Technologies like BIM, drones, virtual reality and real-time workflow software have made an entrance that will forever alter the scope of the construction industry. Every few weeks, Construction Dive provides a roundup of the latest technology product announcements that promise to boost productivity by saving contractors time, money and labor. To view the entire series, click here.
3DR introduces detailed thermal drone mapping
3DR, which makes drone analytics software Site Scan, announced this month that platform users will now be able to capture structurally detailed thermal images.
According to a press statement, the platform can now autonomously map images from a DJI M210 dual gimbal drone equipped with a Zenmuse X4S standard camera and Zenmuse XT thermal camera. Data from both cameras is uploaded to the cloud where it is converted into thermal maps and models via Pix4D thermal processing, 3DR said. Alternatively, Site Scan users can use an XT camera and single gimbal on any DJI M200 series drone and manually tap on their Apple iPad screen for temperature readings of specific areas, the statement said.
According to 3DR CEO Chris Anderson, the new thermal capability can be used to inspect buildings, structures or utilities, monitor curing concrete, map solar arrays and more.
Willis Towers Watson launches industry-tailored cyber coverage
Risk management and insurance brokerage firm Willis Towers Watson last week introduced a cyber insurance package catered to the construction industry.
The company said in a press statement that its CyCon product helps construction firms protect sensitive data like employee records and business plans as they increasingly migrate to “smart” systems and software for design, modeling, project management, project delivery and more.
CyCon includes coverage for property damage and loss of business income as result of a cyberattack or breach, expenses resulting from project delays, privacy claims resulting from drone use and more. Willis Towers Watson touts the product as “a tailored and specific solution that closes the coverage gaps left by traditional products."
JLG offers downloadable BIM files for lift equipment
JLG Industries, a manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, now offers a library of downloadable BIM files for its boom lift, scissor lift and vertical lift equipment.
The ISO-compliant 3D files are in .rfa and .ifc formats and can be incorporated into project’s BIM model to help contractors “manage risk and eliminate guesswork on the front end of project planning,” according to a company press statement.
For example, JLG says the files can help contractors identify the appropriate amount and type of equipment they’ll need for a project and plan for the right transportation. Downloads include machine specifications and readme documents.
Command Alkon digitalizes the construction supply chain
Command Alkon, which provides digital supply chain products for the heavy building materials (HBM) industry, introduced a electronic ticket management system it says can facilitate information sharing between contractors, haulers and suppliers.
The BuildIt platform, according to a company announcement, eliminates dependence on paper tickets, which can be lost or illegible. Via the platform, haulers and suppliers can provide contractors shipping status and expected delivery times for construction materials. Contractors can also track materials in real-time and improve asset utilization, the company says, through integration with Command Alkon’s TrackIt GPS and telematics product.
The North American HBM industry handles about 250 million tickets a year, vice president of business development Steve Cox said in the press statement, many of which have to be manually punched into other systems. Moving to a digital format, he said, allows for “better communication, collaboration and information exchange" across the supply chain.
