Power problems, ventilating systems slow huge NSA data hub's completion

The facility, set to cost $1.2 billion to build, was supposed to be ready by Oct. 1, but severe problems have delayed it.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 9, 2013

SF building adopts 1,500-y.o. Japanese technique for earthquake protection

While renovations were held up by the recession, engineers dreamed up a movable concrete spine, echoing the design used in pagodas.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 9, 2013

Explore the Trendline➔

Recruiting, retention and training in construction

A roundup on articles focus on recruiting and retention for construction.

By Construction Dive staff

Shutdown may slow road projects as EPA reviewers sit at home

Corps of Engineers workers cannot go to their offices, and design firms fear harm if the shutdown stretches out.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 9, 2013

Engineers investigate why Wisconsin bridge sagged beneath I-43

The pier gave way under the Green Bay bridge, and it looks like corrosion had its way with that pier, perhaps due to soil and water tables.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 8, 2013

Road supporters explain how bum roads in cities cost drivers more

A new report shows that substandard pavement on interstates, arterials and other city roads may cost drivers hundreds of dollars.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 8, 2013

With E-verify closed, building jobs may go unfilled

Like so much else, the Department of Homeland Security's E-verify system that helps employers stay on the right side of the law is down.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 8, 2013

Tax-bond financing moves ahead for 251-acre KC redevelopment

A medical software company plans a $4.3 billion project on a derelict mall site, and the commission that governs tax-increment financing is on board for $1.635 billion.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 8, 2013

How about a hard hat made from sugar?

MSA has an environmentally conscious safety product that's built using sugarcane.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 7, 2013

Another NYC crane mulfunction: Is this site cursed?

A 13,000-pound weight got stuck at the tower project Monday, and it's not the first time we've seen trouble here.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 7, 2013

Three pickups make 2014 Truck of the Year nominations

Nothing like a Ford-GM-Ram debate to stir the juices of truck users large and small, but auto writers have removed some of that by nominating only a GMC, a Chevy and a Toyota.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 7, 2013

Feds clarify how much road work triggers disability regulations

Which projects on streets are "alterations" and which are just repairs has had contractors and local governments scratching their heads over Americans With Disabilities Act compliance.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 7, 2013

MIT researchers dream up self-assembling building blocks

Researchers at MIT are developing robotic cubes that can assemble themselves on command into shapes the user desires.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 6, 2013

OSHA fines hit $272,000 over NYC scaffolding issues

OSHA levied fines on a general contractor and three subs, with many of the citations relating to scaffolding at a 23-story hotel project in Manhattan.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 6, 2013

Nail down a solution for sites with iffy slopes

They have some limitations, but soil nails are a way to stabilize a slope below a project to keep it in place when construction begins above.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 4, 2013

OSHA violations: Failure to provide fall protection is still largest issue

Builders need to be aware of the top categories on OSHA's just-finished list of most-cited workplace violations for Fiscal Year 2013.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 3, 2013

Labor shortage threatens Fla. construction—and economy

In Sarasota, Fla., construction is considered the bellwether of the area's economy, but contractors say they see a tough future finding labor to lead the charge.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 3, 2013

Union group plans push for PLA in Milwaukee tower project

The head of the labor trades council will ask for the union-wage project labor agreement from insurer Northwestern Mutual for its $450 million development.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 3, 2013

Paperwork backlog bogs down construction in Denver

The city-county office that processes building applications in Denver is holding up millions of dollars in work that has come with the economic recovery.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 3, 2013

British rail construction workers encounter Roman-era skulls

 Workers on a London rail tunnel project got a surprise when their work unearthed about 20 human skulls from the time when Rome ruled Brittania.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 2, 2013

U.S. demand for design services keeps expanding, but unevenly

Industrial design work grew again in August, institutional architecture kept up its slow growth, and even residential work was up just a little, the American Institute of Architects reports.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 2, 2013

Government shutdown could impact FY13 construction contracts

Like so many other people who interact with the federal government, contractors have to wait and see if a lack of funds and federal workers will hamper them.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 1, 2013

Pent-up pickup demand is busting out all over

It's been three decades since contractors and builders bought more than half of the pickup trucks sold in the U.S., but the first half of this year got there.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 1, 2013

Construction data falls victim to U.S. government shutdown

If you were waiting on construction spending data this week, you may have noticed that something was missing on the first of the month. Thank Congress.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 1, 2013

Calif. extends program to help diesel owners clean up older vehicles

The state's Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program and another program will get $2 billion over 10 years to help contractors and other owners.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 1, 2013

Ind., Ill. ready RFQ's for Illiana Corridor highway

The states have settled on how each will handle its piece of the 47-mile connector between I-65 in Indiana and I-55 in Illinois, with requests for qualifications set for this fall.

By Ron Gallagher • Oct. 1, 2013