Intelligent construction and IoT, fated to work together

Internet of Things (IoT) has come to revolutionize society. The disruptive nature of this technology optimizes all kinds of processes, and within the framework of digital innovation, construction is one of the sectors with the most potential to implement the solutions they offer.

IoT can be applied in the different stages of the construction process, be it a building or an engineering project. Already in the first phase of calculation, planning and design of structures, they offer great advantages and its possibilities are enormous for the subsequent work on site. It is also very useful during the phase of materials transportation and cementation, in which its use manages to improve the operation of the machinery used, the transfer of raw materials and the management of the available stock. The IoT connectivity does not end here, because once the works are finished, it can be used in the tasks of maintenance and energy management of the buildings.

1.CALCULATION, PLANNING AND DESIGN

From the first phase of planning, calculation and design, the IoT technology is of great help to carry out design tasks in an integrated manner. Thanks to transportable connected devices to the construction site, modifications are made more flexible for the architectural model, previously simulated in 3D.

2.WORK FOOT

The use of connected sensors in construction provides updated information about the work. These guarantee the safety of the buildings by identifying defective parts, thus avoiding disasters after the completion of the works. Installation in concrete is especially useful in monuments and structures such as bridges and tunnels. IoT technology also allows monitoring of environmental conditions at all times, which offers an enormous advantage for the protection of materials during the construction period and the prevention of damage, with the consequent savings in time and money.

3.TRANSPORT MATERIALS AND FOUNDATION

The transfer of the necessary materials to carry out the constructions is another component of the sector that can benefit from IoT connectivity. E l GPS tracking vehicle fleets that transport and monitoring their status. This is an improvement that helps to avoid delays due to breakdowns, thus avoiding unnecessary stops in the works. They are simultaneous, since both works during the project. 

4.MAINTENANCE AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT

As a consequence of the extension of IoT in the sector, the construction of intelligent buildings is becoming more common. These hyper connected buildings have the ability, through the use of different systems or technologies, to adapt their operation to the existing conditions at any given moment and allow the monitoring of the state of construction and the environment (lighting level, temperature, presence of people, etc.), which favors a much more efficient energy management and maintenance, as well as a more efficient rehabilitation of the buildings. The new challenge of architecture is to create sustainable buildings that are energy efficient and capable of self-sufficiency.

Intelligent building management systems have become a reality in most countries. The almost infinite benefits of intelligent building mark the way forward in this area and open the door to endless possibilities yet to be explored to achieve sustainable, efficient and respectful cities which will improve environment life for millions of people who live in them. The integration of the IoT and the existing construction technologies are presented, in this sense, as a great challenge for the cities of the 21st century.

The IoT technology applied to construction does not stop having the people and benefits as its ultimate goal, in fact, it also helps all those involved in the construction process. Architects and engineers see their work facilitated thanks to the connectivity between the offices and the construction site; the technicians and operators of the work benefit from a greater security and precision in their work and the final consumer enjoys, thanks to all this, of a higher quality and efficiency whether they are in a transport, in the case of roads or bridges, places of work or your own home.

The architecture of the future is already built today.