the field of civil and structural engineering. This is achieved through continuous research and innovation, where we embrace new technologies to provide solutions. Collaborating with clients and our partners has helped us learn new challenges, enabling us to forge a path that is brighter and sustainable for the future. Advancements in the Engineering Industry Advancement in structural and civil engineering remains the cornerstone of the infrastructure and urban landscape in the future. The ever- increasing population is attributed to this, and therefore, there is a need to intensify sustainable development in the industry. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), it is estimated that the infrastructure gap in the United States is valued at $2 trillion, and it would require until 2025 to meet the current gap. This underscores the importance of infrastructure innovation to seal this gap and guarantee sustainability in the future. Due to the need to address the emerging needs in the industry, there has been the emergence of different technologies in the engineering industry. The innovations have been geared towards saving the cost of construction, ensuring efficiency, and satisfying the needs of the
clients. One such breaking innovation is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which has been instrumental in ensuring project efficiency and collaboration. A study by Dodge Construction Network established that 93% of architects, engineers, and contractors reported to have used this technology in the previous year. The steady rise in the use of BIM is pegged on the ability to allow different experts to visualize the project and analyze it before it starts. This mitigates errors, reduces delays, and guarantees the overall success of the project. Additionally, the appreciation of the use of advanced materials such as carbon fibers and new construction techniques has transformed structural design and durability. It is estimated that the global demand for composite materials by 2020 was valued at $6.8 billion and is projected to rise to $10.4 billion by 2025. The need for lightweight and durable materials for infrastructure projects has necessitated this surge. Recently, sustainability has emerged as an area of concern in the industry, with most companies resorting to green technologies. This trend has seen a shift towards energy-efficient building designs and sustainable infrastructure solutions that mitigate climate change and conserve the environment.
Photo: Smoky Hill Engineering
45 The Acumen
Powered by FlippingBook