The Blue Book of Building and Construction Announces Fall 2009 ‘GC Showcase’ Schedule

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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

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Changes Proposed to Standard 90.1 Airside Control Requirements

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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

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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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