Just like your smart devices, technology changes in civil engineering every year. For an engineer to be able to provide the safest, most precise plans, they have to embrace and welcome all the advancements as they roll out. Learn about the latest trends in tech for engineers below.
Technology in Civil Engineering
An engineer’s impact on society is pretty significant. They’re responsible for building safe, usable, and sustainable buildings and other structures. Every time you walk across a bridge or into a building, an engineer is a part of what made it possible.
Civil engineers are great at what they do, but trends in civil engineering allow them to be exceptional. Here are some of the trends that many engineers are using today for more precise planning:
- BIM (building information modeling) allows civil engineers to create 3-D models of any structure before the construction process is set in motion. This tech enables multiple users to access the model, improving collaboration abilities.
- Mobile tech allows civil engineers to bring their offices into the field. Tablets, phones, laptops, and more enable immediate access to important info while staying productive on site.
- Drones are becoming the norm on construction sites. These devices give engineers a visual while avoiding work disruption on site. Drones can save money while providing valuable information, eliminating the need for additional personnel to be called in for extra work.
- Believe it or not, virtual reality is now part of engineers’ planning process. Once you’ve got your BIM done, imagine taking a stroll through the structure using VR. There’s hope that this tech can help engineers eliminate significant and pricey changes since being able to “walk” through the BIM should allow them to see potential problems.
- 3-D printing is on track to shift material sourcing. Prefab projects can have their materials printed and then transported to the site. The materials are ready for use immediately, saving the project time and money.
- Implementing smart technology throughout the process can take collaborating and communicating to a new level. The Internet of Things (IoT) or other tech connects your devices, digital machines, mechanical processes, and other objects to facilitate information sharing. This can gather all kinds of data, from humidity to abnormalities, and even the overall constitution of a structure.
- Engineers can achieve precision and efficiency with robotics. From bricklaying to inspections, these robots can take over some of the more routine tasks, saving time and money.
- Big data gives engineers a comprehensive look at what factors impact weather, traffic, safety, and more. The vast source of information allows civil engineers to better assess information and apply it during planning or in real time. This data also helps engineers to make better decisions about resources and how to use them responsibly, depending on the project’s needs.
These are just a handful of technological advancements that have been made recently in engineering. The tech and tools available to engineers advance every year, making our world safer and more environmentally conscientious. You want a civil engineer capable of using every tool at their disposal to get you the best results.
When You Need the Services of a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are only as good as their resources, so you’ll want to ensure that yours uses all the tools available. At Mason & Associates in Nampa, ID, you can count on your engineer to have access to the best toolkit possible. Call 208-454-0256 now or contact us via the online form today!