Technology in the Construction Industry
Many jobs in the construction industry and on construction sites across the UK still rely very heavily on hands-on manual labour and skilled trades. Larger sites will have machines to increase the speed and efficiency of the progress of preparation. For example diggers, dump trucks and other such machines will be operating to remove spoil and level surfaces in preparation for construction. For high rise buildings, often seen in cities, tall cranes will be used as the building gets too high for scaffolding. However, you might not associate technological efficiencies with demolition.
Technology in drilling and demolition
National Drilling Services, as a leading supplier of drilling services to the UK construction industry, has invested in a range of drilling, sawing and demolition equipment using the latest blades and technology. We are literally at the cutting edge when it comes to these services, which is probably why we get so much repeat business and recommendations. Efficiencies and accuracy in outcomes result from using diamond blades and diamond drill pieces and robotic demolition. Using diamond edged equipment means cuts are fast and accurate. We stock a large range of blade sizes from 450mm to a huge 2m diameter. This means that the operators working for National Drilling Services can cut or drill to virtually any depth required. However our most impressive piece of technology is actually a robot, which we use for demolition.
Robotic demolition with Brokk 100
A few years ago the management team at National Drilling Services took the decision to invest, not just in stocking the latest diamond edged blades and drill pieces for drilling and sawing equipment, but also in a Brokk 100 robotic demolition machine. Since its introduction into our list of services it has amazed and impressed construction site managers and workers alike across the UK. To be honest it does look quite impressive even when it is sat on the back of the truck when it first arrives on site. First impressions are usually surprise at how compact and small the Brokk 100 demolition machine is. After all it arrives on site on a standard truck – no low loader required. However don’t be fooled by it’s size, this robotic demolition machine is a real powerhouse. In fact it is said by Brokk engineers that it out performs machines that are five times as big. It is ideal for use in small spaces due to there being no fumes and it can work in tight areas, including lift shafts and even up stair cases. Some of the other benefits of the Brokk 100 are that it is:
- Very reliable
- Highly efficient
- Versatile
- Highly stable even on bumpy surfaces
- Low on noise
- Heat and impact protected
- Operated remotely
All these factors add up to a very good health and safety record, which is always a high priority for the management of National Drilling Services. Our technicians are all well trained in the operation of each machine and also in the importance of operating within the health and safety guidelines. Where possible we select machines and equipment to avoid percussive repetition, high noise and dust levels, so minimising the risk to the operator and other site workers. We are always on the look out for new ways of working using technology to improve our efficiency, effectiveness and safety levels.
Technology in construction design
Technology has been integral to the design process for decades, with CAD systems now relied on for creating simulated building designs and measurements for quantity surveyors and project management. In fact hand drawn technical drawings are probably an image of nostalgia for most rather than having any expected practical use. Designs are often viewed on screens rather than paper, where you can rotate through different angles and allow different perspectives and views to enable the construction process (assuming all those concerned are familiar with the technology of course). Paper copies may still be required on site for reference but they will most likely be printed from the CAD system.
Technology in construction management
Technology is also gradually being introduced into building and construction management, also known as Building Information Management (BIM). There are many benefits to this for the project overall relating to energy and environmental factors as well as building maintenance. However with multiple platforms available it can be a bit of a minefield for subcontractors who have to navigate a different software for each construction site. This is still in its infancy for the industry with use depending on the site management and size of the project.
National Drilling Services are only too well aware that there are restrictions on site access, either due to the environment or location of the site, or latterly due to keeping a reduced number of personnel on site at any one time. Covid-19 has created a number of new operating requirements for many, including on construction sites where sometimes one way systems have had to be introduced and extended hours for working implemented. The team at National Drilling Services are used to working at times to suit the site restrictions, even before the pandemic. We can provide the drilling, sawing and demolition services required around the clock.
Technology is also used as most of us have experienced when entering any site or venue, by the NHS for track and trace to help restrict the spread of the virus. The QR code is now something with which we are all familiar and use regularly if we are visiting different sites or buildings. So now we all just need to ensure we have a smartphone and enough battery capacity to allow us to access each site. Suddenly the need to carry a portable charger or power bank does not only seem key to our teenage offspring!
To discuss how we use technology in our drilling, sawing, cutting and demolition services and how that might benefit your construction site or project, call us on 0161 443 2822 or alternatively you can email us info@national-drilling.co.uk
So back to Health & Safety (try not to groan and please do continue reading) – think of the implications if we didn’t have Health & Safety regulations. If there were no such regulations and guidelines construction sites would have higher injury and death rates as well as a poor reputation which would potentially impact on employment and procurement of skilled labour. It is a serious matter which underpins business strategy in the industry and should definitely be taken seriously. The management at National Drilling Services take pride in our strict health and safety policy, ensuring all operatives are fully trained and understand all the relevant rules for working on site (pre and post Covid-19).
