‘If you build it, they will come’: Why convention center projects pay off

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Securing a prime location used to be all convention center organizers needed to generate a steady stream of visitors. Today’s trade associations, professional organizations and any other group that has regular membership gatherings, however, are looking for more than just a meeting place, and convention centers around the country are pulling out all the stops in an effort to convince them that their venue is the best choice. Read more.

IN I-70 project to use slide-in bridge replacement

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The active-adult housing category is about to get even more active. As baby boomers age and many trade in their current properties for ones that better meet their needs today, homebuilders are responding with inventory meant just for them: single-family attached and detached homes in developments offering shared resources, access to retail and dining, nearby transit and services like maintenance. Read more.

5 Ways Contractors Can Increase Margins

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Construction today is not only about project managing, it’s about communicating – and mastering communication by selecting the right tools ultimately ensures projects come in on time, on budget and with a minimum of rework and warranty claims. This is where a cloud-based software can assist in achieving the best level of communication. From mobile apps to web tools to onsite kiosks, cloud-based technology provides the ability to access the latest information whenever it’s needed.

This playbook will help you to learn how to be more profitable by ditching the paper and to effectively collaborate with your team. Read more.

CCA on the Federal Budget – Read the Press Release

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The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) sees the federal government’s Budget 2017 announcement as a reiteration of previous commitments made to the renewal of Canada infrastructure. Read more.

National Building Code – Changes Taking Effect April 1, 2017

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Nova Scotia is adopting changes to the National Building Code, which include increasing the maximum height of wooden residential buildings from four to six storeys. The Fire Safety Act and Regulations will also be updated to enhance safety in the taller wooden buildings. The province is also updating its own accessibility regulations to improve barrier-free provisions in washrooms, requirements for power door operators and barrier-free paths of travel. The building code changes are effective April 1.

Read the press release here.
Read the proposed regulations here.

France Officially Unveils World’s First Solar Panel Road

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The concept of solar roadways has been in the news a lot recently.  Using the millions of miles of roadways throughout the world to also create power seems like a no brainer, the asphalt and concrete we’re using now aren’t really accomplishing anything more than handling the traffic on the road. But, there’s also a very strong reason why those products are used: they’re strong, reliable, and relatively durable.  Still, many researchers believe there is a lot of unharnessed potential for roads and the world now has a very strong test subject for the future of solar roadways in Tourouvre-au-Perche, France. Read more.

World’s First 3d Printed Excavator Headlines 2017 CONEXPO-CON/AGG

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In the construction world, 3D printing technology has traditionally focused on buildings and other static structures, like this 3D printed bridge in Madrid, Spain. Not anymore, though, as the world’s first 3D printed excavator was officially unveiled to the attendees at last week’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 in Las Vegas.

This Amphibious Robot Can Crawl Through Pipes to Collect Data

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With the American Water Works Association predicting the failure of over 1 million miles of pipe in the next 30 years, HiBot has plenty of pipe to travel as it uses predictive analytics to determine which pipes are highest priority for replacement. The AWA has reported that the cost of pipe replacement over the next 25 years will top $1 trillion and will be funded primarily through service rate increases. Read more.

Cazza to Build World’s First 3D Printed Skyscraper

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Dubai-based construction technologies firm, Cazza, has announced plans to build the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper. The firm will be able to 3D print high rises using a new construction technique called ‘crane printing’. Read more.

Norway Plans “Ship Tunnel” to Avoid the Deadly Stadhavet Sea

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The Norwegian Coastal Administration is planning the world’s first full-scale ship tunnel to allow vessels to travel through a mountain rather than navigate the treacherous waters of the Stadhavet Sea. Read more.