- Technology Changing Global Construction Landscape, Says ITB
Civil engineering and construction firm, ITB Nigeria Limited, has said there is a need for companies in the construction industry to embrace global technological advancement, as the impact of technology on modern society has become undeniable.
According to the firm, technology, which refers to bringing together tools that ease creation and exchange of information, functions majorly to make tasks easier to execute as well as solve many of humankind’s problems, and features prominently at work or at play.
The firm said the influence of technology could be found in several sectors of the economy such as agriculture, transportation, construction, communications and education, adding that with technology, agriculture had become mechanised.
ITB said in a statement that in the construction industry, technology had brought about a huge change.
“For a very long time, the construction industry was one of the least digitalised sectors, largely neglecting technological changes and advancements. However, in the light of the huge difference, that technology brings about, many construction and engineering firms have begun to transition to technological and digital ways of doing things,” the firm stated.
It added that it had committed to using the right and modern technologies such as the post-tensioned slabs that allows for flexibility of layout and servicing, cost savings, lighter structure and faster construction.
The firm noted that it also had two fully automated batching plants that had the capacity to produce up to one million cubic metres of concrete with capacities ranging from six cubic metres to nine cubic metres.
“In addition, ITB has a MEP division that is a new generation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing technology. The adoption of all these technologies and more by ITB has contributed greatly to the kind of excellent structures that the company constructs. Construction companies in Nigeria need to emulate this fine example and be swift about using the right technology,” it added.
According to the firm, modern technologies being adopted range from drones to safety gadgets; driverless crash trucks; and autonomous heavy machines and site sensors that monitor temperature, noise levels, dust particles and volatile organic compounds to help minimise exposure to workers.
It added that there were several benefits to employing advanced technology in construction, saying that it had become important that Nigerian construction companies move with technological evolution, embracing techniques in materials technology, design procedures, facilities management, structural analysis and health and safety processes.
“The consequence will be improved project outcomes, value for money, sustainability, adequate health and safety of construction workers, cost-efficient projects, environmentally safe buildings and overall quality of construction and engineering projects. Ultimately, the Nigerian construction industry will be one that is globally competitive,” the firm added.
