Sea Shells and Bone Could Inspire Stronger, Longer-lasting Concrete, According to New MIT Study

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A group of scientists at MIT are taking cues from nature to develop a new type of concrete that may be stronger and more durable than traditional cement. In a recent paper published in the journal Construction and Building Materials, researchers compared cement paste with the structure of natural materials like bones, shells, and sea sponges. Researchers noted that naturally occurring structures like shells are exceptionally strong because of the way they are arranged at both the microscopic level as well as the ‘macro’ (visual) level. Read more.

Dubai’s Newest Real-estate Wonder, the “Floating Seahorse”

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Surrounded by 300 deserted man-made islands, Dubai’s newest real-estate wonder has all the amenities of a luxury hotel — plus views of the bottom of the sea. Read more.

Competition Bureau Warns of Bid-rigging as Ottawa Set to Spend on Infrastructure

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The federal Competition Bureau is warning governments to be on the lookout for signs of bid-rigging and other shady activity as Ottawa opens the floodgates to spend billions on infrastructure projects across the country. Read more.

Contract Security Program Screening Process to Include Mandatory Electronic Fingerprinting

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Currently, the Contract Security Program (CSP) conducts criminal record checks using criminal record name checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP, as the lead agency responsible for law enforcement inquiries, is retiring the name-based criminal record check process in favour of mandatory electronic fingerprinting.

The use of mandatory fingerprinting will eliminate the chances of mistaken identity resulting from variances in spelling of names, common surnames, the use of nicknames and name changes. This change is already in place for employees of most government departments including Public Services and Procurement Canada but has not yet been implemented for industry clearances. The CSP expects the new process to be launched in fall 2016.

Ottawa Sets Deadline for $150-million Infrastructure Program

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The federal government is setting tight deadlines for an expanded infrastructure program aimed at marking Canada’s 150th birthday with new bike paths, arena upgrades and other small projects across the country. Read more.

CANS Welcomes CCA Board of Directors and Executives

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On June 15, CANS President, Duncan Williams, and Chairman, Matt Brunt, will welcome the Board of Directors and Executive of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) with a Harbour Cruise Welcome Reception aboard the Tall Ship Silva.

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CANS Office Is Moving!

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The CANS office is relocating to: 134 Eileen Stubbs Avenue, Unit 103, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

CANS current office will be closing at 4:30 pm on Friday, June 3 and reopening in our new location at 8:30 am on Monday, June 6.

Please note: There will be no access to the plans room during this time. Members are advised to plan accordingly.

New Battery Powered Cooling Jackets and Hard Hat Fans Set to Hit US Market

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It’s no secret that it’s much easier to create heat than to remove heat, which is probably why no one has created a “reverse microwave” yet. It’s also one reason why there is only a small amount of clothing and accessories built around cooling people off outdoors, especially those who work in the construction industry. Sure, you can install some fans around the job site, but they only help workers when it’s blowing directly at them. Now, a Japanese company is releasing their personal cooling jackets and hard hat fans to US customers and targeting the construction industry. Read more.

Carbon Fibre and Robotics Are Leading 4th Industrial Revolution

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Carbon fibre is architecture’s biggest untapped resource according to architect and researcher Achim Menges, who claims that robots could be programmed to build stadium roofs using the fibrous building material. Read more.

 

 

Generate Laser-focused Estimates Using BIM

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Traditional 2-D design and data-sharing processes use up valuable time and are prone to errors, potentially delaying estimates and disrupting project timelines. With progressive BIM technology, construction professionals reduce project errors and generate upwards of 50 percent time savings during estimation periods. Read more.