Overall construction materials prices increased 0.4 percent in April and are up 1.5 percent year over year, according to the May 14 Producer Price Index released by the U.S. Department of Labor. Nonresidential construction material prices were up 0.5 percent for the month and are 1.4 percent higher than the same time last year. “Construction materials prices have increased for five consecutive months, the longest streak in more than two years,” said Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While some may interpret this increase as the onset of a period associated with significantly higher inflation, it seems more … Read more

Understanding rigid foam insulation for foundation and under-slab applications By Ram Mayilvahanan Up to one-quarter of a building’s energy loss is due to lack of insulation in below-grade areas, including the foundation and under slabs. Now that high-performance building envelopes are common above ground, the relative amount of total heat lost below grade will grow if these spaces are not addressed. As a result, superintendents increasingly will encounter below-grade and under-slab insulation on all building types. To help increase understanding of how two common rigid-foam insulations perform in these settings, this article evaluates moisture absorption and thermal performance. It also … Read more

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — PCL Construction recently announced that the San Diego Airport Terminal 2 expansion has become the first commercial airport terminal in the world to receive LEED Platinum certification. Working with joint venture partners, Turner Construction and Flatiron Construction, the project initially targeted LEED Silver certification. The San Diego Airport Authority focused heavily on involving local contractors and vendors throughout, to ensure the entire project was a community effort. Project teams must follow strict guidelines during construction to obtain LEED certification. The team incorporated 20,000 tons of recycled aggregate into 1.5 million square feet of taxiway and airport … Read more

Mortenson Construction and joint-venture partner GE Johnson Construction, have been selected to continue their work on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas. Details of the new, privately funded Vanier Football Complex and North Stadium project were unveiled in a press conference during the Wildcats" spring football game in April. “With more than $125 million of facility improvements completed in the last 24 months and the excitement of our fans, evidenced by the current string of 13 consecutive football sellouts, it is imperative that we build upon the tradition and success of our program under Coach Snyder's leadership and … Read more