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.  Designs can be changed on the day instead of re-drafting which could take days. Time and costs were rapidly reduced with newly skilled CAD users being in demand creating highly skilled job roles. Architects, Designers and Engineers are now able to produce extremely accurate, quality drawings with minimal fuss.

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With this advancement in Technology, this has enabled the accurate design and production of pre-fabricated materials and components of a building, including:

  • Pre-cast drainage components
  • Pre-cast service bridge
  • Pre-cast stairs
  • Pre-fabricated kitchens
  • Pre-fabricated bathroom
  • Pre-cast walls/external envelope (aka “flat packs)
  • Modular Units (aka “pods”)

This advancement in technology has created advantages and disadvantages to having pre-fabricated building, such as:

2.1        Advantages

  • Speed On-Site – Due to the main construction being in factories, in-situ assembly is rapid, saving on time and labour costs. This also reduces or even eliminate waiting times for other trades to begin ...

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