Top 5 Trends in The Construction Industry in 2022

The construction industry is constantly changing and evolving. As a construction training provider, it is important that we stay one step ahead of these changes so that our delegates are well equipped for the current industry that they will be faced with.

We keep a keen eye on trends, technologies, and fluctuations to make sure our training practices are well up to date. Throughout 2020 and 2021, like many industries, construction took a massive hit. In 2022, the industry will be making a huge comeback, armed with new approaches, tactics, and innovations to stay competitive.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment is a term we have become all too familiar with over the past couple of years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many new safety measures were put in place to reduce virus transmission, i.e., masks, gloves, tests, and thermometers. Even though the construction industry was no stranger to PPE, this was a completely new ball game.

In a post-COVID world, we are now turning back to new innovations which will make construction sites a much safer place. One wearable technology making its way onto the scene is high-tech work boots that can connect to the Wi-Fi and alert others if the worker has fallen. Not only could these make it easier to keep track of people on-site, but will reduce the time taken to attend to someone who has been injured.

Modular Construction

2022 is seeing a major rise in the use of modular construction. This is where parts of a structure are constructed off-site, before being delivered to its final location. Building off-site, in a factory, can increase efficiency and consistency, decreasing construction time by up to 50%.

The technique solves another industry problem, waste, as leftover materials from these processes are recycled. It also reduces disturbance at the final site so that construction can take place with consideration of the surrounding environment.

Automation

With the increase of technology available at our fingertips, it seems as though jobs may start to be replaced through automation. This is not the case in the construction industry. While the industry is starting to utilise more automation technology, jobs are not being replaced but changed. 

Self-driving vehicles and drones can take care of low-skilled, repetitive tasks, leaving workers able to focus on more specialised tasks, which require a high level of training.

Smart Cities

As the demand for smart cities increases, the number of complex construction projects will rise too. With this, the construction industry needs to adapt to these new technologically advanced designs. Smart cities will involve features like pedestrian sensors, real-time traffic data, the internet of things (IoT) and smart bins.

This shift in city construction will require early intervention and investment in skills training so that the workforces of the future are prepared for what will become the standard.

New Construction Materials

The call for cost-effective, sustainable materials has been answered with a range of newly developed materials. With new materials comes the need for more training to exploit their properties and get the most out of their usage.

Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC)

This bendable concrete has small polymer-derived fibres which make it stronger and more resistant to cracking than traditional concrete. The material uses less cement, has a smaller carbon footprint, and requires less repair work over time.

Engineered Timber

This material can be used as a replacement for steel and concrete, as it is just as strong but releases fewer emissions and produces less waste during manufacturing. The material is simply made by bonding several types of softwood.

Recycled Materials

While using recycled materials is not a new concept, their use has started to boom since the increased demand for sustainability. Entire structures are now being constructed using recycled materials and their use is only expected to rise.

With new trends unfolding, the need for continual training and refresher courses is at an all-time high. There are innovative technologies emerging left, right and centre, which will have the ability to change the construction industry overnight.

At TUTS Training Group, our training courses are constantly being reviewed and adapted to ensure they are up to date with the latest legislation and trends. If you would like to find out more about the training we offer, head to our courses page, or contact us to speak to a member of our friendly team.