Civil engineering is poised to undergo a major transition in 2018; thanks to the advancement in technology which is the driving force behind the changes this industry will witness. Some of the latest technologies we cover in this write-up which were once dubbed sci-fi have already begun finding a way into the mainstream industry. Since the last decade, the focus remained on smart materials and energy-efficient buildings. But, in recent times, civil engineers are placing more emphasis on computer vision, BIM, virtual reality, sustainability, IoT, and 3D printing technologies that are parallelly gaining prominence. In this write-up, we provide a mash-up of latest developments in civil engineering that are becoming the latest trends.
- AUGMENTED REALITY(AR) AND VIRTUAL REALITY(VR)
- BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)
- DRONE SURVEYING
- ADVANCED BUILDING MATERIAL
- 3D PRINTING
- AUGMENTED REALITY (AR):-
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are the newest trends in civil engineering to watch out for in 2018. Although the technology itself isn't new, its applicability vis-a-vis civil and construction industry is gaining immense popularity. VR and AR are forms of immersive media to visualize the end results and are increasingly being used by both end users and the civil engineering project teams alike.
Virtual Reality is empowering the civil engineering industry with a user experience that was once possible only in science fiction! Stakeholders and designers can benefit from the interactive and immersive experience in an isolated ambiance created using sophisticated VR headsets, cardboard viewers, etc. After all, who wouldn't appreciate the virtual experience of stepping into planned constructions even before the implementation?
Augmented Reality, on the other hand, interweaves real-world and graphics to give field personnel and civil engineers useful information such as health and safety warnings, productivity statistics, design specifications, etc., making their job on field easy.
This is just the beginning, and the applications of VR and AR technologies are expected to broaden way beyond expected in 2018 and the years ahead, making them the backbone of numerous civil and construction projects.
HOW IT WORKS?
Augmented reality is the incorporation of a computer-generated image on a person’s view of the real world. It provides a view of both what the world and work actually look like and what it could look like. The most popular augmented reality wearable in construction is the Microsoft HoloLens, but there are a growing number of companies developing their own wearables. One of the big reasons why construction companies choose the Microsoft HoloLens is the price and the fact it’s now certified as basic protective eyewear. Users can use computer-generated models both on the site and in the office to see what the final product will look like, proving the value of augmented reality in construction.
APPLICATIONS:
- Showing plans to the government
- Describing your projects to your clients
- Accurate measurement
- To attract more customers
BIM (BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING)
More civil engineering projects this year are likely to see large-scale utilization of the Cloud technology and Big Data. Also, latest in the list of innovation is the Building Information Modeling (BIM). Engineers can now create virtual models of their designs through intelligent 3D modeling process. This futuristic technology can speed up the time taken to turn building drawings into reality. Construction of bridges, electricity networks, and superstructures can gain momentum with workable virtual models of the designs. As BIM and 3D modeling provide engineers a chance to visualize completed designs at the onset, the design process is poised to be cost-efficient and more streamlined in the future.
HOW IT WORKS?
Pre-design Stage
- An architect designs a schematic model with elements in a BIM environment
- A presentation is made to the owner with walk-throughs/renderings
- Owner requests necessary changes
Schematic Design Stage
- Scheduling and estimating begin
- BIM models are set up, project parameters are added to models
- Schedules are correctly filtered
- Elements have enough information to specify their type, size, etc.
Detailed Design Stage
- Coordination meetings take place between architects, engineers, project managers, estimators, schedulers and construction managers
- Interference checks and coordination reviews in the BIM environment occur
Construction Phase
- Navisworks is available on site and new design models by subcontractors may be used
- Construction manager and field superintendent collaborate with the design team to follow design intent
- They run clash detections on all models
- Navisworks’ monitoring and workflow tools identify, report and resolve problems
- Construction is simulated to ensure work is completed on time
DRONE SURVEYING
Drone market has seen a sturdy growth in 2017. The trend is expected to continue even this year and sales of drones is likely to exceed $12 billion by 2021! Commercial use of drones has reached an important milestone with technological enhancements making drones more reliable than before. Drones are steadily making its presence felt in the civil engineering industry, greatly influencing the design, development, and surveying of civil engineering projects.
Drones are instrumental in carrying out safety inspections along with progress reporting. Drones effortlessly access hazardous sections of the construction and collect data from large areas in a matter of minutes. This technology has allowed surveyors to get the job done without risking life and limb.
In 2018 and beyond, drones are expected to become part of mainstream civil engineering. However, regulation of drone technology is hotly debated due to its fast-paced evolution and its affordability to the mass market
HOW IT WORKS?
UAS and Surveying
UAS comes with two types that can be used for surveying. The first type is a fixed wing model which is suitable for one-man operations. It can be used for aerial mapping, topographic surveys, and terrain modeling large areas; for instance, stockpiles and mine sites.
