The Changing Needs of Construction
July 06, 2012
What will the future of construction software look like in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry? Technologies, such as connected devices, are developing at a very rapid rate. Now, the question remains: How will software providers continue to advance applications to meet the changing needs of construction?
One area in particular that has gained a lot of attention is visualization and modeling technologies. These solutions can provide teams with solutions to improve collaboration and decisionmaking. But with Trimble Navigation, www.trimble.com, Westminster, Colo., and Autodesk, www.autodesk.com, San Rafael, Calif., picking up some of the big BIM (building information modeling) players, contractors may be wondering if this opens the door for new players to enter the market.
While the software market in construction continues to evolve, many organizations—such as universities—are looking at the impact BIM can have on the construction industry.
One example comes out of Alberta, Canada. The University of Alberta’s Hole School of Construction is conducting research on construction visualization in order to develop innovative information technologies for modeling, analysis, and optimized construction operations.
“The overall goal is to develop a better framework for the planning and control of construction projects through advances in simulation,” says Simaan AbouRizk, professor, Construction Engineering and Management, University of Alberta.
In order to enable this, the university is working with 3D plant design solution provider AVEVA, www.aveva.com, Cambridge, U.K. The university will use the technology to improve its simulation modeling tools and integrate with other construction solutions.
Executives at AVEVA say its software will enable computer simulations and it will play a key diagnostic and analytical role in solving complex operational challenges.
This is just one example of a university program that is embracing technologies to address challenges in the construction industry. As the industry’s needs continue to evolve, contractors will likely see new solutions and research projects to enable advanced processes in construction.