Products
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Time-saving robotic accessory could hit market within the year
Velocity Robotics claims its Autoset miter saw attachment can shave up to three days off a five- to six-week work schedule.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 14, 2018
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Fungus may help concrete self-repair
Research is in its early stages, and questions about how fungus will survive within concrete's harsh environment still remain.
By Laurie Cowin • Jan. 24, 2018
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Researchers developing double-pane solar windows
Employing two types of quantum dots, the windows will efficiently generate electricity.
By Laurie Cowin • Jan. 10, 2018
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Polystyrene concrete blocks offer lightweight alternative to traditional concrete
The blocks can reduce required labor for constructing masonry walls while increasing the speed at which they're built.
By Laurie Cowin • Dec. 20, 2017
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Microsoft mixed reality headset accessory to debut next year
The existing headset device recently gained certification as protective eyewear, allowing the company to expand its reach to 2 billion "firstline" workers.
By Mary Tyler March , Laurie Cowin • Nov. 07, 2017
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University researchers engineer seismic-resistant concrete
Similar to steel's molecular make-up, walls coated with the material were able to stand up to simulations reaching a 9.1 magnitude on the Richter scale.
By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 18, 2017
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Construction material prices continue to climb in September
Material prices rose at three times the rate of inflation on a year-over-year basis as strong construction activity drives demand.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 13, 2017
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MIT researchers are testing new concrete mixes
Their goal is to determine how locally sourced additives can impact the material's strength in a way that can inform product specification on full-scale projects.
By Hallie Busta • Oct. 04, 2017
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Modular builder Katerra plans mass-timber plant
The move aims to help scale production of CLT and could see the multifamily builder entering new categories, such as hospitality and retail.
By Hallie Busta • Sept. 27, 2017
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Deep DiveHow PCL's PartsLab Revit plug-in aims to increase productivity
The free BIM tool makes it easier to track changes to a building's design during the construction process.
By Mary Tyler March • Sept. 20, 2017
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Demand for construction supplies soars after Hurricane Harvey
Buyers are seeking steel buildings, doors, and concrete, masonry and stone products at a higher frequency now than they were before the storm.
By Edwin Lopez • Sept. 18, 2017
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Deep DiveHow a simple material solution made for a breezy lakefront retreat
The project team for this Lake|Flato design needed an economical and durable solution for its exterior stairs and walkways that offered privacy and fresh air.
By Debbie Reslock
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Deep DiveHow reclaimed can a building be?
Design teams are looking beyond fixtures and finishes to incorporate reclaimed materials into the core and shell of their structures, but challenges are plenty.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 17, 2017
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Procore is integrating wearables-maker Triax's worker-tracking tech
The partnership will enable companies that use both products to more easily manage data gathered from job-site operations.
By Hallie Busta • Aug. 09, 2017
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Tesla installs first Solar Roof systems — on employees' homes
Co-founder Elon Musk says he has already outfitted his roof with the system and plans to roll out the product to more employees for testing and observation.
By Mary Tyler March • Aug. 09, 2017
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Deep DiveQ&A: 3DR CEO Chris Anderson on the future of drones in construction
We talked with the head of the drone AEC software maker about the role of aerial scanning on the job site and what construction firms are doing right with the tech.
By Mary Tyler March • Aug. 02, 2017
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3DR partners with DJI to launch drone operations platform
The company's Site Scan surveying technology will now be available for use with DJI drones, opening the software to a wider market.
By Mary Tyler March • Aug. 01, 2017
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Komatsu, Trimble partner for 3-D construction data sharing
The creation of a new API aims to boost mixed-fleet interoperability as construction companies seek to optimize how their irons are used on the job.
By Mary Tyler March • July 26, 2017
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US researchers are trying to recreate Ancient Roman concrete
The mix of volcanic ash and seawater led to the formation of crystals that strengthened the material, which could bring durability to today's infrastructure.
By Hallie Busta • July 12, 2017
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Caterpillar invests $2M in Fastbrick Robotics
The partnership will allow Fastbrick to more quickly commercialize its technology and give Caterpillar a stake in the growing construction robotics space.
By Emily Peiffer • July 12, 2017
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Deep Dive
Bots on the job: The past, present and future of robotic builders
From bricklaying arms to load-bearing exoskeletons, a host of high-tech helpers are headed for the job site.
By Jean Thilmany
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US adds more duties to Canadian softwood lumber imports
The addition of an antidumping tax of up to 7.72% brings total preliminary duties on the product to between 17.41% and 30.88%.
By Hallie Busta • June 27, 2017
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NY lawmakers set to pass 'Buy American' measure for iron, steel
The legislation — which would apply to projects like bridges, subways and state buildings — has the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
By Kim Slowey • June 23, 2017
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GE tests autonomous drones for equipment, facility inspections
The use of drones can significantly reduce inspection costs and provide more detailed images of areas that are too dangerous for people to access.
By Emily Peiffer • June 21, 2017
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Research finds scrap tire fiber ratio that creates stronger concrete
Multiple countries already use "crumb" rubber in their road projects, but the University of British Columbia team characterized this as a more advanced idea.
By Cole Rosengren • June 21, 2017