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HEADLINES ADDED: April 30, 2009
Speedheat Electric Radiant Floor Heating Showcased at the 2007 Southern Building Show in Atlanta
The latest and greatest in new building products and Earth-friendly innovations will be on display at the 2007 Southern Building Show. The show features an enormous exhibit area, showcasing many unique products, including Generation4 electric radiant floor heating by Speedheat.... Read More
Timeless Architectural Reproductions
Whether you are a design professional, a builder, or a layman, it is important to understand how architectural columns can work to enhance the design of a building. By investigating the Orders of Architecture to find the best style for your needs and by considering intercolumniation in the overall building design, you can create a look that is harmonious and meaningful. Learn more in this in-depth article.... Read More
New York City Spotlighting Construction Safety
Seminars and other events are being held all week at various locations throughout the city in support of Construction Safety Week. All sessions are free of charge and open to the public.... Read More
Luxury condo development opens in downtown Los Angeles
$300 million project combines innovative architecture with sustainability... Read More
Bardsley Construction - 120 consecutive jobs on time and to budget
Bardsley Construction reports that it has completed more than 120 consecutive jobs on time and on budget since 2001.... Read More
Grafton's turnover falls to £420m in first quarter 2009
Grafton, the builders’ merchants and DIY group with a headquarters in Dublin, has reported a 22% drop in turnover to £420m in the first three months of 2009 when figures are compared on constant currency terms.... Read More
BIM: Digging into 3D Modeling Unearths Many Worms
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Construction removed from skilled workers 'shortage list'
The government's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has ordered the immediate removal of 100,000 construction jobs from its "shortage list" of skilled professions.... Read More
More than 4,000 builders on Olympics
The total workforce building the Olympic Park has broken the 4,000 barrier with one half of 2012 construction workers living in London.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 29, 2009
Going Green In The Midwest
All across America, there is a clear buzz about the need to go green. The construction industry is hopeful that that this provides opportunity to prosper from new construction revitalized by a dearth of LEED projects, which were helped by government policy from a new administration. The construction industry in the Midwest seems quite conscious and hopeful of a new wave of green.... Read More
Find Your Next Job ... Right Now
Construction businesses today are hiring only the best and the brightest. Why? Because they can. The economy has created an employer's market, making it all too common for open positions to close the same day they're announced. Hunting for a job requires speed and connections, and the job seeker who is online has both.... Read More
BCA Construction & Design Expo
Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) recently hosted its 32nd annual Construction & Design Expo at the War Memorial Coliseum Exposition Center in Fort Wayne, IN. The expo featured hundreds of exhibitors showcasing a variety of products and services for building professionals.... Read More
Top 10 Green Projects Named by AIA
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Highway Association Sues EPA to Protect Transportation Construction Industry Firms
... Read More
Carillion's abandoned job was eight months late
The team behind the £70m residential tower in Wales abandoned by Carillion earlier this month have said the job was eight months behind schedule.... Read More
Grafton's turnover falls to £420m in first quarter 2009
Grafton, the builders’ merchants and DIY group with a headquarters in Dublin, has reported a 22% drop in turnover to £420m in the first three months of 2009 when figures are compared on constant currency terms.... Read More
Building a Landmark in Kamloops, B.C.
