FMI Releases Nonresidential Construction Index for Fourth Quarter 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. —FMI (www.fminet.com), a provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, released its Nonresidential Construction Index report for the fourth quarter of 2011. The NRCI slipped from 52.4 to a barely positive 50.3 this quarter. While the stock market continues its gyrations from news surrounding the future of the Euro countries, the NRCI has managed glacial growth, chugging along just above average for the last two years, average being little to no growth. The NRCI dropping to 50.3 this quarter is less a downward trend than a continuation of moderate growth. Moderate growth … Read more

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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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