Construction

Modern safety tech now includes obstacle detection systems, reversing alarms, and mobile digital recorders (MDRs).

Construction machinery is no longer just about the brute force required to complete strenuous labour.

Today, intelligent construction equipment possesses the technological 'brains' to help work crews operate more efficiently and safely. This advancement significantly relieves the immense pressure often placed on stressed or inexperienced workers.

Dana Wuesthoff, show director for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, highlighted, “The amount of equipment that's designed to be more intuitive and easier to operate, and sometimes even capable of thinking and acting on its own, continues to grow at a rapid pace,”

This evolution extends far beyond core machinery like excavators and wheel loaders. Specialised plant such as pavers, support equipment like mobile generators, and safety systems are now being engineered with smart features to make daily operations smoother.

Adapting to changing conditions on site

One of the most significant challenges construction crews face is managing constantly fluctuating jobsite environments. Paving contractors, for instance, require highly adaptable machinery to keep up with shifting operational parameters.

As one industry expert noted regarding the demands placed on paving machinery:

“Paving contractors need a machine that will stand up to the rigorous demands of their projects, and also be capable of meeting the strict concrete consolidation specs demanded by owners.”

To address varying owner specifications, Metal Forms has developed a roller screed featuring hydraulic vibrators. This innovation makes it remarkably easy to adjust spacing on the fly. A digital display allows operators to closely monitor vibrator output and depth, ensuring proper concrete consolidation throughout the programme.

Similarly, mobile generators are deeply impacted by changing power demands throughout the day. Frequent periods of underloaded operation mean the generator fails to run at its optimum capacity.

To combat this, Echo Industrial Power Equipment has developed Smart Emissions Technology (S.E.T.). Ryan Fredrickson, senior product marketing manager at Echo IPE, explained the mechanism:

“S.E.T. adds a small electrical load to the generator during light and underloaded operating conditions,”

“This assures that the generator and emission control equipment run efficiently at proper operating temperature.”

The rise of smarter jobsite safety systems

When construction schedules are tight, deploying the latest safety technology is highly advantageous for reinforcing site protocols. Vehicle safety technology is a primary focus for modern developers.

Akvile Willmore, group marketing communications lead for Brigade Electronics, stated that new technologies are actively solving major site risks. Key risks mitigated by these systems include:

• Blind spots and poor visibility for operators.
• Excessive noise pollution that hinders communication.
• The theft of vehicles, tools, and crucial fuel supplies.

Enhancing visibility with AI-powered cameras

Modern safety tech now includes obstacle detection systems, reversing alarms, and mobile digital recorders (MDRs). Furthermore, AI-powered cameras can now determine whether vehicles and objects are stationary or actively moving. These advanced systems can even specifically recognise when nearby obstacles are human beings, dramatically reducing the risk of collisions.

Automating emergency lighting for protection

Emergency lighting manufacturers are also taking significant steps to make vehicles safer.

Chris Watkins, technology sales manager at Whelen Engineering, detailed their automated approach:

“Lighting adjustments are then made automatically based on what will be the most effective in a given situation,”

“The operator doesn't have to fool with pressing buttons all the time. All they have to do is activate the lighting system, and automation handles the rest to keep that vehicle and those around it as safe as possible.”

Terex Washing Systems is set to introduce its latest wet processing technology at Hillhead 2026 with the public debut of the AggreScrub P80 Logwasher with PreScreen.

The new system, which will be showcased on Stand L6 during the exhibition from 23–25 June, has been developed to process challenging materials including construction and demolition waste, excavated material and aggregates. Designed as a compact modular solution, the AggreScrub P80 combines several processing stages into a single chassis to simplify plant layouts and improve operational efficiency.

The plant integrates pre-screening, intensive scrubbing, contaminant removal, post-screening and slurry handling within one unit, enabling operators to process heavily contaminated feed material while maintaining throughput and product quality.

Paul Carolan, Business Line Director at Terex Washing Systems, said the launch reflects growing market demand for more compact and efficient washing solutions capable of handling increasingly difficult material streams.

He explained that combining multiple functions into a single modular system can help operators reduce plant complexity while delivering more consistent washed products.

The AggreScrub P80 has been engineered to remove clays, silts, organics and lightweight contaminants from feed material. Central to the system is the PowerScrub twin-shaft logwasher, which uses spiral blade technology to create intensive stone-on-stone scrubbing action. Adjustable operating angles allow retention time to be adapted according to material conditions, while independent high-torque drives support reliable start-up and minimise operational interruptions.

Following the scrubbing stage, material passes through a triple-deck inclined aggregate screen that can produce up to three separate washed products. Integrated spray bars provide additional rinsing to improve cleanliness before final sizing.

