Smart bricks? It may sound like an oxymoron but smart bricks, or smartbricks, can monitor the safety of a building. Using embedded wireless devices, they can track temperature, lode, fluctuations in vibrations and significant changes in the integrity of a building before they become a problem. If your firm is in the construction and architecture business, you should learn about this wave of the future now.

A benefit of smart bricks for building owners and tenants is an extra level of assurance, and possibly lower insurance and inspection costs. The bricks send data to a computer and recorder. The information signals needed maintenance to the building's structure and could save the lives of those inside by warning of potential dangers. As your company prepares to design or build with smart bricks, consider the following points:

1. Choosing smart bricks with long-life batteries or self-recharging ones will reduce maintenance efforts and costs.

2. Not all the bricks in a building need to be smart bricks. Smart bricks should be strategically placed throughout the structure.

3. Plan the use of smart bricks in preliminary discussions and designs so they can be located for easy recovery and accessibility.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Partner with professional consultants to prepare for smart bricks

The first step for your company is to prepare for the new innovation of construction with smart bricks. Partner with a construction consulting firms that specializes in innovation. They can help your firm use smart bricks information to be on the 'cutting edge' with early ordering and training.

I recommend: Hire SVA to consult on the usage of smart bricks in upcoming construction projects. Its advice and programs can help you with procurement, pricing changes resulting for the new materials and similar new functions. Add your company's name to the construction partners of Dexter+Chaney. It provide consulting and planning services for all aspects of construction.

Establish a relationship with a smart bricks provider

Although smart bricks are still in the development stages, leading brick supply businesses will be the first to carry the devices. Establish a relationship with a local or national supplier and request immediate notification when the first smart bricks are due to arrive.

I recommend: Go to Acme Brick in your quest for smart bricks. Check the catalog on its website for types and costs. Triangle Brick also is a leading provider of bricks for the construction industry. Check its online showroom periodically for smart bricks.

Buy smart bricks from well established companies

As new innovation and technology floods the markets, create a smart bricks list of suppliers for your business's needs. Architectural firms might touch base with specialty suppliers. Query them on a time frame for availability of colors and designs.

I recommend: Find smart bricks at Brick-it, a specialty brick supplier. Touch base with its about its plans to order and stock smart bricks. Count on Thomas Brick to be one of the first distributors to carry smart bricks. Speak to its local representative about your plans.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Smart bricks have an embedded wireless transmitter that sends a signal to a receiver/computer. Decide whether your company will supply the electronics or not.
• •  Be sure to advise customers to alert local emergency services such as the fire department that your building contains smart bricks. Recorded readings can help firefighters or police in times of emergency.