Handling Mass Timber on the Jobsite

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By Joe Hovan Mass timber construction has taken hold in a big way. These structures, made of various types of wood products such as cross laminated timber, glue-laminated beams, laminated veneer lumber, nail-laminated timber or dowel-laminated timber, rival traditional steel and concrete building materials in terms of durability, seismic performance and fire resistance. They are also lighter in weight and result in less costly foundations. In addition, because mass timber components are machined to a high precision (+/- 1mm), the installation onsite is faster, less noisy and utilizes a smaller crew than alternative materials. Not to mention, they are really … Read more

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Bigger, Better, Faster

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A Superintendent’s Approach to New Technology By Devin McLaren Technology is constantly evolving to not only change the way we build, but also to change the way project teams collaborate and problem solve in a challenging landscape. To achieve such progress, technology and innovation must play a key role in offering craftsmen and women new ways to improve means and methods, efficiency, speed-to-market delivery, safety and quality control. Technology is critical to construction both in the design and in the building process — the advances that have been made over the last 20 years save time and money every day … Read more

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Planning is Paramount: Crane Utilization on Vertical Construction Projects

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By Robert Pavelka When it comes to managing and mitigating risks on construction jobsites, few activities require a greater level of awareness or more extensive preplanning than the deployment of cranes. Whether it is a fixed tower crane that is brought in and assembled on the construction site for use throughout the project, or a mobile crane such as a crawler, hydraulic or vehicle-mounted variety, cranes have long been an essential tool for builders to effectively and efficiently erect their vertical construction projects. But the consequences of inadequate planning and errors in execution can be dire. According to the U.S. … Read more

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Modular Construction Goes Mainstream

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How modular classrooms help with COVID restrictions, supply chain challenges + dwindling workforce By Robert Ussery It’s no longer your father’s classroom… or even yours, for that matter! Modular construction has come a long way in the past few decades. What was once little more than a construction system for quickly building portable classrooms, has evolved into an efficient and cost-effective way to build aesthetically pleasing schools. As a case in point, Otto Construction – a 75-year-old family business based in Sacramento, California – recently completed work on the Rancho Santana School in Hollister, California, about 90 miles south of … Read more

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Turning Historic Preservation Project Challenges into Opportunities

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Building within a geothermal field at a historic site By Phil Root The Michigan State Capitol opened in 1879 in Lansing. As with historic structures, it has undergone multiple restorations. Following an exterior restoration in 1992, it was named a National Historic Landmark and welcomes more than 115,000 visitors annually. After the 1992 restoration, protection of newly renovated spaces became a top priority, and state officials discussed adding a welcome center. After the exterior dome and stone façade restoration in 2015, a $70-million infrastructure project was approved to repair failing systems. Work included electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression/alarm and building … Read more

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