Despite the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s construction industry remains resilient, but numerous factors have disrupted activity and reduced productivity. George Maglaras of Stanley Black & Decker discussses how construction businesses must embrace innovation and increase efficiency to remain relevant.

“Jobsite productivity has been a huge challenge due to COVID-19,” says George Maglaras, Sales & Technical Director, Stanley Black&Decker. “This is the result of several factors, including the level of skilled trades able to work on-site at any time, and the shift of resources due to social distancing restrictions.”

The road to recovery will require continual government and private investment to drive the various sectors of the market, supported by the availability of finance. Economic activity generated by increased public-sector investment in infrastructure will not only offset the downturn in private sector investment, but also create the necessary momentum to entice private sector businesses to focus on important areas of commercial building like health and education.

“In a COVID-normal environment, we anticipate higher ‘work done’ volumes than 2020 and see an effort to play catch-up to reign in the delays in construction timelines from 2020,” says Maglaras. “Hopefully we will see the industry getting back on its feet and fast-tracking project starts that will serve the years ahead.”

A substantial number of current and future infrastructure projects continue to underpin Australia’s construction market. The most significant of these already under construction include the $16.8bn WestConnex project in Sydney, the $15.5bn Sydney Metro City and Southwest Project – Stage 2 of the Sydney Metro, the $11bn Melbourne Metro Rail Project (in conjunction with the private sector), and the $10bn Melbourne-to-Brisbane Inland Rail plan.

“The 2021 construction trends will be on safety, productivity and a continuing shift in construction methods and systems, such as an increase in modular construction and pre-fabricated building components that support efficiency and productivity,” adds Maglaras.

An increase in modular construction and pre-fab building

In the post-pandemic era, there will be a boost in modular construction and pre-fab building. The manufacturing process is suitable for this time period. Manufactured buildings promote low worker density with plenty of room for social distancing. Pre-fabricated buildings have the dual advantage of being affordable and potentially temporary, which works well in a time of uncertainty.

Design technology is important

“As part of our commitment to continue supporting our products with expert solution and technical advice for all anchoring requirements and design, we have designed software, DEWALT Design Assist (DDA), that makes anchor design compliant to Australian standards an effortless task,” says Maglaras. “Additionally, our dedicated Enterprise Solutions Team is committed to adding value to our customers and construction projects through its proven ability to respond to the demands of ever-changing industry requirements.”

Product innovation will reign

Innovations in time saving and fit-for-purpose building products and tools will be key.

“DEWALT stays at the forefront of jobsite innovation,” says Maglaras. “An example of this is our new cast-in anchor, DEWALT Wood-Knocker II+ that we’ve just launched, which solves a current worksite issue and assists with job flow.”

It is not uncommon for all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) and heating, ventilating & air conditioning (HVAC) trades to prefer using cast-in anchors over mechanical and chemical (post-fixed anchors) on an entire project. Cast-in anchors will become even more prevalent in the Australian market over the next few years. This is due to a two-step installation process, first installing DEWALT Wood-Knocker II+ anchoring points onto the formwork before concrete is poured. Productivity gains as a result of the Wood-Knocker II+ are enormous, with no need to drill into concrete, no post-installation issues, no silica dust concerns, and huge labour cost savings.

“We learn from being on the jobsite and understanding associated challenges,” adds Maglaras. “Each innovation we make is driven by a desire for performance, ease of use or productivity.”

Supply chain diversification

The construction industry is less reliant on global supply chains, but some projects will continue experiencing sourcing delays. In the medium term, supply chain breaks will recover as approvals and projects start, with the Government stimulating investment to support the construction and renovation segment.

“Suppliers will continue to play a major role in building businesses and influencing success and profitability,” says Maglaras. “It is critical to use trusted suppliers, ensuring that a mutually beneficial relationship is established.”

Health and safety

Safety is always a concern, and meeting compliance and transparency standards is an obligatory requirement when it comes to working on major construction projects. In the COVID-19 environment, health and safety is priority. Separation is a particularly difficult thing to achieve on a jobsite, where co-operation and teamwork are the norm, and measures that should be expected include smaller crews and staggered shifts to keep jobsites less crowded, and enhanced equipment and cleanliness protocols.

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