Construction Trends to Watch in 2023: How GIC is Keeping Up with the Latest Innovations
GIC will continue to work towards a brighter future for South Africa, and we do it through embracing digital trends that carve a better way forward. We challenge the existing state of affairs in the industry by keeping up with important innovations and systems that break new ground daily. It is our job to keep our finger on the pulse of infrastructure transformation within Africa, and we utilise our extensive expertise not to follow trends – but set them.
Our dynamic team understands the value of doing things differently, driven by a pioneering spirit intent on changing lives. While we know that the construction industry may continue to face a few challenges in 2023, we remain positive about the trajectory of the industry and our place within it.
Digital Trends Will Continue to Transform Every Process
A fully digitised world is no longer a futuristic concept – the future is now. Artificial intelligence is progressing at a rapid rate, and it only makes sense to utilise its powers towards streamlined and efficient processes. Through AI, construction companies are now able to sift through and analyse masses of complex data in a matter of seconds, providing invaluable insights into the design and planning journey. Monitoring and managing assets also become much easier, allowing for the prevention of potential failures within these assets.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is another game changer in this landscape of increasing innovation. IoT is an interrelated system of smart physical devices, vehicles, and other objects that are embedded with sensors, processing software, and various technologies. It is currently forecasted that by 2025, there will be an estimated 27 billion connected IoT devices across the globe. Within the infrastructure development and construction space, we rely on IoT to manage and exchange data with assets in real-time. GIC can also utilise industry-leading systems upon request, like BIM software, digital twins, and other technologies to streamline each of our projects.
- Trend #1: Building Information Modelling and Cloud Technology
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating a digital representation of a building or infrastructure project. The technology has been around for quite a few years, but as more construction companies digitise their processes, this is one solution that is becoming increasingly popular. About the technology, Roelof van den Berg, CEO of Gap Infrastructure Corporation says, “BIMs are intuitive three-dimensional modelling computer programmes which allow all project members, from executive management to architects and engineers, to design and manage projects quickly, easily, and efficiently.” A project’s entire lifecycle can therefore be managed from a centralised hub, with pertinent data being instantly shared with various members of the team, thus greatly improving coordination.
By pre-modelling the later stages of design before construction happens, it becomes easier to spot potential issues and reduce future errors and omissions. As cloud technology continues to advance, the use of BIMs is one of the trends that will become invaluable in providing key stakeholders with transparent, real-time information about a project’s progress.
- Trend #2: Enhanced Surveyance Technology to Foresee Problems
Subsurface obstructions are a major cause of delays during the groundworks leg of the construction process. This is because it’s not always easy to plan for underground geological features that pose a challenge, which is why cutting-edge surveyance technology is vital. Systems like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning give us a better understanding of what is happening before digging commences. This speeds up the process and saves thousands of rands.
- Trend #3: Virtual and Augmented Reality is Here to Stay
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are outstanding solutions when it comes to providing project members and clients with immersive experiences that accurately represent complex projects. With VR, peripherals like headsets or glasses are used to create a digital walkthrough of the project site or completed building. One can traverse this virtual space to get a “real” feel for how the finished project will look. Similarly, AR also renders these representations but does so on-screen without the need for a headset. Even with the use of a smartphone or tablet, one can download an AR programme and point the device’s camera in the direction of the physical location the project will be built. This will appear on the device’s screen as the accomplished project, allowing stakeholders to decide on any necessary design changes before construction commences.
GIC stays ahead of the curve to save you time and money, delivering world-class systems and solutions every time.
