Technology

City officials approve drones to monitor, inspect sites

The Spokane Public Works Department in Washington says it will employ unmanned aerial vehicles to quickly and safely perform necessary inspections of existing infrastructure and ongoing construction projects.

By Kathleen Brown • June 20, 2018
AI program 'spell checks' a BIM model's code compliance

UpCodes AI scans 3D models and flags any areas that do not meet the latest building code requirements, the company said.

By Kathleen Brown • June 20, 2018
BIM: What you need to know

Here's how AEC professionals can use BIM to boost productivity, reduce errors, manage workflows, cut costs and resolve disputes.

By Kathleen Brown • June 20, 2018
Tech Deals: PlanGrid, Triax, United Equipment, more sign partnerships

So far in June, technology collaborations range from 4D planning visuals to equipment sensors to enhanced offerings for construction companies.

By Construction Dive Editors
How BIM boosted efficiency, collaboration in San Francisco mega project

Designers, engineers and contractors behind the massive Oceanwide Center used 3D modeling software to execute complex design details within an efficient timeline.

By Kathleen Brown • June 18, 2018
Deep Dive
Forensic BIM: Using modeling to resolve disputes and claims

With disputes in the industry averaging a value of $21 million, the ability to use BIM to retrospectively verify that the scope of work completed matches what the contract required could save millions in some lawsuits.

By Kim Slowey • June 18, 2018
Deep Dive
Leveraging BIM in the prefabrication space

By improving project visibility and coordination between the trades, 3D models can reduce design errors and save offsite construction firms time and money.

By Kathleen Brown • June 18, 2018
Raken scores $10M for construction software expansion

The tech startup will use the venture capital funds to "aggressively expand" its mobile field management and jobsite reporting tools.

By Kathleen Brown • June 13, 2018
Opinion
Reducing design coordination errors with VR, AR

Virtual reality and augmented reality are subject to a lot of hype, but two technology experts have outlined some practical applications to help construction managers detect and manage errors such as clashes.

By Jeff Jacobson and Jim Dray
Suffolk: Algorithms prevent accidents and delays, up productivity by 20%

An executive dedicated to data science at Suffolk Construction Co. is leading a team of analysts to write machine-learning tools that scan photos for safety risks and forecast project timelines based on historical data.

By Joe Beeton • June 13, 2018
AI tool promises 15% reduction in construction time, costs

Alice Technologies says its artificial intelligence selects the most efficient schedule from millions of options after learning a project's scope.

By Kathleen Brown • June 13, 2018
Sponsored
Jobsite Information Management (JIM)

To fully realize the potential of the automated job site, real-time visual information is essential.
To avoid tech disruption, adopt tech

One way to weather the barrage of emerging digital technologies is simply to embrace it, say CEOs surveyed in a recent report.

By Kathleen Brown • June 06, 2018
Siemens acquires smart buildings firm Enlightened

Purchase of the "internet of things"-focused firm is the latest move by the automation technology company to buy into the smart buildings push.

By Katy Tomasulo
Photo software creates virtual record of project progress

OpenSpace's platform produces photographic records similar to Google Street View that allow contractors to revisit phases of construction.

By Kathleen Brown • June 06, 2018
AGC uses targeted ads to try to prevent work zone crashes

Associated General Contractors has invested in mobile phone technology to educate drivers who regularly pass certain highway projects.

By Kathleen Brown • June 06, 2018
Report: Construction industry not taking advantage of cost-saving artificial intelligence

But the sector has an opportunity to adopt tried-and-true AI algorithms used by more tech-savvy industries, according to McKinsey & Co.

By Kathleen Brown • May 30, 2018
Q&A
Brickschain co-founders discuss the value of blockchain for construction

Bassem Hamdy and Ron Goldshmidt say the technology can create a comprehensive record of building activity and streamline O&M handover.

By Jean Dimeo • May 30, 2018
Sponsored
5 drivers for construction automation

In order to increase productivity, more than 52% of construction owners plan to invest in automated technology by the end of 2018.
Deep Dive
The smart buildings dilemma: Redevelop or start fresh?

Adding technology to an older structure can make the building more efficient and boost occupant productivity, but new construction may be a better option.

By Chris Teale • May 30, 2018
Dodge: Worker acceptance, IT integration top challenges to construction tech adoption

While adoption remains a problem, a Dodge Data & Analytics survey found that mobile devices and applications with real-time connectivity can address contractors' cost-management issues.

By Kathleen Brown • May 23, 2018
Deep Dive
Why drones are a 'no-brainer' for top contractor McCarthy

A manager from one of the top U.S. construction firms said in a webinar this week that while implementation has its challenges, drones are easier to make use of than it might seem.

By Joe Beeton • May 23, 2018
Triax, Bosch deal uses data to track workers and tools

The companies said integration of their platforms will provide contractors with easier ways to track employees along with increased visibility into the location and utilization of tools.

By Katy Tomasulo
What construction companies need to know about the cloud

Contractors might think using the cloud is expensive, complicated and exclusively geared toward large firms, but cloud-based applications allow construction companies of all sizes to compete on equal footing.

By Jean Dimeo • May 21, 2018
Opinion
Lost in the cloud? Get a provider to manage data

Contractors' field equipment is generating a lot of data that can be used to streamline inefficiencies, if organizations have a way to harness, access and interpret the information.

By Frank Schneider