6 top trends that are going to shape the future of infrastructure

The infrastructure sector has been a driving force in the global economy. It builds the foundation for businesses, governments, and societies, from transportation systems to energy grids to water supply networks. The sector is on the brink of an exciting new era, with technological advancements driving innovation and transformation like never before. 

According to a report from the 2022 CIArb Webinar, by 2030, Driven by China, USA & India, the international construction market will rise by $8 trillion. 

  • The US construction market will rise more quickly than China over the next 15 years.
  • In 2016 China’s powerhouse declined to a historic low in construction growth.
  • Growing almost twice as fast as China, India will provide a new engine of global growth for construction in emerging markets.
  • Europe will not recover from the lost decade, but the UK will surpass Germany and evolve as the world’s sixth-largest construction market by 2030.
  • According to the Global Construction 2030 survey – Worldwide, the construction output volume will grow by 85% to $15.5 trillion by 2030, with India, China & USA China leading and causing 57% of the international growth.

2023 is a pivotal year, bringing trends & technologies and reshaping how we approach infrastructural development. Whether AI, automation, the rise of smart cities, or the proliferation of renewable energy, the possibilities are endless. While challenges may arise, the future is undoubtedly bright for those willing to embrace change and seize opportunities. The infrastructure industry is poised to benefit from many latest technological breakthroughs. Let’s understand the top trends that will shape the future of infrastructure as we know it.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)

The presence of AI & ML is evolving prominently across industries. The infrastructure isn’t left behind. In 2023, AI/ML will expand across external and internal applications, from transportation, active traffic management, and urban planning, to sales, marketing, operations, HR, and finance. In construction, technology improves design quality, creates a safer and more productive job site, assesses and reduces risk, prevents cost overruns & improves project planning. Through sensors, drones, and other wireless technologies, AI & ML also helps to gain valuable insights about the operations and performance of a building, bridge, roads, or almost any infrastructure. The key challenge is implementing proper change management processes and knowing the right extent to trust the AI’s recommendations.

Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

The AR/VR market is predicted to see a 77% CAGR between 2019 and 2023 as it grows in popularity. Using existing technologies, AR & VR provide in-depth insights to facilitate efficient construction. The latest technology improvements enable project planning down to every detail, whether it’s about enhancing safety or design development, or choosing the right construction materials. Virtual & Augmented Reality accurately brings the construction to life, making it easier for the stakeholders to have a precise understanding of their vision. The technology will continue to make a strong business impact for standalone purposes and as an essential component in the digital twin ecosystem. In digital twin solutions, AR/VR will be crucial for cooperation and support all professionals to picture and compare “to-be” plans and “as-built” assets.

3D Printing

There are various types of 3D Printing, such as robotic arm extruders, sand layers, and more. 3D Printing utilizes data directly from BIM to construct resilient structures faster, more economically, and using less raw material than traditional construction methods. The method is fairly cost-effective as it one doesn’t have to spend on labor costs. Advanced 3D printing technology solves many flaws of conventional construction and provides innovative solutions.

Drones

Drones are increasingly becoming part of the engineering workflow for bridge inspections and construction progress monitoring, especially on massive projects. Of course, bridge inspectors will still want to perform in-person checks. Still, drone technology (often coupled with digital twins) will increasingly become necessary to improve safety and speed inspection times.

Digital Twins

The global digital twin market is forecast to reach $48.2 billion by 2026, and the AEC industries are vital to this development. Digital twins depend on historical and real-time data and machine-learning models to visually represent physical objects, processes, and systems. Eventually, possibilities for operations and maintenance services and visualization, collaboration, physical and cyber security, data analytics, and AI-enabled preventative maintenance will open up.

LiDAR (Light Detection & Ranging)

The technology captures a 3D point cloud of the environment (construction, bridge, etc.) or assets (pipelines, poles, railcars). LiDAR is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of AEC, empowering everyone for the physical construction survey. The LiDAR data is used innovatively to feed and train AI models to extract features of interest quickly and accurately. The AEC industry’s LiDAR expense will reach $2.8B by 2025.

Committed to using the latest technological breakthroughs, UniquesCadd is well-positioned to help businesses and governments with innovative infrastructural solutions. Whether you need BIM Services, Architectural Drawing & Drafting Services, Structural BIM (MEP), or NEN Meetraport Services, UniquesCadd is wise choice. Through expertise & usage of advanced software we deliver comprehensive services that meet the unique needs of our global clientele. Partnering with us will help you keep up with the trends and technologies to drive innovation and transformation. If you’re looking to take advantage of these trends and transform how you approach infrastructural development, contact UniquesCadd today!!!

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