Research + Tech

ICC welcomes new vice president

Colker

The International Code Council (ICC) has named Ryan Colker vice president of innovation.

In his new position, Colker will identify emerging issues in the building industry, including how new technologies can be leveraged by codes and standards, methods to modernize the application of building regulations, and the development of new business strategies that support ICC members and building safety professionals. He also will serve as executive director of the Alliance for National and Community Resilience. Colker previously was vice president of the National Institute of Building Sciences, where he led efforts to improve the built environment through collaboration of public and private sectors.

Contractors' use of construction technologies expected to grow

More than half of the construction general contractors and trade contractors who responded to the fourth quarter USG + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index survey indicated they currently use an "advanced construction technology" on job sites, according to www.constructiondive.com.

Fifty-four percent of contractors reported they use at least one advanced construction technology, including drones, equipment tagging, wearable devices, RFID tagging, augmented or virtual reality, reality capture, automated equipment/robotics, and 3-D printing technology. Drones are the most popular advanced construction technology with 54 percent of contractors reporting drone use.

The survey also revealed contractors' use of advanced construction technologies is expected to increase during the next three years. Seventy-four percent of respondents said they expect to adopt one or more advanced construction technology within three years. The survey found drones, equipment tagging, wearable devices and RFID tagging likely will be the most widely adopted technologies.

Increased labor productivity was the most common reason contractors invested in technology. In addition, 78 percent of contractors reported they believe advanced construction technologies like wearable devices and automated equipment will improve safety. Seventy-seven percent of contractors believe the use of technologies can improve budget management, and 76 percent believe the use of technologies can improve schedule management.

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