Thu.Sep 19, 2024

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Mortgage Applications Are on the Rise

The Pro Builder

As mortgage rates begin to come back down, both fixed-rate mortgage and refinancing applications are on the rise. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications rose by 14.2% in the week ending Sept. 13, 2024. Refinancing applications also increased by 24% from the previous week and were 127% higher than at the same time last year.

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DOJ sues ship owner for $100M over Baltimore bridge collapse

Construction Dive

The Justice Department alleged negligence by Dali’s owner and manager in court documents filed Wednesday, and said it intends to seek additional punitive damages.

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What’s Stopping Manufactured Housing From Taking Off?

The Pro Builder

While many industry professionals agree that manufactured housing could be a helpful tool in alleviating the nationwide housing shortage, there are still a number of obstacles to its broader adoption. To understand what challenges face this sector of the housing market, Multi-Housing News spoke with Lesli Gooch, CEO of the Manufactured Housing Institute, a trade organization that represents all segments of the factory-built housing industry.

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40% of Infrastructure Act funds announced

Construction Dive

Construction industry news, trends and jobs for building professionals who want mobile-friendly content.

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12 Reasons Specialty Contractors Need a Construction-Specific Software Platform

As a specialty contractor, your success hinges on your ability to manage complex workflows, maintain cost control, and deliver projects on time. But are you still relying on outdated systems or multiple software packages that create data silos and inefficiencies? This comprehensive eBook reveals the 12 key reasons why investing in a construction-specific software platform is the game-changer your business needs.

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Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates for First Time in Four Years

The Pro Builder

Marking the first rate cut in over four years, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, according to AP News. This shift comes after more than two years of high rates aimed at controlling inflation. The Fed's key rate now stands at around 4.8%, down from 5.3%. At the same time, inflation has dropped from its 9.1% peak in mid-2022 to 2.5% as of August—not far off from the Fed’s 2% target.

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The HS2 northern leg decision shows why clear strategic thinking is vital

New Civil Engineer

It’s almost a year since the Birmingham-Manchester section of High Speed 2 was cancelled. The decision left a gap in the UK’s transport network and raised questions about the country’s ability to deliver major infrastructure projects. The post The HS2 northern leg decision shows why clear strategic thinking is vital appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Balfour Beatty taps 35-year power vet to lead electrification services

Construction Dive

Construction industry news, trends and jobs for building professionals who want mobile-friendly content.

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Is the uptake of Nature-based Solutions advancing quickly enough?

New Civil Engineer

Among the Labour government’s policy priorities, the protection of Britain’s nature and communities from climate change is set to play a central role. The post Is the uptake of Nature-based Solutions advancing quickly enough? appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Hidden Career Opportunities in Construction: Non-Traditional Roles You’ve Never Considered

Construction Placements

Hidden Career Opportunities in Construction: Non-Traditional Roles You’ve Never Considered Discover the lesser-known, yet essential, career opportunities in construction that are shaping the industry's future. From technology consultants to sustainability advisors, this comprehensive guide explores non-traditional roles that offer exciting opportunities for professionals in 2024 and beyond.

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The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing the Right Construction Management Software

Managing construction projects in disparate systems and spreadsheets is difficult due to numerous moving parts and diverse stakeholder needs. A dynamic, intuitive software solution is essential for everyone involved—owners, designers, engineers, Construction Managers, and General Contractors. Companies need a secure, centralized system to manage documents, scheduling, financials, and more.

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Network Rail bridge strikes fall by 20% since 2018

New Civil Engineer

Bridge strikes, including vehicle collisions, on Network Rail’s estate have fallen by 20% from 1,937 in 2018/2019 to 1,518 in 2023/2024. The post Network Rail bridge strikes fall by 20% since 2018 appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Why Multidisciplinary Skills are the Future of Construction Careers

Construction Placements

Why Multidisciplinary Skills are the Future of Construction Careers The construction industry is changing fast, with professionals who have skills in areas like data science, sustainability, and design leading the way. Discover why these multidisciplinary skills are shaping the future of construction careers and how they can help you thrive in this evolving field.

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East Anglia tidal power, port and flood defence mega-project edges ahead

New Civil Engineer

The planned Centre Port scheme, which comprises a 18km tidal barrage across The Wash in East Anglia, along with the world’s first tidal-powered deep-sea container terminal, is edging forward. The post East Anglia tidal power, port and flood defence mega-project edges ahead appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Government announces fresh ‘crackdown’ on late payment 

Construction News

The government has announced a fresh “crackdown” on late payment, with measures including broader reporting rules, a Fair Payment Code and consultation on “tough new laws”. While large companies are already obliged to report on their pay performance, the government has said new legislation “introduced… The post Government announces fresh ‘crackdown’ on late payment appeared first on Construction News.

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How ERPs Are Reshaping Efficiency in the Construction Industry

Construction companies face daily challenges, from project delays to cost overruns. But with the right ERP software, these hurdles become opportunities for growth. This in-depth study covers how companies like Bartlett-Cocke General Contractors saw an 83% reduction in cost analysis time and a 62% decrease in vendor payment processing time by adopting a Construction ERP system.

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Transport Action Network demands DfT cancel £15bn worth of ‘unaffordable’ Conservative road schemes

New Civil Engineer

The Transport Action Network (TAN) has demanded the Department for Transport (DfT) cancel £15bn worth of upcoming road schemes tabled by the previous Conservative government, including the £9bn Lower Thames Crossing. The post Transport Action Network demands DfT cancel £15bn worth of ‘unaffordable’ Conservative road schemes appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Sand and Mortar in Construction

Civil Engineer Blog

Mortar is an intimate mixture of binding material, fine aggregate and water. When water is added to the dry mixture of binding material and the inert material, binding material develops the property that binds not only the inert material but also the surrounding stones and bricks. If the cement is the binding material, then the […] The post Sand and Mortar in Construction first appeared on Civil Engineer Blog.

