While still recovering from the 2020 recession and COVID-19, as well as the supply and workforce shortages that came with it, the industrial construction industry has had to adapt to keep up with ongoing demands. Here are a few ways the industrial construction industry has and will continue to shift in response to recent events.
Technological Takeover – In order to increase job site safety, to help mitigate the lack of talent available and to follow state regulations put into place as a result of COVID-19, many industrial construction companies are turning to technology. From project workflow systems and smart contracts to robots and material “mules” to drone security, augmented reality planning systems and building information modeling (BIM) renderings, smarter, more efficient operations are being put into place wherever applicable.
Going Green – Although not as prominent as the commercial sector, industrial clients and builders are tending to adopt a more sustainable outlook in light of growing environmental and supply concerns. The majority of this initiative will take place in both the digital design and planning of structures as well as in utilizing sustainable materials. Things like bendable self-healing concrete, 3D-printed materials and engineered timber are already in the mix, and we can expect to see similar inventions continue to enter the research and development phase in the upcoming years.
Modular Materials – While modular equipment is most prominent in the residential and commercial industries, we can see it growing and evolving into the industrial sphere as well. With structural options like steel and concrete, modular construction is a long-lasting, high-quality alternative to increase the efficiency, flexibility and safety of a project. This method allows work to be done on individual pieces where the workforce is plenty and it offers more mild working conditions for those on the job. Then, once assembly is to occur, it is a simple plug-and-play operation.
Storage Space – With the large wave of e-commerce during the pandemic, a need for additional, more robust warehouses to hold goods is increasing. Particularly in areas with dense populations, multi-story warehouses are anticipated to be on the rise. Not only is storage a major component of change, but so is the demand for temperature-controlled storage solutions to keep products like groceries cold for the duration of its holding in the facility.
While it is unclear if the supply chain of resources and materials will pick up anytime soon, it is certain that creativity and innovation can go a long way in mitigating its effects. And this mindset will only help propel the industrial construction industry forward for years to come.
