Engineering News
Is Trouble at Surety First Sealord a Signal of Trouble Among Small Subcontractors?
A.M. Best sharply lowers First Sealord’s credit rating after doubts about an acquisition and likelihood of the surety’s worsening financial condition.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
TVA Aims To Expedite Projects Using Lease-Purchase Deals
Funding infusion will add billions in new capital to push work, utility saysFunding infusion will add billions in new capital to push work, utility says
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
Partisans Weigh In On Revised Truck Load Limit Proposal
Engineers ask: How do we optimize the roads we have now?
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
Feds Clear Path For Offshore Wind
Utilities, environmentalists and those in the offshore industry cheered the change.Utilities, environmentalists and those in the offshore industry cheered the change.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
?Building Sequence Probed at Cincinnati Casino Collapse
City engineers say they are interested in how the construction manager sequenced steel erection and concrete deck pours.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
$1.3-Billion Florida Commuter Rail Set to Start Construction
Democratic congresswoman Corinne Brown of Orlando gave credit for the project to Rep. John Mica (R-Winter Park), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
Online Map Logs NYC Energy
New online tool presents energy consumption estimates at the individual building level.New online tool presents energy consumption estimates at the individual building level.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
Want to Invest in Bridges in Canada, U.K., Germany and Australia?
New global fund for P3 project assets launched.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
Creative Use of Laser Scanning Lets Contractor Speed Flood Gate Complex Construction in New Orleans
With creative use of laser scanning, Alberici Constructors has shaved four weeks off its schedule to install two 120-ton steel vertical-lift gates that are part of a $165-million complex designed to block storm surge from entering the eastern flank of New Orleans.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
New Contour Tracing Feature Leverages Background Data in Vector-Based PDFs
New version of software for calculating cut and fill includes a “Get Vectors” button that unlocks the data.
Posted on 12 February 2012 | 11:00 pm
Technical Surveys Help Industry Find Way, Join the Call
Several years of Cyon Research construction surveys build rapport for the company's newest survey. Take a look and be heard at http://surveymonkey.com/s/fromENR
Posted on 8 February 2012 | 12:52 pm
Meet the Judges: Best of the Best Projects 2011 Awards
Meet the judges of ENR's Best of the Best Projects 2011 Awards competition
Posted on 8 February 2012 | 2:46 am
House Passes Bill to Shed Excess Federal Buildings
Measure would set up BRAC-type panel to sell or dispose of excess non-military federal real estate. But White House objects to some provisions.
Posted on 7 February 2012 | 4:42 pm
Products Snapshot: Concrete Trucks and an Inspection Camera
This week we look at a lighter concrete truck and a hand-held inspection camera.
Posted on 6 February 2012 | 1:53 pm
Fiscal 2013 DOD Budget to Call for Another Round of Base Closures
Base realignment and closures could generate near-term work for environmental consultants, but new military construction programs could take a hit.
Posted on 6 February 2012 | 12:08 am
Construction's January Jobless Rate Up, But Industry Gains 21,000 Jobs
Industry's 17.7% rate in January worsened from December's 16%, but was much improved from January 2011's 22.5%.
Posted on 3 February 2012 | 11:14 am
Trench Safety Firm President Dies in Plane Crash
Tom Coble was pilot, but the cause of the accident is not yet known, says the company.
Posted on 3 February 2012 | 8:37 am
China and India Vie For Work in Surrounding Nations
Contractors from each country aim for market share in so-called 'string of pearls' nations around the subcontinent.
Posted on 1 February 2012 | 1:18 pm
Finally, House, Senate Conferees Agree on 4-Year FAA Bill
Measure would authorize $3.35 billion a year through 2015 for Airport Improvement Program construction grants, the same amount already appropriated for 2012.
Posted on 1 February 2012 | 11:00 am
New Alignment System for Tunneling Machines To Be Tested
A New alignment control system for tunnel construction to be tested in Edmonton, Canada in April.
Posted on 1 February 2012 | 4:00 am
U.S., Canada Extend Lumber Trade Pact
Two-year extension will keep 2006 agreement in effect into October 2015.
Posted on 31 January 2012 | 10:30 pm
Obama's State of the Union Proposals Face Rough Going
The president's proposal to fund boost in transportation spending through savings from winding down wars overseas draws mixed response.
Posted on 31 January 2012 | 3:38 pm
Berlin's New $4B Airport About Ready To Debut
A single new, robust air hub for Germany's capital is nearing completion.
Posted on 31 January 2012 | 1:27 pm
Hochtief Takes Profit Hit From Writedowns
Project losses and exec departures cost the contractor in wake of purchase by Spain's ACS
Posted on 31 January 2012 | 12:21 pm
Corps Releases Two Missouri Levee Repair Contracts; Other High-Risk Project Work Lags
It is unlikely that work will finish by March 1, the average date for Great Plains winter snowmelt to start showing up in the river where more than 500 miles of levees need repair.
