Innovative building and construction materials, such as pollution-absorbing bricks, light-generating cement, photovoltaic paints, and self-healing concrete can make buildings more sustainable and durable. Manufacturers of these construction chemicals and advanced materials (CAMs) have the potential to fuel several construction trends, according to a report from Deloitte LLP.
Integration of BIM, 3D printing, drone, and augmented reality into the construction process will likely change the demand patterns for some key CAMs products. To enhance this trend, CAMs manufacturers should package their products and services together.
The drive for increased sustainability may lead to greater incorporation of CAMs with lower carbon footprints and less resource-intensity. Construction CAMs companies have the opportunity to collaborate with customers on sustainability, overall systems cost reduction, and reduced project delivery time.
Construction companies will look to stimulate prefabrication or modular construction as well as new product innovations like self-healing concrete and nanomaterials. These developments can help alleviate the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage and shave time off of project schedules.
Related Stories
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
Industry Research | Sep 12, 2016
Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts
A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.
Legislation | Sep 8, 2016
Half of U.S. states now allow design-build on public projects
Missouri is the latest to enact design-build legislation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2016
Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update
The updates address industry confusion over how to handle the issue.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 7, 2016
Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool updated to factor in waste management
The costs and benefits of managing 29 types of waste are now included.
Wood | Sep 6, 2016
Atlanta suburb prohibits wood-framed construction for high rises
The new building code prevents any structure with more than three stories from being built from a CLT frame.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2016
Overuse of air conditioning hurts office productivity
A study found temperatures in the low 70s reduce worker performance.
Regulations | Aug 31, 2016
FEMA wants to toughen flood regulation on projects using federal funds
The proposal ‘would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard.’
Sustainability | Aug 30, 2016
New federal project plans must include climate impacts
Agencies must quantify the specific impacts when possible.
Green | Aug 29, 2016
Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030
No net GHG emissions will be allowed.