WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) announced that Hendrick Construction, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., maintained a safety record that has earned the company recognition in the General Contractor category of ABC's National Safety Excellence Awards. Hendrick Construction's representatives received the award June 24 during the 19th annual Excellence in Construction awards celebration at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. “ABC is proud to congratulate Hendrick Construction for its success in maintaining the highest level of construction workplace safety in 2008,” said Kirk Pickerel, ABC president and CEO. “Hendrick Construction has truly demonstrated its dedication to ensuring a safe environment … Read more
The Blue Book of Building and Construction Announces Fall 2009 ‘GC Showcase’ Schedule
The Blue Book has announced the dates and locations for their Fall 2009 GC Showcase events. Taking place in seventeen cities this September and October, these free networking opportunities provide a unique forum for general contractors to exhibit their companies and pre-qualify local subcontractors and suppliers for their current or future projects. The companies who attend have the opportunity to meet with buyers and decision-makers responsible for hiring subcontractors and buying supplies for construction projects in their area. There is no cost to exhibit or attend and an exhibit space is provided for participating GCs. “It is more important than … Read more
Changes Proposed to Standard 90.1 Airside Control Requirements
ATLANTA, Ga. — Proposed changes designed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings covered by ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 are open for public comment.ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, provides minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of buildings except low-rise residential buildings. Currently, 18 proposed addenda to the standard are open for public review. “As we move toward publication of the 2010 standard, the 90.1 committee is considering many changes to reduce building energy use and cost,” Chair Mick Schwedler said. “The proposed addenda that are out for review move toward our goal of 30 … Read more
AIA Releases Semi-Annual Consensus Construction Forecast
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
World’s Largest Earthquake Test Led by Colorado State University and Simpson Strong-Tie Could Help U.S. Building Industry
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