Have you ever seen robotic demolition in operation?
At National Drilling Services, we have invested in a Brokk 100 Robotic Demolition machine. It may appear smaller than you might expect, but don’t be deceived by its compact structure. The benefit of its size is that is can easily be transported between sites without the need for specialist transportation. The Brokk 100 is actually incredibly powerful and is the envy of many demolition teams. Not only is it powerful, but it is surprisingly agile as well. This robotic demolition machine is so small it can enter a lift shaft or stairwell. In fact, it can even fit into a lift or climb stairs if required, enabling the operative to access areas previously inaccessible.
As construction sites are now opening, new projects are also back on the increase. Our team at National Drilling Services has noticed an increased number of enquiries in recent days about our demolition services, with a particular interest in our Brokk demolition machine. Brokk demolition technology has revolutionised the demolition sector. National Drilling Services has invested in this building breaking technology to enable us to offer UK construction sites the best and safest demolition service available. There are many advantages to using Brokk demolition as opposed to traditional demolition methods, with accuracy and safety being key factors.
to put our operators’ safety first. To see the Brokk demolition machine at work take a look at our case study where we used this machine on a construction site in central Manchester 
When you are looking for a reliable and trusted provider of wire sawing services for your construction site you know you can rely on 
and certificates acknowledges that we take it very seriously. The safety of our operatives and those working around them is always a priority on every site we work. See a previous news article to find out more about our accreditations 
National Drilling Services provides expansion joint cutting at sites all around the UK and even beyond. Our operatives work with a number of major UK floor laying companies. Some of these floor laying businesses have asked us to work with them beyond our shores at sites in the Channel Islands on Jersey and Guernsey. We understand the varying requirements and the importance of precise expansion joint cutting no matter what kind of floor type. We can provide expansion joint cutting services for super flat surfaces with tight tolerances or at the other end of the spectrum we also work on external transport yards. To find out more about our expansion joint cutting services see our web page 
National Drilling Services is the UK’s number one provider of drilling services to the construction industry. So, whether your site requires concrete drilling using tungsten drilling or diamond core drilling machinery or both of these, we have all the appropriate equipment, skills and experience to fulfil your site drilling requirements. The operatives who work for National Drilling Services are all trained and knowledgable in the operation of all our drilling machinery. They are also aware of site rules and regulations pertaining to health and safety requirements and working practices. Our teams work around the clock so we can carry out your concrete drilling at a time that fits with your site schedule or where there is a traffic flow etc, at a time when the area is quieter.
equipment to provide concrete drilling services to sites across the UK. We have the latest Hilti anti vibration machines, which have the capability of drilling holes with varying diameters. Our drill bits range from 12mm diameter to 50mm diameter, enabling our operatives to drill the hole size exactly as you require to meet the site construction plans. Where holes are required for resin fixings, our percussive tungsten concrete drilling is ideal as the rough edging to the hole provides the ideal surface for the resin to adhere to. For fast and accurate holes our diamond core drilling is the solution providing reinforced concrete drilling with the minimum amount of debris and only a minor noise level.
As our lockdown regulations are gradually easing we are seeing an increasing number of building companies resuming work with more and more construction sites re-opening. Amongst our services, National Drilling provides diamond core drilling services which is a fast and accurate drilling service, helping you to catch up with your schedule Due to the enforced closures and/or in some cases the restrictions on supplies we are aware that many jobs have fallen behind their intended schedules.
Are you looking for sawing services for a concrete floor on your site? National Drilling Services is open and working to support all kinds of sawing, cutting and drilling requirements in the construction industry across the UK. Whether your site requirements dictate concrete floor sawing outside or for an internal floor our operators have the equipment to serve your needs. For concrete floor sawing maintaining a 2m distance is generally not a problem as often we are working on big sites or in large warehouses. However, that is not to say we can’t help on more confined sites. We are working with all our clients to ensure new regulations can be adhered to and the health and safety of all site workers is as always paramount.
roads are. This is potentially a good time therefore for highways and roadway construction companies to be carrying out road maintenance with less disruption on the road networks. Concrete floor sawing is a service often required on roadways, carriageways and bridges, so the National Drilling operatives have a great deal of expertise in working in these environments.