gain insights for predictive maintenance of physical assets. Building Owners & Facility Managers, Architects, Commissioning Providers, Energy Managers, MEP Engineers, HVAC Testing Professionals, and other Building Professionals are invited. Learn more and register.
What began as just a way to talk about construction has turned into, to an acclaimed series of episodes telling of Construction stories, quickly turned to the audio channels of podcasting and thus, the Site Visit was created. The Site Visit Podcast is dedicated to the Construction industry and its many professionals. It delivers useful and relevant content that is sure to help you lead well in any Construction related endeavor. Listen to the podcast.
JustBuildIt.eu is a groundbreaking online platform offering an interactive building model for users to explore various building materials and solutions. By navigating through a virtual building, users can select specific parts to view detailed 3D models and corresponding products tailored for that application. The platform, having successfully partnered with Estonian construction material e-stores, provides a unique search engine, reduces consulting costs, and offers numerous benefits including e-channel sales increase, marketing opportunities, and a knowledge-sharing environment.
Encouraged by the resounding success of its initial 100 Ready Mix Cloud Dispatch customers, Command Alkon, the leading global software and solutions provider for the heavy building materials industry, commits an additional $20M investment in 2024 and 2025 to its Command Cloud suite of modern, cloud-native products for the Ready Mix, Aggregates, and Asphalt markets. This investment accelerates the rollout of advanced features for Ready Mix cloud customers, and the completion of the development of the company’s Aggregates and Asphalt Cloud software offerings, including Dispatch and Scale Ticketing.
PCL Construction, a prominent global construction company, recently announced an enterprise partnership with Document Crunch, a leading AI contract intelligence platform known for its proprietary AI and machine learning technology that simplifies construction contracts. This strategic alliance aims to enhance PCL’s project teams’ abilities in managing contract compliance risks by utilizing Document Crunch’s advanced technology. The partnership is significant as it brings together PCL’s extensive experience in the construction industry with Document Crunch’s innovative solutions, aiming to improve contract compliance and risk management in construction projects.
Generative AI is poised to revolutionize the fields of architecture and civil engineering by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows, allowing professionals to focus on creativity and innovation. This technology enables the rapid creation of design ideas through generative design algorithms, simulations, and digital twins, facilitating the exploration of new design concepts with an emphasis on structural integrity, efficiency, and sustainability. Firms like Zaha Hadid Architects are already harnessing AI for conceptualizing advanced structures, enhancing sustainability, and material selection.
Bentley Systems announces the call for nominations for its prestigious 2024 Going Digital Awards in Infrastructure. Celebrating excellence and innovation in infrastructure projects, these awards spotlight digital advancements across various stages of project development – from conceptual to operational phases. With an April 15, 2024, nomination deadline, Bentley Systems extends an invitation to users of its software to showcase their projects. Finalists will enjoy a trip to Vancouver for a grand presentation at The Year in Infrastructure and Going Digital Awards ceremony.
Giant robots made by Austin startup Icon began 3D-printing an entire neighborhood of suburban homes in late 2022; on Tuesday, the company introduced an AI architect to design them. It’s a technological leap that Icon says could one day spell the demise of cookie-cutter suburbia, ushering in an era of lower cost, lower carbon and climate-resilient homes in wildly novel forms. That’s the promise, at least, of a suite of new technologies Icon previewed for Bloomberg Green as its machines finish construction on the world’s largest 3D-printed neighborhood, a 100-house Austin subdivision at Wolf Ranch for home giant Lennar Corp.
Matterport, Inc. has partnered with Resi, the UK’s leading home extension company, to revolutionize home surveying with Matterport’s Pro3 Camera and Digital Twin Technology. This partnership aims to improve efficiency and accuracy in home surveys, significantly reducing survey times by 25% and lowering hardware costs by 85%. This collaboration not only affirms Resi’s innovative approach to architectural services but also tackles the industry-wide issue of costly reworks due to inaccurate documentation, demonstrating a significant advancement in the field of construction and design.
D.R. Horton, the top homebuilder in the U.S., has strategically invested in Apis Cor, a trailblazer in 3D printing construction technology, to initiate a joint construction venture in South Florida using Apis Cor’s innovative 3D-printed wall system. This collaboration aims to significantly boost building efficiency amid a national labor shortage, with Apis Cor’s technology offering a promising solution to bridge the gap in skilled labor and elevate housing production. Both companies are poised to leverage their strengths to expedite the technology’s market introduction, showcasing a pivotal advancement in construction methods.
LCPtracker, Inc. unveils Workforce Manager, a groundbreaking cloud-based software poised to transform workforce development. Aimed at tracking and fostering participant growth in construction careers, this tool is especially geared towards aiding underrepresented communities. CEO Mark Douglas highlights LCPtracker’s commitment to labor compliance and now, career development. With features for detailed reporting and ROI analysis, Workforce Manager’s user-friendly design and integration with LCPtracker Pro promise to streamline program administration and expand opportunities for professional growth, marking a significant advancement in workforce development efforts.
Trimble’s latest release of the Tekla 2024 software suite, including Tekla Structures, Tekla Structural Designer, Tekla Tedds, and Tekla PowerFab, marks a significant advancement in Building Information Modeling (BIM), structural engineering, and steel fabrication management. Designed to enhance collaboration across all stakeholders and streamline project workflows, this update emphasizes user-friendly features for both experienced professionals and newcomers. Michael Evans, Trimble’s Senior Product Director, stresses the improved stakeholder integration and coordination as crucial for project success.
OnsiteIQ is transforming real estate technology with AI-driven insights to improve returns for professionals by leveraging field data. The company’s growth and vision for industry leadership are further accelerated by appointing Andrea Neiman as VP of Marketing. Bringing two decades of experience from top firms like Autodesk and Logitech, Neiman’s expertise in brand development and product introduction is key to positioning OnsiteIQ as a vital resource in real estate. Her focus will be on educating the market about OnsiteIQ’s value, especially amid challenges like rising interest rates and construction costs.