Landmark One Condominiums is under construction across the street from the Thompson Rivers University in the heart of uptown Kamloops.... Read More
Contractors, builders take issue with U.S. union subsidies
A coalition of U.S. contractors and builders claims American unions have spent more than US$1 billion subsidizing union employers unfairly bidding against non-union shops and artificially inflating wages on public-sector jobs.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 24, 2009
Bid-rigging: OFT decision could be as late as September
The Office of Fair Trading has confirmed that its decision on what action to take following its investigation into cover-pricing and "bid-rigging" could now come as late as September.... Read More
Morgan Ashurst wins £12m contract to build new research centre
Morgan Ashurst has been awarded a £12m contract to build the UK Stem Cell Bank and Influenza Resource Centre in Hertfordshire for the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC).... Read More
OSHA Cites Alabama Construction Contractor with $53,400 in Penalties
OSHA is proposing one willful and four serious safety violations against B&H Contracting Inc. following an inspection at the company's jobsite in Dothan., Ala.... Read More
International Code Council to Initiate Green Code Development Project
The International Code Council announces its intent to initiate a “Green Building Code Development Project” targeted at the commercial market... Read More
Subcontractor pay trends: South East, March 2009
Supplied by Hudson Contract, these pay trends are the most accurate indications of subcontractor pay across the UK construction industry, based on payroll data from over 1,000 construction companies and 35,000 subcontractors.... Read More
PFI schemes could replace scrapped £1.2bn Titan prisons programme
Contractors want the delayed £160m PFI Belmarsh and Maghull prison deal included in Government plans to build five new prisons schemes in place of the three scrapped Titan prisons projects.... Read More
Top 5 construction tenders - 24 April 2009
This week's top 5 construction tenders include a £120m office scheme for Network Rail in Milton Keynes, maintenance projects in Plymouth and Norwich worth £100m and £36m respectively and the £10.5m repair of Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels under the River Thames.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 23, 2009
Five on shortlist for £500m Tottenham Court Road station revamp
Five groups of contractors are chasing one of the biggest-ever station redevelopments in central London.... Read More
2009 CD Greenbook Standard Specfications for Public Works Construction
By BNI. Building News, Inc.. Price: $109.95. Publish Date: 03/2009... Read More
New Compact Construction Equipment
Equipment Connection Podcast Sponsored By: We’re back with another episode of the Equipment Connection podcast. During this show we will be speaking with Del Carver, area director, Terex North America Compact Equipment to talk about Terex Construction’s new dedicated compact equipment line. We will also be joined by Keith Rohrbacker, Construction Equipment Product Manager with Kubota Tractor Corp. Kubota has recently introduced a couple of new compact excavators and Keith will discuss the technology and features of these units. Terex Compact Equipment Line Kubota KX080-3 Excavator Kubota U17 Compact... Read More
Bid-rigging: OFT decision could be as late as September
The Office of Fair Trading has confirmed that its decision on what action to take following its investigation into cover-pricing and "bid-rigging" could now come as late as September.... Read More
Morgan Ashurst wins £12m contract to build new research centre
Morgan Ashurst has been awarded a £12m contract to build the UK Stem Cell Bank and Influenza Resource Centre in Hertfordshire for the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC).... Read More
Budget: UKGBC disappointed by 'wasted opportunity'
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has slammed the government for "missing" an opportunity to use the Budget to put sustainability at the heart of the country's economic recovery.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 22, 2009
U.S. Construction Industry Loses 120,000 Jobs in March 2009
... Read More
Sinking World Construction Demand Will Keep Costs Falling
... Read More
Six Minute Solutions for the Civil PE Exam Tranportation Problems, 3rd Edition
By Norman R. Voight. Professional Publications. Price: $72. Publish Date: 06/2008... Read More
Fundamentals of Engineering Supplied Reference Handbook, 9th Edition
By NCEES. Professional Publications. Price: $24.95. Publish Date: 01/2009... Read More
No-Damages-For-Delay Clause May Be Unenforceable
Williams & Sons Erectors, Inc. v. South Carolina Steel Corp., 983 F.2d 1176 (2d Cir. 1993). The parties to a contract may choose how to share liability. For example, the contract can address what amounts each party would owe or have to pay, when such amounts would be due, and who would be liable for additional costs. Similarly, the parties may agree how to deal with damages resulting from construction delays. In the Williams & Sons Erectors case, the contract provided the following no-damages-for-delay clause: "No claims for increased costs, charges, expenses... Read More
Project Management Software 101
This episode of the Construction Business Podcast focuses on project management software basics and how construction business owners and project managers can utilize this tool on the job. Typically equated to a dashboard in a vehicle, in general project management software gives the user a snapshot of the overall project. With this tool, contractors are able to much more easily organize everything that goes into the project and pull everything together. This leads to greater productivity, efficiency and in the end revenue on each job. Listen now as Craig... Read More
AEM Construction Challenge Program Receives National Honor
