Positive Trend Continues for Architecture Billings Index

  • Posted on

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index saw a jump of more than a full point last month, indicating acceleration in the growth of design activity nationally.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 52.7, up from a mark of 51.6 in June.   This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).   The new projects inquiry index was … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, eNews

Historic $900M Green Build Expansion Opens at San Diego International Airport

  • Posted on

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Green Build expansion at San Diego International Airport recently opened, marking the completion of the largest project in the airport’s history. The Green Build was completed on schedule and is expected to be $45 million under budget. The project was built by two joint venture teams: Kiewit/Sundt and Turner/PCL/Flatiron. The architect was HNTB. Key features include : 10 new gates to reduce terminal congestion and provide expanded, more comfortable passenger waiting areas; highlights include new seating equipped with built-in cup holders, electrical outlets and USB ports. Dual-level roadway to relieve curb-front traffic congestion by separating arriving … Read more

Filed under: eNews

AGC Reports on Year-Over-Year Construction Employment

  • Posted on

Construction employment continued its spotty improvement in July, as more states posted year-over-year gains but most states posted decreases compared with June, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of labor department data. Association officials said the steady improvement in employment in many states was welcome news, but cautioned that the industry's recovery was still fragile. “Today's report shows the fragile and fragmentary nature of the industry's recovery,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Construction employment increased in 37 states during the past 12 months — the largest number with gains since early last year … Read more

Filed under: eNewsTagged with:

U.S. Construction Machinery Exports Down 21% at Midyear 2013

  • Posted on

U.S. construction machinery exports dropped 21 percent during the first half of 2013, with $10.8 billion shipped to global markets compared to $13.7 billion at midyear 2012, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The AEM off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into global trend reports for members. Nearly all world regions recorded double-digit declines, except Central America with a double-digit gain. Construction equipment exports for the first half of 2013, compared with midyear 2012: Exports to Europe declined 20 percent for a total $1.4 billion, and dropped 15 percent to Canada for … Read more

Filed under: eNews

Scaffolding Safety – Tips, Tricks and Things to Consider

  • Posted on

  by Mike Mumau In the construction industry, workers are the most valuable assets, making worker safety a top priority. For this reason, OSHA and ANSI guidelines are valuable tools in safeguarding the health of workers on the jobsite. However, one of the toughest and most crucial standards to enforce is fall protection/scaffolding, as scaffolding was the third most cited violation for federal OSHA standards in 2012, with the related issue of fall protection topping that list. Since OSHA was created to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths, taking its guidelines and citations into concern can only benefit worker health. … Read more

Filed under: eNews