Thu.Mar 21, 2024

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Construction starts plunge 8% as Fed toes line on rates

Construction Dive

January’s manufacturing gains were wiped away as the prolonged impact of higher interest rates and labor issues caught up with the sector.

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Building Homes with ‘Legos on Steroids’

The Pro Builder

Building Homes with ‘Legos on Steroids’ qpurcell Thu, 03/21/2024 - 10:48 A crew leader consults an assembly drawing with color-coded instructions, then calls out a color: blue, red, yellow. Another worker retrieves that color’s corresponding size of building blocks and hands them to a third worker—who uses a mallet to pound each block into place. A fourth worker uses a glue gun to apply a special adhesive that fuses the blocks together.

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‘Infrastructure academy’ coming to Austin

Construction Dive

The initiative will seek to reduce barriers to entry for potential workers and provide career services designed to staff the booming civil sector in Texas.

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Simpson Strong-Tie Promotes Annie Kao to Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement

Civil + Structural Engineer

Pleasanton, Calif. — Simpson Strong-Tie , the leader in engineered structural connectors and building solutions, has promoted Annie Kao to a newly created position of Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement. Kao has been a member of the Simpson Strong-Tie team for 18 years, most recently serving as Vice President of Engineering. In her new role, Kao will spearhead the company’s national industry outreach and engagement initiatives; identify and pursue strategic partnerships insid

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Avoiding Lease Accounting Pitfalls in 2025: Lessons Learned from Spreadsheet Errors

Speaker: Abdi Ali, Sr. Lease Accounting Consultant

Join this insightful webinar with industry expert Abdi Ali, who will discuss the challenges that can arise from managing lease accounting with spreadsheets! He will share real-world examples of errors, compliance issues, and risks that may be present within your spreadsheets. Learn how these tools, while useful, can sometimes lead to inefficiencies that affect your time, resources, and peace of mind.

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Texas immigration battle has implications for contractors

Construction Dive

A new law that was halted by an appeals court this week presents ramifications for the industry, where an estimated one in four workers is foreign-born.

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Which States and Construction Trades Rely Most on Immigrant Workers?

The Pro Builder

Which States and Construction Trades Rely Most on Immigrant Workers? ibush Thu, 03/21/2024 - 12:02 California and Texas have higher concentrations of immigrants in their construction workforce, and certain skilled trades also rely more on foreign-born labor than others There's been some easing of the construction labor shortage, but home builders still face challenges finding labor, and certain skilled trades are really feeling the pinch.

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New round of Live Labs road trials gets going

The Construction Index

New materials, new machines and new methods are all being put to the test in a second round of trials aimed at making roads less ecologically damaging.

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KWK Architects Designs Reinforced Rooms at Residence Halls to Protect Students from Tornadoes, Severe Weather

Civil + Structural Engineer

St. Louis, MO – In areas of the country where dangerous tornadoes and severe weather occur more frequently, more universities are incorporating reinforced rooms, or storm shelters, in their residence hall designs to provide an extra layer of protection for students. These tornado-safe rooms are typically small, above- or below-ground structures made of concrete, masonry or steel that are proven to withstand extreme winds, even those produced by EF-4 or EF-5 tornadoes.

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Project enhances Seattle Metropolitan Area’s urban experience through design

Construction Specifier

West Main, a mixed-use project in Bellevue, Seattle Metropolitan Area. Photo by Benjamin Benschneider/courtesy Graphite Design Group West Main, a mixed-use project with unique design elements in Bellevue, spans more than 95,690 m 2 (1.03 million sf) across three towers. Crafted by Graphite Design Group and Compton Design Office, the project features bespoke curtain wall patterns and a sleek white palette to integrate into the urban fabric.

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Researchers transform sugarcane by-product into slabs and bricks

New Civil Engineer

A new low carbon construction material made from sugarcane by-product is emerging as a promising sustainable alternative to concrete and bricks. The post Researchers transform sugarcane by-product into slabs and bricks appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Stay Ahead in 2024 with Proven Strategies for Success

The specialty contractor space is facing a transformative period, driven by labor shortages, rapid technological advancements, and increasing regulatory requirements. In 2024, contractors must navigate complex challenges like fragmented management systems and delays in payment. This guide offers a deep dive into the key disruptions reshaping the industry over the next 24 months, including digitization, sustainable practices, and modular construction.

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Comprehensive List of the Civil Engineering Software Courses for 2024

Construction Placements

Comprehensive List of the Civil Engineering Software Courses for 2024 Dive into our comprehensive list of civil engineering software courses, a must-have knowledge base for aspiring and current civil engineering professionals aiming to leverage technology for project success and career advancement. Learn why mastering these tools is crucial in today's construction industry landscape.

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PC Construction Receives National Award for University of Southern Maine Project

PC Construction

Today, PC Construction accepted a top national award from the Associated General Contractors of America for its work on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland Commons Residence Hall and McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success. The project earned a Construction Risk Partners Build America Award in the $76-$125 million new building category.

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Continental Tire Opens HQ Expansion

For Construction Pros

Continental has invested more than $800 million in South Carolina since 2009. The new, 90,0000-square-foot building has capacity for 350 employees.

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Healing Design: El Dorado’s Trauma-Responsive Approach

CCR Magazine

Today, “trauma-healing opportunities” increasingly influence how places are designed for many U.S. communities, both urban and rural, according to Elisandra Garcia with national design firm El Dorado. Whether it’s an installation, a landscape, a camp, community center, or even an entire city district, El Dorado’s teams of architects and planners often begin by determining how their work can support healing for young people or families — even neighborhoods — coping with scarring from the ordeals

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Every Contractor Needs An Effective Website - Unlock the Key to Increased Leads

Grow Leads & Visibility! Contractors need more than word-of-mouth. A strong website boosts visibility, draws in leads, showcases skills, and enhances your credibility. Learn how a quality site, that is easy to manage, can set you apart from the competition, and help can take your construction business to the next level. Marketpath is a leading provider of high-quality website solutions tailored for contractors and the construction industry.

