Author: Constructech Editors
“I don’t want you using both building elevators for this project.” The project owner put his virtual foot down and made the decision. The statement was as clear as day, unyielding, and yet without knowledge or understanding. And so, it was. The elevator access on the residential project was reduced from two to one. The project’s deadlines laid in the balance as crews struggled to operate because in order to get from point A to the very high point B, they had to waste time (which turned out to be several hours a day) to take the one allowable elevator…
Out of necessity, today’s construction companies are looking to technology-based processes to drive efficiency, which, in turn, keeps costs low and productivity high. In an industry that has historically been viewed as averse to change, this push toward tech investment is making project design, planning, and management more proficient than ever before. Cost has traditionally been the main driver when it comes to construction and infrastructure opportunities. In fact, according to JLL’s 2022 H1 Construction Outlook, total construction costs increased by nearly 12% between Q4 2020 and Q4 2021. These same costs are expected to increase by another 8-12% during…
The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the IIJA (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) has caused a renewed interest in modernizing transportation modes across the nation. Most people, when asked what constitutes “infrastructure,” will respond with highways, bridges, airports, and perhaps marine ports. An answer might also include rail and ship lines that are a major part of the equation, domestically (both) and internationally (shipping). The impact on the supply chain of ships idling off major ports during the pandemic illustrates the value of both ports and multimodal transportation to bring the supplies off the ships and across the…
Industry segments are often admonished to “go green” and become more sustainable. In the construction field, there are many areas where sustainability is both possible and needed to mitigate the impact of the emissions construction and buildings in general produce. Companies across the vinyl value chain, for example, are making individual contributions to improving their sustainable footprints. The vinyl industry recognizes that contractors and vendors can do more, together, than any of us can do alone. So the VSC (Vinyl Sustainability Council) established the +Vantage Vinyl Guiding Principles to set the direction and parameters for what companies strive to achieve over time. Since then,…
Smart houses and commercial buildings require careful management of utilities, mostly electricity, to both supply smart appliances and to regulate electrical distribution properly. A significant new system for energy management in residential construction is coming online. Schneider Electric, a leader in digital energy management and automation, has introduced its Square D Energy Center smart panel for purchase in California, with nationwide availability expected in 2023. A first-to-market innovation, the Square D Energy Center is designed for installation in new residential construction projects. This comes as California’s real estate market remains strong with more than 64,000 units of single-family residential construction projected to start…
Ah, spring. When the ice melts and the mud flourishes in many parts of the country. Jobsites get even dirtier, and equipment gets unwanted mud baths. Whether on the job or once the equipment comes home, it can be cleaned faster and easier with the right tools. Pressure or power washers are popular gear for this activity and cordless washers are handy when power isn’t close at hand. WORX has you covered with a comprehensive lineup of efficient and user-friendly power cleaning options to get the jobs done. The WORX 40V Hydroshot MAX Portable Power Cleaner (450 rated psi) is…
Autonomous vehicles, like electric ones, are in the news lately. But while new, ground-up designs are the favorite topic, retrofitting a standard vehicle for autonomy is a growing segment of the market. To accelerate development of autonomous transit shuttles, last-mile delivery, and other R&D programs, Hexagon division AutonomouStuff’s new by-wire platform easily integrates autonomy software with by-wire and sensors to fast-track safe navigation on Ford Transit vehicles. The ability to quickly implement autonomous and automated capabilities has never been closer for Ford Transit platforms than by using positioning and perception sensors and a by-wire system to control the vehicle. Designed…
Extreme weather conditions seem to increase annually. Climate experts predict more extreme temperatures, heavier precipitation in the winter, and drier conditions in the summer will become more prevalent. Intense storms, with strong winds and flooding rain, are expected to become more common as well. Welcome to the world of climate change. These changes put more pressure on designers, contractors and, most importantly, the building envelope. To prevent failures and premature aging, materials must be carefully selected to withstand the specific extreme weather conditions of the region where the building is located. Material science is working to develop more sustainable construction materials while…
There is no question that AI (artificial intelligence) pops up in the news at regular intervals, usually with breathless claims for its value in a business or personal application. People worry AI will take over their lives; people worry AI won’t live up to the claims made for it. Users want more AI, critics want less. But what is AI in the real world? Research companies try to define the terms they research to be sure they are asking the right questions and their data are valid. One of the largest firms tracking AI is IDC, (Intl. Data Corp.) Seeing…
With the signing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and a significant portion of our infrastructure reaching the end of its expected life, the demand for infrastructure renewal and asset management is higher than ever. As funds are allocated to begin the work on U.S. infrastructure, companies around the country are preparing to enter the bidding wars to get a part of the action. Those that are already on the leading edge of digitalization will, no doubt, have a leg up. And developers and vendors of the products to make a difference in digitalization are ready, too. Trimble and Infotech, a…