If you've ever seen a construction site, you might have wondered about all of the technologies and processes that are at work in this context.
The impact of various scientific fields is indeed significant across the industry, so to expand your understanding of and appreciation for construction, here's a look at a few of the most compelling examples.
Image Source: Pexels
Materials Science
Construction materials need to be strong, lightweight, weather-resistant, sustainable, breathable, and possess a laundry list of other properties depending on the context in which they're used, and the project they're intended for.
The role of materials science and engineering in this industry is therefore a crucial one, and developments are regularly changing the game in terms of what's achievable.
Data Science
Away from the direct application of scientific principles to on-site construction, the collection and analysis of data takes place behind the scenes to ensure that projects come in on time and under budget.
From project management and funding to materials procurement, supply chain oversight, draw request processing and so much more, data science and the tools associated with it are transforming real estate construction right now.
If the likes of a draw request are unfamiliar to you, why not learn more about it on northspyre.com? It will give you a taste of the impact of data science on this sector.
Physics
There is an entire subcategory of physics which is dedicated specifically to studying buildings, and exploring how their designs influence elements like their longevity, their energy efficiency, their liveability, and their safety.
Arguably the most impressive example of this is found in earthquake-resistant skyscrapers, which are able to withstand potentially disastrous scenarios in spite of their size and weight.
Even buildings in parts of the world where seismic activity is limited need to be made with the laws of physics front and center. Atmospheric changes, climatic shifts, thermal efficiency, acoustics and much more besides fall under this umbrella.
Chemistry
The chemical makeup of our world matters in construction in part because we've learned lessons from past mistakes.
It's not just the physical properties of a material that need to be considered, but also its chemical makeup. In bygone eras before our understanding of chemistry was sufficiently developed, it wasn't unusual for hazardous, toxic substances to be implemented in construction projects, either posing a threat to occupants immediately, or creating dangers during renovations and demolitions.
Today, the science of chemistry is something that we've mastered more thoroughly, and this ensures that modern buildings are safe and sustainable throughout their entire life cycle.
Biology
We've mentioned sustainability a couple of times, but from a biological perspective it has even more relevance to this industry.
More care and attention is given to the influence that the design and construction of real estate has on the people, animals and plant life that will interact with it.
It ties into many of the disciplines discussed earlier, including materials science and chemistry, by factoring in how living creatures of all shapes and sizes will be impacted as a project progresses, as well as after it is finished.
From air filtration to carbon emissions, the biological ripples that emanate from buildings need to be considered.
Final thoughts
There are very few areas of science that don't have some connection with construction, and associated fields like mathematics are of course intricately interwoven with it as well.
So the next time you see a new development rising from the earth, you'll be able to recognize and respect the scientific progress and expression of knowledge it represents.
