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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Level Up Projects with Mock-ups

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By Mark Pasciuto From 3D printing organs, prostheses and automotive parts, to creating a cockpit for airline pilot simulations, product mock-ups are frequently employed to visualize a potential product in a life-like context. Mock-ups can be used to get feedback on a product concept before mass production, present a proposed design to stakeholders for input and approval or used by sales teams to conduct business prior to the completion of a project. Ultimately, mock-ups can save time, money and effort while making the build process more efficient and accurate. Mock-ups are also used when building hotels. On Georgia World Congress … Read more

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New Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings 

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Advanced Energy Design Guide for Multifamily Buildings-Achieving Zero Energy is the third in the AEDG zero energy guide series. The design guide outlines strategies for achieving energy targets such as setting measurable goals, hiring design teams committed to those goals, using simulation throughout the design and construction processes and being aware of how process decisions affect energy usage. In this edition, content has been included on renovation and resiliency along with expanded guidance on hot water and high load in multifamily buildings. Valuable chapters and sections include: Chapter 2 – “Principles for Success” – Describes the important decision points and … Read more

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