Vienna Airport to Undergo Expansion

The terminal infrastructure at Vienna Airport in Austria is about to be expanded. In addition to new bus gates, recreation areas and lounges, the plans include ample space for shopping and eating. The consortium consisting of PORR, ORTNER and ELIN has been awarded the contract for the south expansion, with the contract volume for the consortium amounting to EUR 265 million. The south terminal expansion is scheduled to open in 2027. With its subsidiary pde Integrale Planung GmbH, PORR has opted for early contractor involvement. “The construction companies are already cooperating right from the design and planning phase and can … Read more

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Lean Construction Approach Powers More Unified, Efficient Project Team

By Ken Osmun Construction projects are rarely completed without a hitch, but the unanticipated issues don’t have to cause delays and cost overruns. With the Lean construction approach, a project team can more successfully and easily navigate around obstacles — and even prevent many of them from arising in the first place. Delays spring from countless variables and logistics. One company may have trouble obtaining a needed element such as a lighting fixture because of a hold-up with the supplier. Another company may anticipate being temporarily short-staffed in an upcoming week. Enter Lean construction. The method is a series of … Read more

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Adapt or Be Left Behind: The Role of Today’s Construction Superintendent

By Keyan Zandy Change isn’t fun, but it is inevitable. Resenting or resisting what you can’t avoid is a waste of time and energy that could be better used working to create a mindset that embraces transformation. This is especially important in our industry, where new technologies and delivery methods, coupled with an accelerated pace of work, present an unpleasant choice: adapt or be left behind. Superintendents, no matter their leadership style, are expected to get a project completed on time and within budget. This hasn’t changed—however, the way these projects are built and delivered certainly has changed. Field leaders … Read more

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Hiring Our Heroes: Military Vets Could Be Answer to Construction Staffing Challenges

As construction companies struggle with finding skilled labor, military veterans are a segment of the labor force that deserves attention. Vets make up about 7% of the construction workforce and each year approximately 200,000 vets transition out of the military. Those construction firms that have been successful in recruiting and retaining veterans say their hard and soft skills, as well as attitudinal characteristics make them great new hires. In addition, several programs are in place that make it advantageous and cost-effective to train and hire vets. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is sharing the key benefits vets offer, how to recruit and how to … Read more

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

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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