AEM’s Construction Challenge program for teens that focuses on workforce development in the construction industry was recently named to the "Associations Advance America" 2009 honor roll. This is a nation awards competition presented by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the Center for Association Leadership, Washington, D.C. Partnering with Destination ImagiNation, AEM puts on the Construction Challenge which is a program made up of creative problem solving designed to engage teens through a hands-on, educational experience. The overriding intent offers an opportunity for students, teachers, parents and... Read More
Turner Construction Celebrates 20 Years in Kansas City
In 2009 Turner Construction Company will commemorate it’s 20th anniversary of building in Kansas City. In its beginnings, Turner Construction started with a staff of six and has grown into one of Kansas City’s largest construction firms employing more than 100 full-time employees and serving the four-state region of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. Quick Stats Turners Kansas City office completed $213 million of construction in 2008 Company currently has the highest level of work underway since the office was established Turner is constructing a $40 million renovation of... Read More
Carrier Wins 11th Builder's Choice Award
Builder's Choice Awards is the largest, most prominent design competition in the industry.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 20, 2009
EPA Awards $400,000 Grant for Leased Construction Equipment Retrofit Program
Working to boost the economy while protecting human health and the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) a $400,000 grant to help retrofit construction equipment that is leased to construction projects throughout the Northeast.... Read More
New York City Blasts Federal Standard for Cranes
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Brazilian Construction Giant Camargo Correa Hit With Corruption Charges
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'Construction Challenge' Attracts Junior-High, High-School Teens To Industry's Many Jobs
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Prevent Water Intrusion in Brick Veneer
Home builders can use these best practices to prevent errors that lead to water intrusion in brick veneer applications... Read More
Preparing Builders for the Green Home Inspection Process
There are numerous ways a home can earn green points. Here's how to ready the home for the Green Home certification process.... Read More
All Mann Construction staff made redundant as firm ceases to trade
Mann Construction has ceased to trade and all staff have been made redundant, following discussions with its administrators Vantis Business Recovery.... Read More
Federal Stimulus Bill Means Increased Infrastructure Spending Coming to the Bay Area
While the recession has led to a drastic slowdown in the construction industry, the horizon looks brighter as the Bay Area preps for a welcome infusion of cash from the federal government. The money comes from the federal stimulus bill, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. During his campaign President Obama emphasized the need for increased infrastructure spending as a means to end the recession, increase public transportation, and improve America’s aging infrastructure. The stimulus bill makes good on his campaign promises, with approximately $50 billion dedicated... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 18, 2009
Todays workers, despite being worried about their jobs, feel they have other options...
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Civic and Public (Refurb/Repair), INVERURIE, £1.5m
Equipment store. Burghmuir Place.... Read More
NY Council Moves to Relax Buildings Chief’s Qualifications, Despite Industry Concerns
... Read More
Diesel Prices Post Another Big Decline
... Read More
Battling Ice, Snow And The Ocean Effect
The same river that provided passage for the first settler into Hanover, MA, 360 years ago to this day still bears snowstorms stalled out on the ...... Read More
May Gurney sees off Sewell to win £91m North Lincs BSF deal
May Gurney is preferred bidder for the North Lincolnshire County Council's £91m Building Schools for the Future scheme.... Read More
Mechanic’s Lien Recovery Fund
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Wacker Neuson Pulls Out of Intermat
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Doosan Infracore Leads Korean Green Machine Partnership
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Handbook of Rigging, 5th Edition: Lifting, Hoisting and Scaffolding for Construction and Industrial Operations
By Joseph A. MacDonald. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $99.95. Publish Date: 01/2009... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 16, 2009
Code Q&A
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S&S Electric and Mercedes Homes Honored with National TechHome Awards
Projects awarded Home of the Year and Community of the Year distinctions from the Consumer Electronics Association... Read More
Category Winner: Voice/Data/Video Equipment
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Department of Defense Expenditure Plan Provides Tremendous Opportunities for Federal Construction Contractors
Although many aspects of our economy are suffering, the federal construction market will most certainly be booming. On Friday March 20, 2009, the Department of Defense issued a 191 page Report to Congress detailing how it plans to spend the money it has received as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the “Stimulus Package.” The DoD has “identified specific investments in construction, facility improvements, and energy efficiency projects that will help improve the quality of life for our troops and their families.”... Read More
Healthcare Market Not Immune to Economic Malaise
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FDCPA - and the bad gets worse?
