Construction Industry News

The American Wood Council (AWC) released an updated version of its free Connection Calculator based on the provisions the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction as referenced in the 2015 International Building Code.The updated calculator includes cross-laminated timber (CLT) connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.

Ware Malcomb, an international design firm, announced it has once again been recognized on the “2019 Inc. 5000,” Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.  Details here. 

One of the categories of the competition is focused on rewarding the “Major Project of the Year” (over €500M). Amongst the eight projects submitted for this category, the panel of judges identified four finalists that seem to pursue one common goal: managing urban expansion. Global growth impacts large-scale urban regions, in particular their attractiveness. Project details here. 

Energy efficiency is the fastest-growing segment of U.S. energy-sector employment, now employing more than 2.3 million Americans, according to a new analysis from E4TheFuture and the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). Energy efficiency workers now account for 28% of all U.S. energy jobs. Details here.

Sports arenas bring in big bucks and crazy energy for the minor and major teams in cities across the nation. Here’s a look at three projects bringing in new builds and new momentum:

In the wake of firing Great Hall Partners (GHP)—the public-private partnership completing work on the project—Denver International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer Kim Day announced a new, larger budget and a new project schedule.

The problematic project now has a budget of $770 million, $120 million more than its original budget.

Last week, Texas Central (the company developing the rail line) announced it had entered an agreement with Houston and Dallas to complete the design and build of a $20 billion high-speed rail line.

A new report from FMI Corporation, “Megaprojects: Changing the Conversation,” estimates that annual construction put in place for megaprojects in the U.S. will increase 600%—from $50 billion to $350 billion.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is outlining an initial path forward for the organization and profession this morning in a new declaration, “Where We Stand: Climate Action.” Details here. 

Total construction and real estate industry merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in Q2 2019 (worth $3.69 billion) were announced in the United States, according to GlobalData, a data and analytics company. Details of the M&As here. 

FMI Corporation has announced the release of its latest report, “Megaprojects: Changing the Conversation.” In this article, FMI presents their latest market forecast on megaprojects, shares insights from industry leaders on five key ingredients that drive successful megaprojects, and offers questions and recommendations around how to change the name of the game. Details here. 

John Deereis extending the 8-year, 20,000-hour power electronic components warrantyon the 944K Hybrid Wheel Loader. Details here. 

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) President Dennis Slater issued the following statement on new data released today showing American businesses paid a record $6.8 billion in July due to tariffs and extra import tariffs have now cost U.S. taxpayers $30 billion. Details here. 

Yanmar Group has announced the completion of its acquisition of compact equipment manufacturer ASV Holdings Inc. (ASV), a designer and manufacturer of renowned compact tracked loaders (CTLs) and skid-steer loaders (SSLs). Details here. 

The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) introduces the Stainless Steel Fabrication Certification Program, as the latest addition to the CRSI certification programs. Originating in May of 2017, this initiative is a voluntary, industry-sponsored program with the purpose of improving plant operations for the quality fabrication of stainless steel reinforcing bars and recognizing excellence in the concrete reinforcing steel industry. Details here. 

Engineering school announces its second IDC Foundation grant to support doctoral students’ research, plus education-related travel for students in civil engineering and construction management

New business volume grew 4.4% in the equipment finance industry in 2018, according to the “2019 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity” (SEFA) released by the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA). Details here. 

Downtown San Diego-based risk management firm is once again named among top industry leaders across the country based on performance and operations.

Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) is expanding its relationship with technical and community colleges in order to bring National Center for Construction Education (NCCER)-accredited testing for craft professions, including the SEAA/NCCER ironworker program, to students in local communities.

Congress is back in session this week, and with it, many in the industry are hoping for some definitive moves on infrastructure.