The second type is the propeller-based system or a rotary blade. It can fly in any direction or in a fixed position. It is suitable for thorough inspections and surveying areas that are hard to reach like bridges, power lines, and pipelines.
How do UASs Work?
Knowing how highly technological UASs are, it is really interesting to know how they work. What needs to be done before using such systems? What determines whether they are ready to be used?
- Setting Up the SystemFirst off, route planning is done through the software that comes with the system. Then, the takeoff and landing area are programmed; and the area to be mapped is outlined.
- Preparing the UAVThe route program is loaded to the UAV. Presuming you are the user, you should check if it is functional and ready for use. Carefully read the checklists provided with the kit; check all components, the battery level, and all necessary concerns.
- Launching the UAVPlease take note that the launching process depends on the model you are using. You may opt for one that only needs to be thrown in the air provided you stand in the proper takeoff location. Some models give you the choice of manual takeoff or an automatic one.
- Controlling the UAVOnce launched, the UAV will fly your pre-planned route. It will likewise take images automatically (one image per second). Using tablet PC controllers, you can track the real-time progress of the UAV. You can also receive updates on position, battery power, GPS signal, and radio link status.
Meanwhile, you may opt for models that allow you to manually control the drone anytime. You will need to do this during detailed inspections wherein you can move the UAV to certain objects and avoid collisions. Do you want to do real-time viewing using video display goggles or a ground station? This is also possible in some models. Although not always required, manual controls are important and useful. They can prevent unexpected problems and obstacles; for instance, during landing.
Advantages of Surveying Using UAS
It is a given that using UAS for surveying is advantageous. But what exactly can you get from it?
- It can work in almost any weather situation.Windy day, rainy day, or cloudy day – all can be perfect days to use UAS, for it can complete flights despite these weather situations.
- It comes with safety features.Such safety features allow the UAVs to safely land even in situations when they lose battery power or fly out of range. This is made possible by the ‘autopilot assist’ feature and the ‘return home’ function. Moreover, GPS signal loss will not be a big problem; for the UAV will just circle in the air until it regains signal. Lastly, its design protects it from flight damage.
How will Drones Develop Surveying?
Learning the above-mentioned details, it is undeniable that drones are indeed among the most important technological equipment used in surveying. Below are some more details as to how they can transform and improve it:
- It makes possible the creation of high-definition and highly accurate maps.
- It makes possible to reach difficult locations.
- Using drones are safer in particular situations.
- Drones can gather various types of data; for instance, photos and videos.
- The gathered information is instantly uploaded to a server.
- Once uploaded, the information can be accessed by any authorized individual wherever they are.
These are just a few of the numerous ways on how drones develop the whole process of surveying. Everything becomes easy, results are more accurate, and such equipment is a lot safer to use. The terms may be technical, but these details are obvious indications of how advantageous drones are. There is no need for further explanations even for the lay people who would simply like to learn some basic facts.
As mentioned earlier, surveying is a very important process. You need to do it before you can proceed with your intentions concerning a particular part of the environment. And again, it requires technological inclination for those who would like to work as a surveyor, as technology is very important in this field. As for drone technology in land surveying, you have just learned about its numerous benefits. The pieces of information discussed in this article are actually just a few of the many advantages of it, yet they speak so much about its great effects in the industry. Should you want to learn more, feel free to do more research; and prepare to be amazed by the astounding facts that you’re going to discover.
3D PRINTING
The year 2017 witnessed a surge in the demand for 3D Printing across various domains. In 2018, this revolution has reached the construction and civil engineering industry in a big way. 3D printing can turn engineering designs into scale models or even real components required for building construction. This technology, currently in the advanced stage is ready to take on more complex civil engineering challenges involving full-sized homes and bridges. Scientists are contemplating the use of 3D printing for assisting humanity's efforts to colonize Mars. Without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting upcoming trends in civil engineering
HOW IT WORKS?
1 – Robotic Arm Extruders
The Contour Crafting method involves the building material being deposited to create a large-scale 3D model with a smooth surface finish. Rails are installed around the building ground that will act as a structure to direct the robotic arm. It moves back and forth to extrude the concrete, layer-by-layer. Trowels placed on the side and above the nozzle to flatten the extruded layers and ensure the model’s strength.
In this process, conventional concrete cannot be used as it would need to harden before you could continue the process. If it was 3D printed it, therefore, wouldn’t be able to support its own weight. Therefore, concrete is used with quick setting properties.
Contour Crafting (the company with the same name as the method) are very discreet about their progress. Chinese construction company WinSun Decoration Engineering Co describes it as able to “steal the show” however. These machines are huge (32m long, 10m wide and 6.6m tall). This enables them to 3D print full structures and assembles them on the spot. This is done by mixing concrete and glass fibers on-site and then printing. This feat made builders and construction workers aware of additive manufacturing.
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