The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the National Institute of Building Sciences and MOD X, has released the Offsite Construction for Housing: Research Roadmap, a strategic report that presents the key knowledge gaps and research needs to overcome the barriers and challenges to offsite construction. Offsite construction has the potential to deliver more affordable and accessible single and multifamily housing at scale. However, offsite construction for housing in the U.S. faces several challenges to increase uptake and adoption. This stands in considerable contrast to more mature international offsite construction industries, such as those in the UK, Japan and Sweden. … Read more
AISI Standards Council Establishes New Group to Address Energy Standards for Building Envelopes
The Standards Council of the American Iron and Steel Institute has formed a new group that will be primarily responsible for the ongoing development of AISI S250, North American Standard for Thermal Transmittance of Building Envelopes with Cold-Formed Steel Framing. The new Committee on Energy Standards falls under the administrative oversight of the AISI Standards Council, which also oversees the Committee on Specifications and the Committee on Framing Standards. The new group is recognized as a consensus body by the American National Standards Institute. It is comprised of AISI staff and experts from the steel construction industry, and will develop … Read more
DCC’s International Project Awards 2023 Call for Entries
The Decorative Concrete Council, a specialty council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors, has opened its call for entries for its 2023 International Project Awards. Entries are invited in the following categories: Cementitious Overlays; Cast-in-Place Stamped; Stained & Dyes; Polished Concrete & Overlays; Cast-in-Place Special Finishes; Countertops/Furniture/Firepits; Vertical/Facades; Concrete Artistry; Multiple Applications; Architectural Cast-in-Place Concrete Structures; Project Video; and Decorative Resinous Coatings. Submittal deadline is April 28.Entries are judged equally on aesthetics, craftsmanship, functionality, creativity and safety. Entry fees are $60 for the first entry and $40 per additional entry for ASCC members, and $90 and $60, respectively for … Read more
McCarthy Building Companies hosted a Construction 101 Event
McCarthy Building Companies recently hosted its annual Construction 101 event in its Newport Beach, California office. A total of 33 students participated. Construction 101 Day provided a supportive, hands-on learning experience with introduction to a construction career for high school girls ages 14-18. Participants learned the basic elements of various construction trades and developed a safety mindset, as well as self-confidence that can apply in many aspects. Seasoned mentors in the industry and McCarthy role models were present to guide the participants through projects. Participants learned to work together and effectively communicate with their peers and mentors to achieve successful … Read more
ASCC Hires Mike Hernandez as Technical Director
Michael G. Hernandez, P.E., DBIA, has joined the technical division of the American Society of Concrete Contractors as technical director. This position oversees all technical activities of the organization including serving as the technical voice for ASCC in verbal and written communication, providing technical support for the members and the organization and developing programming and resources to benefit the concrete contractor. Hernandez is a licensed professional engineer in Florida and Colorado, and a certified general contractor in Florida. He is also a design-build certified professional. Prior to this position, Hernandez worked as a project engineer for M. A. Mortenson, held … Read more