3 Engineering Industry Trends to Expect in 2017

3_Engineering_Industry_Trends_to_Expect_in_2017.jpg

Engineering – structural, civil, and construction – is an exciting field to be in at the moment. A lot of changes are happening on a global level, and trickle-down tech is finally making an impact in a hyper-local way. Engineers are more forward-thinking than ever, and both private developers and the public-at-large are set to benefit.

Based on our immersion in the engineering industry, here’s what Shield Engineering sees as the top trends to watch in 2017.

Sustainable, Unusual Materials
Science and structural engineering have never been more linked. All across the world, researchers are working on products that will change the very way structures are constructed. These new materials are in many cases better for the planet, easier on both human and natural resources, and more cost-efficient than traditional building supplies. Look for more headway in the medium- to high-rise wooden building space, in concrete technology, and even in organically-grown construction materials in 2017.

Computer-Aided Design
The cloud infrastructure is opening communication pathways on a global scale. Technical design expertise will become even more important over the next few years as developers seek more cost-effective, environmentally-conscious ways of building. Reliable computer modeling is now available for everything from seismic testing to groundwater abatement, and large-scale developers will be looking to engineers to bring together the technological resources needed to complete jobs on time and on budget. Resources like 3D printers and even drone technology are expanding the scope of pre-building design. Building Information Modeling (BIM) will soon be seen as a necessity, not a “nice-to-have” feature utilized by construction engineering planning departments.

Return to Manufacturing
A growing shortage of skilled labor will drive more and more civil and construction-related projects to consider manufactured solutions. Lean manufacturing techniques on-site and prefab construction materials will transform job sites around the world, particularly in industries that involve extensive metalwork and steel structuring. Modular designs are growing in availability, and their capabilities are seemingly limitless looking into 2017 and beyond. Smart builders are finding new ways to incorporate manufacturing techniques on-site, too, to increase efficiencies and job safety.

 

Shield Engineering is your source for construction, civil, and structural engineering expertise. With combined decades of experience, the Shield team is ready to help your project get off to a productive start in 2017. 

View All Blogs

Contact us for additional information

Navigate

Contact Us

Call us at (800) 395-5220