The Tech-Empowered Superintendent

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COVID-19 catalyzed a digital transformation for the industry’s most in-demand role, attracting a new generation to build rewarding careers in the field By Erin L. Branham With nearly four decades of industry experience, Balfour Beatty Superintendent Kyle Kragseth thought he was prepared for any challenge or circumstance a construction project could present. That was until March, when COVID-19 led to a temporary shutdown of his project, a 289,000-square-foot interiors upfit for a leading high-tech client in Bellevue, Washington. Cognizant that jobsite operations would not return to normal even once they were able to restart the project, the team rapidly identified … Read more

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Coronavirus Causes Project Delays + Cancellations, Demand for Skilled Labor High, Says AGC

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The coronavirus has harmed the construction industry, prompting project delays and cancellations, layoffs and furloughs. However, it remains difficult for a majority of firms to find craftworkers to hire, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk. The survey paints a picture of an industry in need of immediate recovery measures and longer-term workforce development support, association officials added. “Few firms have survived unscathed from the pandemic amid widespread project delays and cancellations,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Ironically, even as the pandemic undermines demand for construction services, … Read more

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ABC Launches Tech Alliance to Help Contractors Transform Construction Process

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Associated Builders and Contractors has launched its inaugural Tech Alliance—a consortium of firms that create construction technology and innovative digital solutions for ABC contractor members, the majority of which are classified as small businesses and primarily perform work in the industrial and commercial sectors. Consisting of 13 companies, the Tech Alliance will leverage technology solutions to help ABC members develop people, win work and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. “The need for technological solutions—both big and small—in the construction industry is clear, especially given changing work conditions during the … Read more

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6 Technologies Driving Future of Construction

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By Al Cervero I grew up with visions of the future from TV shows like The Jetsons and Star Trek, optimistic depictions of the future that had one major thing in common: Machines and technology not just doing more of the day-to-day work, but allowing the people of their worlds to do more and live better, safer lives. Recent leaps in technology over the past decade is starting to make the “distant future” seem closer than many of us expected. The biggest leaps impacting the construction industry include power storage (batteries), digital imaging, global positioning technology, display technology, information transfer … Read more

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Impact of Technology on Engineering, Design + Construction Post-COVID-19

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Technology was changing the face of the engineering industry before COVID-19 and it will certainly play an even greater role in the design process after the pandemic ends. To survive in such a dynamic and turbulent environment, engineering firms will need to think bigger. The question remains: How? How will engineering firms integrate technology to maintain workforce culture and collaboration during social distancing? How will machine learning, AI and VR change the design process? How will data create new solutions to existing challenges? The ACEC Research Institute will tackle these questions and more during the first event of its new … Read more

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