Posted on 31 January 2012 | 10:32 am
Removing North Sea Oil Platforms To Cost $76 Billion
Removing offshore oil platforms in the North Sea is expected to ramp up in the coming years as production declines.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 3:25 pm
Progress Energy Denies Canceling Nuclear Plant Contract
Progress Energy Florida denied a Jan. 26 Tampa Bay Times report that it plans to cancel an engineering, procurement and construction contract with Shaw Group for a proposed nuclear plant project in Levy County, Fla.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 3:08 pm
Kentucky Bridge Collapse Will Speed Up Replacement Work
Investigation, clean-up revs up on collapsed Kentucky bridge
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 1:23 pm
Seismic Training Efforts Help Haitians Help Themselves
Haiti's second largest university is planning to start a master's in earthquake engineering, jumping off a series of seminars that trained some 500 local designers in the fundamentals of seismic design. An American manufactured homebuilder expects to get approval to construct a plant to build earthquake-resistant structures in Haiti.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 12:28 pm
Rio Officials Probe Cause of Fatal Building Collapse
The 20-story Liberty Building collapsed, crushing a 10-story building as well as a small 4-story building that separated the two larger structures.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 11:44 am
Global Construction To Grow in 2012
Global construction will grow in 2012 despite European and U.S. economic woes
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 11:33 am
Firms Are Hopeful But Challenged in KPMG Global Market Outlook
Despite anticipated backlog growth in 2012, firms see concerns over government deficits, risk management and slow inertia on infrastructure investment.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 9:51 am
Mumbai Bridge Link to Mainland Attracts Bidder Interest
The 14-mi Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link bridge will link Mumbai's island city center with the mainland of India.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 9:43 am
'Tinge of Optimism' at World of Concrete
A slow recovery in construction activity didn't deter more than 52,000 people from attending this year's concrete show.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 9:03 am
Portland's Water Bureau Modifying Bull Run Reservoir Intake Tower
The project is designed to regulate water flow and maintain cooler water temperatures in the lower Bull Run River.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 7:51 am
Global Energy Forecasts: Robust Growth in Developing Countries, Fueled by Coal
Fossil fuels will be used to meet 81% of global energy demand.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 7:02 am
World Bank Supports Flood Mitigation Project in Jakarta
The World Bank supports its first large dredging project in Jakarta as a way to reduce flooding in the flood-ravaged city.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 12:13 am
Solar Boom in India
With multiple projects in the pipeline, the Indian solar power market seems poised to take off.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 12:09 am
Security System Locks Down Flash Drives, Destroys Data If They Stray
Access rules can be set at a variety of levels.
Posted on 30 January 2012 | 12:00 am
People on the Move-Executive Changes for Week of Jan. 30, 2012
NY ports agency official joins Spanish contractor; new group presidents named; architect hires client executive
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Pulse information about contracts, bids and proposals for week ending February 5, 2012
Contract awards and bid dates as tracked by Dodge/The McGraw Hill Construction Network
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
California High-Speed Rail Board Leaders Defect
The rail plan’s cost climbed to $98.5-billion, an amount that further erodes public support for the project and at the same time undermines its funding.The rail plan’s cost climbed to $98.5-billion, an amount that further erodes public support for the project and at the same time undermines its funding.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Concrete Mixer Truck Saves Money With Natural Gas
As a transportation fuel, natural gas has a lot to offer. It is cheap, abundant and clean. The downsides? Lack of available pumps, less power and a higher up-front cost for the vehicle. These are hard to overlook, but fleets are doing just that in an effort to cut their fueling costs.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Magic Box Liberates Apple iOS Access to Legacy Networked Printers
?As elegant as they are, the Apple iPhones and iPads surging into the workplace still have a few rough edges, including the limited number of printers that work with them.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Sonoma Set for a Terminal Upgrade
Bay area regional airport will extend runways, upgrade service. Bay area regional airport will extend runways, upgrade service.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
New Looks for Denver Airport Hotel, Transit Station
After renowned architect Santiago Calatrava resigned from the Denver International Airport hotel project last fall, the project team has redesigned the hotel facade and plaza area.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Denver Airport Hotel and Transit Station Redesigned
Denver International Airport officials on January 18 launched a redesign of the airport's new hotel and transit station that modifies elements of the original plan by architect Santiago Calatrava.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Magic Box Liberates Apple iOS Access to Legacy Networked Printers
?As elegant as they are, the Apple iPhones and iPads surging into the workplace still have a few rough edges, including the limited number of printers that work with them.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Transport P3s Take Lessons Learned Into New Unknowns
Public officials and firms grapple with P3s as a way to fill wider funding gaps and drive growth.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Cut the Politics in NLRB Choices with Longer Terms for Board Members
By lengthening the terms of NLRB board members, the problem of board vacancies would solved and the board members may rise above the political crosscurrents and promote fairness.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Labor Provision Deal Unblocks FAA Bill
One more extension in works to give lawmakers time to wrap up mult-year measure.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Oregon Tries Top-Down Construction on Bridge
?In-water work restrictions are so tight in the salmon-filled rivers of western Oregon that the Oregon Dept. of Transportation decided to employ a top-down bridge construction method to replace a section of Interstate 84 east of Portland. If all goes well, say ODOT officials, the method may be adopted on a more frequent basis.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Industry Pushing for Highway-Transit Bill
AGC, Chamber of Commerce launch drive to move long-delayed legislation.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Products Snapshot: Geosynthetic Fabrics and Green Drainage Pipes
This week we look at the latest in construciton products, including a versatile portable welder and wicking geosynthetic fabric.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
World of Concrete Attendees Ready To Get Back to Work
World of Concrete attendees say they’re ready to get back to work.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
?Georgia's 'Go Build' Program Aims To Boost Skilled Trades
Mike Rowe, star of the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, offered his support of the Georgia program in the governor’s announcement, and will be featured in related advertising.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Florida, Progress Energy Reach Fix Plan for Crystal River
Progress would refund customers $288 million for replacement fuel costs, receive a $150 million rate increase, and would be limited on recovered costs on a new nuclear plant.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Tide May Be Turning for Power Generated by Moon and Waves
According to the studies, wave and tidal power could generate about 1,420 terawatt hours, or TWh, of electricity per year. The U.S. uses 4,000 TWh each year.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Keystone XL’s Backers Search for a Plan B
After the president’s Jan. 18 rejection of a presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, the $7-billion construction project’s supporters are looking for a new strategy.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
NYC Hudson Yards Developers Name Tutor Perini as Contractor, Form JV with Tishman
Related Cos. and Oxford Properties’ choice of Tutor Perini for the Hudson Yards project angers some union contractors.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
New Report Slams PG&E in San Bruno Blast
Latest report about Pacific Gas & Electric's 2010 natural gas pipeline explosion may be most costly of all.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Private Funding Finds A Way Into Other Public Spaces
Alternative finance gains traction on “social infrastructure” projects—public health care, educational and justice facilities, among others, with a key focus on long-term “life cycle” value.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Construction Briefs: Market Outlook; CH2M Hill; Tidal Power; Dragados USA Exec VP
ENR news briefs about AGC, CH2M Hill, FERC, Pennsylvania Code reviewers and Dragados.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Special Report: Which Way the Winds are Blowing on P3s
A special package of stories evaluates the progress of public-private partnerships as a project finance approach to infrastructure.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Making Dumb Iron Smart by Linking to Data
Equipment maker delivers operation and service manuals to smart phones and tablets by QR codes and offers to mail stickers to retrofit older equipment.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
U.K. Takes Hard Look at Cost of Private Finance Initiative
Great Britain's Conservative government calls for innovation in private financing of public works, but at a lower cost, too.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Workers End Strike at Panama Canal Lock Expansion
Union fight had idled 6,000 workers on Panama Canal Third Locks.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Putzmeister, Sany Merger Would Create Concrete Juggernaut
The deal is believed to be the largest Chinese-German acquisition and aims to create a global powerhouse for concrete pumps.
