Construction

Construction is the process of assembling, erecting, or fabricating physical structures and infrastructures. It encompasses planning, design, procurement, site preparation, and on-site execution, turning architectural and engineering concepts into built form. Projects range from residential houses and offices to bridges, roads, and utilities, and are categorized into residential, commercial, civil, and industrial sectors. Construction work may involve new construction, renovation, extension, or demolition.

Projects proceed through a lifecycle that typically includes initiation, design, permitting, procurement, construction, and commissioning. Key activities include site preparation, foundation work, structural framing, enclosure (walls and roofing), services installation (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), finishes, and commissioning. Safety, quality control, and adherence to schedules and budgets are central concerns, along with compliance with building codes and regulations established by local, regional, and national authorities.

Common construction materials are concrete, steel, timber, masonry, and composites, chosen for strength, durability, and cost. Construction methods vary by contract model and include traditional design-bid-build, design-build, and construction management. Increasing use of prefabrication and modular construction aims to improve efficiency and reduce on-site waste, while digital tools such as building information modeling (BIM) support design integration, planning, and coordination.

Regulation and sustainability play significant roles. Building codes establish minimum standards for safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility and are enforced through inspections and permitting. Environmental considerations address resource use, waste management, and emissions. Industry trends emphasize safety, quality, productivity, and the adoption of technologies such as drones, robotics, and digital twins to monitor progress and optimize performance.