Kiewit-Turner Ramping Up Construction on Denver VA Hospital

DENVER, Colo. — Kiewit-Turner, a joint venture, has begun mobilizing additional workers and equipment as construction activities intensify on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ medical center project. The joint venture and the VA signed the contract on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. In December, more than 200 workers will be working on initial construction activities, including the demolition and renovation of existing buildings and the excavation of materials. That number will steadily increase to more than 1,000 workers during peak construction in the summer of 2013. “Everyone on the Kiewit-Turner team is excited to be working with the VA on this … Read more

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Construction Employment Rises in 25 States, District of Columbia in October

Construction employment rose in half the states and decreased in half in October and during the past year, closely matching the stable national employment picture, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. The even split between gains and losses reflects the accelerating improvement in apartment and private nonresidential construction, offset by a declining public market and stalled single-family sector. “Construction employment gains are likely to remain spotty for months to come,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Local factors, rather than regional or industry trends, seem to dictate whether a state … Read more

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Thirty-Four Construction Professionals First to Receive National Accreditation in Use of BIM

Thirty-four construction professionals received a first-ever new national accreditation in the use of Building Information Modeling, a process that relies on computer-generated models to better manage construction projects. The professional accreditation, which is being offered by the Associated General Contractors of America, is the first assessment-based credential to recognize construction professionals on their ability to use the process. Nearly three dozen construction professionals nationwide tested successfully to receive the new professional accreditation, the Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM). Candidates first had to complete the BIM Education Program, a series of four courses the association developed to help construction professionals … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Moves Upward

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After a sharp dip in September, the Architecture Billings Index climbed nearly three points in October. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the October ABI score was 49.4, following a score of 46.9 in September. This score reflects an overall decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 57.3, up from a reading of 54.3 the previous month. “An increase … Read more

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Construction Materials Prices Down Slightly in October

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials dropped slightly (-0.6 percent) in October but climbed 6.9 percent from the year-earlier level, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the price contractors charge for new nonresidential building construction edged up only 3.3 to 4.3 percent over 12 months, depending on building type. “While the gap is beginning to narrow just a bit, prices for most construction materials have risen far more during the past year than the amount contractors can charge for completing construction projects,” said … Read more

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