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Impact of Technology in Construction

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Introduction

Impact of Technology in Construction CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1 2.0 DESIGN METHODS 3-4 2.1 Advantages 4-6 2.2 Disadvantages 7-8 3.0 PRE-FABRICATION CONSTRUCTION METHODS 8 3.1 Flat Packs 8-9 3.2 Pods 9 3.3 Legislation, Standards & Quality Control 10 4.0 EVALUATION 11-12 5.0 REFERENCES 13 1.0 INTRODUCTION With the ever changing and advancement of technology, we are able to design and construct buildings with more accuracy which improves the quality, standards and punctuality of the completion of projects. As with everything, the pre-fabrication of buildings has many advantages and disadvantages. This assignment examines, appraises and evaluates the use of pre-fabrication "flat packs" and "pods" and the impact it has on today's construction process as well as the future. 2.0 DESIGN METHODS Traditionally, the design of a building would be created by blueprint. This would mean that a drafting team would create a design by pencil. This method was very time consuming using up a lot of labour which caused it to be very costly. The 1980's saw a change with CAD (Computer Aided Design) being introduced which resulted in drafting teams being diminished and singular usage of CAD. With CAD, you can produce full size 3d images, change the design and component with a click of a button. ...read more.

Middle

This may also cause a problem with the transportation of the components. Specialist technology for this may be required. * Weight - The heavy weight of the components may need specialist transportation which may costly. * Cost - Currently, the cost of flat packs/modular units are quite expensive. This reflects in the considerable reduction of time needed to construct and specialist skills required. * Accuracy - this can also be a problem. A high degree of accuracy is required so there is no tolerance allowed for. * Flexibility - There is extremely, if any, flexibility available. The flat packs and pods are made to client specification and once the factory begin construction, designs cannot be changed and if they are, it will be very costly. * Labour - this can also be a disadvantage due to less labour required on-site which results in unemployment rates increasing. The need for skilled labour is required so the Government will need to play a part in achieving this. 3.0 MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION [MMC] 3.1 Flat Packs/Panels These are more commonly used for homes. They came into production after the results of World War II due to the shortage of housing and slum clearance caused by the bombings and industrialisation. ...read more.

Conclusion

Prefabrication housing is fast whilst reducing time by 50%. This will enable the government's estimation to be met and even succeed. There is a lot of public apprehension and negativity towards pre-fabricated homes and buildings, this is due to the poor materials and skilled labour back when they were introduced in the 1900's. I believe this stigma can be significantly reduced or even eliminated with the advanced technology we now have that provides flexibility in designs whilst using stronger materials that conform to building regulations as well as being more aesthetically pleasing. With the evidence from Europe that flat packs and modular pods do have high structural integrity and durability and with the increased demand in housing, commercial and public sector buildings, the many advantages listed above far outweigh the disadvantages and that of the traditional on-site methods of construction. I believe that the demand and supply of modular pods will need to mirror each other as soon as possible, as the more demand there is, the more delays there will be with the shortage of UK based factories being able to supply. I believe that in the future, many more UK based factories will be in production and this will provide construction companies with a 'one-stop shop' for their building needs especially with the ability to provide customised and authentic designs. *Parliament Office of Science and Technology 5. ...read more.

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