Construction Technology: Cases of Emergency
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many government officials, building owners, and construction companies are considering what could have been done differently to improve security of citizens in the path of the storm. Technology certainly can provide the data and knowledge needed to ensure safety in cases of emergency.
As one example, FM (facilities management) software allows facilities professionals to develop evacuation plans and has specific capabilities for scenario planning when unexpected events—such as environmental disasters—occur.
One example of this type of software comes from FM:Systems, www.fmsystems.com, Raleigh, N.C., which just launched FM:Interact Version 8.2 yesterday. The new release includes scenario planning, FM:Mobile, and FM:BIM modules.
For facilities professionals, technology such as this can help plan, optimize, and manage facilities. With the new capabilities in Version 8.2, users can evaluate multiple planning scenarios including expansion, reconfigurations, and unexpected events such as natural disasters.
The new software also has mobile capabilities and improved integration with Revit from Autodesk, www.autodesk.com, San Rafael, Calif., meaning the data can be made available to all stakeholders throughout the entire building lifecycle.
In case of emergency, BIM (building information modeling) can also help with evacuations. Owners and facilities managers can use technology to create simulations of what might happen when disaster strikes. The BIM models can then provide insight into what to do.
Beyond FM software and BIM, Microdesk, www.microdesk.com, Nashua, N.H., points to another way in which damage could have been prevented: infrastructure spending.
The company says improvements to at-risk waterways would reduce flooding and buried power systems could reduce instances of power outages. Advanced technologies integrated into buildings and road can also provide cities and municipalities with the ability to monitor structures and respond more efficiently to emergency situations.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, government officials, corporate owners, and even construction companies are likely going to consider how to prevent damage in the future. Technology could be the tool to aid in cases of emergency.