The system also includes a dedicated trash screen to remove lightweight contaminants such as plastics and organic matter. An integrated sump tank and pump help maintain stable slurry levels throughout operation.

Terex Washing Systems said the equipment has also been designed with maintenance and operator safety in mind, incorporating galvanised access walkways, non-slip flooring and wear-resistant components suited to demanding quarry and recycling environments.

Alongside the AggreScrub P80, the company will also display the FM60C compact sand recovery unit, designed to recover fine sand fractions using hydrocyclone technology. The unit combines dewatering, slurry pumping and sand recovery processes within a compact chassis aimed at improving efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

Carolan added that Hillhead 2026 would provide an opportunity for customers to explore how the company’s latest technologies can be integrated into modern aggregate and recycling operations.

ALEC Engineering and Contracting has secured a Letter of Award from Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for the delivery of Sphere Abu Dhabi, a major entertainment and tourism development valued at US$1.7bn.

The project marks one of the largest additions to ALEC’s infrastructure portfolio and further strengthens the contractor’s position in delivering complex, high-profile developments within the UAE.

Inspired by the success of the original Sphere venue in Las Vegas, the Abu Dhabi project is expected to become a major attraction for international visitors and support the emirate’s ambitions to expand its tourism and entertainment offering. The venue is planned as a large-scale immersive destination featuring advanced digital technologies, specialised engineering systems and distinctive architectural design.

Under the award, ALEC will oversee the full design, procurement and construction process. The development will include sophisticated structural and mechanical engineering, bespoke manufacturing and installation works, alongside integrated sustainability features.

Barry Lewis described the award as a major milestone for the UAE-based contractor.

He said: “Receiving the LOA for Sphere Abu Dhabi represents a defining moment for ALEC and reflects the confidence placed in a homegrown UAE company to deliver a globally recognised destination. The project will contribute to Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading centre for immersive entertainment and cultural experiences.”

Lewis added that the award demonstrated the capability of local companies to deliver world-class infrastructure projects at an international standard without relying solely on overseas contractors.

Sean McQue said the project would require careful coordination across all stages of delivery due to its technical and architectural complexity.

“The Sphere Abu Dhabi will require precision in design integration, supply chain management and on-site execution,” he said. “Our engineering expertise and integrated delivery model position us strongly to manage a project of this scale while maintaining quality, programme and cost control.”

Once completed, the venue is expected to support Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy of developing globally competitive tourism, entertainment and cultural infrastructure.

UAE-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist Abanos has revealed that its use of PSB (Palm Strand Board) across three major projects has resulted in the sequestration of more than one million kg of biogenic carbon and over four million kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e).

The company said the achievement highlights how material selection within the construction and fit-out sector can play a significant role in reducing embodied carbon emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Abanos integrated PSB into several large-scale developments delivered for Transemirates Contracting at District One-FZ, using the material across a range of interior applications. The company explained that the carbon remains stored within the built environment rather than being released into the atmosphere through conventional construction processes.

PSB is currently being used in products including fire-rated doors, partitions, flooring systems, vanities, railings and door frames, demonstrating its suitability for commercial-scale applications.

Ravish Kishore, general manager at Abanos, said the industry is increasingly being driven by measurable environmental performance rather than sustainability pledges alone.

“The sector has reached a stage where environmental responsibility can no longer come at the expense of quality or performance,” he said. “By incorporating PSB into these projects, we have demonstrated that it is possible to embed sustainability directly into the material itself while delivering at scale.”

Kishore added that the company’s recent projects alone had enabled the storage of more than four million kg of CO₂e within the structures.

“This is not a carbon offset initiative,” he said. “The carbon remains locked within the built environment, contributing to Scope 3 decarbonisation efforts and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.”

The projects highlighted by the company include The Edge and The Peninsula developments for Select Group, as well as Kempinski La Reserve for Swiss Properties.

Collectively, the developments accounted for more than 1.1 million kg of biogenic carbon stored within PSB products and over four million kg of CO₂e captured through interior fit-out works.

Abanos noted that sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important as the UAE construction industry responds to evolving environmental regulations and green building targets.

Kishore said, “As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, manufacturers and fit-out specialists have a responsibility to rethink how materials are sourced, produced and integrated into projects. Carbon-sequestering materials are quickly becoming an operational necessity rather than a future aspiration.”

Established in 1985, Abanos has expanded from a Sharjah-based manufacturer into a regional fit-out specialist with more than 1,100 employees and over 1,000 completed projects across the Middle East and North Africa.

The company currently operates a 23,775 sq m manufacturing and joinery facility and continues to deliver projects across the residential, hospitality, retail, healthcare and commercial sectors.