As technology has facilitated every business of today, civil engineering is still striving to join the IT bandwagon. While the transition takes time, many industries giving civil engineering solutions and working on such projects have successfully implemented these technologies and are now taking full advantage out of them. Some of these technologies are AI solutions to construction problems, usage of robotic machinery and cloud based collaborations etc.
Some of the advancements in civil engineering which have already been achieved or are in process are:
1.  Theodolite and LiDAR Combinations:
Today civil engineers are being helped to a great extent when it comes to measuring heights, elevations and provision of 3d drawing samples for future use. Traditional theodolites were tedious to carry and operate, with many complex functionalities. LiDAR on the other hand is the transition civil engineers need, to add more precision and accuracy to their work. Archaeological mapping, defining earth’s surface and its characteristics and mobile mapping of the area under consideration are some of the many benefits LiDAR technology offers.
2.  Unmanned Aerial vehicles or UAVs:
These vehicles were initially used by videographers and filmmakers for apt coverage of events and providing bird’s eye views, or as mere toys for kids to have fun. But today, civil engineers have used amalgamations of AI tools and UAVs to achieve earth and land information on a large scale. Topographical and regional models are much easier to form now especially of places that are dangerous to go to, or otherwise inaccessible, such as mountain tops, hill stations and skyscrapers. This has shown a drop in labour costs drastically, as less human efforts are utilised, replaced by robotic and AI skills.
3.  CAD Softwares:
Most commonly used CAD software is the AUTOCAD. It has a multitude of model making and design making techniques, enabling engineers to draw, design, propose and develop construction projects with more ease and facility. Manually making designs, elevations and colossal sheet-work was the fate of many civil engineers before these CAD softwares stepped in.
4. Â Cloud Remote Sensing Technologies:
One of the many stresses civil engineers had to face was the physical presence at the project site, measuring the progress and challenges faced during the construction. However, thanks to Cloud computing, now these project managers can sit in office settings or even their homes, and access the project site remotely through remote sensing techniques which are outsourced by many construction businesses today. Through this, massive project data can be stored and accessed anytime, anywhere.
Tools like https://outonsite.co.uk further enhance these capabilities, offering seamless integration for efficient project management.
5. Sensors and Satellites:
Today, sensing AI technologies like SCADA e.g. are used by civil engineers for apt measurements e.g. quality of soil, quantity of water held in a pipe etc. Complex calculations underground and underwater are now managed by sensors connected to satellites and GPS which can be easily accessed through mobile phones.
6.  Predictive Analysis:
Forecasting and cost estimations are key ingredients of project management in civil engineering. If not done correctly, this can incur additional costs leading to losses and unplanned expenses for the business. Therefore calculative IT tools help engineers to make accurate predictions about raw materials to be used and changes in surfaces and construction sites affecting current plans.
7.  Tracking of Equipment Used:
Licences of construction equipment, over and under-usage of equipment inventory, equipment verification and redundancy all can now be managed effectively through construction equipment tracking software. It frees the engineer of the pain of managing total equipment information which was earlier difficult to obtain and maintain. Depreciation, disposal and purchase of construction equipment can be made much more easy and fair with such tracking. These services are outsourced by many construction companies today so as to manage equipment inventory successfully.
8.  Robots Replacing Humans:
One of the many revolutions that is both exciting and awaited in the field of construction, is time saving robots replacing masonry and human capital. A question arises here: what would happen to thousands of unemployed workforce which is currently engaged in human dependent construction of buildings? The answer is simple; such workforce should be trained and developed gradually to incorporate these AI tools and techniques in their work. E.g. Many bricklaying robots cannot work without human assistance, and that is where the workforce can be employed and utilised. Similarly exoskeletons are another invention helping engineers and onsite labour in minimising accidents and maximising output. These are worn on hands and feet to avoid any mishaps or injuries during activities like lifting, climbing and grasping tools. They not only divide strain but also correct postures.
9.  Designing Prefabrications:
Today, technology and IT tools are helping civil engineers in designing optimum prefabrications based on different raw materials used at construction sites. In simpler words, instead of making walls brick by brick, newer and better machines are helping labour make prefabricated walls, doors and even roofs to only fit and make complete buildings. These are not only time saving, but also reduce costs and provide accuracy. This can lead to elevated concepts of smart homes and smart buildings that would not require much time and effort to be built and maintained.
Keeping in view the above prospects that civil engineering can achieve over time, the day is not far when construction industries will not only be reformed but also advanced. Infrastructure is any nation’s top notch indicator of success and development, and industries that have already unified IT tools and civil engineering are making noticeable progress worldwide.Â
