Staying dry when groundwater infiltrates the jobsite By Tom Minihan Such is the cry of many contractors when groundwater halts a construction job or even threatens bankruptcy of the project. Whether expected or unexpected, groundwater on a construction project can become the single largest cash drain of the project, regardless of whether the project is a pipeline or a building. The secret weapons in the contractor’s groundwater-fighting arsenal are respect, information and contingency planning. As an estimator, project engineer, project manager, superintendent or foreman, you must know and respect the enemy. Groundwater is not the same as the sparkling glass … Read more

Washington, D.C — Feb. 6 — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today expressed overall support for the construction infrastructure spending in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1), but noted that the bill should have a sharper focus on long-term economic benefits and that the Davis-Bacon Act requirements should be eliminated.  The stimulus package contains more than $160 billion in infrastructure funding for the construction of federal buildings, schools, highways, bridges, workforce development and additional programs. “This package represents a great opportunity to improve our nation’s infrastructure and to gain back some of the one million jobs the … Read more

ATLANTA, December 18, 2008 — In response to the increased demand for building materials with surface durability, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum introduces the newest addition to the Dens Brand of fiberglass mat, moisture- and mold-resistant gypsum panels—DensArmor Plus Impact-Resistant interior panels, which contain an additional embedded fiberglass mesh for superior impact and abuse resistance. It is ideal for construction of high-occupancy buildings, such as offices, hospitals, dormitories and other public buildings. “Georgia-Pacific Gypsum is an industry leader when it comes to offering builders and architects durable gypsum panels that resist damage to wall surfaces, and potentially decrease maintenance costs for repairing scuffs … Read more