But the question is, how can 3D technology benefit construction? The construction industry contributes to the growth of other industries (such as manufacturing); therefore, a lot of thought has to go into what can possibly make it the most efficient industry.
3D modeling is one way the construction industry can benefit from 3D technology greatly. It involves the process of creating a mathematical representation of any object or surface in three-dimensional spaces using specialized software. It basically brings 2D, flat ideas to life.
This technique is already extensively employed in the gaming, film, and even the medical industry. Interestingly, 3D modeling is on the rise in the construction industry as well for visualizing graphic designs and creating simulations.
The most common of 3D modeling techniques include simple polygons. Shapes made using these simple polygons, are referred to as 3-D primitives, and include shapes such as pyramids, spheres, cubes, cylinders, cones, and so on. Another popular technique, on the more complex and technical side, is NURBS: non-uniform rational b-spline, which are smooth shapes defined by bezel curves.
Professionals in construction are being asked to get the most out of 3D technology. Everything we use or encounter is made through automatic machinery. Construction is one of the few jobs that are still done a lot by hand rather than automation. It involves a lot of waste materials as well, is costly. In fact, manual construction techniques often go way over the assigned budget.
So how can 3D modeling bring about a change in the construction industry and reduce all these issues to some extent? Let’s explore the 5 ways 3D modeling benefits the construction industry:
Tasks are getting easier by the day with technological advancements. Since architects don’t have to worry so much about the technicalities with easier 3D modeling techniques coming up every day, it means they can put in more focus on the creativity of their design.
Coming up with unique architectural designs is easier with 3D modeling as it saves you a lot of time drawing blueprints. Besides, it also makes it easier to visualize whatever ideas that may previously have been discarded because it was not certain how they’d turn out in the earlier times. Therefore, they’re allowed to be more experimental with what they present as the potential design.
As technology embeds itself deeper into the construction industry, it has become exponentially easier to share designs remotely and get immediate feedback. No longer do architects have to roll out blueprints and explain all the technicalities in layman terms so that the blueprint can make sense to the CEO who has little knowledge of the blueprint language.
With the potential ease of 3D modeling, not only do architects have more time to play around and experiment with the design, they’re also able to identify potential problems with their designs before they become realities that will cost the company many dollars to fix. You can rotate the model to get the view from all sides and designers can get everyone, even those without an engineering background, to view it so that even more people can identify problems that may be fixed.
3D modeling presents a reality-based face of the complete building by bringing it to life for all to observe without even getting started on the actual building part! This allows construction companies to achieve more in a much lesser cost as errors are reduced.
When a building is being created, multiple teams at once are expected to collaborate on the project and come up with the best product. Of course, the assigned tasks of each team member are in some way interlinked so it’s essential that everyone is up to date on the changes being made especially with regards to the design of the building. 3D modeling makes this easier.
For instance, the finance team would need to know the exact materials required, and for that, they need to be updated real-time in case of any changes necessary to the design. In fact, they’d have a say in the final designing as well to keep the building as cost-effective as possible.
3D modeling enables construction companies to have full-fledged and efficient collaboration between teams as it becomes easier to keep the design in front of everyone responsible for the end-product and get their valuable input.
One such 3D modeling software that allows companies to take the above-mentioned advantages of 3D technology is PhotoModeler. This software is widely used in today’s construction industry. It’s extensively used for providing input to Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is the data that helps with the design, construction, and management of modern buildings.
BIM enables the preservation and conservation of old architectural pieces by measuring them accurately and documenting what area of the structure needs to be preserved and how.
Furthermore, PhotoModeler can generate 3D models to help visualize your designs and even create elevation drawings of already existing buildings. It can even aid in producing realistic walkthroughs discussed above and allow for surveying existing buildings for any construction issues.
PhotoModeler scanner allows for capturing of details such as texture and complex shapes that cannot be easily created by designers themselves. This is why construction professionals should look into how PhotoModeler works and the steps it requires to make 3D modeling easier.
