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Traylor Bros

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Traylor Bros., Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, protected activity, or other non-merit factors.

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Skanska

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Skanska is a world leading project development and construction group, aimed at building for a better society. Learn more about us!

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Hayward Baker

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Hayward Baker is North America's Leader in Geotechnical Solutions. We bring six decades of experience in geotechnical design and construction to your project.

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Dofoe

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Commitment, dedication, quality and hard work. These are the values that have helped the DeFoe Corp. grow into a multi-million dollar organization bringing value to our public and private sector customers now and in the future. The DeFoe organization is best known for new construction and major rehabilitation and reconstruction projects on major highways and bridges throughout the NY Metropolitan area.

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McLaren

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McLaren Engineering Group - Licensed in 49 states, with offices that extend across the country.

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We offer clients unparalleled service and technical innovation solving complex engineering problems with creative, custom solutions. Over the past 40 years, we have engineered projects of nearly every size, shape, scope and discipline-ranging from high-rise structures to bridges and piers to entertainment productions.

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Turner

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Turner has a culture of innovation and promotes advances in technology, sustainability, lean practices, building information modeling, safety, community involvement, learning and development, and knowledge sharing.

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Hunter Roberts

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Hunter Roberts Construction Group | We Care. we listen. we communicate. we deliver.

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The entire HRCG organization is designed to help you achieve your vision. HRCG's interests are always aligned with you, our Client. We Care.

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Weeks Marine

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Ecco

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heavy and environmental construction expert

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New York Heavy And Environmental Construction Experts - ECCO Enterprises

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As one of New York City's best heavy and environmental construction companies, ECCO should be your first call when you are starting a project. From the brainstorming phase through design and completion, we know what it takes to successfully complete the job.

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Montesano Brothers

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GPS Advances a huge part of site development

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Trimble - Construction - Field Solutions for Building Construction

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Excavator Innovations

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Versatility and flexibility have always been part of the compact excavator's lexicon. Yet, manufacturers continue to push the envelope with each design iteration.

Equipment Today asked several suppliers to comment on select models offered - some of which could fall into their own unique classification of these machines - as well as how these configurations may impact future design and/or model choices.

Increased Utilization by Design
Caterpillar recently introduced the 304.5E2 Xtra Tool Carrier (XTC) and 308E2 with variable angle boom. Jennifer Hooper, marketing development engineer, shares the thought process behind the development of these configurations, the specific customer needs they're intended to address and what may lie ahead for these machines.
Caterpillar is focused on delivering innovative solutions to meet customer needs. The 304.5E2 XTC was developed to increase productivity and save time on the jobsite. The skid-steer loader coupler interface supports load and carry applications and reduces time while backfilling. Additionally, the various work tools such as brooms, forks and trenchers are matched for ultimate performance.

The 304.5E2 XTC is ideal for many applications including landscaping, utilities and road construction. Dependent upon the work tool on the skid-steer coupler interface, operators can configure the machine to meet their particular need. This may include loading tree ball roots in an MP (multi-purpose) bucket, moving a pallet of brick or stone on forks or digging utility trenches. Additionally, management of transport through utilization of a single machine with multiple functions reduces overall operating costs.

The introduction of the XTC machine allows customers to do more with the machine and be more productive. As the machine is utilized fully in the market, we will work alongside our dealers and customers to assess other models to offer with the XTC solution. As a result of the performance requirements - including lift capacity, stability and travel - it is likely XTC will only be introduced on those machines greater than 4 metric tons.

The variable angle boom (VAB) configuration on the 308E2 has been introduced to provide increased working range in confined spaces. The 308E2 VAB may be used in any location that requires a broad working range in a confined area. The variable angle boom can be positioned to work closer to the machine, and achieve greater vertical reach and better clearance when truck loading.

Ultimately, the aim of the mini-excavator operator is to do more with less. Both the XTC and VAB meet this critical customer requirement through versatility and accessibility. Both models offer added value through delivering increased productivity and operational efficiency.

The introduction of the XTC and VAB configurations allow customers to experience the limitless versatility of mini-excavators. Across the globe operators use the machine in various ways to work within the constraints of geography and terrain, limited space and site access, as well as application-specific lift, dig and load requirements. The increase in the use and versatility of mini-excavators is a trend that will continue as best practices are shared in machine operation, work tool integration and technology adoption.