Posted on 29 January 2012 | 6:44 pm
Zimbabwe Aims To Induce Private Funding of $2.6B Roads Plan
Despite facing international economic sanctions and $10 billion in national debt, the government of Zimbabwe is seeking private financing for a $2.6-billion plan aimed at rehabilitating an estimated 40 percent of the country’s 80,000-kilometer road network.
Posted on 27 January 2012 | 12:45 pm
New Consultant in Arizona Snags Transmission Job Aimed at Renewables Sector
The Lucky Corridor project calls for upgrading about 93 miles of existing 115-kV line with a double-circuit 230-kV line in northern New Mexico.
Posted on 27 January 2012 | 12:43 pm
Contractor Selection Dispute Could Delay Record Dam in Namibia
Government officials have voiced preferences for both Chinese and Italian firms.
Posted on 27 January 2012 | 11:05 am
Efforts To Light Up Africa Gain Momentum
Power projects around the continent are aimed to reduce poverty, sustain economic growth and expand clean technologies.
Posted on 27 January 2012 | 10:28 am
Study Claims Correlation Between Supertower Construction and Economic Busts
Global cravings for ever-taller buildings may also be harbingers of economic doom, says study.
Posted on 27 January 2012 | 10:01 am
Senegal's New Airport Falls Behind Schedule
The new airport will accommodate 25,000 passenger planes annually and alleviate congestion at Senegal's current biggest airport, Léopold Sédar Senghor International, north of Dakar.
Posted on 27 January 2012 | 8:57 am
Joint Venture Begins Work on Egypt's Grand Museum
Cairo-based Orascom Construction Industries, in a joint venture with the Belgian BESIX Group, has beat 39 other bidders.
Posted on 27 January 2012 | 7:50 am
China's Largest Equipment Manufacturer Said Taking Stake in Schwing
Chinese manufacturer XCMG has taken out a stake in Germany-based Schwing, industry analysts have told ENR.
Posted on 25 January 2012 | 7:26 pm
Why Image Search Matters for Architects and Engineers
Images of projects are a critical component of any architect or engineer’s portfolio. Web marketing expert Rebecca Lieb offers some best practices to ensure search engines—and perhaps your next customer—find them online.
Posted on 25 January 2012 | 1:49 pm
Update: Deal on Labor Provision Removes Barrier for FAA Bill
After Reid-Boehner agreement on labor issue, House sets Jan. 24 vote on new stopgap, to provide time to finish long-delayed authorization for airport grants, other FAA programs.
Posted on 24 January 2012 | 5:33 pm
Investigators Study Why Equipment Failed to Save a Maine Lineman
Construction workers who plummet to their deaths while wearing their fall protection equipment always present a puzzle, and in this case investigators ask why a 44-year-old Maine lineman fell Jan. 17 at a project in Saco, Maine.
Posted on 23 January 2012 | 4:55 pm
Ryan Gravel: Architect's Big Idea is Transforming His Hometown
Atlanta architect is helping guide a transformative infrastructure project that started out as part of his master’s thesis project.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
G. Brent Darnell: Transforming Alpha Males
Darnell’s new construction methods are pushing firms and emerging leaders to link strong people skills with project success and profitability.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Gary Almeraris: Subway Star Helps Shape Manhattan's Transit Lines
Wielding his tunneling expertise, Almeraris was instrumental in ground-freezing and tunnel boring on two megaprojects.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Stanley Gale: Developer Makes Big Waves With World’s 'Smartest' Eco-City
Stanley Gale is creating a city-in-the-box methodology to facilitate future developments
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Michael Walsh: It's More Than Blowing Levees
As commander of the Mississippi Valley Division, Walsh’s decisive response to 2011’s record floods are credited with keeping 4.1 million people from harm.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Gregory Hauser: Veteran Tunneling Expert Rescues Faltering Brightwater Project
Hauser rescues a faltering wastewater project by reconfiguring a Tunnel boring machine to go whether others had failed.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Marshall Zotara: PR Guru Motivates Industry to Build Schools for Free
Marshall Zotara assembled a team of construction industry giants to build sustainable schools solely using donated time and materials.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Steven Plate: Stepping Up to the Task at the World Trade Center
Steven Plate cleared the way for the early opening of the 9/11 memorial plaza.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
H. Kit Miyamoto: All About Disaster Mitigation
H. Kit Miyamoto, a structural engineer and an expert in seismic-resistant design, has enormous experience bringing engineering relief to the scenes of disasters and helping local leaders restore safety and order amid danger and chaos. Experience helps him guide distraught victims and officials to the surcease of suffering, but also, importantly, to a future that is better engineered.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
David Sherman: Water Wizard Saves Indianapolis Millions
Sherman and his team were able to shave $740 million from the city’s CSO and wastewater programs and several years off the life of the consent decree.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
William G. Dorey: Raising the Bar on Ethics and Compliance
Dorey’s organization shares best practices for writing and maintaining ethics and compliance programs and commits to the highest level of conduct.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Susan Martinovich: Dedicated Transportation Chief
Maybe it's her training as a runner, but it is clear Susan Martinovich is a woman in a hurry—both as the chief, since 2007, of Nevada's $800-million-a-year transportation department and, in her role that ended in November, as the first female president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Denver Company Offers Engineered Older Materials for Creative New Re-uses
Denver’s Repurposed Materials Inc. buys byproducts from industries across the country and sells them to people for a different use.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Digby R. Christian: Taking Integrated Project Delivery to New Extremes
togetherness Christian’s hospital team of 10 plus Sutter even included the fire protection contractor.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Bruce Bennett: Leader Demands Innovation on Vital River Passage
When Bruce Bennett became executive project director for the joint venture of URS Corp., San Francisco, and Alberici Constructors, St. Louis, his task was to build the dam section of Olmsted Locks and Dam. He was bound by certain contract constraints—namely, no cofferdams.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Jack P. Moehle: 'Seismic' Skyscraper Engineer
