Tag Archive for: construction data

Top Emerging Technologies in Construction

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New and emerging technologies in construction develop at a rapid pace, making for some major changes in bridge design. They offer engineers more accurate models and detailed analyses of bridges and other projects, making for more advanced construction methods and design software.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite advanced technologies in construction that are great for bridge design and construction!

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) pairs architects with engineers and construction professionals. This allows for more efficient communication and collaboration throughout the stages of construction. BIM enables engineers and designers to create 3D models that include a bounty of data, from the physical characteristics of a bridge to its functional features.

MIDAS CIM, developed by MIDAS IT, is the world’s first BrIM (Bridge Information Modeling). This is an extension of a BIM that can generate instant and accurate outcomes for all phases of a project. It also provides an integrated platform that connects modelers, constructors, drafters, designers, and engineers in one sole model. It’s currently the only solution that can effectively reduce inefficiencies in cost, time, and communication that a design change can disrupt.

New Construction Materials

With new construction materials, the landscape of bridge construction is vastly different than it was decades ago. One of the newest and best materials for bridge design is self-healing concrete. Traditional concrete is highly susceptible to cracking. However, new concrete mixtures can fill themselves with the help of limestone-producing bacteria that can occupy the cracks of concrete as they form. This will prevent costly damage brought on by unfixed cracks.

Besides concrete cracks, natural disasters are a crucial aspect of consideration for bridge designers. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes all impose irreversible damage to different structural elements of bridges. This is costly, however, the advent of new construction materials can skirt these costs.

One such material that is still under research is Superelastic Reinforcement, a shape memory alloy that can return to its original shape even after high stress.

Smart Construction

Smart technology is tremendously impacting the construction industry. This is because the likes of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), drones, site robots, and other construction techniques are now the new norm at every construction site. Bridge construction is no exception. With the help of LiDAR sensors and GPS tracking, bridge engineers can identify the precise location where a bridge will stand, thus greatly minimizing errors.

With today’s technologies in construction, it’s possible to keep track of anything and everything happening on bridges. For example, Kuwait’s Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway included the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) in its bridge system. The system includes traffic cameras to track movements in the case of an emergency. It also incorporates systems for condition monitoring, and crack detection in its concrete and steel structures to provide overall structural health monitoring.

Computer-Aided Software

Bridge design gets more complicated and powerful as time goes on. Because of this, all-in-one computer-aided software programs are necessary. The software programs must be able to process complex modeling challenges and in-depth structural analyses.

Powerful software with a user-friendly user interface (UI) and intuitive modeling tools will allow bridge engineers to reduce modeling and analysis errors. This will provide a more accurate and reliable bridge design.

Build the Future with U.S. Bridge

U.S. Bridge uses the best materials and methods to create strong and reliable bridges quickly in the industry. We pride ourselves on our broad selection of prefabricated bridge styles and our signature bridge designs that can meet your project needs and leave a lasting impression.

Not to mention, our easy-to-use Bridgescope tool allows anyone to customize their bridge design and get a head start on their projects! Contact us today for any questions or bridge inquiries.

Avoid Rework in Construction by Eliminating Bad Data

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Data is important in any job and naturally, it’s important for construction. It supports and dictates the decision-making process. However, when that data is incorrect it can make for a costly rework budget.

In 2016, data mistakes cost the United States an outstanding 3.1 trillion dollars in budget overruns and project delays. Over half of that was in the construction industry alone.

Rework in construction means losing time and money for your project. It obviously leads to serious frustrations between team members and clients. But it can be avoided by eliminating bad data.

Eliminating Bad Data

Single Focal Point

Deciding where you could benefit most from having data-driven insight and clear value will maximize your return on investment (ROI). This will encourage organizational buy-in.

For example, some industry leaders start with safety and quality assurance, two areas where data is readily available. Having a single point of focus directs the efforts of individuals, which accelerates the impact of improvements.

Identify your Data

Many firms revealed in a survey that the volume of data they use is overwhelming. They reported feeling lost and not knowing where to start. Though only 36% of the surveyed firms reported implementing a process to identify bad data. In fact, many industry leaders stated that it took nearly two years to completely “clean” their own data.

Preventing this time-hogging undertaking involves standardizing data capture. This can confirm accurate and actionable insight.

Structure your Data

It is extremely important to keep all data in a specific environment. This also means having a single preference solution to any impending situation that might arise. This will help to fuse complementary technology solutions with a strong integration capability to help facilitate the amount of project data.

This will help you avoid not having information or the correct information you need readily available when your construction team needs it. Using a specific data environment also makes collaboration between project managers much easier all while helping avoid creating more bad data and rework in construction.

Double Check Everything

Double-checking everything might be painful and tedious, but much of the bad data is due to small mistakes. According to a report conducted by FMI and Autodesk, 24% of bad data is either inaccurate or incorrect. Simple typos can make a huge difference when collecting data.

Obviously, this will take more time so, create a dedicated team or invest in an outsourced company. By doing something as simple as double-checking your work you can avoid costly mistakes.

Data Management Staff

When hiring staff, look for data management and analysis skills in potential candidates. These skills continue to be a critical advantage for construction firms. Teach and train these skills to employees who do not already possess them.

Firms must also evaluate existing processes and standards in order to better understand where data is bad or incomplete.

After hiring a devoted staff to manage and analyze data, implement a formal data strategy. Doing so will lift the burden from already busy supervisory staff.  Formal training can also help, as it is a common part of implementing a common data strategy. This training can reinforce additional on-the-job training.

Formal data strategies also improve data consistency and insights. It will also take the guessing work out of the equation for project management and field supervision staff.

Save on Rework

It is important to implement all of these key points in the battle against bad data. It is also healthy for a firm to think of new and innovative ways to fight bad data. Use what makes sense, if something doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to scrap it in favor of something better.

