Building Information Modeling, or BIM, was a new concept in the top AEC firms in the USA that nearly no one had ever heard of less than 20 years ago. However, BIM is now the foundation of engineering, building, and design. What are the emerging trends in the sector that we should be aware of as we approach the latest decade?
Let us examine the top three AEC trends for the upcoming decade.
Arising Trends of the AEC Industry in 2024 and Beyond
The AEC industry environment has changed significantly to take on its current form and is expected to continue evolving due to several trends. These are a few noteworthy developments that need to be monitored by construction companies.
1. Emergence of Hybrid Construction Project Management
Unlike construction projects that were completed entirely on-site only a few years ago, AEC companies now use hybrid or on-site/offshore models. In this scenario, several structures, including those related to MEP engineering services, are constructed off-site and transported to the construction site.
Modular buildings, conversely, feature relatively more significant components that are built with greater accuracy. They are transported to the construction site and assembled to make a larger building. These solutions ensure cost-effectiveness, cut turnaround times with fewer labor costs, provide better quality, and assist in eliminating on-site waste.
2. Digital Transformation for Process Automation
The utilization of digital technologies and solutions has multiplied, encompassing physical equipment and in-office or on-field applications. AEC companies use robotics and control systems for surface water removal, cement laying, concrete mixing, and other tasks. These systems facilitate the preparation of ready-mixed and precast concrete products, expedite their installation, and use less material.
Another benefit of digitalization is the enhanced representation of the built environment through BIM, augmented reality, and virtual reality. For instance, businesses utilize reality capture and laser scanning to generate a replica of the project circumstances. Digitalization lowers the possibility of human mistakes, permits remote inspection of current conditions, and helps in the early detection and resolution of problems.
3. Improved Adoption of Collaborative Technology
Most cooperation and communication would have occurred in person and on-site, but this has caused a shift. Most AEC companies are using cutting-edge collaborative solutions after realizing the necessity of distance coordination and communication. This explains the emergence of multiple software systems that offer a uniform platform to link AEC professionals.
Such software provides a centralized look into people and projects, allowing real-time tracking of changes, supporting efficient workflow management, and enabling better schedule or budget projections. Additionally, they have effectively improved efficiency by taking the role of time-consuming and prone to errors in manual data entry or Excel spreadsheets. Additionally, file-sharing applications and video conferencing allow AEC resources to collaborate in real time, speed decision-making, and enable quick problem-solving.
Final Takeaway
For ages, the building, engineering, and architectural sectors have unquestionably been essential to the development and transformation of civilizations. However, today’s AEC enterprises must keep up with ground-breaking inventions and developments that potentially transform the sector entirely. By adopting the above-discussed trends and establishing a robust resource management solution, top AEC firms in the USA can grow and stay ahead of the competition.
