AIA Releases Semi-Annual Consensus Construction Forecast

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Feeling the effects of the struggling overall U.S. economy, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 16 percent in 2009 and drop by another almost 12 percent in 2010 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial projects will see the most significant decrease in activity.     In contrast, most institutional building categories are expected to see much more modest declines over this period. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation's leading construction forecasters. “While there are some indications that the overall economy is beginning to … Read more

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World’s Largest Earthquake Test Led by Colorado State University and Simpson Strong-Tie Could Help U.S. Building Industry

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Pleasanton, CA. — July 15 — Colorado State University and Simpson Strong-Tie along with other partners successfully led the world’s largest earthquake shake table test in Japan on Tuesday, showing that mid-rise wood-frame buildings can be built to withstand major earthquakes. “Thorough, detailed analysis of the data won’t be available for weeks, but scientists are pleased with the initial results,” said John van de Lindt, principal investigator on the test and civil engineering professor at Colorado State University. Tuesday’s 40-second test, approximating a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, was the strongest test, occurring on a seven-story condominium tower with 23 one- and … Read more

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Skanska to Build Advanced Science Research Facility in New York

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Skanska has been selected as the construction manager for the construction of a research center with a contract amount for $59 million. The contract covers the new Advanced Science Research Center under construction in upper Manhattan. The project relates to the second phase and includes footings and foundations as well as the structural steel work for two five-story buildings totaling about 400,000 sf. The buildings will accommodate research laboratories with related core facilities and offices. The facility will incorporate green design concepts to achieve LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council. Skanska is currently on-site and has completed … Read more

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White House Sees ‘Robust’ Job Growth, Calls for More Training

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July 13 (Bloomberg) — White House economic advisers expect “robust” job growth during the next decade in such industries as health care, green energy, transportation, construction and education, according to a report that calls for a “comprehensive strategy” to better prepare workers. The report, released today by President Barack Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, is based on the group's analysis of labor-market data. Health-care jobs will remain “a large source” of the projected growth, particularly for information-technology workers, registered nurses, laboratory technicians and physical therapists, it said. The CEA report is part of an administration response to Republican critics who … Read more

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National Fire Sprinkler Association Joins United States Green Building Council, Advocating Environmentally-Friendly Construction Practices

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The National Fire Sprinkler Association has joined the United States Green Building Council as a corporate member, affirming its commitment to promote green construction and environmental responsibility among building trades. Fire sprinklers help to reduce the carbon footprint of properties through the entire cycle of construction. They reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fires, reduce the amount of burned or non-recyclable building materials going to landfills, save energy on rebuilding after fire, conserve water, and reduce diesel fuel usage in heavy fire suppression equipment. PATTERSON, N.Y. — July 8 — The National Fire Sprinkler Association has joined the United States Green … Read more

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