Penn State, United Nations partner to increase sustainable building worldwide

As part of the Global Building Network, the two intend to provide frameworks for and education about better building practices.  

By Laurie Cowin • March 21, 2018

Suffolk's Smart Lab helps clients visualize projects

The 3-D virtual environment lets clients "see" projects before they are built, and can measure project progress and maximize efficiencies among trade partners.

By Laurie Cowin • March 21, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Construction Technology

As construction technology continues to evolve, here’s what savvy contractors need to know.

By Construction Dive staff

Building in 2018 with smart technology

With the cost of materials rising to their highest price in more than 5 years, construction companies are looking for news ways to adapt to changing times.   

March 21, 2018

Serious Labs debuts aerial virtual reality training simulator

The technology includes various scenarios for scissor and boom lifts and will provide feedback about the operator's performance.

By Laurie Cowin • March 14, 2018

Employers need a digital culture, not just digital tools, to compete

Results from a Microsoft survey indicate that, without the right cultural mindset, new tech tools may cause conflict rather than enable innovation.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • March 14, 2018

Treated wood's strength is comparable to carbon fiber

The wood, which is lighter yet stronger than steel, is the latest in a string of innovations seeking to enhance traditional building materials.

By Laurie Cowin • March 14, 2018

Augmented reality glasses enhance reality with sound

With the augmented/virtual reality market projected to grow dramatically during the next four years, the technology is rapidly evolving for the construction industry.

By Laurie Cowin • March 14, 2018

Zero-energy buildings see big boost

Solar panels, efficient heat pumps, radiant cooling systems and techniques that improve building envelopes all contribute to green building's continuing rise.

By Laurie Cowin • March 14, 2018

Amazon HQ2 'losers' use bid process as learning experience

Some cities already plan to reuse bid materials, while many agree that the bidding process alone set them up well for future competitions.

By Chris Teale • March 14, 2018

Build smarter with the construction industry's foundational tools

The construction industry can feel fragmented, but integrated technology can drastically decrease logistical downtime on the job site.

March 14, 2018

4 tips for using smart tech in construction

Smart technology tools can save both man-hours and headaches, from bidding all the way to completion. 

March 8, 2018

Katerra plans major US factory expansion

Katerra's buildouts this year will be conventional wood panel and truss factories, and potentially another mass timber plant in the Southeast.

By Mary Tyler March • March 7, 2018

Rugged smartphone boasts high-tech features

The phone, which includes a thermal camera, an air sensor and a laser measurer, is indicative of the industry's growing adoption of technology.

By Laurie Cowin • March 7, 2018

Operators can control this Samsung drone with their eyes

As commercial drone use rises, the sophisticated technologies, applications and regulations around them also escalate.

By Laurie Cowin • March 7, 2018

How technology is streamlining the preconstruction process

Digital tools are creating transparency and allowing for data exchanges that reduce time and eliminate confusion and errors — and the costs associated with them.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 28, 2018

Baltimore mayor presents 5-year 'inclusive digital transformation' plan

The plan is designed to aid the city in developing a technology ecosystem that improves quality of life and "dismantles the digital divide."

By Kristin Musulin • Feb. 28, 2018

Survey: Small construction companies lukewarm on tech investment

More than one-third of those surveyed said they had no plan to invest in big data or cybersecurity.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 28, 2018

Report: Cities of all sizes can achieve sustainable energy solutions

The NRG report found that leading cities shared four main tactics in their efforts to boost sustainable energy: dedicated staff resources, employing unique assets, finding funding and accessing expertise.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 27, 2018

MSG and Sands plan 360-foot-tall spherical Las Vegas arena

The current design, which will feature more than 36 miles of LED lighting, could fly into trouble with the FAA due to its proximity to McCarran International Airport.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 22, 2018

Agreement to kick start feasibility study of Cleveland-Chicago hyperloop

Hyperloops and other high-speed tube systems are gaining ground in the U.S., with several proposed routes and studies underway.

By Laurie Cowin • Feb. 21, 2018

Employees think AI can improve jobs, but worry the technology will replace them

Workers want companies to be more transparent about how artificial intelligence will benefit and challenge their employment.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett and Jean Dimeo • Feb. 21, 2018

Los Angeles college district sets BIM mandate for $9.5B construction program

The district, one of only a handful of places in the U.S. to issue a BIM standard for public projects, already has saved approximately $12 million. 

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 21, 2018

Construction slated to begin on $5B Montreal automated light rail project

Canada has been a generous supporter of transportation projects. When complete, the Reseau Express Metropolitain will be the fourth-largest automated light rail line in the world.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 15, 2018

Time-saving robotic accessory could hit market within the year

Velocity Robotics claims its Autoset miter saw attachment can shave up to three days off a five- to six-week work schedule.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 14, 2018

Q&A: Prescient CEO on how tech is advancing prefab construction

Magued Eldaief says prefabrication is shortening project timelines and cutting costs, and that designs are anything but utilitarian and boxy.

By Laurie Cowin • Feb. 14, 2018