Electrifying the Mini Market
IHI/Compact Excavator Sales introduced its first electric-powered compact excavator more than 15 years ago. The company shares the background behind its development, how it has evolved over the years and what has propelled its popularity on specific types of jobsites.
IHI/Compact Excavator Sales has exhibited at the World of Concrete since 1994. For many years in the late '90s, we had contractors coming into our booth asking if we manufactured an electric mini-excavator. After we continued to see the demand grow, we decided to build the first prototype at our facility in Elizabethtown, KY.

The first 7J electric mini-excavator was introduced at the World of Concrete in 2000 with overwhelming response from the contractors. The 7J electric was a 2,000-lb. unit with a 5-ft. 2-in. digging depth and a fixed undercarriage at 31 in., which allowed the unit to maneuver through a standard doorway.

The first electric mini-excavator was sold to Ohio Concrete Sawing and Drilling located in Sylvania, OH. They were using the unit to perform indoor excavation jobs after they saw cut the existing floor in buildings that had to have plumbing replaced. The buildings that they were working in did not allow any gasoline- or diesel-powered units. The equipment being used on the job had to be 100% free of fumes.

After the first few jobs, they realized that the 7J electric saved money and time in the long run. This small electric unit can also be equipped with a hydraulic hammer for demolition applications, which eliminates the use of hand-held jack hammers.

In 2008, we introduced the new and improved version of the 7J electric, the 9VX electric ... It can be powered by a single-phase 208/230-volt engine or a three-phase, 480-volt, 5-hp Baldor engine. This versatile unit also comes standard with an expandable undercarriage that has a width of 37.5 in. expanded and just 27.5 in. retracted, allowing the unit to easily maneuver through a standard doorway.

By 2010, the demand had grown for a larger electric mini-excavator. In 2011, we introduced the 17VX electric, which is a 3,500-lb. unit with a digging depth of 7 ft. It comes powered by a three-phase, 480-volt, 15-hp Rueland engine. This electric beast also comes with an expandable undercarriage that has a width of 50 in. expanded and 37.7 in. retracted.

The 17VX electric is the largest electric unit that we plan to build at this point. The demand from contractors is mostly for the smaller electric units that are able to work in existing buildings performing rehab work. Per contractors' feedback, a larger unit than the 17VX electric would not be cost effective and the unit itself would be much too big to get inside buildings.

In the past, contractors have used electric saws to saw cut concrete inside of buildings, electric hand-held jackhammers to break up the concrete and manual labor to load the debris to be hauled out. With our line of electric mini-excavators, a contractor has one unit that will excavate, break up and load debris, thus eliminating the manual labor aspect of the job that will allow the contractor to expand his business by using his employees on other new projects.

Power and Mobility Choices
Wacker Neuson's compact excavator lineup includes the 803 Dual Power option, as well as wheeled excavator models. Warren Anderson, product manager, excavators and dumpers, shares the mindset behind the introduction of these models in North America, their potential benefits and future opportunities for these machines.
The compact construction industry is completely saturated. Manufacturers that distinguish themselves are the ones that will succeed. We like to consistently think of ways to differentiate ourselves and develop compact equipment that will help the customer become more efficient.

The 803 Dual Power was our answer for contractors that need to work in areas where there is a zero emissions restriction or total noise restriction. It is perfect for confined spaces, poorly ventilated areas and states or specific locations that have strict emissions regulations. It offers the flexibility of disconnecting from the Hydraulic Power Unit and working normally as a diesel excavator, as well.

The 803 Dual Power fits perfectly with the green trend in the construction industry. Tier 4 drastically reduced engine emissions but the dual power takes it one step further. Regulations get stricter every day, so this design will open the door for safer, healthier work environments.

The 803 is the smallest Wacker Neuson excavator and is ideally suited for tight spaces. The size is just 27.5 in. wide, so it easily fits through a standard doorway, and the rubber tracks won't damage interior floors.

Excavators that are under 3 tons can fit into some very tight places, especially if they are a zero tail design. This means that any of these size units could be a candidate to be connected to a Hydraulic Power Unit and run at zero emissions.

Our wheeled excavators provide excellent versatility and have found a successful home in the roads and bridges and municipality segments. The huge benefit to our wheeled excavator is the fact that it can move itself to and from jobsites at speeds up to 18 mph. Many municipalities easily see the benefits when doing road work in a several block radius and not having to constantly load and unload the excavator at each site.

