New Study Looks at General Contractor Use of Site Data as Analytical Tool to Improve Performance

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A new study from Dodge Construction Network and Versatile reveals that greater use of site data as an analytical tool allows contractors to surmount challenges. The new report, Measuring What Matters: Unleashing the Power of Site Data to Enhance Construction Performance SmartMarket Report, is based on a recent Dodge survey of over 200 general contractors across the United States. The findings show that most report significant performance improvements from their use of site data. Those who use automated technology to gather data and software to analyze it report above-average improvements compared with those still using manual methods. Although the tools … Read more

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NCCER Publishes Second Edition of Drywall Curriculum

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The National Center for Construction Education and Research has published the second edition of its Drywall Level 1 curriculum, featuring the craft’s most current tools and best practices in a revised format. The second edition’s updates include: New content and artwork for greater industry relevance, readability and learner engagement. A rebalanced focus between wood framing and cold-formed steel framing, ensuring valuable coverage of both residential and commercial drywall applications. Drywall Level 1 is part of NCCER’s two-level drywall curriculum and covers introductory concepts, tools and skills for this important finishing craft. The curriculum’s second level, Drywall Level 2, which addresses more … Read more

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Purdue University to Launch Lab with Focus on Construction Management Technology

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Purdue University and Trimble are establishing a Trimble Technology Lab at Purdue focused on teaching and research for construction management technology in West Lafayette, Indiana. The lab is hosted by the School of Construction Management Technology within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and will bring Trimble’s construction technologies into a dedicated learning environment for Purdue students to learn and innovate. The lab is expected to open in early 2024 and will be part of the institute’s evolving footprint at Dudley and Lambertus Halls. The connected buildings, which opened in April, house a mix of polytechnic and engineering labs, makerspaces and classrooms with the goal of fostering an atmosphere of collaboration … Read more

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Groundbreaking Held for Additions & Renovations to Joseph Arthur Middle School

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Central School District #104 held a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 14, to kick off the additions and renovations project at its Joseph Arthur Middle School in Breese, Illinois. Poettker Construction is serving as the construction manager and Cordogan Clark the designer for 26,900 square feet of building expansions and 10,900 square feet of light renovations to the district’s middle school campus. The facility expansion encompasses three new additions: a new ICC-rated competition gymnasium, which will also serve as the campus’s first ever storm shelter; a new full-service commercial kitchen and serving spaces to replace the existing outdated and undersized cafeteria; and … Read more

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Producer Price Index for Construction Materials, Services Rises 1.1%

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The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction increased 1.1% from July to August, driven by an extreme jump in diesel fuel costs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that most other commodity prices were subdued but said their newly released survey showed contractors continue to experience widespread problems finding qualified workers and the costs associated with those shortages. The producer price index for diesel fuel, which covers the selling price at the terminal rack or refinery, soared 34.6% from mid-July to mid-August, the largest one-month jump since 1990. Simonson noted that retail diesel … Read more

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