Bad data will only create bigger problems down the line, so implementing decisions to preemptively stop bad data now will help you avoid expensive rework in construction projects.

Build with U.S. Bridge

At U.S. Bridge, we work with the highest quality materials and engineers when designing and building bridges. Not to mention, our bridges are well-made, easy to maintain, and available in a variety of design and support types.

With decades of experience and our team of dedicated experts, you can feel confident in trusting an industry leader to build your bridge.

Contact us today for a free quote or use our exclusive Bridgescope tool!

The Importance of Cyber Insurance for Construction Companies

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Construction companies have adopted technology quickly, but because of this, they are more susceptible to cyberattacks. According to NordLocker, construction is at the top of the list of industries targeted by cyberattacks, specifically ransomware. This can result in hundreds, if not thousands of dollars lost for construction companies; which is why many companies are investing in cyber insurance for construction projects.

Here are some reasons why you should invest in cyber insurance to protect your company.

Cyber Attacks

Unfortunately, it appears that cybercrime instances are rising. And while it might seem as if targeting a large corporation would provide hackers with the chance for the biggest return, in actuality, smaller companies are more susceptible to attack. The reason behind this is that large companies have the resources and capital to allocate funds to cybersecurity while smaller companies don’t.

Social engineering is also another form of cybercrime in construction. A hacker may pose as a seemingly trustworthy but unknown person, like a vendor, to gain access to company credentials. Phishing, or the use of fake emails or websites, is a great example of this. A hacker may impersonate another company or individual and send fraudulent emails to access information.

There are a couple of things you can do to help avoid cyber attacks like hiring cybersecurity specialists, training employees to recognize phishing, and automatically backup up your daily data. But ultimately, investing in something like cyber insurance would be better.

Cyber Insurance in Construction

Because of the rise in ransomware and cyber attacks in the industry, cyber insurance in construction is gaining popularity as a preemptive form of protection. Here are some other reasons why companies should consider cyber insurance:

  1. The Rise of Cybercrime
    It’s a fact- cybercrime is on the rise. In fact, one in six construction companies reported a ransomware attack in 2020. Dealing with cyber attacks leaves you vulnerable to data and money loss. Safeguard against any potential loss by investing in cyber insurance for your construction company.
  2. Project Delays
    The true price of cybercrime is the amount of time your business is held hostage. Nowadays, most companies rely on technology to function. Cyberattacks can halt projects and make it difficult to access important day-to-day information. As a result, the loss of business is something that could potentially drag on for days or even weeks.
  3. Reputation
    Customers and contractors may hesitate to do business with you in the future if you have a data breach in your past. It signifies to clients that you are susceptible to cyberattacks and that therefore their data is at risk should they work with you. It doesn’t paint a strong or likable appearance for your company.
  4. Liability Coverage
    Construction companies collect and store valuable information about their clients. By having cyber insurance in construction, companies can protect themselves from lawsuits or fines in the event of a ransomware attack. Not to mention, it brings peace of mind if your company ever becomes a victim of cyberattacks.

Companies spend money to protect physical assets. They must take the same steps to protect cyber assets too. Therefore, cyber insurance in construction is more important than ever.

A Reliable and Trusted Brand

U.S. Bridge works with companies all over the world to build long-lasting and easy-to-maintain bridges. We design our bridges with the latest innovations in mind. Our team brings engineering and manufacturing expertise to every project and safety in every way is important to us.

Ready to start your next project? Contact us today to learn more!

Technology in the Construction Industry: AI & Data

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When thinking about technology in the construction industry, it’s easy to picture electric vehicles, pneumatic drills, and other technological advancements in equipment. However, one area that often gets overlooked is the increasing use of computers and digital tech. Even artificial intelligence has a place in the new world of construction.

How Technology is Changing the Industry

Last year’s shutdown pushed the use of technology that made many companies not only realize its inevitability but also the benefits it provides. As construction projects require many different partners, the need for technology that streamlines business operations is on the rise. The application of these digital tools not only optimizes projects but the industry as a whole in areas such as:

  • Employee productivity & efficiency
  • Cost reductions
  • Job and asset flexibility

One of the reasons for this change is the increase in data. Thanks to the growing use of technology and computers, more data is made for construction projects. Thus, causing data analytics to gain popularity in engineering and construction to how companies can use it to improve their business process.

However, according to a study by FMI, 95% of the data collected in the industry goes unused. This highlights perhaps the two biggest issues about technology in the construction landscape- adoption and integration.

It’s possible to collect data on everything from worker efficiency and supply chain delays to overall project costs. Unfortunately, it’s a challenge to use this information when so many of these new technologies aren’t integrated.

Not to mention, the tools that companies need to integrate all of their data may not exist yet. And, even if they do, it may require a hefty upfront cost.

The Growing Use of AI

Another new technology that’s changing the construction industry is artificial intelligence. The term AI describes a machine or computer that is able to do functions similar to humans such as problem-solving or pattern recognition. Machine learning is a subset of AI that uses statistical techniques to analyze large amounts of data. It can do a range of actions like notify project managers about an error, filter out spam emails, or advanced safety monitoring.

Another example of AI in construction is Building Information Modeling. BIM helps engineers, architects, and other professionals to efficiently plan and design structures by using virtual simulation to create 3D models of projects. It saves companies time and money while also providing stakeholders with 3D models to analyze the impact of projects.

Success with U.S. Bridge

Technology is a great tool that is transforming the construction industry. Learn more about the ongoing changes in technology in the industry in our blogs. Or, find out more about how U.S. Bridge has everything you need to make your project a success through our website!

Contact us for a free quote or check our exclusive Bridge Scope tool to start building your project today.