Wheeled excavators [are suited to] any application where you need to move frequently (e.g., fixing sewer drains or positioning cement barriers for highway construction). Wheeled excavators can save contractors and municipalities time and money with their unparalleled mobility and by eliminating the need for a transport truck.

Wheeled excavators are really big in Europe and are catching on in the U.S. For customers who have switched from a conventional tracked unit to the wheeled unit, the benefits and flexibility were immediately clear. Being able to drive 18 mph to the next job and leaving the truck and trailer parked until the end of the day allows them to be more productive and get more done in a day.

I see the wheeled excavators growing in the future, which will drive more application-specific attachments and size classes.

Bringing A Concept to Life
Volvo Construction Equipment showcased the GaiaX 2030 concept excavator at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014. Sidney Levy, design director, discusses the reasoning behind its development, and how the company is merging its futuristic features with current equipment design.
The GaiaX was designed to demonstrate potential future technologies. The aim of the project was not to produce a fully operational model or to develop these technologies, but to enter into a dialogue with engineers and customers and explore different options for future machines... This ensures we're focused on new ideas and developments that benefit our customers.
[Video] Volvo GaiaX Concept: What Construction May Look Like in 2030
The fully electric, zero emission GaiaX is fitted with rechargeable batteries but can also be used while plugged into an external electrical power source. The traditional cab is replaced by a lightweight steel guard rail, while the battery alone acts as a counterweight to the arm and boom. By doing this, Volvo CE has turned the usual disadvantage of a heavy battery into an advantage.

The GaiaX seat is an innovative new feature built from corrugated wood. The tension in the seat can be adjusted depending on the corrugation, offering a lot of flexibility. The seat demonstrates that simple technology can produce effective results. By using wood, we are able to reinforce our commitment to environmentally conscious machinery, as well as evoke our Swedish design roots.

By investigating different ways of constructing our machines, we are able to understand how best to develop our current products. Although they might not include features that are directly taken from concept machines, our existing products are influenced by the issues raised in creating these concepts.

For example, we discussed different ways to improve operator comfort and access to the cab, and this helped us to discover how we can enhance the operator experience. On the GaiaX, we used orange guard rails, which not only command the attention of those around the jobsite but also embody Volvo's commitment to the environment. They are covered with leather, a natural material that is pleasant to the touch. We have since improved the railings on our machines to facilitate easy access, and we addressed the choice of material and colors we use when creating our cabs.

The human-machine interface (HMI) on the GaiaX was the prelude to the Volvo Co-Pilot onboard services display, which was unveiled in April at bauma 2016. The GaiaX's augmented reality tablet shows the location of water pipes and electrical cables on screen, allowing the operator to visualize the work before it's carried out. A ground scanner provides precise information on obstacles to guarantee the effectiveness of auto-dig modes (which paved the way for the Dig Assist service on Volvo Co-Pilot) and projects images onto the ground to show the work site and mark safe zones for the operator and passersby. The tablet also connected to other machines in the fleet to provide a more effective way of working.

The in-house developed Volvo Co-Pilot system is designed for use on machines as diverse as excavators to pavers. It uses a tablet computer to deliver a new generation of intelligent machine services, such as Load Assist, Dig Assist, Compact Assist and Pave Assist.

Volvo Co-Pilot and the assist-functionalities help operators to produce higher quality outcomes, in less time and with less effort.

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Compact Excavators Take on New Forms and Functions

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Versatility and flexibility have always been part of the compact excavator's lexicon. Yet, manufacturers continue to push the envelope with each design iteration. Equipment Today asked several suppliers to comment on select models offered - some of which could fall into their own unique classification of these machines - as well as how these configurations may impact future design and/or model choices.

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Asphalt Paving a Sustainable Future

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Join Thousands of Fellow Followers

Login or register now to gain instant access to the rest of this premium content!

Illustrating that this is one of the best times in the past decade to invest in transportation projects, state departments of transportation across the country are reporting the lowest August prices for asphalt and related pavement materials since 2007.

That makes the cost state DOTs are paying for asphalt - one of their most widely used materials in building or maintaining roadway infrastructure - lower now than during the weakest times for the economy during the 2008-09 recession.

