Construction Commodities Prices Continue to Stabilize, Digital + Energy Transformation Drive Industry Growth

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Global construction consultant Linesight released its Q2 US Country Commodity Report , noting that commodity prices are continuing to stabilize, albeit at elevated levels, with the GDP rising beyond expectations and signs of cooling inflation. Digital transformation is driving rapid expansion in the data center and high-tech industrial sectors in the United States supported by federal legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This is presenting some challenges namely in skilled workers to deliver the facilities, as well as a growing need to identify new sites and locations to meet the digital … Read more

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Lean Construction Approach Powers More Unified, Efficient Project Team

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By Ken Osmun Construction projects are rarely completed without a hitch, but the unanticipated issues don’t have to cause delays and cost overruns. With the Lean construction approach, a project team can more successfully and easily navigate around obstacles — and even prevent many of them from arising in the first place. Delays spring from countless variables and logistics. One company may have trouble obtaining a needed element such as a lighting fixture because of a hold-up with the supplier. Another company may anticipate being temporarily short-staffed in an upcoming week. Enter Lean construction. The method is a series of … Read more

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The Christman Company Adds Austin Atchley as Assistant Project Superintendent

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Austin Atchley has joined The Christman Company as an assistant project superintendent in the construction management and real estate development firm’s office in Knoxville, Tennessee. “Austin’s educational background, combined with his hands-on experience in numerous facets of the construction sector, make him a great fit for our team,” said Marty Gibbs, senior vice president and general manager for the company’s operations in Knoxville. “We are confident that Austin’s skills and dedication will contribute to the success of our projects.” Atchley interned with The Christman Company in 2021, where he demonstrated proficiency in handling requests for information, change orders, submittals and … Read more

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Former Umbrella Factory Transforms into Luxury Condominium Building

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The completion of the Umbrella Factory’s transformation has been completed in New York City. The former Embee Sunshade Company was refurbished into a mixed-use, high-end residential condominium building, successfully preserving the building’s historic charm. The project team included general contractor Gilbane Building Company, owner 722 Metropolitan LLC and architect Rawlings Architects PC. The Umbrella Factory’s unique façade, sustainable design and structural elements set it apart from many other buildings in New York City. The new residences feature large, exposed Southern Pine timber beams and approximately 90% of the building is wood, which spurred new challenges for the project team. All … Read more

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Research Projects Focus on Preventing Suicide and Opioid-Related Deaths in Construction

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In January 2023, CPWR invited proposals from construction professionals and researchers across the U.S. to tackle the issue of suicide and opioid-related deaths in the construction sector. Nineteen proposals were submitted and reviewed by experts, resulting in five projects receiving $50,000 each from a private donor. The evaluation of programs and interventions for their efficacy and scalability was a top priority in the selection process. The researchers will report on their findings in 2024. Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of New Peer-Support Programs in Two Building Trades Unions — Washington University in St. Louis The Greater St. Louis Construction Laborers … Read more

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