Planning is Paramount: Crane Utilization on Vertical Construction Projects

By Robert Pavelka When it comes to managing and mitigating risks on construction jobsites, few activities require a greater level of awareness or more extensive preplanning than the deployment of cranes. Whether it is a fixed tower crane that is brought in and assembled on the construction site for use throughout the project, or a mobile crane such as a crawler, hydraulic or vehicle-mounted variety, cranes have long been an essential tool for builders to effectively and efficiently erect their vertical construction projects. But the consequences of inadequate planning and errors in execution can be dire. According to the U.S. … Read more

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Level Up Projects with Mock-ups

By Mark Pasciuto From 3D printing organs, prostheses and automotive parts, to creating a cockpit for airline pilot simulations, product mock-ups are frequently employed to visualize a potential product in a life-like context. Mock-ups can be used to get feedback on a product concept before mass production, present a proposed design to stakeholders for input and approval or used by sales teams to conduct business prior to the completion of a project. Ultimately, mock-ups can save time, money and effort while making the build process more efficient and accurate. Mock-ups are also used when building hotels. On Georgia World Congress … Read more

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Coordinating Virtual Design & Construction Efforts

The importance of field collaboration to project success By Dylan Lowder Recent changes in the AEC industry – like technological advances, more complex facilities, increased collaboration, earlier involvement of contractors and trade partners and more offsite prefabrication – are having a ripple effect throughout the design and construction world. One of the more notable ramifications is the role and value of virtual design and construction (VDC), which is evolving to meet these new needs and opportunities both in the field and in the office. The integration of VDC in all phases and among all partners is key to ensuring a … Read more

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From the Field: 5 Big Challenges to Mountain Building

By David Hanen Everyone is fascinated by mountains, with their rugged, majestic heights and sweeping vistas, but mountain construction projects face challenges of weather, transportation, labor and resources that don’t always arise in the flatlands. Here are some down-to-earth issues a savvy construction manager must consider when planning a high-altitude project. Expect harsh, unforgiving weather Mountain weather conducive to building projects is no guarantee at any time of year. Summers are brief, with monsoon rains and snowfall not unheard of; and winters are long, with extended periods of bitter cold punctuated by frequent bouts of heavy snowfall. That means if … Read more

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Don’t Neglect Jobsite Huddles

By Ryan Klick The challenges and restrictions we’ve been facing over the past months have led to a reassessment of priorities and shedding of inefficiencies, as we’ve all had to focus on what’s most important in our lives and our work. We in the construction industry are fortunate to have been classified as an essential business. Along with physical distancing, disinfecting protocols and other safety measures we’ve quickly adopted on our jobsites, other routines have been postponed or dropped. If your Daily Huddle is one of those lost processes, superintendents may want to ask themselves: Are we putting out more … Read more

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