Moehle’s guide for performance-based seismic design of tall buildings has begun to ease the approvals process and improve building codes.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Julian Clayton: Apps for Smaller Guys That Make a Big Difference
Construction pro helps kick start a movement with specialized punchlisting apps that are helping smaller firms adopt cost-saving technology on jobsites.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Executive News for Week of Jan. 23, 2012
Hiscoe promoted at Shawmut; Scott now lobbies for Portland Cement in Washington; and Norbert Young is new exec at STV
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Matt Gillen: Safety Scientist Helps Industry Reduce Occupational Hazards
NIOSH’s construction program coordinator tackles everyday safety problems through sound science and collaboration.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
CH2M Hill Protest of Antarctica Award Could Delay Transition
Lockheed Martin contractor chosen by U.S. agency, was set to take over support role in April
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Ed Mumm: Las Vegas Heavy Equipment 'Theme Park' Brings Bulldozing to the Masses
Thrill seekers can drive life-size Tonka toys and move massive mounds of earth thanks to Ed Mumm's $1-million heavy- equipment theme park in Las Vegas. Visitors operate either Caterpillar D5 track-type bulldozers or CAT 315CL hydraulic excavators in a five-acre sandbox.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
G. Brent Darnell: Trainer Transforms Alpha Males into Top Industry Performers
A solution for companies where the culture calls for staff to become more aware of themselves and others and a springboard to push operations people into business development
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Alan Rauch: Coal-Ash Disaster Pushes Engineer to Design New Fix
Soon after a failed coal-ash pond at a Tennessee Valley Authority powerplant in 2008 spewed waste onto 300 surrounding acres, Stantec Inc. senior engineer Alan Rauch was on a plane to Tennessee. Eventually, he took the lead to design a unique slurry wall around the failed dike, which saved TVA more than $473 million. His innovation may become a fix for utilities nationwide.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Clean Air: Court Vacates EPA Delay of MACT Rule
Sierra Club says going back to rule’s original effective date will reduce illnesses, but manufacturers say it will cost jobs.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Theodore Zoli: Engineering 'Genius' Builds Bridges Across Communities
The Lake Champlain bridge between New York and Vermont is the only viable crossing for 3,000 residents, as well as one of the first continuous truss road bridges built in the nation. So when inspections in 2009 found structural problems in the piers and forced a subsequent shutdown, fast-tracking the design of a new bridge—while gaining multiple stakeholder buy-in—was crucial. Enter Theodore Zoli, an HNTB Corp. vice president, and the first in his industry to win a MacArthur Foundation "genius" fellowship.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Trade: White House Proposes Agency Consolidation
But some lawmakers are uneasy about proposal to merge trade agencies.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Float May Be Sinking the Project
By eliminating float as a way to determine delay, we could return Critical Path Method schedules to being a model for Project Execution Strategy and a tool to coordinate and direct work.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
No FAA Bill Deal Yet, Another Extension Likely
Multiple extensions since 2007 have caused problems for airports’ construction programs.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Mark Hanson: Directing Ultraviolet Disinfection
The project director on the world’s largest ultraviolet disinfection facility, Hanson kept the project humming along—on time and on budget.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Amtrak's 2012 Construction Plan Has a Focus on the Northeast
Program includes early work on electrical and track upgrade in central New Jersey and continued construction of Connecticut bridge.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
D. Kent Smith: Cutting Corners Is Not an Option
Smith led an effort to use innovative robotic waste retrieval system at the Hanford nuclear waste site.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Concrete Goes To College
MIT’s Concrete Sustainability Hub sheds new light on the social cost of infrastructure’s ubiquitous gray matter.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Matthew W. Wallace: Cutting-Edge Simulator Translates 'Video Games' Into Valuable Skills
Wallace runs a small technology firm that builds cutting-edge simulators that train the skilled trades and boost recruiting efforts at high schools.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
?Solicitation and Relationship Keys to Alliant-Aon Brokerage Dispute
Contractor clients are caught up in the dispute about whether they were solicited to leave one insurance and surety broker to sign with another, in violation of individual brokers employment contracts.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Daniel Lax: Leading the Way to Safer, More Efficient Jobsite Lighting
While working in his family’s plastic molding business making traffic signals and LED crosswalk lights, 31-year-old Daniel Lax decided to start a new division that would make jobsite lighting units for subway track work and construction.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Analyzing Tsunami Forces to Develop Resistant Designs
Gary Chock is leading efforts to develop ASCE guidelines for tsunami resistant design.
Posted on 22 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Progress Energy Reaches Tentative Settlement on Crystal River Repairs
The settlement pushes Progress to terminate its engineering, procurement and construction contract with Shaw and Westinghouse for a new nuclear plant.
Posted on 20 January 2012 | 4:41 pm
After Judge Rules State Cannot Shut Nuke Plant, Vermont Weighs Options
Gov. Peter Shumlin says "Entergy has not been a trustworthy partner."
Posted on 20 January 2012 | 4:01 pm
White House Nixes Keystone XL Pipeline Permit
Despite setback, TransCanada says it's committed to the project and plans to submit a new application.
Posted on 18 January 2012 | 5:36 pm
Tech Company Claims to Nullify Water Damage, the Bane of Mobile Devices
Many new products strive to protect mobile devices, but HzO Inc. uses a chemical process to protect electronics from within and it seems to work.
