Industry and technology refer to the whole of factory production, machines, tools and technical knowledge that make modern construction possible. Where building used to be almost entirely a craft, today’s construction sector relies heavily on industrialised processes and technical aids.
Industry in construction
Industrialisation means that more and more building components are no longer made on site but produced in factories. Think of prefabricated floors, ready-made facade elements, window frames, roof trusses and complete bathroom modules. Serial production under controlled conditions delivers more consistent quality and shorter construction times.
Technology in construction
Technology covers both the tools and machines and the knowledge to use them:
- Equipment — cranes, excavators, concrete pumps, pile drivers and scaffolding
- Measuring and control technology — laser instruments, spirit levels and 3D surveying
- Digital technology — BIM (building information model), calculation software and digital work preparation
- Building services — heating, ventilation, electrics and home automation
Application
- More efficient building — machines and prefabrication shorten lead times and reduce failure costs
- Making buildings more sustainable — technical installations such as heat pumps and solar panels make buildings more energy-efficient
- Quality assurance — technical measurements and digital models prevent mistakes before execution
Points to note
- Industrialisation requires standardisation, which can limit design freedom
- New technology requires trained staff and investment
Related terms
- Industrial construction
- Prefab
- Building process
- Digitalisation
- Construction method
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