Future Construction Industry Trends | Page 49

Renewable energy -Is energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat—which are renewable (naturally replenished). Renewable energy technologies range from solar power, wind power, hydroelectricity/micro hydro, biomass and biofuels for transportation. Source: energy.gov Return on Investment Analysis - A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or to compare the efficiency of different investments. A traditional financial measure to determine benefit to the business such as: benefit of training, benefit of asset purchase decisions (computer systems or a fleet of vehicles), or marketing, recruiting programs. It is also is a metric that yields some insights into how to improve business results in the future. Source: www.businessdictionary.com Robotics - Robotics is the branch of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, and/or cognition. Many of today's robots are inspired by nature contributing to the field of bio-inspired robotics. Source: Wikipedia Robotics Applications - The use of robots in industry continues to grow and companies that integrate robots into their workflow become more efficient and more competitive. Construction robots are often used in the industry for fabrication. A few robots exist on the construction job site, but the majority of robots used in fabrication in the construction industry are not on the job site. Instead, they are used in building construction machinery, arc welding metal components, applying adhesives, and assembling doors and windows. Construction robots are also used in the handling and manipulation of bricks and other heavy blocks. Brick and concrete block laying can be challenging both physically and mentally when performed through human labor. While not many robots have been utilized on the job yet, trials have shown how robot use in this field could prove beneficial. Robotic systems can also be utilized to dispense concrete on the job site. Instead of human labor applying the concrete, a robot can layer concrete vertically to form a structure. This process is similar to the application of adhesive process, except that concrete is much heavier than typical adhesives. Source: www.businessdictionary.com Rod butting/busting - Iron rods reinforce or stabilize concrete structures. The rod buster, or rebar worker, shapes the iron rods and mesh for placement in cement. This role requires strength and dexterity, even with the many power tools used to complete projects. Source: www.ehow.com Safety Data Sheets - An important component of product stewardship and occupational safety and health. It is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with that substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures. MSDS formats can vary from source to source within a country depending on national requirements. Source: Wikipedia Scheduling - A plan of procedure, usually written, for a proposed objective, especially with reference to the sequence of and time allotted for each item or operation necessary to its completion. Source: Source: www.businessdictionary.com ©Copyright 2014, North Central Texas InterLink, Inc. All rights reserved 49