Posted on 18 January 2012 | 11:01 am
Key Federal Technical Committee Says No Practical Solution to LightSquared's GPS Interference
LightSquared's national broadband network plan hits dead-end with key technical evaluation
Posted on 17 January 2012 | 5:29 pm
Contractors Decry Suspensions by Detroit Water and Sewer Dept.
Federal government's RICO suit against former mayor inflicts collateral damage on DWSD service providers.
Posted on 16 January 2012 | 1:46 pm
Pulse: Project News from McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge
ENR's weekly Pulse report gives readers a glimpse of who is planning and constructing some of the largest projects throughout the U.S. Much information for Pulse is derived from McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.
Posted on 15 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Amtrak 2012 Construction Plan Has a Northeast Focus
This year's program includes early work on track, electrical upgrades in central New Jersey, environmental review for tunnels, bridge in Garden State's northern region.
Posted on 11 January 2012 | 3:38 pm
From Videogrammetry to Real-Time Roof Dimensions
A new technology that uses videogrammetry to deliver 3D views as big as a building and derive real-time digital measurements of nearly any object with 15-mm precision is being refined and readied for commercial use by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.
Posted on 11 January 2012 | 11:46 am
Why BIM Will Become Even More Important in 2012
Guest Commentary: Microdesk president Mike DeLacey asks, “how can we not only position ourselves to bid on new infrastructure projects, but also execute the projects more effectively and sustainably in the long run?”
Posted on 11 January 2012 | 4:00 am
Disputed Shift by Insurance Brokers Entangles Contractor Clients
Last June’s departure of key executives and dozens of staff from Aon to Alliant has entangled Turner and other major contractors in the dispute.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 4:30 pm
ENR Showcases Great Shots of 2011
ENR’s annual photo contest brings attention to inspiring construction photographs and the workers and projects they depict.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 3:03 pm
Hyundai Expands North American Footprint With New Headquarters
Hyundai is driving towards a LEED-certified building with a gold rating.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 2:02 pm
SMART Moves on California Commuter Rail Project
venture team for the first phase of a commuter rail line in the two counties directly north of San Francisco.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 1:11 pm
Probe Continues of 1-Million-Gallon N.H. Water-Tank Leak
Bracing on 25-year-old structure is a focus of analysis to extend through the summer
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 1:11 pm
After Earthquakes, Ohio Shuts Fracking Injection Wells
Injection of fracking fluid into deep wells also has been tentatively linked to small earthquakes in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma and British Columbia.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 12:43 pm
Statue of Liberty's Minor Renovation Poses Major Challenge
Statue of Liberty National Monument's $27.3-million life-safety upgrade is complicated by tight quarters and the mandate that no historic fabric be disturbed.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 12:36 pm
Some Leeway in New Pipeline Safety Law
Sharply higher fines kick in right away, but deadlines for regulations are many months off and will take costs, other factors into account.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 12:26 pm
Israelis Make Temporary Fix on At-Risk Jerusalem Bridge
Replacement of deteriorating span in Old City has become a new political controversy.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 10:30 am
Construction December Jobless Rate Rises, Despite Gain of 17,000 Jobs
Nonresidential specialty trades added 20,200 jobs last month, but most other construction sectors posted declines.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 9:09 am
NLRB Appointments Draw GOP Fire, Unions' Praise
Republican leaders and business groups criticize Obama's NLRB appointments, but union officials praise them.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 12:00 am
Supreme Court Hears Wetlands Case
Several Justices seemed sympathetic to property owners in a case that could affect the construction industry.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 12:00 am
New Defense Strategy Foreshadows Cuts in Construction Programs
But some firms note that pockets of opportunity still remain.
Posted on 9 January 2012 | 12:00 am
Marlins' Retractable Roof Braces Itself for Storms
Hurricane-mode openings between retractable panels reduce sail effect, save on steel at nation’s first movable roof designed to resist 146-mph winds
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
ENR Southeast's Top 20 Under 40
ENR Southeast profiles the 20 individuals recognized by our annual competition for their outstanding industry and community leadership.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Corps Gets New Money for 2011 Flood Damage Repairs
Emerging from the Mississippi River and Tributaries System’s worst flood season in history, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors are gearing up to deliver $802 million worth of repair and reconstruction—more than three times the MR&T’s annual operating budget.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Product Snapshot
This week we look at scrubbing wipes, a bridge paver, a stump cutter and a tracked tractor.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Prospects for Extended Tax Breaks for 2012 Not Very Good
But some are optimistic that a deal can be struck
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
MIT Project Aims for a 'Google Database' of Material Properties
A powerful research database aims to collect every known material for component discretion.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Judging the ENR Photo Contest: Hows and Whys
Selected by ENR from hundreds of photographs submitted every year, “Images of the Year in Construction” features photographs that best capture the mood and flavor of construction.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
LS Power, Sierra Club Agree to Kill One Coal Plant, Delay Another
After reaching an agreement with the Sierra Club in mid-December, LS Power has canceled its 1,200-MW Longleaf coal project in Washington County, Ga., and delayed by at least five years development of its 665-MW Plum Point 2 coal project near Osceola, Ark.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
How Ahern Rentals Landed in Bankruptcy
Ahern is the country’s largest privately held construction equipment rental company and the seventh largest overall.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
New Boston Bridge Rolls Into Place, Fuels Region
Boston lift bridge rolls into place.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Ball State Reworks Campus Heating and Cooling System
?Digging 3,600 holes within the boundaries of an active 660-acre campus of 22,000 students might seem to be a logistical nightmare.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Pulse: Project News for Week of Jan.9, 2012
Project news from McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge for ENR readers.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
?Investors Sue Vulcan Materials Over Hostile Bid By Martin Marietta
The takeover deal would create the world’s largest rock and gravel supplier.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Cornell Team Snags $2-Billion, High-Tech Project in NYC
The proposal for an 11-acre, $2-billion-plus campus on Roosevelt Island beat out several other proposals under the mayor’s Applied Sciences NYC initiative.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Executive News: Including Tishman Construction, Parsons Brinckerhoff, FXFOWLE
Key executive promotions and new hires for the week of Jan. 9 2012.