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Sustainable Residential Development: Planning and Design for Green Neighborhoods
By Avi Friedman. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $59.95. Publish Date: 06/2007... Read More
2009 TCA Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation
By TCNA. Tile Council of America. Price: $20. Publish Date: 03/2009... Read More
Is 2009 another “Focus on Pavement Maintenance Year”
Last year I heard constant stories from contractors who ended up doing often extensive pavement maintenance work for property managers who couldn’t afford the asphalt overlay they had planned. Maybe this year is looking like that too — or at least it is starting out that way in Lynchburg, VA, where Advisory Board member Steve Young, Young Sealcoating Inc., bases his business. Here’s what Steve told me recently: “On the commercial end of things, we are getting a lot of bid opportunities for jobs that should be paved. Because... Read More
Green Building Bottom Line: The Real Cost of Sustainable Building - A GreenSource Book
By Martin Melaver. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $69.95. Publish Date: 11/2008... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 15, 2009
Energy Systems Engineering: Evaluation and Implementation
By Francis M. Vanek. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $89.95. Publish Date: 05/2008... Read More
Deere Transforms Damaged Equipment into Donation
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Hydraulics Solve Low-Headroom Problem for CB&I
The huge Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I) Island Park fabrication shop in Beaumont, TX, specializes in large-scale process modules, shop-built vessels, and large steel plate subassemblies. Nonetheless, this job was a little bit like building a ship in a bottle and then having to remove the ship from the bottle.... Read More
Key to Landscaper Productivity Is Compact Loader Attachments
When the economy turns south, the number of jobs put out to bid in a contractor's core business can decrease. Some contractors begin to look for jobs in other lines of work, such as landscaping. Contractors who own and operate compact equipment — such as skid-steer, compact track, mini track, or all-wheel steer loaders — can easily transition into landscaping by using some of the at...... Read More
Wisconsin’s Michels Goes to Great Depths in Guam
In the spring of 2007, the Guam Waterworks Authority awarded Michels Directional Crossings with a contract to construct two separate shore approaches in order to complete an ocean outfall project for sewage lines.... Read More
The Stimulus is Here. Searchable Spreadsheet of 18,000 + Infrastructure Projects
stimuluswatch_data(1).xlsx... Read More
Energy Efficient Building Systems: Green Strategies for Operation and Maintenance
By Lal Jayamaha. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $72.95. Publish Date: 01/2007... Read More
Purnell announces Tower Crane Register
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell, has announced both a statutory and voluntary tower crane register.... Read More
Value of housing development land halves in a year
The value of housing development land in the UK halved during 2008, according to research from property agents Knight Frank.... Read More
Sixth form college schemes set to transfer to BSF
More than 50 sixth form college schemes could transfer into the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme from the stricken £2.3bn Learning and Skills Council college building programme.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 14, 2009
Sustainable Energy Systems Engineering: The Complete Green Building Design Resource
By Peter Gevorkian. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $99.95. Publish Date: 10/2006... Read More
SCR, EGR Proponents Square Off
Navistar knocks SCR, competitors defend it... Read More
Do What Is Right - Get Involved!
... Read More
AASHE Conference Highlights Sustainability Agenda, Colleges and Local Governments
The second biennial conference of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) was held at the new Raleigh (NC) Convention Center from November 9-12. The purpose of the conference was to provide a "unique opportunity for every sector of higher education in the United States & Canada to come together to demonstrate how colleges and universities can lead the way to a sustainable future." AASHE lined up host institutions Appalachian State University, Duke University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at... Read More
Air Force General Suggests That "Unwarranted" Protesters Should Be Penalized
The Commander of the Air Force Material Command, General Bruce Carlson, recently told reporters at a forum sponsored by Aviation Week that there should be some sort of penalty for protests that are found to be unwarranted. It was reported that the General said “that some losing bidders file protests with 20 or 30 elements when perhaps only one part has any foundation. In recent years, nearly every significant defense contract has been protested by the losers to the Government Accountability Office.” The comments, which were reported by GovernmentExecutive.com... Read More
Department of Justice Adds Teeth to Current Contractor Ethics Rules
This has been a banner year for ethics in government contracting. This intense focus on integrity and honesty in business is evident in the evolution of the rules of the game-the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Just last December, changes to the FAR mandated contractors to “conduct themselves with the highest degree of integrity and honesty” and to document how they planned to achieve this standard in a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (see our January 2008 blog article). In addition, the requirements for contractors were stepped up to include prominently displayed hotline... Read More
What Does Stimulus Plan Mean for A/E/C Industry?
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Are Your Curb Ramps Really ADA Compliant?