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NCE Graduate and Apprentice Awards shortlist revealed

New Civil Engineer

The judges for this year’s NCE Graduate & Apprentice Awards have carefully reviewed the 119 entries and the shortlist for the three enterable categories has been announced. The post NCE Graduate and Apprentice Awards shortlist revealed appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Directors blame £3.5m client claim for speeding up firm’s downfall

Construction News

Blenheim House directors believed a reputation-damaging legal claim from one of its clients prevented it from winning new work in the run-up to its collapse, administrators have revealed. The firm went under in July this year. It had already racked up losses of around £11.7m… The post Directors blame £3.5m client claim for speeding up firm’s downfall appeared first on Construction News.

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The Art of Contingency Planning: Dealing with Unforeseen Costs

Contingency planning is a strategic plan to allocate resources, time, and money if “all hell breaks loose” on a project. It considers risk mitigation and planning for a worst-case scenario.  Contingency planning in construction is necessary. You're expected to throw in a percentage to cover a contingency plan in your estimates but is it enough? There is an art to this type of planning and, if project leaders aren’t careful, a contingency plan could cost the company a lot more than lapsed deadlin

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Costain trials robot-mounted digital tunnelling quality and safety assurance system

New Civil Engineer

Costain has trialed a new system that provides quality and safety assurance data and information for tunnels while they are being constructed or fitted out by automated robots. The post Costain trials robot-mounted digital tunnelling quality and safety assurance system appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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ISG UK subsidiaries apply for administration

Construction News

Six UK subsidiaries of the country's sixth largest contractor ISG - including ISG Construction - have applied to enter administration. Following months of speculation, which reached a crescendo online in recent days, the subsidiaries of the £2.2bn contractor filed court applications this afternoon. The parent… The post ISG UK subsidiaries apply for administration appeared first on Construction News.

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Dual lift, double strength: The TIDD takes on the tank

Roads Online

Image courtesy of TRT. This material has been supplied by TRT When it comes to heavy lifting, our TIDD Cranes are in a league of their own. See them handle a 44T plus tank with incredible dual lift power, a testament to their engineering excellence and reliability. Image courtesy of TRT. Trust the TIDD for your next challenge. For more details on the TIDD Pick and Carry Crane visit our website: www.tiddcranes.com.au.

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Company behind Hinkley Point C pulled up on environmental transparency

New Civil Engineer

The company building Hinkley Point C has been told by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) that it must comply with Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), following a challenge by Fish Legal. The post Company behind Hinkley Point C pulled up on environmental transparency appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Expert Guide to Making the Best Construction ERP Decision for Your Firm

Choosing the right ERP system is a pivotal decision for any construction company. Our buyer’s guide is crafted to provide leaders with the essential knowledge needed to make informed choices. This guide delves into the critical aspects of selecting a construction ERP, including making the right decision, building internal support, and identifying the best software for your organization.

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Enabling works awarded for Parramatta Light Rail 2

Roads Online

An artist's impression of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 new bridge from Melrose Park to Wentworth Point. Image: New South Wales Government. A contractor has been selected to deliver enabling works for the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail in Sydney. John Holland will deliver the works that will include a public and active transport bridge linking Wentworth Point and Melrose Park across the Parramatta River.

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Construction Submittals Software: A Deep Dive into Streamlining the Approval Process

iField Smart

Understanding Submittals in Construction – Submittals in construction are a critical yet often cumbersome process. They involve the formal submission of project data—product data, shop drawings, material samples, etc.—for review and approval by architects, engineers, or project owners. This process ensures compliance with contract documents and design intent.

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Teletrac Navman: Holistic tracking

Roads Online

The use of telematics can help to reduce the impacts of construction on the local community, through greater tracking and asset co-ordination. Image: Urbanscape. Teletrac Navman is encouraging a greater use of telematics to better manage health and safety, location, preventive maintenance, and utilisation for all machinery and equipment across construction sites.

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Cambridge approves Cherry Hinton science park plan

The Construction Index

Cambridge City Council has granted planning permission for a million square-foot science park near the city centre.

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From Plan to Reality: Unlocking the Power of Aerial Imagery for AEC

Aerial imagery has emerged as a necessary tool for architecture, engineering, and construction firms seeking to improve pre-construction site analysis, make more informed planning decisions, and ensure all stakeholders have access to an accurate visualization of the site to keep the project moving forward. Download our guide and take a deeper look at how aerial imagery can be leveraged to drive project efficiency by reducing unnecessary site visits and providing the accurate details required to

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Contract awarded for Clyde Road upgrades

Roads Online

Image courtesy of the Victorian Government. Major Road Projects Victoria has awarded a construction contract to upgrade the busy Clyde Road, in Melbourne’s south-east. Seymour Whyte has been awarded the works which include a 1.2-kilometre upgrade for the busy Clyde Road/Princes Freeway intersection in Berwick, southeast Melbourne. The upgrade aims to relieve bottlenecks by improving traffic flow, while making journeys safer and more reliable.

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Graham wins £46m Belfast PBSA scheme

The Construction Index

John Graham Construction has started work on Belfast’s first-ever Passivhaus-certified student accommodation development.

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Increased Excavation Drives the Need for Careful Work Around Utilities & Proper Technology Selection

For Construction Pros

When selecting utility equipment, locating systems continue to evolve to help contractors identify interference and accurately locate underground utilities amid it.

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