Posted on 8 January 2012 | 11:00 pm
Products Snapshot
This week in construction products we look at tower cranes with redesigned control systems and a versatile LED lamp for trucks and heavy equipment.
Posted on 6 January 2012 | 1:07 pm
Corps Fights To Regain Public Trust Washed Away in 2011 Flooding
“I’ve lost a lot of trust of people in government, especially in the Corps,” says a woman forced from her home during last summer's floodwaters.
Posted on 6 January 2012 | 12:36 pm
CH2M Hill Protests Award to Lockheed of $2-Billion Antarctica Contract
Research support, construction and logistics contract had attracted interest from a number of industry-led teams.
Posted on 6 January 2012 | 12:34 pm
French Reactors Clear Stress Tests, But Regulators Mandate Safety Upgrades
The country’s 58 plants were cleared for operations in tests also covering 14 other European Union states plus Switzerland and Ukraine.
Posted on 6 January 2012 | 11:45 am
Obama Makes Three Recess Appointments to NLRB
While union supporters praised the move, Republicans decried the way in which the appointments were made and vowed legal action.
Posted on 5 January 2012 | 10:29 am
After Mishap Caught on Video, Stadium Roof Demolition Moves Forward
Following a sudden shock-loading of a crane that caused no injuries, the demolition of Seattle's Husky Stadium is moving ahead.
Posted on 3 January 2012 | 1:22 pm
Automated Nag Complains and Reports When Drivers Use Cell Phones
Cell phone nanny picks up on cell phone wave frequencies emitted from the driver's seat and warns the user to hang up, or it will tell the boss.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 4:25 pm
$1B Tanzania Gas Pipeline Accelerated
Officials move up project's completion date to December 2012, from March 2013.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 1:25 pm
Products Snapshot
This week we look at an air-powered saw for cutting boiler tubes and a quieter cab design for soil compactors.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 1:14 pm
China's Construction Industry Continues To Grow
Who are China's largest construction firms?
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 12:57 pm
The World's Top 10 Longest Cable-Stayed Bridges
China holds title to seven of the world's longest bridges of this type, often praised for their engineering and elegance.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 12:03 pm
Chiseled Tower by FXFOWLE To Mark Eastern Gate to Istanbul
In Istanbul, construction is slated to begin soon on a 606-foot tall tower designed by FXFOWLE, a New York-based architecture firm.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 11:43 am
Kenya-Ethiopia Highway Segments Move Ahead
November agreement between Kenya, Tanzania cleared the way for release of funds from African Development Bank and European Union for the project.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 11:41 am
Mitsui Studies Biomass Powerplants for Disposal of Disaster and Construction Debris
Japanese construction and nuclear fuel trading company Mitsui Inc., explores diversification into biomass power generation plant construction to process debris from March 11 earthquake and tsunami and insulate itself from nuclear industry contraction.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 10:55 am
International Contractors Grab Oman Transport Work
Oh My, Oman: Billions In Transport Work
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 10:46 am
Brazil Kicks Off Airport Concessions for World Cup
Bidders need to have at least one company with five-year experience in the management of airports with over five million passengers per year.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 10:17 am
India's Quake Hazard Called a Catastrophe Waiting to Happen
An India vulnerable to earthquakes is still unprepared
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 9:36 am
India Chips Away at Massive Urbanization Needs
India grapples with mass urbanization.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 8:45 am
U.S.-Turkish Joint Venture Overcomes Fighting, Secures Materials To Build Balkan Highway
When ethnic violence erupted last summer in northern Kosovo, builders of the country’s first modern motorway found the project’s sole supply quarry inaccessible behind roadblocks.
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 7:29 am
Industry Assails Timetable for New Mercury Standard for Powerplants
But environmental advocates say standards are achievable
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 12:00 am
Officials Point to Opportunities for Work in China, But Some Firms Note Challenges
China's emphasis on sustainability is driving the market for clean energy projects
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 12:00 am
Business Groups Challenge New NLRB Rule
But labor groups say rule is a necessary reform
Posted on 2 January 2012 | 12:00 am
Decisions Expected by April for Proposed $11B South Africa Refinery
Construction of the refinery, which would be Africa's largest, was to start in 2010, but financing has not yet been completed.
Posted on 1 January 2012 | 11:01 pm
YouTube Video Captures Crane Near Miss
YouTube video clearly shows a crane being shock-loaded during demolition of the stadium's roof.
Posted on 1 January 2012 | 11:39 am
Cape Wind Sales Agreement Upheld in Massachusetts Court Ruling
Company expects to begin construction with a year, but opponents vow that fight will continue.
Posted on 29 December 2011 | 4:49 pm
Skanska Launches Into Midwest With Indiana Firm Purchase
Cash transaction expands New York parent into new markets and geographies and provides larger global base for Indiana-based acquisition.
Posted on 29 December 2011 | 10:49 am
Burst Water Main Proves Perilous in Manchester, N. H.
Pipeline, at least 110 years old, creates car-swallowing sinkhole.
Posted on 28 December 2011 | 4:49 pm
Insurance Prices Should Hold, But Watch Out for Workers' Comp Costs
Insurance underwriters want more to renew their accounts, but for most types of coverage they can’t get it without risking losing clients, says a forecast from broker Cavignac.
Posted on 28 December 2011 | 2:28 pm
Cutting Shroud Contains Radioactivity in DOE Site Demolition
Tainted nuclear lab facility razing is precursor to larger demolition of former plutonium production complex, set to complete in 2016.
Posted on 28 December 2011 | 1:28 pm
ENR's Tech Forecast: Increased Use of Mobile Tools, Upstart Apps and Sensor Implementation
ENR technology editors prepare for the year ahead by trying to anticipate where current trends will lead.
Posted on 28 December 2011 | 12:00 am
Construction CIOs on BIM, BYOD and Emerging Technologies
What are the main tech pains of construction CIOs? This panel at FutureTech provides some insights.