Parking, crossing the street, entering a building, using the restroom – for most of us, these are daily activities we don’t ...... Read More
Unique Retaining Wall On Condominium Project
Courtesy of Nicholson Construction Company The construction of a new condominium complex in Arlington, VA, required a permanent retaining wall to support a 50-foot cut and an existing 16-story condominium building on top of the slope. Since the owners of the neighboring condominium would not allow tieback anchors to encroach on their property, the original designer proposed a complicated and ex...... Read More
Diesel Price May Drop below Gasoline
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'200 trucks a day' in central London during Crossrail
Lord calls for Crossrail to reopen disused Royal Mail tunnels to shift spoil and avert traffic chaos in the capital.... Read More
Business Briefs for the Week of March 30, 2009
Hawkins Electric Service , Beltsville, Md., has been awarded the prestigious 2008 Angie’s List Super Service Award. Celebrating its 10th year, the award is given to companies who have achieved and maintained a superior service rating... Read More
CFR 29 Part 1910 OSHA General Industry Regulations
By OSHA. American Safety Training, Inc.. Price: $58.25. Publish Date: 01/2009... Read More
Gehl Chromes-Out Commemorative Skid Steer
Gehl Company “chromed-out” a Gehl model 7810E to commemorate the Company’s 150th anniversary. The 10,000-pound unit is covered in chrome, making it a one-of-a-kind skid loader. The original concept for the machine was created by Form-I Design based in Waverly, Iowa. The design features a highly reflective gold and black finish and includes laser-cut Gehl logos in the ROPS side screens. Large decals on the lift arm display historical milestones of Gehl Company. Milsco, a long-time Gehl supplier based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, contributed a customized seat for the project.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 13, 2009
Wates Group's top earner made £3.3m last year
Wates Group’s highest-paid director was handsomely rewarded to the tune of £3.3m for his efforts last year.... Read More
BAM secures £150m-plus Edinburgh children's hospital
BAM Construction has held off four rivals to scoop a £150m-plus framework deal to build the new Royal Hospital for Sick Children in the Little France area of Edinburgh.... Read More
Caterpillar cuts hours for 500 workers
Caterpillar has cut working hours again at its Desford plant in Leicestershire... Read More
President Obama's Executive Orders Dramatically Shift Labor Policy; Impact Federal Contractors
In his first month of office, President Obama issued three significant Executive Orders affecting employees of government contractors. Revoking several Bush administration Executive Orders, the three new orders demonstrate a dramatic shift in federal labor policy. a. Executive Order 13494 On January 30, 2009, President Obama issued Executive Order 13494, entitled “Economy in Government Contracting.” Executive Order 13494 mandates that contracting departments and agencies treat as “unallowable” the costs of activities undertaken to persuade employees -- whether employees of the Contractor or of any other entity -- to exercise... Read More
Construction Operations Manual of Policies and Procedures, 4th Edition Book CD
By Andrew M. Civitello. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $99.95. Publish Date: 09/2007... Read More
ANSI Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile : Materials and Installation Standards A108.01 to A136.1 2009
By TCNA. Tile Council of America. Price: $49.95. Publish Date: 03/2009... Read More
The Jurisdictional Limit for Small Claims is Going Up!
