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Onsite Insights with Chris Leatherberry: Revolutionizing Construction with Prefab and Virtual Models

In this episode of Onsite Insights, Chris Leatherberry, project manager at Corbins, shares how two game-changing innovations—prefabrication (prefab) and virtual models (BIM)—are transforming jobsite efficiency. From cutting project timelines by 70% to improving team coordination, Chris reveals powerful insights for contractors and aspiring project managers alike.

Key Takeaways:

• Prefab: Accelerates projects by forcing detailed pre-planning, improving safety, and providing better control over environmental factors.
• Virtual Models: Tools like BIM prevent costly rework and delays by allowing teams to "build" projects digitally before breaking ground.
• Mental Health Advocacy: Chris emphasizes that mentally healthy teams work smarter and safer, urging leaders to prioritize worker well-being.
• Leadership Advice: Focus on empowering your team and embracing new technology to stay ahead in construction.

Want the full story, including Chris's top project management hacks? 

Drop a comment with your thoughts—how has prefab or virtual construction impacted your projects? Let's discuss!

The construction technology (ConTech) industry saw remarkable breakthroughs in 2024, paving the way for even more transformative innovations in 2025 and beyond. With ongoing challenges like labor shortages, sustainability targets, rising costs, and the push for greater efficiency, technology continues to reshape how construction projects are designed, executed, and managed. Let’s dive into the key trends that defined 2024 and the innovations that will shape the future of construction.

Top ConTech Trends from 2024

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML have become essential in modern construction, offering data-driven solutions and automation that streamline decision-making. Some notable advancements in 2024 include:

• Smarter Project Planning: AI analyzed vast datasets to improve scheduling and resource allocation.
• Predictive Insights: ML models forecasted delays, helping mitigaterisks and minimize downtime.
• Proactive Risk Management: AI-powered systems identified potential vulnerabilities early, enabling timely intervention. Just like CamDo's new Jobsite Intelligence that improves Safety and Productivity on job sites.
  
  

2. Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM continues to be a cornerstone of construction planning, with its 2024 evolution showcasing:

• Seamless Collaboration: Integrations with AI and IoT allowed stakeholders to visualize and coordinate more effectively.
• Digital Twins: BIM became the foundation for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance through digital twin technology.

3. Sustainability and Green Construction

Sustainability remained a major focus, with strides made in:

• Energy-Efficient Design: Advanced modeling tools enabled smarter, eco-friendly building designs.
• Innovative Materials: Builders embraced low-carbon, recyclable materials for greener construction.
• Water Conservation: New systems were implemented to reduce water waste and support environmental goals.

4. Modular and Prefabricated Construction

Offsite construction gained momentum, addressing key industry challenges:

• Precision and Speed: Modular components manufactured in controlled environments improved accuracy and reduced on-site delays.
• Waste Reduction: Prefabrication minimized material waste, aligning with sustainability goals.
• Labor Efficiency: Modular methods lessened dependency on large on-site teams, alleviating labor shortages.

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What’s Next? ConTech Innovations for 2025 and Beyond

As we look to the future, several exciting advancements are on the horizon:

1. Robotics and Automation

Robotics will transform workflows with:

• AI-driven construction robots for tasks like bricklaying and demolition.
• Autonomous machinery for excavation and heavy lifting, improving safety and reducing labor needs.
• Drones enhancing site surveys, inspections, and real-time monitoring.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT applications will grow, offering:

• Smart wearables like helmets to enhance worker safety.
• Efficient asset tracking and maintenance of materials and equipment.
• Energy optimization through intelligent building systems.

3. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

Immersive technology will redefine how construction projects are visualized and executed:

• AR-enabled helmets providing real-time construction plan overlays.
• VR training modules improving worker safety and reducing accidents.
• AR tools enabling stakeholders to see how designs come to life on-site.

4. 3D Printing and Advanced Materials

3D printing will gain traction with:

• Faster construction of complex structures, saving time and costs.
• Sustainable material innovations tailored for 3D printing applications.

5. Digital Twins

Digital twins will enable:

• Real-time building performance monitoring to optimize energy efficiency.
• Predictive maintenance that enhances building longevity and reduces downtime.

6. Blockchain in Construction

Blockchain technology will enhance transparency and efficiency through:

• Smart contracts that automate payments and reduce disputes.
• Supply chain tracking that ensures secure material sourcing and delivery.

7. 5G Integration

With 5G networks, the construction industry will experience:

• Faster communication and data sharing between IoT devices and platforms.
• Enhanced collaboration with real-time file sharing and teamwork.
• Greater IoT device integration, boosting efficiency and safety.

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Building a Smarter Future

As the construction industry evolves, these advancements highlight the critical role technology plays in solving key challenges like sustainability, efficiency, and safety. Companies that embrace these cutting-edge innovations will be better positioned to lead in an increasingly competitive market. By leveraging the latest ConTech trends, the future of construction is brighter, more efficient, and sustainable.

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Want to see these trends in action?

Check out our exclusive interview with Karl Sorensen, where he explains how these innovations are transforming the construction industry.

As 2024 comes to a close, we have curated several of our favorite construction time lapses from this year, highlighting exceptional quality in capturing site activity. Construction time-lapses provide a way to visually document the progression of a project from start to finish. By condensing months or years of work into less than a 3-min video, they offer a dramatic look at the efforts and milestones achieved during a build.

