Architecture Billings Index Downturn Moderates

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index pointed to a slower decline in July in design activity at U.S. architecture firms. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 48.7, up considerably from the mark of 45.9 in June. This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score below50 indicates a decline in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.3, up from mark of 54.4 the previous month. “Even … Read more

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OSHA Proposes Rulemaking for Demolition and Underground Construction

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA issued a direct final rule and notice of proposed rulemaking that applies the requirements of the August 2010 cranes and derricks in construction standard to demolition work and underground construction. The application of this rule will protect workers from hazards associated with hoisting equipment used during construction activities. The direct final rule will apply the same crane rules to underground construction and demolition that are being used by other construction sectors, and will streamline OSHA's standards by eliminating the separate cranes and derricks standard used for underground and demolition work. The rulemaking also corrects several errors … Read more

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AIA Addresses Changing Landscape of Building Information Modeling with Updated Digital Practice Documents

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WASHINGTON, D. C. — Building Information Modeling has changed the way construction industry participants interact with each other and communicate internally. Project plans have moved beyond two-dimensional design to multi-dimensional models that have parametric capabilities. The American Institute of Architects is continuously evaluating the development and adoption of BIM and the impact it has on contractual relationships. As a result, the AIA Contract Documents program is updating its documents for use on construction projects involving digital data or BIM, and will make a draft of these Digital Practice documents available for public review and comment. During this public comment period, … Read more

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Industry Calendar 2013

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  Date Event City State Jan 15-17 World Future Energy Summit Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Jan 22-24 NAHB International Builders’ Show Las Vegas Nev. Jan 26-30 ASHRAE Winter Conference Dallas Texas Jan 27-29 MCA Annual Meeting Rancho Mirage Calif. Jan 28-30 AHR Expo Dallas Texas Jan 28-31 Surfaces 2013 Las Vegas Nev. Jan 29-31 2013 Utility Products Conference & Exposition San Diego Calif. Feb 3-7 Cooling Technology Institute Annual Conference Corpus Christi Texas Feb 4-8 World of Concrete Las Vegas Nev. Feb 5-7 International Roofing Expo San Antonio Texas Feb 7-12 Hydraulic Institute Annual Meeting Ft. Myers Fla. Feb … Read more

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Industry Calendar

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  2014 Date Event City State Jan 18-22 ASHRAE Winter Conference New York N.Y. Jan 20-22 World Future Energy Summit Abu Dhabi UAE Jan 20-24 World of Concrete Las Vegas 2014 Las Vegas Nev. Jan 21-23 AHR Expo New York N.Y. Jan 26-28 MCA Annual Meeting Clearwater Beach Fla. Jan 27-30 Surfaces 2014 Las Vegas Nev. Jan 28-30 Utility Products Conference & Exposition San Antonio Texas Feb. 2-6 Cooling Technology Institute 2014 Annual Conference Houston Texas Feb 4-6 NAHB International Builders’ Show Las Vegas Nev. Feb 6-11 Hydraulic Institute 2014 Annual Meeting Phoenix Ariz. Feb 16-19 AAMA 2014 Annual Conference … Read more

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