Being a Champion for Innovation in the Field

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By Tyler Williams The labor shortage in the construction trades is being felt by every contractor nationwide while, at the same time, speed-to-market pressures from customers are as strong as ever. We’re working to build the next generation of workers in the skilled trades, but we need to build today’s jobs at the same time. So, there’s a conundrum: crews in the field have little appetite for disruption, but new methods of working that could make delivery more efficient need time to take hold. We are surrounded by potential “solutions” to construction problems, but how do you know what is … Read more

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A Chat with Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, Project Superintendent at Hensel Phelps

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Passion, pride + personal empowerment create path for success By Chris Maday Schmidt Kabri Lehrman-Schmid, project superintendent at Hensel Phelps for the past 15 years, brings an engineering and design perspective to her current role, thanks to diverse experience both in the office and the field. In addition, she serves as a role model for females in the industry, as well as an advocate for mental health and suicide awareness and prevention. Join Construction Superintendent as Lehrman-Schmid shares her introduction to careers in construction, to how she eventually came to manage a $450+ million airport modernization project — plus her … Read more

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Boldt Flattens Curve for Re-Opening, Creates Safer Workspaces

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When physical distancing puts a wrench in the personalized give and take of building complicated structures, adaptation is key. Reopening plans for The Boldt Company’s 14 national offices and dozens of jobsites depended on innovation and a creative use of technology. The company created a task force to address facilities and technology, then tapped experts in its own technical services division to pull together a center of excellence to address reopening. The task force identified issues for operations, safety, technology, different geographic markets and assigned a leader for each topic. Team members identified issues such as split work schedules, team … Read more

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SMACNA Greater Chicago Members Learn Importance of Construction Data

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Construction and building data exists for almost every project that has ever been built, but harnessing the power of that data through digital avenues is becoming more commonplace in the industry. “It’s exciting to watch technology continually evolve in the construction industry, and see how our members respond to the newest advances,” said Tony Adolfs, executive vice president of SMACNA Greater Chicago. “As an association, we’re committed to providing our members with the resources they need to be leaders in our industry.” In their continuing efforts to help members stay aware of emerging technologies, SMACNA provides regular educational programs for … Read more

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Three-Quarters of Contractors Believe Advanced Technologies may Alleviate Workforce Challenges, Improve Productivity

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Q4 2018 USG Corporation + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index recently released indicates that, despite staunch concerns over labor shortages and skilled workers, three-quarters of contractors believe advanced technologies may improve labor productivity on jobsites. According to the Q4 report, while just over half of contractors currently use technologies like drones, equipment tagging, wearable technology and augmented/virtual reality for their projects, 74 percent anticipate adopting such technologies over the next three years. Moreover, 58 percent of contractors also reported difficulty finding skilled workers – the highest level reported in 2018 – suggesting that as builders look for … Read more

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