b'TECHNOLOGYthe recent popularity of prefabrication andWhat were seeing is a lot of graduatingFor companies that arent making the leap modularizationall of them are enablingstudents traditionally would go into theto adopt and adapt to new technologies, constructors and contractors to expediatedesign field, but are now increasinglytime is ticking. Were seeing more and the process of construction, which is reallymoving into construction and supportingmore that companies who dont adopt demanded now. the trades and suppliers. The technologytechnology get too far behind and are around not only fabricating butstarting to miss the boat, and can even go Chatterton also cites the increasingsupporting the designers and contractorsout of business as a result, Chatterton role of drones, robotics and geofencingthrough digital means is becoming moreconcludes. A lot of companies are dabbling technologies as part of the industrysimportant. With the older workerswith and exploring these new technologies, transition to digital. Drones are reallyin construction starting to retire, theso when they do come online and become going to start [playing] a key role, especiallyyounger people coming into the skilledmore commonplace, were seeing more around tracking and monitoring thecompanies really jump on the bandwagon construction site, job progress and safety,trades need to have an understanding ofin utilizing the technology. Its not a he says. Ive been seeing robotics playtechnology to be able to work with thequestion of if they adopt it, but a matteran increasing role, especially with prefabevolving industry. of when.and modularization. With prefab, were seeing robotics automating the assembly process. Geofencing is being used more in safety, and were also seeing augmented reality being deployed using projections on the helmet visorfor safety, but also for maintenance and operations, providinga manual.Virtual reality is also being used, both in planning and on site. Were starting to see it on jobsites in trailers, Chatterton explains. Trades can come into the work trailer and not just look at the plan views on paper, but also virtually walk around the space theyre constructing so they can get a far greater idea of the design intent and the constructability. For instance, where will the crane be placed, and scaffolding, and how will those points be accessed? Where will materials land, how will certain areas be accessed? It can really be helpful from White Cap Supply Canada offers two locations in that perspective. Kelowna to serve your construction and safety product The COVID-19 pandemic has loomedrequirements. From concrete chemicals and forming, tools large over all aspects of life, andand safety supplies to masonry, geosynthetics and more, construction technology has benefited,visit us in two convenient Kelowna locations.in some ways, from the need to work remotely. Cloud collaboration had an impact not only on the design industry, but also on the whole project, including suppliers, contractors, trades and owners,SAFETYBUILDINGFASTENERS &TOOLS &CONCRETESUSPENSION Chatterton says. Everybody is nowPRODUCTS ENVELOPE ANCHORS ACCESSORIES CHEMICALS SYSTEMScoming together in the collaborative cloud platform, sharing files, communicating, developing schedules, construction sequencing, studying constructability, sending information to suppliers and tradesMASONRYPOWER & HANDGEOTEXTILECUTTING &ADHESIVES &CHAINS & PRODUCTS TOOLS PRODUCTS ABRASIVES COATINGS RIGGINGfor their inputit has really lit a fire under those processes. BROCK WHITEEmerging and advancing technologies822 MCCURDY PLACE, KELOWNA, BC V1X 8C8 | (250) 765-9000are also becoming a factor in alleviatingNATIONAL CONCRETE ACCESSORIES the construction industrys long-running868 MCCURDY PLACE, KELOWNA, BC V1X 8C8 | (250) 717-1616recruitment challenge. Im involved with the education community in the areas ofBRAFASCO.COM | NCA.CA | BROCKWHITE.CA BIM and BIM design, notes Chatterton. SICA CONSTRUCTION REVIEWSpring 202241'