Sat.Jun 08, 2024 - Fri.Jun 14, 2024

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How unpiloted systems are changing the landscape for civil and structural engineers

Civil + Structural Engineer

By Josh Rayburn Unpiloted systems continue transforming civil and structural engineering by improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety while empowering civil and structural engineers to control costs. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have captured much of the conversation. However, they are just one part of the equation. The construction industry is constantly looking for solutions to increase efficiency.

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Contractors Expect to Spend More Time on Prefab Projects Over the Next 5 Years

The Pro Builder

As prefabrication grows in popularity, so does the amount of time construction workers are spending on these types of projects. According to Pro Builder's sister publication Building Design + Construction, citing survey data from consulting and investment banking firm FMI, contractors are spending 18% more of their labor and time on prefab construction projects, and it's anticipated that figure will nearly double to approximately 34% within the next five years.

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Mountain pass in Wyoming suffers ‘catastrophic’ collapse and mudslides

New Civil Engineer

The Teton Pass in Wyoming, USA has suffered a “catastrophic failure” that has seen a significant chunk of the road collapse, leaving it untraversable. The post Mountain pass in Wyoming suffers ‘catastrophic’ collapse and mudslides appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Worker sues Turner, subcontractor after deadly Chicago fall

Construction Dive

Ironworker Jeffrey Spyrka survived after plunging eight stories from a scaffold last week. His coworker, technical engineer David O’Donnell, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Switching to a Robust ERP Designed for Construction: 10 Essential Factors To Consider

For construction firms striving for operational excellence, the right ERP is a game-changer. Upgrading your construction ERP is essential for optimizing operations, enhancing decision-making, and driving growth. By downloading "10 Factors to Consider When Switching Your Construction ERP," you will learn: The importance of adaptability and scalability in ERP solutions.

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Zweig Group Research Participation

Civil + Structural Engineer

Looking for ways to contribute to Elevating the AEC industry? Consider contributing your input to one or more of Zweig Group’s research surveys. Survey participation is open year-round, and those who choose to participate will receive discounts to Zweig Group Research Publications, and participating in certain surveys will earn you a discount on attendance to Zweig Group Events or Learning Opportunities.

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These Housing Markets Have Experienced the Most Significant Price Shifts Since Their 2022 Peak

The Pro Builder

In 2022, housing prices soared to new records. Now two years later, cities across the U.S. are beginning to see prices correct themselves while others are still seeing price increases. According to insight from the ResiClub blog, home prices are increasing across many Northeastern cities. Trenton, N.J., topped the list with home prices increasing by 13.3% over the past two years, followed by Hartford, Conn., which saw prices increase by 12.9% during the same period.

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Construction input prices drop for first time in 2024

Construction Dive

For contractors, lower material costs also signal the potential for reduced interest rates due to slowing inflation, said Associated Builders and Contractors’ chief economist.

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The Walker School Building

Civil + Structural Engineer

Standing in front of the Walker School Building in Walker, Missouri (now home to Northeast Vernon County High School or NEVC), the marks of time and use are clearly written on its face and the surrounding town. However, these marks of wear are pushed into the background by a constant flow of youthful energy–with sidewalks, floors, stairs, and walls covered in its colorful expression.

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Despite Population Growth, Existing Home Sales in the US Are Comparable to 1978 Levels

The Pro Builder

Since 1978, the U.S. population has grown from 223 million to 341 million people. Despite this, the market for existing homes has experienced a severe recession, with April 2024 sales nearly identical to the 1978 housing market. According to Fast Company, as of April 2024, the existing home market saw 4.14 million sales, compared with 1978's 4.09 million.

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Great British Nuclear SMR competition timeline delayed for General Election

New Civil Engineer

The six small modular reactor (SMR) developers shortlisted in Great British Nuclear’s (GBN’s) competition now have an extra two weeks to submit documentation due to the General Election. The post Great British Nuclear SMR competition timeline delayed for General Election 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.

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Strikes in Wisconsin, Seattle snarl jobsites

Construction Dive

As construction workers walk off the job for better pay this summer, unions are in a strong position to demand higher wages, according to a labor expert.

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Preparing for Launch: Replacing a Key Piece of Space Infrastructure

Civil + Structural Engineer

By Luke Carothers While space flight is an endeavor that allows us to explore reaches further and further away from the planet we call home, the ability to explore the stars relies on key pieces of infrastructure on the ground. Last Fall, the first phase of a two-phase bridge replacement project at Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) was completed.

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Mortgage Rates to Remain High Following Federal Reserve’s Recent Decision

The Pro Builder

Mortgage rates will likely stay elevated over the next several months, following the Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday, June 12. The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at a 23-year high, holding the benchmark rate at 5.25% to 5.5%, according to Yahoo! Finance. This rate has been consistent since July 2023. The Fed also revised its forecast for rate cuts this year, reducing the expected cuts from three to one.

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Conservatives pledge to slash infrastructure delivery times and prioritise energy security

New Civil Engineer

The Conservative Party says it will speed up the average time it takes to consent major infrastructure projects from four years to one if it is in power following the General Election. The post Conservatives pledge to slash infrastructure delivery times and prioritise energy security appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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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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The ways contractors are using AI on jobsites now

Construction Dive

Benefits of using the tech on building projects include a competitive safety culture, risk mitigation and flagging contracts for delay provisions.

