ABC’s Construction Backlog Inches Higher in May, Materials + Labor Shortages Suppress Contractor Confidence

  • Posted on

Associated Builders and Contractors reports that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.0 months in May, according to an ABC member survey conducted from May 20 to June 2, 0.1 months higher than in April 2021 and May 2020. While ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales increased modestly in May, confidence regarding profit margins and staffing levels slipped. All three indices remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months. “Nonresidential construction backlog continues to edge higher, consistent with expectations that sales, profit margins and staffing will expand over the next six months,” … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , ,

SEAA Names Speakers, Sets Exhibitor Schedule for 2021 Convention

  • Posted on

The Steel Erectors Association of America’s 48th Convention and Trade Show, to be held Oct. 12-14, 2021 in Orlando, Florida, features fresh education topics and live demos at its trade show. Early bird registration discounts for both members and non-members ends Aug. 31, and hotel room block cutoff date is Sept. 22. Visit seaa.net/seaa-convention—trade-show to book your booth, register to attend and reserve your hotel room. On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the convention kicks off at 3 p.m. with a panel discussion with 2021 Project of the Year winning teams. “We’ll explore common themes and best practices that other erectors may … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: ,

ASCE Seeks Comments on Updated Professional Standard ASCE/SEI 7-22 

  • Posted on

The American Society of Civil Engineers will conduct a public comment period on the update to ASCE/SEI 7 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures. The public comment period will begin on June 17 and remain open through Aug. 2. ASCE/SEI 7 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures is the most up-to-date and coordinated loading standard for general structural design. ASCE 7 describes the means for determining design loads including dead, live, soil, flood, tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric ice, earthquake, wind including tornado, and fire, as well as how to assess load combinations. Accessing the ASCE Public … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: ,

Analysis Reports Construction Employment Slips by 20K in May, Supply-Chain Problems Plague Nonresidential Contractors

  • Posted on

Construction employment declined for the third time in the past four months in May as nonresidential contractors coped with lengthening and unpredictable delivery times that limited their ability to start or complete projects, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials added that many contractors report they are having a hard time finding qualified workers to hire as some people remain reluctant to return to work while their children are learning from home, or they are collecting elevated unemployment supplements. “Steadily worsening production and delivery delays have exceeded even the record cost … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , ,

Maria Lehman Elected 2023 President of ASCE

  • Posted on

The American Society of Civil Engineers members elected Maria Lehman, P.E, F.ASCE, ENV SP, as president of the Society for the 2022-2023 term. Lehman is ASCE’s national treasurer, serves on the Society’s Industry Leaders Council and is a member of the ASCE’s Committee on America’s Infrastructure, which is responsible for preparing the quadrennial Infrastructure Report Card. She is also GHD Inc.’s infrastructure market leader for the United States. Lehman was the former vice president for critical infrastructure for Parsons, COO and executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority and Commissioner of Public Works for Erie County, New York. She … Read more

Filed under: Movers & ShakersTagged with: ,