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New line between Handsacre and Manchester Airport proposed to replace HS2 Phase 2

New Civil Engineer

A new rail link between Handsacre and Manchester Airport has been identified by the Greater Manchester and West Midlands mayors as their preferred option to replace High Speed 2 (HS2) Phase 2. The post New line between Handsacre and Manchester Airport proposed to replace HS2 Phase 2 appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Cheshire Academy: Solar Panels & Drift Snow Fences

CCR Magazine

Cheshire Academy is closing in on its first successful year of using solar-powered panels to help reduce energy costs at the private school in Cheshire, CT. Funded entirely by New York solar energy developer Plankton Energy in 2023, four campus buildings boast the productive solar panels. And, to slow down the release of melting snows and ice from those panels, Drift Solar Snow Fences from Rocky Mountain Snow Guards , Inc.

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Floating offshore wind projects at UK ports advanced to next phase

New Civil Engineer

Floating offshore wind projects at Port Talbot and the Port of Cromarty Firth have made progress under the government’s Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (Flowmis) scheme, Associated British Ports (ABP) has announced. The post Floating offshore wind projects at UK ports advanced to next phase appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Contractor fined after worker scorched

The Construction Index

A Lancashire M&E contractor has been fined after a worker sustained serious burns in an electrical flash.

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Outdated ERP? Spot the Signs Before It Stalls Your Progress

Aging construction ERP systems can slow down productivity and put your business at risk. If you’re working with outdated software, you may be missing out on essential features and innovations like AI, AR, and enhanced reporting capabilities. This guide provides you with insights regarding when you need to upgrade and outlines what to look for in a new construction ERP system.

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Report on Crossrail lessons highlights importance of constant review of delivery model

New Civil Engineer

The importance of constantly reviewing a major project’s delivery model has been highlighted as a key takeaway from the £19bn Crossrail project in a new independent report commissioned by government. The post Report on Crossrail lessons highlights importance of constant review of delivery model appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Inflation erodes Roberston’s profits

The Construction Index

Scotland’s Robertson Group has filed ‘solid’ financial results, showing steady growth but softer profits.

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Selecting the Perfect Pillow! Consider colors, lifestyle, and the style of your room

Civil Engineer Blog

Get inspiration for colors by looking around your home. Look at the colors in your rugs, carpets, furniture, draperies, etc for ideas! Try to pick pillows with colors found in the opposite side of a room. This will make things stick together better and is pleasing to the eye. Pillow Decor is able to cross-reference […] The post Selecting the Perfect Pillow!

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Test rig to boost efficiency and safety

Roads Online

Image courtesy of Motion Australia. A bespoke spring test rig, designed and built by CMA Electro-Hydraulic Engineers, will improve accuracy, maintenance efficiency, safety, and plant performance for one of Australia’s leading steel manufacturers. The doors on the gas storage facility at the steel plant are kept closed for safety by a series of springs fixed around the perimeter.

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The Ultimate Guide To Data-Driven Construction: Optimize Projects, Reduce Risks, & Boost Innovation

Speaker: Donna Laquidara-Carr, PhD, LEED AP, Industry Insights Research Director at Dodge Construction Network

In today’s construction market, owners, construction managers, and contractors must navigate increasing challenges, from cost management to project delays. Fortunately, digital tools now offer valuable insights to help mitigate these risks. However, the sheer volume of tools and the complexity of leveraging their data effectively can be daunting. That’s where data-driven construction comes in.

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New boss for Lyndon SGB

The Construction Index

BrandSafway has appointed Centin Baxter regional vice president in charge of its UK business, Lyndon SGB.

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Parkhead Viaduct restoration nearing completion as part of Midlands Metro Extension

New Civil Engineer

Restoration work to an historic viaduct in Dudley is nearly finished, marking a significant milestone for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension. The post Parkhead Viaduct restoration nearing completion as part of Midlands Metro Extension appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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JCB adds semi-automation offer

The Construction Index

JCB and Leica Geosystems are joining forces to offer factory-fitted 2D and 3D-ready semi-automated excavator controls.

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Thames Water names consultancies to support Strategic Resource Options programme

New Civil Engineer

Arcadis, Jacobs Mott MacDonald JV and Turner & Townsend have been appointed to Thames Water’s £160M Programme Partner Framework. The post Thames Water names consultancies to support Strategic Resource Options programme appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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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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Rogue builder sent to prison

The Construction Index

A Welsh builder is spending the next 16 months in prison for fraudulent trading.

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Contract handed out for A83 Old Military Road upgrade ground investigations

New Civil Engineer

Transport Scotland has handed out a £1.6M ground investigations contract for its planned £32M A83 Old Military Road upgrade to Soil Engineering Geoservices. The post Contract handed out for A83 Old Military Road upgrade ground investigations appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Morgan Sindall to build Harlow's new bus station

The Construction Index

Work starts next month on a £15m redevelopment of Harlow’s bus station.

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Sustainable energy investment remains a top priority on the corporate agenda

New Civil Engineer

The need to rapidly accelerate the transition to cleaner energy is now more important than ever, but what does the next phase of this transition look like? The post Sustainable energy investment remains a top priority on the corporate agenda appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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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.