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Construction Companies Pretty Up Prices to Win Stimulus Projects
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Terex Readies for Hard 2009
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£2.3bn stalled college building programme faces further delays
More than 140 stalled college schemes face further delays under a second review, this time by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 10, 2009
Commercial General Liability Insurance Carrier Did Not Cover Liability for Professional Services
Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, Inc. v. Travelers Prop. Casualty Co. of Am., 559 F. Supp. 2d 504 (D.C. N.J 2008). This case involved an architect who was sued by several parties who either sustained injuries or lost loved ones when a parking garage colapsed. Defendant, the architect, argued that its general commercial liability (GCL) insurance carrier and excess GCL insurance carrier had an obligation to defend under the architect's policy. The insurers, however, rejected the architect's claims, noting that the exclusion for liability resulting from professional services applies. The architect's argument... Read More
National Center for Construction Education and Research
The continued development of a skilled construction workforce was probably one of the - if not the - largest issue facing the construction industry before the economy went south. With a large constituent of aging construction workers set to retire and not enough young construction workers strapping up their steel-toed boots we were looking a severe shortage of workers. Well we all know what has transpired the past months and this issue has essentially taken a back seat. But when the economy comes around and construction again reaches the... Read More
A great online tool for finding equipment
An owner of a construction company needs to keep his or her eye on a lot of things concerning the industry — from local employment laws tonational environmental rules to the latest trends and technology. But probably the most important element of a company a contractor needs to know about concerns tools on the jobsite — the latest in skid-steer loaders, lasers, walk-behind saws, concrete countertop molds and so much more. Whatever you might be looking for, Concrete Contractor’s online portal ForConstructionPros.com makes equipment searching easy with the launch... Read More
Equipment Connection site goes “live” with pavement content
Normally I’m not one to crow about anything technology related (usually because I don’t take the time to figure it out) but a revamped website that went “live” just yesterday really deserves some attention. It’s called Equipment Connection and it’s such a high-caliber upgrade over what our ForConstructionPros.com website offered as it’s product research tool before that it’s almost inaccurate to term this new site an upgrade. It’s going to do for online research what the Ipod did for music selection and the Tivo did for recording television programs;... Read More
CARB OKs Funds for Truck Emissions Compliance
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EPA Offers Grants to Fleets to Help Buy ‘Greener’ Trucks
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Willmott Dixon, Wates and Kier on £360m framework
Three firms have signed up to a framework deal in the East Midlands valued at £360m and aimed at saving the costs and time involved in repeat bidding for individual projects.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 08, 2009
Sixth form college schemes set to transfer to BSF
More than 50 sixth form college schemes could transfer into the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme from the stricken £2.3bn Learning and Skills Council college building programme.... Read More
Good news on paving front
It’s only one project but a paving job on hold for lack of funds was recently put out for bid in Oak Park, IL. A stretch of East Avenue, a heavily trafficked suburban road, was slated for an overlay since 2007. Lack of funds, however, put the project on hold. But because of more than $600,000 in federal stimulus funding the job is slated to begin in spring 2010. Hopefully that’s the first of many new paving projects. When you hear of any start-ups — especially delayed projects that... Read More
Volvo February Truck Shipments Plunge 51 Percent
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Top 5 construction tenders - 2 April 2009
This week's construction tenders includes a £71m repair and maintenance contract in Norfolk, a £45m project management deal for University College London and student accommodation for the University of St Andrews.... Read More
Tenders expected on £500m Beetham tower
Following planning approval last week, invitations to tender are expected for the £500m Beetham Mirax Tower, also known as One Blackfriars.... Read More
Wirral contractor recycles paint pots into garden furniture
A Wirral-based painting contractor is recycling its plastic paint pots into garden furniture and claims this to be a UK-first.... Read More
The new way for online construction marketing
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Cities Fret That Stimulus Will Drive Up Project Costs
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CE Truck Editor Honored
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Value of housing development land halves in a year
The value of housing development land in the UK halved during 2008, according to research from property agents Knight Frank.... Read More
NCCCO Launches CCO Rigger Certification
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 07, 2009
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Safety Act in Maryland
On December 19, 2008, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (“Graeme Baker Act”) took effect nationwide, including Maryland, imposing a federally mandated requirement for suction entrapment avoidance. The Graeme Baker Act promotes the safe use of pools, spas, and hot tubs by requiring the following: 1) all manufactured safety drain covers must conform with the American National Standard ASME A112.19.8 – 2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”); 2) all new and... Read More
