Construction Technology
ments can be placed precisely using “to-
tal stations” — highly accurate GPS or
laser positioning. The benefits include
improved accuracy, reduced waste,
increased safety, and less manpower.
6
Facilities Management
Software
Enhanced software allows
districts to use building
information modeling (BIM)
to track warranties, main-
tenance items, system use, security,
room assignments, and more. This
information helps districts stay on top
of their largest assets and significant
expense points. And now, the instant
accessibility via mobile devices allows
the maintenance department to make
more timely and informed decisions.
7
Digital Plans and
3-D Content
Districts and construction
personnel can access digital
plans and 3-D content from
the cloud through tablets and smart-
phones to gain real-time information
for making decisions in the field.
When used properly, digital plans
offer the following advantages during
construction:
• The most current plans are always
available.
• Updates are instantly shared, in-
cluding construction bulletins, photos,
addenda, and scope changes.
• District personnel, subcontrac-
tors, and suppliers can regularly access
3-D views in construction documents
to communicate design intent, increas-
ing communication effectiveness and
proper delivery.
• Digital plans allow more use of
color without expensive color printing.
They can zoom in and out of objects
and even digitally measure items or
share comments on specific recom-
mendations right on the plans.
• Digital plans display punch lists
with items tagged for action directly on
the plans.
essentials | | summer
summer 2019
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8
QR Codes and
Barcoded Items
Construction and project
items may have QR codes or
barcodes relating to an object
ID in the BIM. Items are
scanned as they are installed, which
automatically updates the BIM to
reflect progress. This capability allows
more effective and efficient tracking
during the construction project.
Moreover, the tracking can trigger
additional purchases for the next stage
of work for more effective scheduling.
The tracking codes can also link to
user manuals, warranty information,
equipment invoices, and related his-
torical correspondence.
9
Laser Scanning
Laser scanning captures
an accurate representation
of existing buildings and
systems, which can then be
modeled, or new objects “clashed”
against for proper system coordination.
This technology has a variety of uses
and can allow the district to visualize
existing conditions beyond the results
of photos and taped measurements.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of laser
scanning throughout the construction
process is the ability to compare the
installed progress with the digital mod-
el to evaluate accuracy, allowing for
the adjustment of future prefabricated
items before delivery and installation,
while providing another accurate
method of tracking the percentage of
completion.
ROBERT KOEHLER
MATT MCGREGOR
10
Automated
Bricklaying
Automated instal-
lation of masonry
significantly reduces
labor cost. Some automated brick
systems can lay 3,000 bricks a day,
compared with a construction worker’s
average of 500. With some systems,
the conveyor belt, mortar pump, and
robotic arm combine with a worker
who feeds the bricks into the machine.
A second worker smooths over any
excess joint mortar.
As mason professionals retire, we
can expect automated bricklaying to
become more mainstream in a field
that already sees a worker shortage.
Take the Next Steps
Becoming aware of technology’s
effect on the construction industry
can be a great first step as a dis-
trict considers its next construction
project. These 10 technologies will
increasingly affect how that district
plans, designs, constructs, and uses
its buildings.
n
ROBERT KOEHLER AND MATT MCGREGOR
are project architects at Hoffman Planning,
Design & Construction Inc. in Appleton, WI.
Hoffman has partnered with over 65 public
school districts, along with private and charter
schools. In addition to designing and building
attractive and energy-efficient schools,
their expertise includes facilities’ studies, site
evaluations, master planning, referendum and
fundraising campaigns.