Posted on 27 December 2011 | 12:59 pm
Readers' Choice: Most Popular ENR Stories of 2011
Readers' Choice: ENR's Top Stories of 2011 based on popularity of the articles.
Posted on 26 December 2011 | 11:22 am
Contractors Support Bans on Distracted Driving
Construction firms are getting behind this month's sweeping recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board, which calls for a nationwide ban on phoning and texting while driving.
Posted on 26 December 2011 | 8:42 am
Pulse
Planning; contracts; bids and proposals for the week ending Dec. 26; 2011.
Posted on 25 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
After Hill Standoff Ends, Obama Signs Two-Month Payroll Tax-Cut Extension
Bill also requires Obama administration to decide in 60 days whether Keystone XL oil pipeline should move forward. State Dept. said it would be unable to issue decision by that deadline.
Posted on 23 December 2011 | 11:18 am
Editors' Picks: ENR's Top Stories of 2011
The pace of change never seemed so relentless in a year dominated by transportation funding trouble, pressure on unions, criminal charges and unusually powerful natural disasters.
Posted on 21 December 2011 | 1:53 pm
LightSquared Pushes for FCC Decision on GPS Network
LightSquared is pushing the FCC to approve its ground-based satellite network plans, over the objections of the rest of the GPS industry.
Posted on 21 December 2011 | 9:55 am
House and Senate at Impasse over Payroll Tax Cut Bill
House rejects Senate-approved two-month extension
Posted on 20 December 2011 | 5:34 pm
Omnibus Spending Bill Trims Many Construction Programs
Bill cuts spending for EPA water, GSA new construction, and DOD base closure programs, but boosts Corps civil works.
Posted on 20 December 2011 | 3:15 pm
New York State's New Design-Build Law a Sign of the Times?
New York State will now allow several state agencies to use design-build methods on infrastructure projects.
Posted on 20 December 2011 | 10:38 am
Report: Solid Risk Management Must Go 'Beyond Checklists'
Bigger companies and owners are keenly aware of risk management, but they carry it out in different ways, says a new report by McGraw-Hill Construction’s research and analytics unit.
Posted on 20 December 2011 | 9:17 am
Federal Government Announces Clean Water Act Settlement in Chicago To Reduce Sewage Overflows
The agreement calls for the development of green water infrastructure, in addition to the completion of two major reservoirs.
Posted on 20 December 2011 | 12:00 am
Gulf Oil-Spill Report Calls for Revamped Blowout Preventers
National Academy of Engineering panel says currently used blowout-preventing systems aren't designed or tested to be used in conditions such as those during the night of the April 2010 accident.
Posted on 19 December 2011 | 4:38 pm
Persian Gulf Airport Projects Move Ahead
Anticipating growth, Saudi Arabia pushes into privatization while Abu Dhabi entertains six bids from global teams for terminal expansion
Posted on 19 December 2011 | 1:30 pm
Good News, Bad News for U.S. Offshore Wind Power
Statoil's floating turbine off the coast of Maine is apparently proceeding, while NRG's Bluewater Wind Atlantic Coast prototypes appear to be dead in the water.
Posted on 19 December 2011 | 12:58 pm
Metso Doubles Money in Terex Patent Case
The stakes are rising for Terex Corp. as it soldiers on to defend an important patent-infringement case relating to its line of Powerscreen-brand equipment.
Posted on 19 December 2011 | 12:54 pm
North American LNG Market Booming, Thanks to Healthy Demand in Asia
A price spread, big North American reserves and Asian demand are driving the LNG export ,arket.
Posted on 19 December 2011 | 12:41 pm
Green Building Booms in India
In India, the market for green buildings is exploding.
Posted on 19 December 2011 | 11:08 am
Portland, Ore.'s Big Pipe Winds Up 20-Year Program To Control Overflows
Officials in Portland, Ore., see the light at the end of the Big Pipe Project.
Posted on 19 December 2011 | 9:35 am
Broad Array of Offshore Firms Provide Help at Fukushima
Following the Fukushima Daichi disaster March 11, nuclear experts from multiple countries and companies flew to the aid of Tokyo Electric Power Corp.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Supreme Court Hears Montana Water Case
Supreme Court hears arguments in Montana water case.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Green Schoolhouses to Be Built With Donated Materials, Volunteers
With the first of 24 LEED-Platinum schools breaking ground in Phoenix, the all-volunteer Green Schoolhouses Series has launched to provide $200 million in new, 100% donated buildings for disadvantaged public schools across the country.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Landslide Mitigation Measures Fail To Save Plan To Build Bypass Bridges in Oregon
The Oregon Dept. of Transportation has labeled landslide mitigation on an unbuilt four-mile stretch of U.S. 20 a failure.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
?Q4 Cost Report: 'Deja Vu' All Over Again
Construction cost forecast calls for inflation to follow 2011’s pattern.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Products Snapshot: Quieter Drill Rigs and Larger-Capacity Band Saws
We look at the latest in construction products, from a quieter drill rig to a large-capacity band saw.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Pulse for the week of Dec. 19, 2011
Insight on the latest projects out to bid, culled from McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Pulse for the Week of Dec. 19, 2011
Insight on the latest projects out to bid, culled from McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge database.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Does Anyone Have an Idea for a Manageable Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) Policy?
Construction companies discuss options of allowing employees to bring their own devices to be used for work.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
State Dept. Officials Highlight Building IT Needs Over Next 5 Years
The U.S. State Dept.'s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations is rolling out a five-year IT strategic plan
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
VIEWPOINT: Engineering-Construction Needs a New Model
Is our business model broken? The need for innovation should cause us to reconsider how we conduct our research and rethink how products and applications are developed.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Court Issues Mixed Ruling in Cement-Kiln Case
A federal appellate court didn't fully satisfy industry or environmentalists with its ruling in a case concerning federal rules that govern cement kilns' air emissions.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Mexican Cement maker Cemex Settles for Half Value of Seized Assets in Venezuela
Cement giant Cemex had originally sought $1.2 billion and had rejected earlier deal for more.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Why Sharing the Float is No Utopia, But Should Be
With the cost of delays and project harmony hanging in the balance, float-sharing is common but so are alternatives. Is float ownership absurd?