NC Court of Appeals Holds That Risk Allocation Provision Does Not Violate North Carolina Anti-Indemnification Statute
Indemnification and limitation of liability provisions are commonplace in construction contracts. By statute in North Carolina (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 22B–1 (2007)), any contractual agreement relating to the design, planning, construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of a building, road, appurtenance or appliance purporting to indemnify a party against liability for damages caused by such party’s own negligence, in whole or part, is unenforceable. This rule extends to the party’s independent contractors, agents and employees as well.Recently, the North Carolina Court of Appeals clarified that N.C. Gen. Stat. § 22B-1... Read More
GAO Rules that the VA Failed to Conduct Meaningful Discussions
A decision just published by the Government Accountability Office ("GAO"), Matter of Burchick Construction Co., mpany, involved a request for proposals issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs ("VA") for the construction of an ambulatory care center . After receiving five proposals and evaluating the technical evaluation factors, the VA conducted discussions with the offerors that only addressed their price proposals. The VA determined that the offeror providing the best value was Massaro Corporation at a firm fixed price of $38,530,000. Burchick Construction Company, whose price proposal of $36,686,000 was the lowest price offered, challenged the award... Read More
Use of Project Labor Agreements Encouraged in Executive Order Issued by President Obama
On February 6, 2009, President Obama issued an Executive Order encouraging agencies to use Project Labor Agreements ("PLAs") in federal construction projects with a total cost to the Government of $25 million or more. The purpose of the Order is to avoid some of the problems which typically arise during the completion of such large projects causing various delays in their timely completion. "Project Labor Agreements" are defined as, "pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a... Read More
Stimulus Funds Begin to Flow into Cities
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Diesel Fuel Prices on the Rise
FleetOwner.com reports that the average price for diesel fuel in the U.S. increased seven cents to $2.09 per gallon for the week of March 23rd, according to the Energy Information Administration, the first time prices have gone up in the past ten weeks.... Read More
U.S. Warns Construction Firms of Stimulus-Money Oversight
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Black & Veatch site named UK's 'most considerate'
A Black & Veatch Ltd project has been identified as the UK's Most Considerate Site 2009 by the Considerate Constructors Scheme.... Read More
22 firms win place on £150m Welsh framework
Leadbitter, Lovell, Stradform, and Wates are among 22 firms on a £150m framework to deliver affordable housing across Wales.... Read More
Crossrail redesign removes shafts from central tunnel
Crossrail has reached agreement with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) to remove eight shafts from the central tunnel design.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 06, 2009
French Workers Take Caterpillar Bosses Hostage
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Standoff Ends at Caterpillar Plant in France
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Truckers Still Choosy About Mileage Despite Diesel Price Reductions
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£200m 'Baby Shard' office block out to tender in summer
Developers of a £200m office block on the same development as the Shard in London will put construction work packages out to tender this summer.... Read More
Michael Vick’s Next Position - Construction Worker?
In a USA Today article it is reported that Frank J. Santoro has offered the ex-NFL star a job with the Newport News construction firm. Apparently Vick has lined up a 40-hour-a-week, $10-an-hour job at one of W.M. Jordan Co.’s 40 commercial construction jobs. But this isn’t his long-term career choice. Michael Vick’s agent told a federal bankruptcy court judge he hopes Vick can return to the NFL next season with an incentive-laden contract that could be worth “high into the millions.” This news allowed me to kill about... Read More
You have to advertise -- Michael Stone
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Video in construction marketing: A video
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Wisconsin Breaks Ground on Ambitious Highway Project
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AEMP Foundation to Aid in EPA Grant Writing
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Hycrete on FoxBusiness online news network
The concrete industry is a fast-paced market. I see a lot of new products and technologies come across my desk and computer every day. With our manyactive industry associations, progressive-thinking contractors and manufacturers generating new ideas, it can be hard to keep up on everthing that’s new out there, let alone get that information beyond our industry to architects, designers and the public. That’s why I was excited to see an interivew with Hycrete President David Rosenberg on FoxBusiness.com. Rosenberg discussed his company’s waterproof concrete system and stimulus plan... Read More
AEMP Makes Progress in Developing Telematics Standard
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Purnell announces Tower Crane Register
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions James Purnell, has announced both a statutory and voluntary tower crane register.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 04, 2009
Construction industry will contract 30% in first half of 2009
Despite a marked growth in civil engineering projects since the beginning of 2009, Glenigan forecasts the construction industry will contract by 30 per cent year on year in the first half of 2009.... Read More
New Home Construction Up Sharply in February