An Alabama DOT price index lists its performance grade asphalt this month at $1.43 a gallon, up from May's low of $1.34 but still the lowest August price since 2007. Last year at this time, that DOT was paying $1.95 for a gallon of PG asphalt.

"Since August is one of the busiest months for roadway infrastructure projects across the United States, the fact that DOTs are seeing the lowest asphalt prices for this month since 2007 means they can stretch their project budgets to cover more work," said Bud Wright, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Read more from AASHTO here.

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Login or register now to gain instant access to the rest of this premium content! Illustrating that this is one of the best times in the past decade to invest in transportation projects, state departments of transportation across the country are reporting the lowest August prices for asphalt and related pavement materials since 2007.

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Contracting is risky

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Contractors and construction workers perform some of the most dangerous work there is - and they're often competing on price with professionals who cut corners or skimp on quality to keep their costs low. While the temptation to operate a lean business to minimize short-term expenses may be significant, contractors should be aware that skipping essential protections (such as commercial liability insurance) can be devastating to their business's long-term viability.

Here's a look at four hidden - and potentially costly - risks that threaten contractors and construction professionals.

Hidden Risk #1: Losing Personal Assets in a Lawsuit
One of the most common misconceptions among contractors (and owners of small businesses in general) is that their personal assets are safe from lawsuits filed against their business. Unfortunately, this is simply not true. If your business is fined or saddled with a judgment, the court has the authority to go after your personal assets to cover any costs your business assets can't cover.

Costs may include your lawyers' fees, evidence and court docket costs, among others. You will likely have to take some time off work to appear in court. In other words, you're looking at a hefty pile of bills - and that's assuming you're not found liable.

If a judge rules that you are responsible for causing damages, you could face settlements or judgments that exceed the funds your business has available. And don't think shutting your doors will protect you from a costly liability payment: if you're responsible for paying damages, the court can legally seize money from your savings account, repossess your car, come after your home, and otherwise bleed you dry, depending on relevant state laws.

Manage the risk: Luckily, contractors can shield their personal and business assets by investing in commercial liability insurance, which pays the costs of lawsuits (including lawyer's fees, court costs, settlements, and judgments) filed against your business. Compared with the relatively hefty fees associated, the monthly premium for coverage of $250,000 can be as low as $60 or $75.

Hidden Risk #2: Waivers and Contracts Do Not Fully Shield You
Liability waivers and contracts (both with employees and clients) are an essential part of risk management for any contractor or construction worker. But they aren't bulletproof. Courts have been notoriously unpredictable about upholding the agreements outlined in waivers and contracts: sometimes they let the terms of such documents stand, and sometimes they don't.

Most often, a court's decision depends on individual circumstances of a case and even the legal strength of the original document.

Manage the risk: Contractors can bolster the strength of their risk management documents by implementing three key steps:

1. Work with an attorney to draft all contracts and waivers to ensure that they will hold water if challenged in court.

2. Supplement these documents with other risk management efforts (including adequate business insurance). In the event that a contractor's waiver is challenged in court, insurance will cover the related costs. Even better, if the waiver is thrown out, insurance can also cover any damages assessed.

3. Keep lines of communication open. Discussing and addressing small problems before they become big liabilities can go a long way toward minimizing the cost and hassle of legal challenges.

H idden Risk #3: Liability Exposure from Business Insurance Gaps
During slow periods in construction work, it's only natural to cut costs by eliminating unnecessary expenses. But contractors too often make the mistake of ditching their insurance policies when work dries up for the season. This can have disastrous consequences. Here's why:

No coverage for completed-products lawsuits. If a client decides to file suit over work you completed months ago, your insurance company won't provide coverage if you've let your policy lapse, which leaves you on the hook for all the legal costs and associated expenses.

Difficulty securing coverage for next season. Perhaps even more troubling, starting and stopping insurance coverage over and over is often viewed as a red flag to insurance companies. Contractors who start and cancel one policy after another will likely have trouble finding an insurer willing to cover them in the future, which can make it difficult to secure projects, bring in revenue, and keep the business afloat.

Manage the risk: Avoiding the high expenses associated with letting coverage lapse is simple: Keep your insurance policy in place year-round. If you're worried about affording your premiums during the slow months, talk to your insurance agent about a payment plan that allows you to pay more when you're bringing in more revenue. You may even be able to secure a policy that provides stronger coverage when you need it more and lighter coverage during the rest of the year.

