Halifax-based contractor Dexter Construction has discovered a pool of “underutilized labour” that is proving to be a good hiring source for hard-working and reliable workers for its concrete division as well as other divisions in its fold. Read more
Integrated project delivery (IPD) is a collaborative method that addresses some of the shortcomings of the traditional procurement methods. IPD covers a spectrum of contracting — from the familiar (construction management infused with collaborative or team-based processes) to the arcane (alliance models with “no-dispute” clauses). However, in its most effective form, IPD involves a multiparty agreement between the owner, general contractor, lead designer, and key subcontractors and design consultants. Read more
Mandating building information modelling (BIM) in Australia now should only be done as part of a wider national strategy for the construction industry. Otherwise it will be as effective as mandating CAD. Read more
The deadline is approaching to submit a project for the CCPPP 2015 National Awards for Innovation and Excellence in Public-Private Partnerships. Read more
The CCPPP conference is the largest P3 conference in the world that brings together many of the key experts and players in the P3 and infrastructure space. Last year the conference attracted 1,200 delegates from 25 countries from both the private and public sector. This year’s conference is shaping up to have another great line up of discussions and keynote addresses to talk about whats happening with P3s and how Canada continues to be best in class in executing P3 deals that help governments and municipalities to address their infrastructure deficits. Register today
Safety is everyone’s concern and new wireless network (Wi-Fi) technology being deployed in the harsh environments of chemical plants and refineries could soon start to show up on construction sites. Read more
World cement production is growing more rapidly than we thought it would just a few years ago. In 2012, researchers at Columbia University told us they expected production to reach between 3.7 billion and 4.4 billion tonnes by 2010. But with the figures for 2014 now available, we find that world production already totalled 4.3 billion tonnes. Read more
The John W. Olver Transit Center zero-net energy (ZNE) project is a high-performance building designed with reduced energy loads, passive design strategies, maximized efficiency of mechanical and electrical systems, and on-site power generation. Read more
The search-engine pioneer is joining some of the biggest companies in technology, communications and aviation — including Amazon.com Inc., Verizon Communications Inc. and Harris Corp. — in trying to create an air-traffic control system to prevent mid-air collisions. Read more
The BONE Structure concept was inspired from a combination of LEGO and Meccano — pieces are simply snapped together. The construction includes a lightweight, recycled steel frame, which enables homeowners to have a reconfigurable open-space concept, without intermediate beams or load-bearing walls. Electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems are connected thanks to precut openings acting as veritable “highways” within the structure, just like an airplane fuselage. Read more