Products

Face masks could soon come with COVID-19 rating labels

Safety standard organization ASTM International is leading an effort to establish standards for reusable face coverings.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 21, 2020

3M safety product to minimize suspension trauma

A new strap on 3M's safety harnesses, developed in collaboration with Skanska USA, will help protect workers who have fallen, the manufacturer says.

By Jenn Goodman • Sept. 30, 2020

Lendlease unveils restroom pod for vertical jobsites

The H³ Wellness Hub has hot, running water and a flushable toilet and is designed to be hoisted into place, while upping the level of dignity and respect shown to workers on site. 

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 28, 2020

Researchers receive patents for prestressed concrete innovation

Swiss scientists are investigating new possibilities for self-tensioned concrete beams with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic inside, which helps make the building material easy to work with yet durable and stable.

By Jenn Goodman • Sept. 16, 2020

OSHA: N95 masks protect against the coronavirus

In recently released guidance, the agency explains why N95 respirator filters are effective at protecting users from the virus that causes COVID-19.

By Jenn Goodman • UPDATED: Oct. 26, 2020 at 8:02 a.m.

Materials prices rise for second straight month since COVID-19 crisis began

New analysis shows soaring lumber and petroleum costs were the biggest contributors to rising materials prices for contractors, with lumber prices up 50% since mid April.

By Jenn Goodman • July 12, 2020

Fisher Sand and Gravel wins $1.3B border wall job

The contract is being questioned by a high-ranking House Democrat, who earlier asked the Defense Department to determine if another Fisher wall project was properly awarded. 

By Kim Slowey • May 21, 2020

Deep Dive

How construction firms can prepare for a potential second wave of COVID-19

Although work is restarting in most jurisdictions, contractors can't let their guard down regarding coronavirus precautions for the future.

By Kim Slowey • May 18, 2020

Sponsored by EquipmentShare

ConEXPO-CON/AGG 2020: Get the most from your mixed fleet with comprehensive machine health views and utilization data

Take a fresh approach to fleet management with comprehensive machine health views and utilization data.

Coronavirus impacts could have ripple effect on US construction industry

When it comes to unexpected developments on factors like materials prices, American builders are not immune to the effects of the global epidemic.

By Jenn Goodman • Feb. 19, 2020

Sponsored by SmartEquip

AGC Convention & CONEXPO 2020: "How Smart Technology Can Save You Over 100% on Your Parts Costs Each Year."

Today’s savvy contractors are well aware of the critical role parts purchasing and management play in fleet up time. The economics are very complex.  Operating cost associated with parts is very high, but many fall short in creating efficiencies because of the pressures of keeping thei...

Good vibes: Research finds benefits of wearable tech device that vibrates to warn of hazards

Waist belts equipped with small motors were up to 95% accurate in helping workers detect potential hazards through real-time tactile feedback.

By Zachary Phillips • Dec. 11, 2019

Building materials delivery app RenoRun gets $17M in funding

Available in Montreal, Toronto and Austin, Texas, the firm plans to use the money to expand to more cities and add services and products.

By Zachary Phillips • Nov. 06, 2019

Deep Dive

Sidewalk Labs is building a smart city entirely of mass timber. What could go wrong?

North America is on the cusp of a mass timber revolution, and the Waterfront Toronto project is leading the way. But the material faces major obstacles.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 05, 2019

Caterpillar had to raise prices in light of tariffs last quarter

The steel and aluminum tariffs imposed in 2018 cost the construction equipment manufacturer an extra $70 million in the second quarter, making it hard to maintain margins.

By Shefali Kapadia • July 26, 2019

Opinion

Construction wearables' futuristic features are more feasible than you think

The technology can help prevent accidents, improve efficiencies and enhance quality of life for construction workers, says an insurance official working with contractors on pilot programs.

By David P. Galbraith • June 26, 2019

Column

Tech Toys: 3D concrete printing, VR ladder training and more

Also, Unity Reflect will allow for Autodesk Revit changes to be seen instantly in Unity VR/AR systems and a Japanese firm will use U.S.-based drone platforms to inspect and repair concrete infrastructure.

By Joe Beeton • June 05, 2019

Sponsored by AvidXchange

How to increase productivity without increasing headcount

Manage more work and protect your bottom line — all with the same staff you have today.

By Jim Campbell, Vice President of Construction Sales at AvidXchange, Inc. • May 20, 2019

Hard hats to helmets: How Skanska, Clark are improving workers' last line of defense

Traditional hard hats account for falling objects, not falling workers. Some general contractors are providing a more effective layer of protection.

By Kathleen Brown • May 20, 2019

Autodesk BIM 360 adds cost management

The new module allows users to visualize cost-related risks and track budget impacts in real time.

By Kathleen Brown • May 15, 2019

By predicting risk, AI tool shapes top firms' safety conversations

Contractors like Suffolk, Shawmut and AECOM are using Smartvid.io to understand and proactively target the most pressing risks on their projects.

By Kathleen Brown • May 15, 2019

Deep Dive

Video game-like tech draws younger, more skeptical workforce to construction

The modern jobsite's move to simulators, controllers, VR headsets and more is bucking the perspective that careers in the industry are all grunt work.

By Jenn Goodman • May 15, 2019

InsiteVR integrates with Autodesk BIM 360 for immersive modeling

The virtual reality tool, which allows users from any location to collaborate on a design, is the latest to pair with Autodesk's construction management hub.

By Kathleen Brown • May 08, 2019

Built Robotics, Sunstate deal brings more self-driving vehicles to the jobsite

Part of Sunstate Equipment Co.'s fleet will be outfitted with Built's kit to expand contractors' access to autonomous technology, the companies say.

By Kathleen Brown • May 01, 2019

Steel Dynamics CEO: Quotas 'likely' to replace tariffs

A handful of quota supporters see them as a necessary evil that would stabilize the market after an initial period of shock, but opponents seem to be more vocal so far.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 29, 2019