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 outperforms 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 staircases. 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.
