Top 8 Construction Industry Trends This 2021

1. Development of Living Materials

Living materials that are developed are among the most thrilling construction trends to expect this 2021 in the construction industry. The biological compounds grow exactly and are poised to move further from stimulating experiments. The process is necessary to achieve a full-scale production for the next many years. The upside is very significant for these living materials to remain exotic.

In reality, the most promising biological materials are made and built by fungi and bacteria. It makes them strong, light, and awkwardly portable. Below are some common examples.

• Self-mending concrete – the most amazing thing about this type of concrete is that it’s saturated with bacteria. It will allow the materials to bind around them and make them into new structural material. This particular material is expected to grow in the concrete pores, hence, adding to its impermeability. It can also develop into filling cracks, fissures, and repairing them – all on their own. 
• Mycelium Composites – these materials are commonly known as a work of fungi instead of bacteria. Mycelium is a vast network of fungi that is living underground. Today, the largest living organism on Earth is Honey Fungus and is several thousand years old. Some scientists have been harvesting this robust creature and have it grown into all sorts of materials. The production is already underway for both flooring and insulation.

2. Design Technology – VDC and BIM

Even before, design technology is already popular and a much-known construction trend. Therefore, there’s no reason to disrupt and stop it from expanding. The building construction in virtual space before constructing it in real life is promising, too advantageous, and helpful to be ignored by either contractors or designers.

• BIM (Building Information Modeling) – as for architects, BIM has already taken the entire industry as it replaced CAD quickly. BIM is a fundamental re-analyzing of the production process and designs. No drawings are shown in BIM, only building models in the virtual space. It allows any designer to realistically construct the building inside the virtual world as a practice run. 
• VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) – VDC is considered more valuable, specifically for builders. The contractors often referred to it the same way due to a similar principle. For instance, imagine looking at all project’s pitfalls – coordination issues, intricate connections, etc. As a result, the cost savings can be tremendous both in the office and in the field.

3. Supply Chain Diversification 

The commotion to supply chains has been forcing the contractors to scramble to find other optional suppliers. They also found themselves in a situation where they have to pay higher prices for the said materials. There is no indication that it is going to improve sooner or later. Supply chain diversification is a new construction trend that focuses on reevaluating business relationships for the long-term, including taking risks on new alliances and brand loyalties. 

As a result, the risk will come at high costs as it will take intense coordination from subs, project managers, suppliers, and project owners. It will make informed and timely decisions on alternates. Moreover, new contractors are most likely putting more emphasis when it comes to escalation clauses. It covers unanticipated cost increases and might affect present contracts that need a revision. Overall, it is an excellent opportunity for contractors and nimble suppliers to move into different areas. 

4. Sustainability Innovations

Sustainability specifications are most clients’ main requests, mainly if they prefer to receive eco-friendly tax credits or designations. This sustainable trend in the industry showcases no signs of disappearing or slowing next year. Besides, new developments offer people lots of options for planet-friendly structures.

All construction industry professionals are very excited and thrilled about the increasing potential of mass timber for sustainable construction. The amazing thing about this material is that it naturally captures carbon. It will stay trapped right inside the woods until the building gets destroyed or degrades. That is why sustainable construction trends for the next year, 2021, have remained a major hot topic since most people have become more alarmed about climate change and how to lessen it.

5. Exoskeletons

Construction jobs can be too grueling and extreme on the physical body since it requires workers to stand and perform vigorous physical activities during workdays. All aspects of this career have to lead the companies to become more concerned with the workers. Thus, most construction companies should start to investigate workers and encourage them to use exoskeletons.

Most construction workers use power gloves to enhance dexterity and grip strength when performing construction tasks like drilling. The most fantastic thing about exoskeletons is that these items are more extensive and appear most as a full-body suit. Some old workers wear exoskeletons for one reason – to continue working past their retirement age. 

With that being said, the construction industry is known as the sector that demands extensive work. That is why it is easier to see how exoskeletons can be useful despite the age differences, specifically for minimizing strain-related injuries.

6. Redesigned Protective Equipment for Women

PPE or personal protective equipment like safety vests are primarily made for men’s bodies. It only means that women had no other option but to wear uncomfortable gear unsuited to them. Safety vests designed exclusively for men can often trigger safety hazards because it was somehow loose for women. A few PPE brands have recently begun offering some dual-tone waistcoat intended for construction workers. After multiple worksite visits to obtain feedback, new garments are specifically designed and created for female workers. 

Customized PPE attire is now available both for men and especially for women. Furthermore, all construction professionals involved in the industry have to expect continuous progress while moving forward. Women are minorities in the industry as there’s a constant emphasis on diversity in this society. However, it doesn’t change the fact that women are valued contributors, and they need to be protected at all costs. Keeping them safe should be prioritized by higher management.

7. 5G and Wi-Fi

It is crucial for businesses, especially a construction business, to have a consistent and stable internet connection. The absence of it can significantly delay any process and proceedings due to unstable communication. Installing fixed lines can be time-consuming, wasteful, and costly as they are often used only for a temporary period. 

Good thing that 5G is introduced in the market today! It is the fifth generation of wireless internet, and it provides the fastest and quickest Internet speed. Aside from 5G, there is also the Wi-Fi 6, and it is the latest Wi-Fi innovation. The predecessors are looking at a very stiff competition in the market. Overall, these two Wi-Fi options are both reliable and very secure. They are becoming the two most common assets in the construction site, especially for construction laborers.

8. Emphasis on Soft Skills

Project managers have to be equipped with a certain level of organizational and analytical skills to be effective in their respective roles. However, every project manager’s role does not end with the full completion of budget documents and project scope. At the very core of their job lies an understanding of crew members and how to manage them the right way that will yield the best results.