Adoption and Impact of Emerging Technologies in the Construction Industry
Disciplines
Civil Engineering | Construction Engineering and Management
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The construction industry is progressively incorporating technologies and methods from the industrial sector, leading to the emergence of Construction 4.0. This study investigates the adoption and impact of emerging technologies (ET) in the construction industry, examining technologies such as 3D printing, AI and ML, Big Data, Blockchain, VR/AR, Laser Scanning, Drones, Safety Devices, Smart Sensors (IoT), and Robotics (both visualization and humanoid labor). The research employs a comprehensive literature review, including case studies and interview questionnaire data, to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of ET in construction. The findings indicate that emerging technologies significantly boost productivity and safety in the construction industry. Technologies such as laser scanning and BIM, which are widely used across the construction industry, enhance the quality of construction components and on-site installation. Our preliminary hypothesis suggests that the use of ET can reduce overall building costs and time. Additionally, these technologies contribute to increased flexibility, sustainability, and workforce reduction. Despite the numerous advantages, the adoption of ET faces several barriers, including higher capital costs, operational complexity, lack of standards, worker resistance, interoperability issues, data loss during transfer, and information privacy and security concerns. This research provides valuable insights for construction professionals, aiding them in making informed decisions about which technologies to embrace and apply. The study addresses key questions such as: What are the most impactful emerging technologies in construction? How do these technologies improve construction processes? What are the main barriers to their adoption? This research aims to guide the construction industry towards more efficient and innovative practices by leveraging emerging technologies.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM - Construction Management
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Sanjeev Adhikari
Adoption and Impact of Emerging Technologies in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is progressively incorporating technologies and methods from the industrial sector, leading to the emergence of Construction 4.0. This study investigates the adoption and impact of emerging technologies (ET) in the construction industry, examining technologies such as 3D printing, AI and ML, Big Data, Blockchain, VR/AR, Laser Scanning, Drones, Safety Devices, Smart Sensors (IoT), and Robotics (both visualization and humanoid labor). The research employs a comprehensive literature review, including case studies and interview questionnaire data, to evaluate the effectiveness and challenges of ET in construction. The findings indicate that emerging technologies significantly boost productivity and safety in the construction industry. Technologies such as laser scanning and BIM, which are widely used across the construction industry, enhance the quality of construction components and on-site installation. Our preliminary hypothesis suggests that the use of ET can reduce overall building costs and time. Additionally, these technologies contribute to increased flexibility, sustainability, and workforce reduction. Despite the numerous advantages, the adoption of ET faces several barriers, including higher capital costs, operational complexity, lack of standards, worker resistance, interoperability issues, data loss during transfer, and information privacy and security concerns. This research provides valuable insights for construction professionals, aiding them in making informed decisions about which technologies to embrace and apply. The study addresses key questions such as: What are the most impactful emerging technologies in construction? How do these technologies improve construction processes? What are the main barriers to their adoption? This research aims to guide the construction industry towards more efficient and innovative practices by leveraging emerging technologies.