THE IMPACT OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY ON CIVIL ENGINEERING

Abstract

This paper addresses the impact of technological innovations in civil engineering, highlighting how new technologies are reshaping the design, construction, and management of infrastructures. With an increasing demand for more efficient, safe, and sustainable buildings, this study investigates the crucial role of emerging technologies in the sector. The general objective is to explore how the adoption of innovations such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT) applied to construction, sustainable materials, and innovative construction methods are transforming civil engineering. Specifically, it seeks to discuss these main technologies, assess their impact on the planning, design, and execution of construction projects, and examine the challenges of their implementation. The methodology employed consisted of a comprehensive literature review, using databases and scientific journals to collect relevant studies published in the last ten years. The analysis focused on identifying technological trends and assessing the observed impacts, as well as collecting insights about the challenges faced by the sector. The results show that the use of BIM and IoT is significantly improving project coordination, optimizing resources, and facilitating infrastructure maintenance. Sustainable materials and innovative construction methods are contributing to reducing the environmental impact of construction and increasing the energy efficiency of buildings. However, the research also revealed significant barriers to adopting these technologies, including resistance to change by some professionals, the need for regular updates in technical skills, and regulatory challenges. In conclusion, although technological innovations in civil engineering offer vast benefits in terms of sustainability and efficiency, it is essential to overcome the obstacles related to their implementation so that they can be fully utilized. This study contributes to the understanding of the transformative potential of emerging technologies and highlights the importance of incentive policies and continuing education programs for industry professionals.