PORR Delivers Gleisarena at Zurich Central Station

After approximately two and a half years of construction, total service and general contractor PORR delivered the Gleisarena, located in Switzerland. PORR was commissioned by SBB Immobilien to construct the multi-purpose building alongside the train tracks at Zurich central station. The most striking element of this project is the innovative glass brick facade facing the tracks. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the facade’s complex geometry and exacting requirements in terms of building physics made the project a technically challenging one. PORR SUISSE completed the project with the aid of technical guidance from PORR subsidiary Alu Sommer. The contract volume … Read more

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Antarctic Wharf Ready for RRS Sir David Attenborough Polar Research Vessel

For the first time, polar ships have moored at a new £40 million wharf at British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. The RRS James Clark Ross used it to re-supply the station and pick up staff for return to the UK. Construction partners and designers of the wharf, BAM, with the support of Sweco and technical advisors Ramboll, completed a second, six-month construction season, during the Antarctic austral summer. Turner & Townsend also provided cost management for the project. The new wharf, which replaces a smaller structure built in the 1980s, is part of the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme, … Read more

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COVID-19 Response (Part 1): What You Need to Know to Protect Your Crews

Amidst the growing uncertainties surrounding the global pandemic, it’s critical that we do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19—while at the same time attempt to maintain “business as usual” —with safeguards in place to better protect the safety and well-being of employees, trade partners, clients and the general public. The following recommended best practices, recently published by The Builder’s Association, are based on what is presently known about the coronavirus disease. As this issue progresses or recedes, the organization strongly recommends contractors stay current and immediately implement the most up-to-date best practices going forward. Personal responsibilities It … Read more

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Kickoff Celebration Held for NCCER-Certified Apprenticeship Program

Workforce Solutions of Williamson County in Texas, along with TDIndustries, recently held a kickoff celebration of TD’s registered apprenticeship program. In a partnership with North Texas’ Construction Education Foundation, TD provides a 20-week training program for HVAC and plumbing employees as their first step of apprenticeship. Participants can learn the basics of pipefitting, plumbing and sheet metal work in the first course, and receive advanced training in subsequent semesters. The National Center for Construction Education and Research has certified this program. The first class began Thursday, Jan. 23 and runs through June 11. Presently, 17 TD partners are enrolled in … Read more

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ABC Announces New Construction Technology and Innovation VP

Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Matthew Abeles has been appointed to the newly created role of vice president of construction technology and innovation. In this position, Abeles will spearhead efforts to integrate construction technology and innovation into all aspects of ABC’s strategic initiatives, particularly total human health, world-class safety and workforce development. “As technology and breakthrough innovations continue to transform the construction industry, we’re thrilled to have Matt’s expertise and counsel,” said Michael Bellaman, ABC’s president and CEO. “In the last decade, construction technologies have revolutionized how we connect through the design, build and delivery processes, but our industry … Read more

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