2021 Construction Technology Series

Updated June 28, 2021

Carolinas AGC is pleased to feature a construction technology series throughout 2021! Carolinas contractors need to make sound decisions when it comes to the right time and right reasons to implement new technologies. These decisions are generally based on advancing safety and efficiency of their workforce, while also positively affecting their firm’s bottom line. In the Carolinas, we are practical and pragmatic about leaping into new tech territory and we should be! There is a right time for each firm to adopt new technology and it’s not the same for all. Finding that fit or existing need, timing and practicality is the key to the success of any technology that is deployed.

However, with so many advances in these areas, it’s more important now than ever to remain aware of the universe of tech solutions, what they bring to our industry, and how they may benefit our individual firms now or in the near future.

Our goal is to present as many of these beneficial technologies to our membership over the year so you can either become aware of them, deploy a program if it’s time, or ask questions about an existing program. We will offer information on all types of construction tech from Project Management software used in office and on the jobsite, to robotics equipment that automate tasks for efficiency and safety of our workforce to artificial intelligence analytics that work to eliminate jobsite incidents.

If you are interested in hearing about a certain construction technology, please let us know about it and we will work to include it in our series! Upcoming events in the series include the following:

3D Laser Scanning and Mixed Reality in Construction

Technology used to achieve productivity, accuracy and profitability goals for construction projects.

Date: July 16, 2021
Presenter: Ryan Pastor, VDC Services Manager at BuildingPoint SouthEast

Join us on July 16 for an informational session where members can both learn and engage! BuildingPoint Southeast will discuss the technology used to achieve productivity, accuracy and profitability goals for construction projects. This is achieved through the use of a wide variety of cutting-edge hardware, software and mobility technologies that are designed to streamline and simplify communication and increase collaboration through every phase of the construction project lifecycle. During the presentation, we will focus on: 

3D Laser Scanning in Construction 

• Terrestrial versus static versus drones
• How scanners are used throughout the project from start to finish
• Technology in construction - Construction is not all about digging ditches and hammering nails
• How do I learn do use this technology

Mixed Reality in Construction

• What Is the difference between virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality?
• Would my gaming skills help me to use this technology?
• How is it used in construction?
• How do I learn how to use this technology in a construction environment?
• Emerging technology and its future uses

Register Now!

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Technology for Bridge Replacement

NCDOT's Harkers Island Bridge Project

Date: June 4, 2021
Presenter: Trey Carroll, NCDOT, Project Engineer - Policy Development

The Harkers Island Bridge Replacement Project will replace two bridges located in a highly corrosive coastal environment in Division 2 (Carteret County) with a single 3,200’ bridge and will utilize Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials in lieu of traditional carbon steel reinforcement.  This project will accelerate the adoption of innovative FRP materials by NCDOT, promote state of the art technologies and new business practices that will provide longer-lasting structures with improved reliability and service life throughout North Carolina.

Watch the Recording*

*CAGC username and password required.

Integrated Construction Technologies: Field and Office. Making Technology Work for You.

Date: Postponed. New Date TBA
Presenter:  Autodesk Construction Cloud

In construction, the gap between the office and the field is nothing new. In each project, information is constantly coming in from multiple project teams in varying formats. In a paper world, it takes a huge effort to prevent complete disorganization. Today, jobsites are more digitized, but information still remains separate if data isn’t being pushed into different systems that you use.  In the webinar we will talk about the importance of creating workflows that work for your business to improve efficiency and get current project information at your fingertips. In the end this will ultimately help reduce risk, keep jobsites safer and save you money and time.

Project Procurement & Bid Management Technology 

Date: February 25, 2021
Presenter: Claire Stubblefield | ConstructConnect 

Are you aware of all the benefits of this unique partnership? If not, you should join us for this Connect and Learn to get up to speed on unique FREE benefits for CAGC members:

• Searchable web-based clearinghouse of projects featuring project listings, details, and updates.
• Access to all-new Bid Center! The online service organizes project leads and bid invites in one place, attach docs to any project you create, find partners, send projects to digital takeoff with one-click!
• Preferred pricing on ConstructConnect products.

As part of this agreement, CAGC members get early access to Bid Center. Now, members can simply login and use this free digital bid board to organize their bids and more easily collaborate with their team members. With Bid Center, members can share projects and documents throughout their bidding process.

Watch the Recording

Robots that Build the World:
Heavy Equipment Upfits that use AI to make your equipment Autonomous

Date: March 4, 2021
Presenter: Jimmy Kim | Built Robotics  

Built Robotics is employing robots with AI guidance systems to upgrade off-the-shelf heavy equipment enabling it to operate fully autonomously. They have deployed these robots across the $1 trillion earthmoving industry, and they’re being used to build critical infrastructure. In their presentation of this technology, they will discuss:

• How Built's AI Guidance System is installed on existing heavy equipment to turn them into autonomous robots
• How to manage and run the robot through our software
• Safety systems and setup
• The types of equipment and tasks that can be automated today

Watch the Recording*

*CAGC username and password required.

Drone Technology for Contractors:
Benefits, Limitation and the Future of Drones in the Construction Industry

Date: February 17, 2021
Presenter: Dr. Joseph Burgett, Clemson University | Applied Drone Technology Course through Clemson

There is a lot of misunderstanding in the industry about the rules, benefits and barriers of using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as “drones” for construction.  Dr. Joseph Burgett of Clemson University spoke to us about how off-the-shelf drones are being using to support jobsite activities and provide added value to clients.  He talked through the specifics of what is needed to start using this tool and the benefits real-world contractors are getting from using this technology.  Dr. Burgett also told us what we need to know about the new FAA rules that’s significantly expanded how drones can be used.

Watch the Recording*

*CAGC Username and password required.