Unleash a construction revolution with state-of-the-art materials. Here are 5 tips to change the industry by harnessing their potential.
The construction industry is a field with daily changes and new techniques emerging, and to stay relevant in the market, professionals need to invest in training and education. Introducing training programs to educate your workforce about the properties and handling of cutting-edge materials is very important to stay up-to-date with your competitors.
Equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and skills to work with these innovative materials can greatly benefit the employer and the employee. Offer workshops, seminars, or online resources to enhance their understanding and promote their engagement with innovative construction techniques.
A closer relationship and communication between buyers and suppliers can generate tremendous access to cutting-edge materials for the buyers. Collaborate with material manufacturers, suppliers, or industry experts specializing in supplying new materials. Also, involve them in the training process by inviting them to conduct sessions or provide insights into the latest advancements and practical tips. Their expertise and real-world experience will add value to the training programs and give the employees more clarity about the materials.
Quality building materials are essential for constructing structures, and sustainable construction depends widely on the type of materials used. As a result, material selection should be made carefully to meet the design and specification requirements. However, when identifying and evaluating cutting-edge materials suitable for construction, several factors must be considered, such as strength, durability, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, aesthetic appeal, locally available materials, handling and storage, and climate. Examples of some current cutting-edge materials include Aluminum Foam Panels, smart glass, graphene etc.
Monitoring market trends and availability is essential for managing procurement costs effectively in construction projects. By being updated about market conditions and materials available, you can make informed and reasonable decisions that optimize cost savings without compromising quality, and the techniques to manage procurement costs are to request supplier discounts, review contracts, consolidate vendors and delivery services, check inventory, and weigh the quality of order.
Collaborating with research institutes and industry can be beneficial for a wide range of reasons. It allows exchanging knowledge, expertise, and resources, leading to improved ideas, advancement in research, and practical application in fields.
Research institutions always have domain knowledge in specific areas. Hence, collaborating with them gives you access to enhancing the quality and depth of your projects. Additionally, partnering with them allows you to tap into their ongoing research projects, access the latest advancements, and leverage cutting-edge technologies, thereby enhancing the scope and impact of your work and exposing you to broader collaborations
The use of cutting-edge materials has the potential to significantly transform the construction industry. These materials offer increased strength, durability, energy efficiency, and sustainability. By incorporating them into construction projects, builders can achieve better structural integrity, reduced maintenance costs, and improved environmental performance.
Embracing these innovative materials sets a positive trajectory for the future of urban development. Construction professionals must invest in continuous learning and training programs to fully harness their potential. By staying informed and adapting to the evolving industry needs, we can create a stronger, more efficient, and sustainable built environment for future generations.
Mike Szczesny is the owner and vice president of EDCO Awards & Specialties, a dedicated supplier of employee recognition award, branded merchandise, and athletic awards. Szczesny takes pride in EDCO’s ability to help companies go the extra mile in expressing gratitude and appreciation to their employees. He resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Patti Jo Rosenthal chats about her role as Manager of K-12 STEM Education Programs at ASME where she drives nationally scaled STEM education initiatives, building pathways that foster equitable access to engineering education assets and fosters curiosity vital to “thinking like an engineer.”