Software promises 3-D modeling, calculations for collapse risks

The University of Sheffield has new software that will let engineers do three-dimensional assessments of structures and foundations and calculate margins of safety.

By Ron Gallagher • May 16, 2013

Researchers eye concrete towers as ideal wind turbines

Steel towers for turbines stick at 80 meters as their usable height limit, but there is better wind higher up, and engineers are looking at how concrete can fill the bill.

By Ron Gallagher • May 15, 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

Steady national materials prices may obscure volatility for contractors

The wide calculation of prices for construction materials taken together looks pretty steady, but price volatility is rising because of global economic conditions.

By Ron Gallagher • May 15, 2013

Veteran Affairs, not contractors, to blame for construction problems, says GAO

Slow response to change orders and inexperienced staff are among the problems the Government Accountability Office said the Department of Veterans Affairs suffers from.

By Ron Gallagher • May 15, 2013

Steel saddles to fix Bay Bridge's busted bolts problem

The specially fabricated devices will fix the problem of long, thin embedded bolts contaminated with hydrogen, which broke during concrete post-tensioning.

By Ron Gallagher • May 15, 2013

The 10 best—and worst—states for construction jobs

A 12-month comparison found the 10 largest increases and 10 steepest declines in construction employment between March 2012 and March 2013.

By Ron Gallagher • May 14, 2013

Boring machine completes twin tunnels from Port Miami to nearby highways

A tunnel boring machine called Harriet returned to where it had begun working in November 2011, and the Port Miami project now has twin tunnels to be readied for trucks.

By Ron Gallagher • May 14, 2013

New design shows wind turbines don't need to be an eyesore

A design to capture wind energy without whirling blades is an attention-getter.

By Ron Gallagher • May 14, 2013

Propane proponents tout tax credits for energy efficient buildings

Federal credits for energy efficiency construction and improvements cover building and installations in 2012 and through this year.

By Ron Gallagher • May 13, 2013

Suit accusing Chicago Bridge & Iron of manipulating health records will go to trial

A judge found that there are sufficient grounds for a trial on claims that CB&I had a plan to make its safety record look good to win business.

By Ron Gallagher • May 13, 2013

Autralian company creates one-size-fits-all residential building blocks

Elenberg Fraser and Unitised Building say their Klik system of modular units can be used to create anything from a high-rise to a single-family home.

By Ron Gallagher • May 13, 2013

EPA plays hard ball with lead paint rule violators

The agency says it is fining 17 contractors for what it says were violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rules.

By Ron Gallagher • May 13, 2013

Inspector general slams Transportation Dept.'s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program

The report charges that the Department of Transportation "does not provide effective program management" for disadvantaged business enterprises.

By Ron Gallagher • May 13, 2013

California to spend $878 million on road projects

More than half of the funds for work in the Golden State will come from a bond issue that voters approved in 2006.

By Ron Gallagher • May 12, 2013

Traylor Bros. CEO dies at 73

Traylor, who took over the Evansville, Ind. tunneling firm his father founded, passed away May 9.

By Ron Gallagher • May 10, 2013

$500M high-rise development planned in Austin, TX

Three mixed-use towers have been proposed.

By Shaun Stewart • May 10, 2013

Looking for a construction job? Head west!

According to Department of Labor numbers, the five states adding the most construction jobs are all west of the Mississippi river.

By Sean Griffey • May 10, 2013

Why are builders turning down business?

Builders and subcontractors they rely on are having to say no to business they wish they could say yes to.

By Ryan Willumson • May 10, 2013

Surge in riskier real estate investments as housing bust fades from memory

Pension funds are once again investing in uncertain real estate ventures.

By Miriam Sexton • May 9, 2013

10 ways to stop accidents from happening at your jobsite

Peak season for construction accidents is upon us.

By Ron Gallagher • May 7, 2013

Ohio State wins national title in construction management tourney

Fourteen colleges competed in Associated Builders and Contractors' student-chapter contest.

By Ron Gallagher • May 7, 2013

Bangladesh factory collapse spotlights illegal construction practices

Illegal and substandard construction as well as a lack of code enforcement has contributed to Bangladesh factory collapse that killed 700. Other nearby buildings are being inspected for similar problems.

By Eli Dickinson • May 7, 2013

NYC firm launches hands-on training center for building managers

Cooper Square Realty sends its building managers through its Learning Center to get some hands-on training.

By Ron Gallagher • May 7, 2013

Mumbai skyscraper designed to 'confuse the wind'

Wind is not exactly a friend to a 116-story building, but the design of the Imperial Tower aims to confuse that enemy.

By Ron Gallagher • May 7, 2013

OSHA launches safety program for temporary workers

Inspectors will pay special attention to whether temporary workers are getting the required safety instruction.

By Ron Gallagher • May 6, 2013