Takeaways from the year's construction calamities

This year, and this fall in particular, saw a number of high-profile accidents on U.S. jobsites. Here is a look back at some of the construction calamities from 2091 and the fallout that followed. 

Dec. 20, 2019

Hyperloop, high-speed rail projects hurtle forward despite obstacles on the track

Hyperloops connecting major cities, traversing coasts or bisecting large states were promised, hinted and proposed throughout 2019, but the technology has yet to leave the station. 

Dec. 20, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Construction Dive

Construction Dive editors curate some of the industry’s top stories from this year.

By Construction Dive staff

Are after-hours construction permits worth the challenges?

A lot of projects require or could benefit from work at night, but contractors need to weight permit costs, higher subcontractor fees and noise restrictions.

By Zachary Phillips • Dec. 20, 2019

Construction leaders increasingly vigilant as economy hints at downturn

Construction's 2019 economic outlook saw some ups and downs and Construction Dive reporters covered the ins and outs all year long.

Dec. 20, 2019

Levelset draws $30M of investment, including funds from Darren Bechtel of Brick & Mortar

The New Orleans-based tech firm that helps smooth out the contractor payment process has now collected $47 million of outside funding.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 20, 2019

On site: How the $6B American Dream was built

After multiple designs and many stops and starts, PCL Construction is completing the giant shopping and entertainment mecca outside of New York City. Construction Dive has an exclusive look at what went into its construction.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 19, 2019

$810M phase of Texas Rangers sports, entertainment district construction approved by Arlington council

Total investment in the district, which includes the $1.1 billion Globe Life Field, convention center and hotel, could reach $4 billion.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 19, 2019

DOD will start requiring contractors to meet cybersecurity standards next month

Contractors will start seeing references to the new certification system starting with June Requests for Proposals.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 19, 2019

Skanska's Empire State renovation takes construction to another level

A 30-ton cocoon structure 102 stories up shielded the public from construction while protecting workers and materials from the elements.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 18, 2019

AI-based constructability review firm joins accelerator program known for boosting contech startups

Tel Aviv-based Firmus is coming to the U.S. next year with a platform that leverages artificial intelligence and historical data to help construction companies learn from previous mistakes.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 18, 2019

Newly patented 3D construction printer can reportedly create 60-foot-long concrete slabs in less than 1 minute

Armatron Systems plans to license the technology, which allows builders to make cement slabs from one-quarter inch to 30 inches thick, it says.

By Zachary Phillips • Dec. 18, 2019

Fire at $1B Globe Life Field stadium in Texas won't delay March opening

The Arlington Fire Department said it responded to a two-alarm fire at the Manhattan Construction Co.-led project and found "significant smoke and flames" emanating from a subfloor near the fifth floor of the ballpark. 

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 18, 2019

Report: 2019 record year for supertall construction

At 1,739 feet, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre in China was the tallest building completed in 2019.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 13, 2019

NYC's transit agency transfers 430 workers to construction division

The move, which will help the MTA pursue alternative project delivery methods as part of a plan to streamline operations and reduce costs.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 13, 2019

Contech leaders meet with Trump to talk tariffs, labor and mandatory tech

Industry representatives had their say in Washington in recent weeks on topics ranging from apprenticeships and deregulation to material costs and mandating management software on public projects.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 11, 2019

Deere says new layoffs due to projected dips in construction

The John Deere manufacturer is laying off 57 workers in Iowa, following Q4 news that it expects sales of its construction equipment to fall as much as 15% next fiscal year.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 10, 2019

The Construction Dive Awards for 2019

From a leader that's driven one of the world's biggest firms through a massive refocusing to a modular builder that's set to stack disruption onto its traditional foundation, these are firms and people changing construction for the better.

Dec. 9, 2019

Largest mass timber structure in US goes up at U of Arkansas

At 202,027 square feet, Adohi Hall is the largest cross-laminated timber building in the U.S., according to Boston-based Leers Weinzapfel Associates.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 8, 2019

New York, Chicago among the world's 2019 'construction mega cities'

Ten U.S. cities on GlobalData's list each have a minimum of $30 billion in their pipeline. 

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 5, 2019

Hard Rock New Orleans developer extends demolition timeline to end of year

The owner said it's working with city engineers on a solution, but New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell clarified this week that "It's the ownership's responsibility to make this right, to fix this problem."

By Kim Slowey • Updated Jan. 8, 2020

The US has no BIM mandate. Does it matter?

While many countries require the use of building information modeling for some projects, the AEC industry in the United States relies on a non-mandatory standard.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 3, 2019

Crystal Lagoons' manmade lake given another chance in $1B Texas mixed-use project

Developer Sapphire Bay has officially broken ground on the massive crystalline recreational lake near Dallas, which had unsuccessful starts under two previous development teams.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 3, 2019

2020 could see construction growth throttled by costs, labor and bearish owners

Although market forces are causing architects to be hit with delays and even cancellations, two of the industry's top economists say growth will slow some but remain mostly steady over the next year.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 2, 2019

Hensel Phelps selected for Denver convention center contract

The $233 million project had been stalled by allegations of impropriety in the bidding process.

By Kim Slowey • Updated July 8, 2020

A guide to 2020's top construction trade shows and conferences

The biggest construction industry events this year may be closer than you think. Learn more about them, when they begin and where they will be this year. 

By Zachary Phillips • Dec. 2, 2019