Construction managers have to be aware of environmental conditions. Vibrations, noise, temperature, and humidity can all affect a project, and managers need to monitor the conditions to make sure work can continue. Technology is helping in this regard, providing a solution that brings managers information in realtime.

The technology at the heart of this process is referred to as M2M-or machine-to-machine. This particular solution is called mBuilder and comes from Deconstruction, www.deconstruction.co, which is designed to monitor environmental conditions around the clock. Deconstruction chose the M2M Nexus cloud-computing platform from SeeControl, www.seecontrol.com, Redwood City, Calif., to bring M2M technology to the solution.

mBuilder uses a variety of sensors to help monitor conditions at a construction site, such as noise, vibration, and weather. These measurements can be important for many reasons. Noise levels above a certain threshold can lead to complaints, while extreme temperatures can require special construction materials. mBuilder's sensors provide realtime data on what's happening at a site.

The Nexus platform enables mBuilder to automatically alert construction managers to sensor readings that may indicate an issue. Instead of having an outside environmental consulting firm monitoring conditions, the construction company can perform those services itself. Additionally, various reports are available from the system, and data can be analyzed to conform to workflow processes.

Monitoring worksite conditions is one way technology is playing a larger role on jobsites. Another recent solution in this area comes from Brüel & Kjær, www.bksv.com, Nærum, Denmark, which offers the Predictor-LimA Type 7810 environmental noise calculation software. This product is designed to map and analyze the sound, providing 3D visuals of noise. Colored contours can be overlaid on 3D models, photographic images, or online maps to show noise levels, allowing non-experts a quick way to visualize the situation.