The U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development recently released their figures for privately-owned housing starts in February and with this announcement comes encouraging news: Housing starts were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 583,000 which equates to a 22.2 percent increase from January 2009. This is still 47.3 percent below the revised February 2008 rate of 1,107,000 so housing starts are no where near where they once where. But for those who are the glass half-full type this increase over last month could... Read More
February Construction Spending Figures Better Than Expected
Construction spending during February 2009 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $967.5 billion, 0.9 percent below the revised January estimate of $976.2 billion, according to the Commerce Department. January construction spending fell 3.5 percent.... Read More
10 Strategies for Designing and Building Green Communities
Green architect Michelle Kaufmann has a plan for developing smart residential neighborhoods... Read More
Construction Equipment Inventories Shrinking to Match Demand
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Australia Crane Accident Kills Worker, Injures Three
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Construction Job Losses Continue In March
Employment in construction has fallen by 1.3 million since peaking in January 2007.... Read More
2009 Construction Starts Down 15%
McGraw-Hill Construction Releases the 2009 Construction Outlook Spring Update.... Read More
Construction Job Losses Continue In March
Employment in construction has fallen by 1.3 million since peaking in January 2007.... Read More
Bid Protest Brought By Second Lowest Bidder
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HEADLINES ADDED: April 03, 2009
Safety Requirement Goes Into Effect
A federal regulation went into effect on November 24, 2008, requiring workers to wear high-visibility safety apparel when they are within the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway and are exposed either to traffic or to construction equipment within the work area. "The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has said that they want us to enforce this until their own rules catch u...... Read More
Baker Sets Footing For Cincinnati Skyscraper
Baker Concrete Construction poured a nearly 6,000-cubic-yard foundation on Jan. 18 for the Queen City Square project in Cincinnati, a building that will eventually become the city's tallest. A concrete mat measuring 25,000 square feet by about 6 feet deep will serve as the footing for a 41-story office complex that will soar 86 feet above Cincinnati's current height standard, the Carew Tower.... Read More
Crane Safety Tips Presented at Ohio State University Event
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£1bn Norfolk wind farm goes ahead
Work is due to begin this spring on a massive £1bn wind farm project in Norfolk, creating hundreds of construction jobs.... Read More
Top 5 construction tenders - 9 March 2009
This week's top five construction tenders includes a £70m deal to construct a National Arena for Scotland, a teenage learning centre in the Isle of Wight and a new Magistrates' Court in Newport. The details are only an outline of the work available, for the full OJEU click on the link.... Read More
Paul R. Aubin's Mastering Revit Architecture 2009
By Paul R. Aubin. Autodesk Press. Price: $87.95. Publish Date: 07/2008... Read More
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction, 3rd Edition
By Rob Thallon. Taunton Press. Price: $24.95. Publish Date: 01/2009... Read More
Survey finds confidence of Canadian construction and engineering leaders at all-time low
CEOs of engineering and construction companies are preparing to make tough decisions to ensure the short-term survival of their businesses, while developing strategies that will lead to long-term success.... Read More
Construction in Illinois Gets a Safety Boost
"We would like to ensure all construction companies--big and small--are prepared to effectively control the workplace hazards their employees may encounter," said Nick Walters, OSHA's area director in Peoria.... Read More
T. Boone Pickens to speak at NAHB National Green Building Conference
The financier and alternative energy advocate will speak about the role home building industry plays in mainstreaming new technologies.... Read More
Lean Works in Construction – Milwaukee, WI
Start: Oct 6 2009 - 1:00pm End: Oct 6 2009 - 3:00pm Oct. 6, 2009 - Lean Works in Construction – Milwaukee, WI – Sponsor: Plumbing Mechanical Sheet Metal Contractors Alliance Contact: Dajen Bohacek at 414/543-7622. Must be a SMACNA member company, associate or sponsored by one to participate.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 02, 2009
The Economic-Stimulus Bill, Sector-by-Sector Analysis
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'Less Restrictive' No-Damages-for-Delay Clause Still Vulnerable
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The Importance of Proposal Preparation in Responding to an RFP
As the government has expanded its uses of Contracting by Negotiation through the issuance of RFPs ("Requests for Proposals"), as opposed to Sealed Bidding and the issuance of IFBs ("Invitations for Bid"), contractors have had to adapt to this new way of doing business. All too often, a perfectly capable contractor is not selected for award, even though its price was the lower than its competitors, because it failed to adequately address the evaluation factors listed in the solicitation. A recent decision by the GAO in the Matter of... Read More
Obama's Education-Upgrade Pledge Could Mean Lots of School-Construction Work
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The Ontario General Contractors Association Symposium
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Universal dimming card
The iLumin universal dimming card eliminates potential field issues from ballast or fixture changes, according to the company.... Read More
Dewatering At St. Regis Bal Harbour
Those who talk about downturns in the construction economy have not seen the level of activity in the Miami area. New high-rise projects can be seen all across the area, and one of them is St. Regis Bal Harbour-Resort and Residences.... Read More