What has technology missed?

[sdquick]

I'm amazed at how much the technology revolution has bypassed construction. There are a lot of parts of building that are basically the same as they were 50 years ago and haven't changed much in 100 years except for the application of electricity and internal combustion.

Stresslite Precast House explained - YouTube

Precast Concrete Housing Systems for the Future! - YouTube

 

[Industrial Toys]

I live in a precast concrete house (core slab) that we built in 72. My Dad is German and hates flimsy houses.

 

[3Ts]

I'm amazed at how much the technology revolution has bypassed construction. There are a lot of parts of building that are basically the same as they were 50 years ago and haven't changed much in 100 years except for the application of electricity and internal combustion

Actually the building technology for construction has advanced a lot. The problem is getting builders to implement it. There was an article in a trade journal about trying to get the new technology implemented and it boiled down to the contractor is responsible for the building and he has a method that works and is unwilling to try something new because it might come back to bite him. (SIP panels are one example of new technology that didn't work out as advertised.)

 

[goeduck]

Everyone should have one of these, but no one does.

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Bruce

You must . What fishing story were you telling at the time the picture was taken?

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Actually the building technology for construction has advanced a lot. The problem is getting builders to implement it. There was an article in a trade journal about trying to get the new technology implemented and it boiled down to the contractor is responsible for the building and he has a method that works and is unwilling to try something new because it might come back to bite him. (SIP panels are one example of new technology that didn't work out as advertised.)

Interesting article from The Economist. They make the claim that the productivity of US construction workers has actually dropped over the past 50 years.

Efficiency eludes the construction industry - Least-improved

 

[goeduck]

Interesting article from The Economist. They make the claim that the productivity of US construction workers has actually dropped over the past 50 years.

Efficiency eludes the construction industry - Least-improved

I do not think an easy productivity comparison could be made to a building built 50 years ago to now. The construction code complexity and technology advancements are exponential. Not saying there are not stinker projects these days but there were those back 50 years ago as well.

 

[JamesBrasher]

We can also use something like xrays and motion sensors to detect insects and pests

 

[Diggin It]

^^ The test would be to assemble a simple house of the same style as back then. Use the same blueprints and other plans if possible. Use as many of the same materials and procedures as possible. Wiring and plumbing would have to use today's materials. Waive any code that isn't directly safety related.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Two things that are slow in catching on are modular buildings and design build projects. The military tried them and has backed off. I was involved in those for many years as both a Gov employee and the construction side. On military contracts to get a product approved for incorporation it has to have a 5 year success rate. Part of the problem, stifles innovation.

Ron

 

[Diggin It]

One problem there is terminology and acceptance. A few years back I did some searching for information and pricing on modular homes; the kind they build off site and bring in by semi, then assemble by crane moving whole rooms or wings at a time. The end product looks identical to a stick built home and uses all of the same standards and processes. No matter what terms I used, the bulk of what I found was the typical mobile or sectional (double wide) homes.