Pre-construction site prep might be the most important part of the whole process before the first shovel in the ground or the first brick laid. Modern tools are revolutionizing how construction companies create plans based on data, and there are a few that every firm needs yesterday. From AI-powered measurement to automated logistics, here are some popular examples.
Autonomous Underground Mapping
Making sure the site is safe to work beforehand is one of the most crucial parts of construction. Not too long ago, guesswork and educated analysis were all we had to go on, and of course, even the best plans could run into issues such as buried pipes, cables, and unsuitable ground. Today, an excavation company can use technologies such as ground-penetrating radar with robotic scanning to create accurate models of what’s under the surface before digging.
AI-Powered Quantity Takeoffs
Measuring takes time and money, and can go terribly wrong because of human error. With estimating software, you can analyze and extract measurements, cuts, and dimensions directly from 2D blueprints and 3D building information models. This saves huge amounts of time that workers would have to use for manual measurements, but it also eliminates human error. As such, more accurate information can also be used to feed data quickly into bid estimates.
Pre-Construction Site Prep with Drones
In recent years, drone use in the construction industry has skyrocketed by 240%. Today, drones are used extensively in construction technology as one of the most reliable toolsets available for surveying and mapping, generating highly useful data such as topographical maps, 2D site layouts, and 3D terrain models. These are made from thousands of images that drones can take to map out an area using enterprise drones from DJI with software tools such as DroneDeploy.
Site Staging Ideas and Automated 3D Logistics
3D building information models have more uses beyond accurate measurements. You can also use BIMs to generate virtual logistics plans that can help decide the best locations for trailers, cranes, and material storage before work commences on the construction project. This helps firms use available and limited space more efficiently, while optimizing material delivery routes. As such, any company optimizing logistics can develop a more productive and lean operation.
AI-Driven Document and Spec Analysis
There can be a lot of data to go over when beginning a construction project, and missing something can set the project back. Certificate, license, and permit issuers need accurate data, and if something is off, it can result in delays, fines, and project cancellation or reversal. However, AI document analysis tools can pour through masses of data much faster and way more accurately than humans, flagging risks, compiling reports, and spotting contract issues.
Summary
Autonomous underground mapping can help with pre-site construction prep by spotting objects in the ground or abnormalities. Drones can also help develop 2D and 3D site models that can help with area mapping, and AI readers can analyze masses of data that can be used in many ways. This includes spotting potential risks, contract abnormalities, and fast report generation.
