What invention during the 19th century significantly increased the speed of construction?

The invention of steam-powered machinery during the 19th century revolutionized construction processes by significantly increasing efficiency and speed. Steam-powered equipment, such as steam shovels, pile drivers, and locomotives, enabled tasks that previously took substantial manpower and time to be completed in a fraction of the time. The utilization of steam engines in various construction machinery allowed for more powerful operations, greater lifting capacities, and the ability to transport materials over longer distances efficiently.

This leap in technology meant that projects could be executed more quickly and with fewer workers, substantially transforming the construction landscape. The construction industry began to shift from manual labor-intensive methods to more mechanized operations, paving the way for modern engineering practices.

In contrast, electric drills, while useful, emerged in a later period and did not have the same widespread impact on construction speed during the 19th century. Portable cranes and assembly lines are also significant advancements but are associated with different aspects of construction and manufacturing evolution, which did not emerge until later. Thus, steam-powered machinery stands out as the key invention that drove the rapid advancement of construction in that era.