Construction in the Future Chapter 39 Construction in the Future

Objectives After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: Identify prefabricated products used in the construction industry. Summarize alternative energy sources that are likely to be used in construction. Explain the importance and meaning of green construction.

Changes in Building Improved insulation and the installation of insulated glass windows are just two examples of changes in construction of buildings. Prefabrication describes a product that is largely or entirely manufactured offsite. Prefabricated homes (manufactured housing) are a major part of the housing market. Major building components are also being prefabricated and delivered to the site ready for placement. Wall sections, roof trusses, prehung doors, and cabinets have been prefabricated for many years.

Materials Plywood, hardboard, and particleboard were developed to make efficient use of wood. Plastic trim that is paintable or prefinished to look like wood is one example of a product designed to replace wood. An advantage of plastic and aluminum is that they come in a variety of colors and do not need to be painted. Plastic and veneered wood products are also replacing traditional solid wood flooring and cabinets. Commercial and industrial buildings generally have structural steel or steel reinforced concrete frames. Improved insulation in exterior walls and roofs reduces energy consumption. Fluorescent and LED lighting reduce the amount of electricity used.

Energy Efficient and Alternative Energy Sources Oil and natural gas are non-renewable energy sources. Abandoned underground mines have been converted to warehouses because the temperature inside the mine is 50 degrees year round. Solar collectors provide energy to heat buildings and water. Geothermal heating and cooling systems collect heat from the ground to heat buildings in the winter. During the summer, the process is reversed and heat from the buildings is transferred to the earth. Power companies are building large wind farms consisting of many large wind powered generators.

Higher Density Housing Higher density housing helps our aging population downsize. Another factor that contributes to the popularity of high density housing is that less land per resident is required. Less land is also needed for roads and walkways, and utility lines are shorter. This helps preserve natural habitats and scenic areas.

Green Construction Sustainable buildings: The use of inexhaustible, recyclable, and renewable resources in construction. Inexhaustible resources: Resources that will not run out, such as the sun. Recyclable resources: Resources that can be reused such as iron or aluminum. Renewable resources: Resources that can be grown and harvested in the future, such as wood.

Changes in Transportation Gridlock is a growing problem in this country because improvements to our infrastructure have not kept pace with population growth. Developing a transportation system that integrates highways, airports, railroads, and ships can solve some of these problems. Inner city trains and improved bus service could reduce congestion on city streets.

Machines and Equipment The introduction of excavating machines, forklifts, and other mechanical devices reduced the amount of manual labor required on roadways and other construction projects. The use of aerial photography has reduced the time necessary to design highways. The use of GPS (Global Positioning System) with construction tools and equipment is improving the efficiency with which work can be done.

New Bridge Designs Construction of short span bridges such as those of highway overpasses has been standardized. Many of these bridges are now constructed using precast concrete beams. Cable bridges are becoming more common where longer spans are required.

New Energy Sources Require Construction As new fuels are introduced to power vehicles, service stations and distribution centers will need to be modified. Charging stations for electric cars and refueling facilities for vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells are examples of what may need to be built.

Telecommunications and Construction New cell phone towers are being built at an increasing rate. Satellite telephone service will also continue to grow. Ships at sea and people working in remote areas need satellite telephone service. The interconnection of these systems with existing communication systems also requires construction.

Other Changes in Construction Computer software makes it possible to prepare construction drawings in less time. Scheduling methods such as critical path analysis make it possible to schedule complex projects and keep track of job progress. Cost accounting software provides an accurate summary of the cost of each major component of a project. The need to store and transport water as well as the need to treat waste water will continue to be an important reason for construction. Port facilities and projects that reclaim land along shorelines may become more popular as land becomes more valuable. Continued consumption of electricity and aging facilities means electrical power plant construction is likely to grow in the near future.

Summary Improved insulation and the installation of insulated glass windows are just two examples of changes in construction of buildings. Prefabrication describes a product that is largely or entirely manufactured offsite. An advantage of plastic and aluminum is that they come in a variety of colors and do not need to be painted. Improved insulation in exterior walls and roofs reduces energy consumption. Fluorescent and LED lighting reduce the amount of electricity used. Solar collectors provide energy to heat buildings and water. Geothermal heating and cooling systems collect heat from the ground to heat buildings in the winter. During the summer, the process is reversed and heat from the buildings is transferred to the earth. Power companies are building large wind farms consisting of many large wind powered generators. Sustainable buildings: The use of inexhaustible, recyclable, and renewable resources in construction. Inexhaustible resources: Resources that will not run out, such as the sun. Recyclable resources: Resources that can be reused such as iron or aluminum. Renewable resources: Resources that can be grown and harvested in the future, such as wood. Inner city trains and improved bus service could reduce congestion on city streets. Charging stations for electric cars and refueling facilities for vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells are examples of what may need to be built. New cell phone towers are being built at an increasing rate. The need to store and transport water as well as the need to treat waste water will continue to be an important reason for construction. Port facilities and projects that reclaim land along shorelines may become more popular as land becomes more valuable. Continued consumption of electricity and aging facilities means electrical power plant construction is likely to grow in the near future.

Home Work 1.What is prefabrication? 2. How do geothermal heating and cooling systems work? 3. Distinguish between inexhaustible, recyclable, and renewable resources.