#1 Timelapse of the Wellington Archival Building Project

The Wellington Archival Building Project created a specialized facility for preserving historical records. Spanning 12,500 square meters, it includes 7,500 square meters of climate-controlled storage, ensuring the safety of sensitive documents. Completed in 36 months from January 2021 to December 2024, the project cost approximately $55 million. The facility accommodates 30 kilometres of shelving and offers public research rooms for up to 100 visitors. Designed by Dr. Emily Richards, the building incorporates low-carbon materials and passive cooling methods to meet sustainability goals. Notably, onsite mixing of 2,000 cubic meters of reinforced concrete ensured precise thermal properties.

About the project

• Budget Allocation: $40 million for construction, $10 million for equipment and furnishings, and $5 million for contingency
• Materials Used: Low-carbon concrete and 1,500 square meters of UV-resistant glazing.
• Future Capacity: Expansion potential for an additional 5 kilometres of shelving.
  

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#2 Assembly of the AIDAnova Cruise Ship

The AIDAnova cruise ship features three tanks capable of holding 3,500 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas, enough to power the vessel for two weeks. The gas is cooled to -162°C to become liquid. With 2,626 staterooms across 20 decks, the ship offers over 15 restaurants, entertainment areas, a climbing wall, a sports deck, and waterslides. Whether you have travelled on a cruise ship or not, it's an ideal subject for a captivating construction time-lapse video, exposing both the ship’s size and the complexity of its LNG-powered design.

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#3 Excelsior Springs Pool Construction Time Lapse

The City of Excelsior Springs partnered with Royal Construction for the 10-month project, to bring a state-of-the-art pool to their Community. Clinton Reno, Technology Director at the City of Excelsior Springs, and owner of Skyvuer Imagery, wanted to have a time lapse video of the recreational facility for the community, while also providing regular updates to residents and stakeholders by documenting the entire construction process. He used a drone and CamDo’s solar-powered long term time lapse camera. For more details on this pool project, visit the official City of Excelsior Springs Community Center Facebook page here.

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#4 2024 Honda CR-V Production Assembly Line

The Honda CR-V assembly line in Canada is located at the Honda of Canada Manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario. This facility has been operational since 1986 and plays an important role in producing the Honda CR-V for domestic and international markets. The plant covers an area of 1.3 million square feet and produces more than 400,000 vehicles annually. Over 4,000 workers are employed at the site, which consists of multiple production lines, including those for the CR-V and other Honda models.
Honda of Canada Manufacturing utilizes advanced manufacturing techniques, such as robotic automation and precision tooling, to ensure high production efficiency and vehicle quality. The plant employs around 60 robots for welding, assembly, and painting tasks. It uses a mix of automated systems and human oversight to optimize quality control and assembly speed. The manufacturing process includes stamping, welding, painting, assembly, and final inspections before the vehicles are shipped to dealerships

Key details of the assembly process include:

• Plant size: 1.3 million square feet
• Annual production: 400,000+ vehicles
• Employee count: 4,000+
• Robotics: 60 robots for automation
• Vehicle types produced: CR-V, Civic, and others
  

Honda utilizes advanced lightweight materials in the CR-V’s construction. These materials help to enhance fuel efficiency without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, the plant’s architecture focuses on maximizing space for production and efficiency, employing a flexible design that allows quick adaptation to achieve changes in vehicle design and production.

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#5 High-Tech Equipment Installation at Goelzer Industries

This fascinating long term time lapse shoot of installing a W+D 628RC envelope printing and converting machine at Goelzer Industries in Grand Prairie, TX makes the list. This in-depth look at the project reveals the intricacies of capturing the installation through construction timelapse photography. The machine processes up to 30,000 envelopes per hour and supports full-color printing with a resolution of 600 dpi. The 628RC can cut, fold, and glue envelopes with high accuracy.

The project, which lasted 3.5 weeks, required precise documentation for multiple purposes, including creating a final installation video and producing sub-edits for marketing and trade shows. Chris Kraft Media managed the photo and video equipment to capture the process, ensuring that every detail was documented accurately.

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#6 Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment
The Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment is a $250 million project aimed at enhancing healthcare services for Griffith and surrounding communities. A new three-story clinical services building will house key services including an Emergency Department, operating theatres, medical imaging, aged care, and rehabilitation beds. The project also features expanded outpatient care and a clinical link to an adjoining private hospital. The redevelopment includes improved parking, a non-clinical services building, and the refurbishment of the Ambulatory Care Hub. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2025.

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#7 One Bangkok Project
The One Bangkok Project is an urban development located on 16.7 hectares (41.3 acres) in central Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of Southeast Asia’s largest mixed-use developments.

Project details:

• Investment: $3.5 billion
• Total Floor Area: 1.8 million square meters (19.4 million sqft)
• Residential Units: 2,000 across five luxury towers
• Office Spaces: 500,000 square meters (5.4 million sqft) of Grade A office space
• Retail Areas: 180,000 square meters (1.9 million sqft)
• Hotels: Five hotels with 1,100 total rooms
• Public and Green Space: Comprises 50% of the development

The project’s design incorporates direct access to Bangkok’s MRT transit system and aims for LEED Platinum certification using solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and tree canopy walkways that add a unique jungle experience to urban life.

Architectural and Construction Highlights

• Architectural Lead: Foster + Partners
• Sustainable Construction: High-performance curtain wall systems reduce heat gain and energy usage
• Timeline: Construction began in 2020, with initial sections expected to be operational by 2025

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