Widespread Steep Increases in Materials Costs in November Outrun Prices for Construction Projects, According to AGC Analysis

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Prices of numerous construction materials soared again in November, outpacing the rate at which contractors raised their bid prices, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials said the current steps being taken to address supply chain problems and rising prices have been insufficient and urged public officials to redouble their efforts. “Prices for nearly every type of construction material are rising at runaway rates,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These costs are compounding the difficulties contractors are experiencing from long lead times for production, gridlocked supply chains and record … Read more

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American Iron and Steel Institute Publishes Cold-Formed Steel Clip Angle Design Guide

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The American Iron and Steel Institute has published AISI D114-21, “Cold-Formed Steel Clip Angle Design Guide, 2021 Edition,” a new publication that provides practical guidance on the design of cold-formed steel clip angles based on research performed at the University of North Texas. Cold-formed steel clip angles are commonly used to connect CFS framing members in light-frame steel buildings or to attach secondary structural components in a conventional structural steel frame or reinforced concrete frame building. AISI D114-21 provides methods that are applicable for those clip angles that are used to transfer shear, compression, tension or a combination of these … Read more

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National Institute of Building Sciences Appoints Stephen T. Ayers Interim CEO

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The National Institute of Building Sciences board of directors announced that The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, NAC, CCM, LEED AP, the 11th Architect of the Capitol and president of The Ayers Group, LLC, has accepted the position of interim CEO of NIBS. Ayers’ appointment follows the departure of CEO Lakisha A. Woods, CAE. Ayers previously served as chair of the NIBS board from 2017 to 2018. He also served as chair of the Construction Management Association of America and the Construction Users Roundtable. On Feb. 24, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Ayers to serve as the 11th Architect of … Read more

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New Discovery Building at Santa Monica High School Welcomes Students

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Construction on the new Discovery Building at Santa Monica High School in California (locally known as SAMOHI), is complete. The three-story, 280,000-square-foot academic complex houses 43 classrooms, including science and computer labs, indoor and outdoor dining facilities, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a suite for medically fragile students, a rooftop garden classroom and a parking garage for nearly 300 cars. Transforming SAMOHI’s North Campus, this $133-million innovative structure is designed as an “open building,” with a flexible, open-column grid, raised floor and non-load bearing walls which can be reconfigured over time. The academic complex will cater to social interactions and strengthen the sense of community on SAMOHI’s campus by elevating educational, cultural … Read more

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American Society of Civil Engineers Seeks Comments on Standard

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The American Society of Civil Engineers will conduct a public comment period on Standard ASCE/CI/UESI 38-XX Standard Guideline for Investigating and Documenting Existing Utilities. The public comment period will be held through Jan. 23. This nonmandatory consensus standard is core to the practice of SUE. SUE is predicated on the premise that important information related to the existence, location, configuration and condition of utilities can be determined without accurate utility records. The goal of applying this standard is to eliminate or reduce uncertainty in the locational position and attributes of existing utility infrastructure that causes delays and cost increases during … Read more

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