We have seen many 3D movies being released and even virtual reality devices to allow us to explore so many universes. Thus, 3D modeling can allow architects to even animate a virtual reality experience of walking through the actual building.
This will give clients a chance to view how the building will look on the inside as well before finalizing the design. They can make suggestions based on this to avoid future disagreements. 3D modeling makes it possible for them to spend a good amount of time in the building. This also allows you to see how other people are in it before anything starts.
The construction industry is eagerly taking on the benefits of digitalization, and for good reason. With advances in technology, digital construction operations can offer a number of advantages, including improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced collaboration. We break down the key reasons as to why going digital could strengthen your business.
Increased EfficiencyDigital construction operations enable companies to streamline their workflows, automate processes, and reduce time-consuming manual tasks, leading to improved efficiency and productivity. For example, tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be used to create 3D models of buildings, which allows contractors to identify potential issues and conflicts before construction begins.
Improved Communication and CollaborationBy facilitating better communication and collaboration among team members, including architects, contractors, and subcontractors, collaboration platforms such as cloud-based software allow team members to share information in real-time. This ensures everyone is working from the most up-to-date plans and drawings, resulting in fewer mistakes or reduced rework.
Increased Accuracy and QualityComputer-Aided Design (CAD) is a great example where companies can create accurate designs. This tool can also be used to simulate construction processes, enabling contractors to identify potential problems and refine their plans before construction begins.
Cost SavingsWe’ve hinted at the fact that digital construction operations can assist businesses to save money in a variety of ways. However, digital tools can also help companies optimize their construction processes, by reducing waste and improving efficiency. Additionally, digital documentation can decrease expenditure on administrative costs, and minimize the need for paper-based documentation and manual data entry.
Improved SafetyLastly, but probably most importantly, digitization in the construction industry can improve safety on site by identifying potential hazards before breaking ground. In such instances, BIM can be used to create virtual simulations of construction sites, allowing contractors to identify any safety issues and address them before they become a problem. Additionally, drones and robots can be used to perform dangerous tasks, reducing the risk of injury to human workers. As the construction industry continues to embrace the possibilities of technology, companies that make the switch to digital construction operations are likely to see significant improvements in their operations and bottom line, making the sector a safer and more exciting environment in which to work.
There are a range of retaining wall types available, the principal types include:
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Outsourcing can give you an edge over your competitors, and there’s no doubt about it.
Save on labour costs and operational costs
Save time and effort
Focus more on core competencies
Lessen operational risks when scaling
Outsourcing, along with offshoring, remains to be an integral part of the BPO industry. Whether outsourcing a business process or manufacturing services, teaming up with an external business partner will give you several advantages. Most companies flourish when partnering with external firms. In response to the sudden boom in the industry, organizations responded positively to the service provided by outsourcing agencies.
That being said, measuring your outsourced team’s performance and success shouldn’t be hard. With all the new technology and platforms in the market, everyone can see the ongoing projects, the finished ones, and the upcoming works of every team member. Outsourcing is essential globally as companies pave the way to access better services. Outsourcing ensures prospective employees do not waste their potential and skills, whether on the other side of the world or behind a couple of time zones.
Nowadays, BIM is implemented across different AEC fields to various degrees in projects of all sizes worldwide. With BIM, we can enjoy the benefits of better coordination within the project team, and BIM software can help us achieve it. And soon, the design studios will include professionals from other disciplines to share their knowledge for better design. Yes, it has opened up new digital practices, but BIM is only the beginning of the digital revolution in the architectural field. And it will play an important role in our built environment of the future.
With so many technological breakthroughs in the architecture field, it is frankly quite hard to predict the future of the architecture industry. One thing is certain; BIM has started a digital revolution in the industry and may soon become the norm that it is no longer considered state-of-the-art. New digital practices will emerge from BIM technology. Regardless of what technology, it is our duty to keep up with it to stay valuable in the AEC industry.