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Saudi Petrochemical Megaproject Makes Progress on Contract Awards
Work on $20-billion chemical complex addition at Saudi site will start in 2012
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Lawmakers, Restoration Task Force, Outline Priorities for Gulf
Officials continue to reiterate need for majority of cleanup funds to go to Gulf States
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
DOE Hanford Site Vitrification Plant Pushes Construction Deadlines
?A decade after work began on the $12.2-billion waste treatment plant at the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Hanford site in southeastern Washington—set to be the world's largest to treat "mixed" nuclear and chemical wastes—the 65-acre "vit plant" complex still faces uncertainty in cost and design, despite completion of 85% of its engineering and more than 60% of its construction.
Posted on 18 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Products Snapshot: Fuel-Efficient Tractors and Water Pipe Liners
The latest in construction products, from a fuel-efficient tractor to a cured-in-place pipe liner.
Posted on 16 December 2011 | 3:01 pm
United Rentals To Buy RSC for $1.9 Billion
The two largest American rental companies are merging.
Posted on 16 December 2011 | 7:35 am
Demo Contractor Signs Deal To Raze Gatlinburg Treatment Plant Basin
A report by the state OSHA, with input from a federal OSHA engineer, said construction deficiencies that allowed gradual corrosion of the rebar inside the wall caused the collapse
Posted on 15 December 2011 | 3:32 pm
Big Bill Coming Due for Underspending on Water-Related Infrastructure
Lacking any new investment in this infrastructure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 estimate of a $55 billion shortfall in maintenance and upgrade needs could balloon to $84 billion by 2020.
Posted on 15 December 2011 | 2:24 pm
US DOT Picks Winners of $511M in TIGER Grants
Highway and bridge projects won 48% of the dollars awarded; transit projects received 29%.
Posted on 15 December 2011 | 12:38 pm
FutureTech for Jobsites? CIOs Need to See ROI First.
Even though tablets and smart phones are spreading onto jobsites at a swift pace in construction, chief financial officers from major A/E/C firms say technology purchases must come with solid returns on investment, panelists said during the panelists appearing at the ENR FutureTech conference in San Francisco.
Posted on 14 December 2011 | 3:49 pm
Is Email Really the Most Important Technology at your Firm?
A CURT Young Professionals Survey tries to figure out what form for telecommunication is the most important to modern companies.
Posted on 14 December 2011 | 12:00 am
14 Firms Named as Defendants in Binghamton Wastewater Suit
Four insurance firms and 10 construction firms are now involved in the dispute over the $67 million project involving Binghamton and Johnson City, N.Y.
Posted on 13 December 2011 | 11:47 pm
Appeals Court Delivers Mixed Ruling in Cement-Kiln Emissions Case
Federal appeals court sides with industry on some issues, but with EPA on others, in case dealing with rules governing air emissions from cement kilns.
Posted on 12 December 2011 | 3:38 pm
National Labor Relations Board Votes on Controversial Measure
Business groups contend resolution would prove troublesome for employers.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
House GOP Delays Highway-Transit Bill Until Early 2012
Measure would expand oil and gas drilling and use some energy revenue for roads and bridges.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Joplin Rebuilding Stymied by Dispute Over Wage Rates
Local contractors say the prevailing-wage rate for public-works projects has in some cases nearly tripled.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
HDR Readies For Battle in Tampa Bay Water Dispute
Tampa Bay Water is seeking $97 million from the engineer after rejecting a $30-million settlement offer.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Obama, Bill Clinton Launch $4B Green Buildings Plan
Program has no new federal funds or tax incentives. It relies instead on private funding and contracts paid through energy cost savings.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Booming Natural Gas Market Pressures Green Economy
Energy experts often agree that green innovation for renewable energy is a worthy goal. But amid a booming energy market is it realistic?
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
O'Hare Operations Literally Buzz With Activity
Chicago O'Hare International Airport revises operations to go greener.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
China Backs Cellulosic Ethanol Producer That DOE Rejected
One of the competitors not chosen this year to receive U.S. Dept. of Energy loan guarantees to build an advanced biofuels plant is taking its cause abroad.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Small Business Issues Highlighted at Milcon Conference
DOD Agencies say they exceed most small business targets, but firms still have concerns
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Products Snapshot: Weigh-Based Concrete Mixer and Tier 4i Generator
This week we look at the latest in construction products, including a non-volumetric concrete mixer and a Tier 4 Interim portable generator.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
ENR Global Sourcebook
International Construction Firms Explore Shifting Markets
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Pulse
Gives readers a glimpse of who is planning and constructing some of the largest projects throughout the U.S. Much information for pulse is derived from McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
State Budgets Slowly Rebounding, But Not Yet Back to Pre-Recession Levels
Two states cut transportation spending so far in fiscal 2012, compared with seven in 2011.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
People on the Move: Virginia L. Grebbien, Jim Evans, Sergio Bazarevitsch;...
Highlights of Executive News for Week of Dec. 12, including new duties for top executives at Parsons, Corp. and a new contracting firm recruits former executives of Rudolph & Sietten.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
EPA Issues Revised Boiler MACT Rule
Proposal would offer more flexibility
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Real-time Data Speeds Power Transmission Line Project Delivery
Layers of project and customer data flow via Google Earth interface to give field crews managing power transmission line construction projects real-time ground truth.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
Long-Awaited Anacostia River Project Ramps Up Remodeling
A reconstruction project, including three new bridges and a network of connecting ramps, is under way in D.C.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
AutoDesk, Bentley Launch More App Tools
BIM-in-the-cloud apps are taking off.
Posted on 11 December 2011 | 11:00 pm
'Megatall' Joins Dictionary of Tall Buildings Council
Tall buildings group coins a noun for skyscrapers 600 m or taller: A megatall. And the group projects the 20 tallest towers in 2020.
Posted on 8 December 2011 | 12:37 pm
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