The University of Arizona recently unveiled the Applied Research Building’s Thermal Vacuum Chamber, the world’s largest of its kind housed within a collegiate research facility. Weighing 40 tons and extending 30 feet, the TV Chamber is designed for testing nanosatellites under replicated atmospheric temperature and pressure conditions found within the space and near-space environment. The TV Chamber provides incredible accuracy in simulation, ensuring the greatest confidence in materials testing. This technology represents one of the primary features within the ARB. With the complexity of the TV Chamber, the Design-Build partnership between SmithGroup and general contractor McCarthy Building Companies Inc., sequenced … Read more
ABC Releases AI Construction Technology Report
Associated Builders and Contractors released its latest construction technology report, which focuses on the impacts of artificial intelligence in the construction industry. The report includes a case study and thought leadership from ABC’s Tech Alliance to showcase how ABC is strengthening members’ understanding of AI. “ABC contractor members and the overall contracting community want more information on AI and how it can help them improve safety, quality and profitability — and win more work.” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. The ABC AI Tech Report, Abeles continued, highlights examples and insights from industry leaders invested … Read more
GSA Awards $275M Contract for New Douglas Land Port of Entry in Arizona
The U.S. General Services Administration has awarded a $275 million contract to Hensel Phelps Construction Company for the new Douglas Land Port of Entry. The general contractor will provide Design-Build services for the new commercial port, which will be built approximately five miles west of the existing Raul Hector Castro Land Port of Entry in Douglas, Arizona. This award includes small business subcontracting goals that highlight GSA’s commitment to creating more opportunities for small businesses. This critical infrastructure development project, which received $180 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding and $92 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding, will increase capacity and … Read more
New Crane Index, Quarterly Cost Report from Rider Levett Bucknall
Rider Levett Bucknall has released its latest Crane Index and Quarterly Cost Report, providing an eye-opening perspective on the North American construction industry in 14 key markets. The latest report, with data current to mid-third quarter of 2024, shows the national average increase in construction costs was 1.07%, the lowest it’s been in the last three years. Boston, Massachusetts; Denver, Colorado; Honolulu, Hawaii; New York, New York; Seattle, Washington and Washington, D.C. all experienced increases over the national average this quarter. Chicago, Illinois; Las Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, California experienced gains that … Read more
Turner Awarded $123M of Work for Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Turner Construction Company began work for the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to build and renovate facilities on its Memphis and Northwest campuses in Covington, Tennessee. These projects are essential to the college’s continued success as a leader in trade education and workforce development in Tennessee. On the Memphis campus, the $73-million project will include erecting new buildings and renovating existing structures to create a modern learning environment. Similarly, the Northwest project is a $50-million endeavor that involves development of new facilities and the refurbishment of current ones. Set to transform the campuses, the projects will provide resources that support … Read more