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The allowlist

Civil + Structural Engineer

By Katelyn Dover This cybersecurity strategy ensures you’ll never miss important emails. The digital dance of email is a choreography we’re all trying to get the groove of. Email regulations and sender guidelines have drastically changed over the last few years, and with the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, getting what you need, and nothing you don’t is a bit overwhelming.

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Sellers Reenter US Housing Market, but Buyers Remain Cautious

The Pro Builder

Home sellers are reentering the market, but buyers are still hesitant. New house listings have increased significantly compared with last year, surpassing sales and reducing buyer competition and price growth, according to recent data from housing market platform Zillow.

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Labour promises 10-year infrastructure strategy with significant private investment

New Civil Engineer

The Labour Party has pledged to develop a 10-year infrastructure strategy to “guide investment plans and give the private sector certainty about the project pipeline”. The post Labour promises 10-year infrastructure strategy with significant private investment appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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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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Data centers, retail lead construction planning

Construction Dive

While certain construction sectors saw growth, the value of newly signed design contracts dipped slightly as owners remain hesitant to commit to new work, the American Institute of Architects said.

Contracts 347
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Balfour Beatty wins first phase of Skye transmission scheme

The Construction Index

Balfour Beatty has been awarded the first phase of the £690mn Skye 132kV reinforcement project for Scottish & Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) Transmission.

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Project Update: UMaine Shawn Walsh and Alfond Arena

PC Construction

After completing some enabling and selective demolition work, PC was excited to get to work on the Shawn Walsh and Alfond Arena Renovations and Additions project last month following UMaine’s commencement ceremony. The PC team is currently underway with underground site utilities and prepping for foundations that will begin this week. Originally built in 1977, there have been several additions and renovations to the Alfond Arena and the connection to the Shawn Walsh building.

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Rail electrification: Converting outdated headspans to modern portals with minimum disruption

New Civil Engineer

Overhead contact line specialist Furrer+Frey has detailed how outdated rail electrification infrastructure can be modified while causing minimal disruption to the working of a railway. The post Rail electrification: Converting outdated headspans to modern portals with minimum disruption appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Boost Profitability: Invest in a Construction Software Platform Today

To maximize your construction firm's profitability with a construction-specific software platform, your firm will be able to streamline every aspect of your operations. By design, this next-generation solution should offer unified functionality, replacing outdated systems and providing key capabilities including job costing, contract development, resource planning, and more.

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Backlog shrinks after 2 months of gains

Construction Dive

While manufacturing and infrastructure spending keeps contractors busy, material price escalation has reemerged in recent months, said ABC’s chief economist.

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Van Elle fined £233,000 after piling rig fatality

The Construction Index

Groundworks contractor Van Elle been fined £233,000 for safety breaches after an HGV driver was struck and killed by the mast of a piling rig at a house build site in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway.

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8 ways to cool a factory

BDC Network

8 ways to cool a factory 0 qpurcell Sat, 06/08/2024 - 10:00 Industrial Facilities Whichever way you look at it—from a workplace wellness point of view or from a competing for talent angle—there are good reasons to explore options for climate control in the factory workplace. Sergio Sádaba, Principal Industrial Facilities Designers Lists HVAC Mechanical Systems For most industrial factories, it’s process over people.

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London’s £220M attraction in secret World War II tunnels gains planning approval

New Civil Engineer

Proposals worth £220M to develop a cultural attraction in the deep-level subterranean wartime shelter tunnels under High Holborn have been approved by the City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee. The post London’s £220M attraction in secret World War II tunnels gains planning approval appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Forecasting With Confidence: How Contractors Can Solve Four Common Challenges

At the highest level, contractors understand the importance of accurately predicting and preparing for variances in costs or schedules when delivering a construction project. In fact, leaders know it is essential to the profitability, cash flow and potential viability of projects. For that reason, forward-thinking decision-makers who know that forecasting is a complex process, also realize that this is not feasible by using out-of-date systems.

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Skanska inks deal for Key Bridge removal

Construction Dive

The Maryland Transportation Authority contracted the Sweden-based company for $50 million to remove and dispose of debris of the ill-fated span.

Contracts 357
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Merchants' first-quarter takings down 7.2%

The Construction Index

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index report reveals builders’ merchants’ takings were down 7.2% in the first quarter of the year, compared to Q1 2023.

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Improving Construction Communication And Workplace Productivity

Contractor Bookkeeping

The success of any business, large or small, depends largely on nurturing an efficient, productive workplace. While improving employee productivity should always be a priority when the ultimate goal is a sustainable and profitable business, the process is more straightforward said than done. In today's fast-paced construction industry, staying in touch and being productive is crucial for project success.

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Election 2024: Sector broadly positive about manifesto pledges from both major parties

New Civil Engineer

The release of the Labour Party and Conservative Party manifestos this week has sparked much comment from stakeholders on proposals related to infrastructure delivery, planning reform, nuclear energy and more. The post Election 2024: Sector broadly positive about manifesto pledges from both major parties appeared first on New Civil Engineer.

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Drive Profitability With a Construction-Specific ERP

For specialty contractors, using a construction software platform helps to lay the technological foundation required to support future growth and improved financial performance. Through integrated back office and field capabilities, you can improve how you bid, plan, staff, run, monitor, and close out self-performing projects, all while improving operational excellence.