10 construction industry trends to watch in 2017

From new technologies to collaborative project delivery methods, experts say these trends will shape the industry in the coming year.

By Emily Peiffer • Jan. 3, 2017

Zillow adds iMessage function to its real estate app

Users now can send information on a property to their regular contacts via text.

By Sean Barry • Dec. 22, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Construction Technology

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

By Construction Dive staff

Study: People in green buildings think better, sleep better

In addition to the health effects of improved indoor environmental quality, the researchers cited a "delight factor" among occupants.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 21, 2016

Japanese universities deploy construction robots for disaster zones

The robots feature helipad docking for drones, power-up capabilities and thermal imaging cameras. 

By Chris Wood • Dec. 21, 2016

Laser scanners to map, provide data on concrete structures after fires

Scanner analysis of the material could be a useful tool in disaster recovery efforts.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 21, 2016

How contractors are using hot tech to beat cold weather

Crews have adapted to extreme climates with heated protective equipment, augmented reality and insulated road technology.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 21, 2016

6 technology trends that defined construction in 2016

From new ways to track equipment use and worker productivity to the emerging modular category, we explore some of the year's biggest tech talking points.

By Hallie Busta • Dec. 21, 2016

Cloud-based construction startup eSUB scores $5M investment

The company gears its service toward tracking changes, delays and other events that could affect subcontractor payment.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 21, 2016

NAHB: More builders, architects are betting on BIM

Adoption of the software is proceeding along the lines of company size. 

By Jeff Marcus • Dec. 15, 2016

Maximizing modular: How the emerging building method is gaining ground in construction

Prefabricated building components are increasingly being leveraged for repeatable floor plan projects on the promise of cost and time savings.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 14, 2016

Smart-tinting tech throws shade on clear glass shortfalls

Halio, from Kinestral Technologies, can tint to various levels of opacity in response to voice and mobile app commands.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 14, 2016

Arup-led team provides long-range climate forecasts to building owners, designers

Customized, long-term data can help designers model building performance with considerations of future climate conditions.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 14, 2016

Middle Tennessee State University launches School of Concrete and Construction Management

The program is one of many efforts to combat the labor shortage and draw younger talent into the industry.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 14, 2016

Schneider Electric, BuiltSpace partnership offers energy management solution to small-building owners

Energy management systems proliferate as building managers are seeking operational savings.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 14, 2016

Dept. of Energy kicks off net-zero energy program for educational sector

School infrastructure is poised to take the next step in sustainable design and construction.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 14, 2016

Brookfield Residential debuts Amazon Alexa-powered smart home

Occupants can voice activate preset and custom functions like unlocking doors, turning down the lights and playing music.

By Sean Barry • Dec. 14, 2016

Realtor.com's Doorsteps launches Facebook Messenger bot

The move responds to increased demand for web-based, mobile tools to aid home and rental searches.

By Sean Barry • Dec. 12, 2016

Milwaukee Bucks partner with SkillSmart to build local worker pipeline for $524M arena

The project team will use the workforce development and job-matching tool as part of its commitment to hire 40% local workers.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 12, 2016

Construction tech startup Procore reaches $1B valuation

The cloud-based software company landed a $50 million funding round, which it will use to launch its first international operations in Australia and Canada.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 12, 2016

Skanska, Balfour Beatty, BAM among first companies to achieve new UK BIM benchmark

The British Standards Institution Kitemark certification recognizes achievement in BIM delivery.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 8, 2016

JBKnowledge: Cloud, mobile tech gaining traction as construction IT spending flags

The annual study of construction tech professionals finds systems streamlining as spending slows. 

By Chris Wood • Dec. 7, 2016

OH DOT turns US Interstate 33 stretch into a smart highway

The 35-mile corridor will be used to test self-driving vehicles and other smart transit technology.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 7, 2016

The digital punch list: How tech innovations are streamlining project closeout

Closeout apps can improve the project completion process and provide critical data — as long as they're easy to use.

By Chris Wood • Dec. 7, 2016

Commercial drone rules could loosen if Elaine Chao becomes transportation secretary

President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to head the Department of Transportation has a history of taking a light approach to regulations.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 7, 2016

Online real estate startup Opendoor raises $210M

The company, which purchases and resells homes, is planning to expand from two cities to 10 in 2017.

By Sean Barry • Dec. 6, 2016