THE USE AND IMPACT OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (CASE STUDY: PLATEAU STATE)

ABSTRACT The study examined the use and impact of modern technology in the construction industry, using Plateau State as a case study. The objectives of the study were to identify the modern construction technologies currently in use, determine how these technologies are applied in construction projects, assess their impact on project performance, and examine the challenges affecting their adoption. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to professionals in the construction industry, including engineers, architects, builders, and quantity surveyors. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, and the results were presented in tables and charts. Findings revealed that Construction Management Software, Prefabrication and Modular Construction, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are the most widely adopted technologies in the Nigerian construction sector. However, advanced tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Digital Twin Technology remain underutilized due to high costs, lack of technical expertise, and inadequate policy support. The study concludes that the integration of modern technologies has a significant positive impact on project efficiency, safety, and quality, but full adoption is hindered by limited awareness and insufficient investment. It is recommended that government agencies, professional bodies, and construction firms should promote capacity building, provide policy incentives, and increase funding for technological innovation to enhance productivity in the Nigerian construction industry.