Building & Construction Industry News & Analysis

Follow these safety tips when welding stainless steel

Five tips to address the hazards of stainless steel welding are offered.

Robotic system could expedite building construction

Building construction can be expedited with robotic arm, end effector.

UN report cites aging dams as growing threat

A new report reveals that a substantial number of large dams around the world are likely showing signs of age.

New technology improves recycled concrete

A new concrete casting approach promotes the efficient utilization of recycled aggregates and waste tire chipped rubber to produce green concrete.

A new way to make wood transparent; stronger and lighter than glass

University of Maryland researchers developed what they believe is a better method for producing transparent wood, one that does not require removing the lignin.

Scientists push for a global ban on lead paint

A new publication issued by the UN and others calls for the worldwide eradication of lead paint for the prevention of lead poisoning.

Researchers promote higher living quality in high-density housing

Two new publications in the SINTEF Building Research Design Guides series address the issues associated with high-density housing.

It's here: CDC releases official COVID-19 ventilation recommendations

Many of the techniques, outlined by ASHRAE, are common-sense approaches enacted since the pandemic's beginning — but others are more specific about technologies to use and habits to change.

Watch: Sensors could significantly shorten construction timelines

Purdue engineers have designed technology that eliminates the need for time-consuming offsite testing and safely speeds up the construction timeline.

Solar power investment by NJ hospital pays off

Medical facilities are excellent candidates for solar power installations for a number of reasons, according to Silicon Valley-based SunPower.

Home affordability dropped for many across the US in fourth quarter 2020, report shows

According to the recently released U.S. Home Affordability Report for fourth quarter 2020, median home prices for single-family homes and condos have risen 10% in more than half the country while the average wage fell below the level necessary to afford a typical home.

Material shortages, fluctuating costs significant concerns for construction contractors

New data from U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index (Index) shows that more contractors are confronted with a shortage of building materials, due to the pandemic.

ASTM International construction standard supports architectural mockup programs

ASTM International is awaiting approval of a new standard that will help architects in the design of the mockup structures used to prepare for construction of new buildings.

Online course on energy code requirements for metal buildings offered by MBMA

To address the current popularity of metal building systems, the MBMA is offering “Using Metal Building Systems to Meet and Exceed the Energy Code,” a new online continuing education course.

Metro Vancouver buildings more vulnerable to large earthquakes than seismic guidelines indicate

Scientists from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have determined that during a megathrust earthquake more shaking would occur in Metro Vancouver’s tall buildings than is accounted for in Canada’s national seismic hazard model.

50-year study validates bonded steel reinforcement of concrete beams

Fifty years ago, Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) began an experiment to determine the durability of epoxy resin as an adhesive for attaching a steel plate to a concrete beam. Today, one of the six identical test subjects remains intact.

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