Get the LED out: Builders warm to new lighting tech, but challenges remain

Lighting is a key conduit of the smart-home features consumers crave, but price and perception woes are keeping LED lamps and fixtures off the spec list.

By Jeff Marcus • Feb. 15, 2017

From vending machines to virtual reality: Inside the 21st-century job site trailer

Collaboration and automation tools are evolving the traditional field office into a centralized project management hub.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 8, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Construction Technology

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

By Construction Dive staff

Virginia Tech researchers develop small, portable vibration damper

As buildings continue to get taller and skinnier, the need to mitigate structural vibrations from wind and foot traffic will require mass damper technology.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 8, 2017

Computational mathematics could transform building site decisions

Mesh modeling is providing researchers with the optimal positioning of structures within a landscape.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 8, 2017

Princeton researchers turn to bones and teeth to protect marble

Advancement of the hydroxyapatite coating technology could improve the density of marble structures without impacting color and surface reflectivity.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 8, 2017

Cisco gaining ground in push for smart building technology

The company's effort to improve networking and utility hardware behind walls is a signifier of IoT’s growth in building automation.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 8, 2017

Drone startup Airware snags investment from Caterpillar

Small UAV companies see a go-to-market opportunity in allying with established industry brands. 

By Chris Wood • Feb. 8, 2017

Report: Apple's pursuit of perfection slowed progress on $5B 'spaceship' campus

The massive project in Cupertino, CA, was initially scheduled for completion in 2015, but the new target date is set for sometime this spring.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 8, 2017

Redfin: Top 10 Northeast cities with untapped potential for solar

The study found that the region has plenty of room for solar development, which is a booming sector of the construction industry.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 2, 2017

Construction tech startup Pavia Systems raises $4M to expand national footprint

The Seattle-based company is looking to hasten market deployment of its infrastructure project management software.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 1, 2017

Daqri, Microsoft developing smart glasses for construction

Augmented reality can offer data and visual overlays for remote repair and real-time contextual knowledge of job site conditions. 

By Chris Wood • Feb. 1, 2017

Trimble sponsoring new 3-D building research lab at UMass Amherst

The center will be outfitted with laser scanners, robotic surveying systems, imaging rovers and Global Navigation Satellite System receivers.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 1, 2017

NYC Carbon Challenge program adds 56 commercial properties

Employing a public-private partnership, the program is expected to cut carbon emissions by 515,000 tons.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 1, 2017

Ready for kickoff: Stadium design tech on display at Super Bowl LI and beyond

From retractable roofs to gargantuan screens, Sunday's broadcast draws attention to the latest construction tech improving the fan, player and contractor experience.

By Chris Wood • Feb. 1, 2017

Louisville, KY brings the smart city into the smart home

City officials are working with local developer groups to connect web-enabled home devices with city information systems.

By Sean Barry • Jan. 27, 2017

Dutch researchers put hemp to the test on Netherlands bridge

The popular alternative insulating material is looking for new life in load-bearing applications.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 25, 2017

2 new FHWA rules take on bridge and highway performance

The agency is calling on state transportation departments to set performance targets for improving air quality as well as pavement and bridge conditions.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 25, 2017

HI could ditch fossil-fuel powered cars in the next 30 years

Compliance with an ordinance for all ground transportation energy to be renewable by 2045 would not likely be a statewide mandate.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 25, 2017

McKinsey: Humans shouldn't sit out the automation transition

Leveraging the technology to simplify individual tasks, versus replacing entire job classes, is key to reaping its benefits.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 25, 2017

EquipmentShare snags $26M for mixed-fleet telematics

The construction equipment rental company is eyeing national expansion.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 25, 2017

Going up: KONE execs talk next-level elevator technology

As buildings continue to reach new heights, the business of moving people more than a half mile into the sky (and down again) is relying on new innovations.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 25, 2017

Why energy costs trump codes as contractors' moving target for efficiency

With the adoption of updated energy codes often lagging their approval by many years, AEC pros are eyeing other metrics for sustainable construction and operations.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 18, 2017

Department of Energy lab develops carbon capture crystals

The technology could be developed as a point-source solution for reducing global carbon dioxide emissions and combating climate change.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 18, 2017

Arconic looks to the future with 3-mile-high, smog-eating, 3-D printed skyscraper concept

The supertall tower design is part of the firm’s "Jetsons" campaign envisioning the possibilities of materials science, technology and engineering in 2062.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 18, 2017

National Institute of Building Sciences releases BIM guide for building owners

The guidelines aim to bridge the disconnect between construction professionals and building managers by standardizing BIM documents.

By Chris Wood • Jan. 18, 2017