Hidden Risk #4: On-the-Job Injuries
Contractors and construction workers face significant risks for on-the-job injuries. Even the most careful professionals are subject to the whims of chance and nature: There's little you can do to prevent a member of your crew from suffering heat stroke during a particularly steamy summer day or stop a dropped hammer from landing on someone's toe.

And because of the high cost of medical bills, it's common for workers to turn to their employers to collect compensation for injuries that occurred on the job. But what's even more expensive for your business is if one of your employees thinks that they got injured or sick because you failed to provide a safe work environment.

As with other types of lawsuits, you'll face hefty legal bills to defend yourself regardless of whether or not you're ultimately found liable - and those bills aren't covered under General Liability Insurance policies.

Manage the risk: The powers that be recognize that workplace injuries are a very real threat to contractors and other professionals. To help business owners manage that risk, most states require workers' compensation insurance for any businesses that have employees (and in some cases, even for sole proprietors).

Workers' comp covers the various costs associated with treating workplace injuries by providing money to pay medical bills, recovery costs, and even employee wages if they have to miss work while recovering. Most workers' comp policies also include a type of coverage called employer's liability insurance, which funds the legal costs associated with injury- or illness-related employee lawsuits.

Protecting Your Construction or Contracting Business
Whether you've been serving clients for decades or you just launched your business this year, you face significant risks in the work you do every day. And in our increasingly litigious society, the likelihood that someone will file a lawsuit after a mistake (or a perceived mistake) is higher than many business owners realize.

Maintaining a financially strong contracting or construction business demands proactive risk management. Luckily, managing your risks doesn't have to be all-consuming. By investing in certain business liability insurance policies, you can focus on your work with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your business and personal assets are safe from the many elements that can throw a wrench in your plans.
Ted Devine is the CEO of insureon, the leading online provider of small business insurance with more than 30,000 small business clients nationwide. Prior to this role, he was the president of Aon Risk Services.

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Contractors and construction workers perform some of the most dangerous work there is - and they're often competing on price with professionals who cut corners or skimp on quality to keep their costs low.

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Build above the flood plain

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The historic rainfall that devastated parts of Houston earlier this year exposed the nation's vulnerability to flooding that can destroy homes and businesses in an instant. In addition to death and injury, flooding can cause extensive infrastructure and property damage, social instability and economic disruption. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the average commercial flood claim was nearly $89,000 between the years 2010 and 2014 with nearly 25 percent of businesses closing permanently after a flood.

Extreme weather, sea level rise and other effects of climate change have put many communities at high risk of flooding. Along the coast, cities such as Seattle, Baltimore, New York, Boston, Tampa and New Orleans could face $60 billion a year in losses annually from flooding by mid-century, according to ClimateCentral.org. " Nuisance " flooding, minor coastal flooding that 50 years ago would have been caused by a strong hurricane, can be caused today by a high tide resulting in flooded roads, homes and businesses.

In the Midwest, a new study from Washington University in St. Louis indicates that federal agencies may have underestimated 100-year flood levels by as much as five feet. FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies use 100-year flood levels to predict potential flooding, designate flood zones, define flood insurance maps, and design levees and other structures to withstand floods. Any miscalculation can have serious implications for business development along major rivers. For example, the projected high-water mark for a 100-year flood event on the Mississippi River in St. Louis is 51.5 feet, 21 feet above flood stage, according to the study.

Urban development and man-made river control systems like levees, dikes and dams have exacerbated the flood risk in these areas. Robert Criss, PhD, professor at the university and author of the study, said the high-water marks on river systems in the Midwest are rising about an inch a year, 10 times greater than annual sea level rise due to climate change.

Given the frequency and severity of flood events in recent years, the U.S. government made changes to the federal flood plain maps that now place thousands of properties inside flood zones, requiring their owners to obtain flood insurance for the first time. The new flood maps show higher waters and wider areas at risk to potential flooding. Greater demand for flood insurance plus a jump in insurance claims due to recent floods have driven insurance rates up by a factor of 10 in some areas.

Contractors who plan to build in flood-prone communities must take prudent steps to assess the flood risk and then take action to avoid or mitigate the threat.

REVIEW FLOOD CODES, ZONES AND REQUIREMENTS
Before starting a building project, contractors should first contact local building department officials to understand the building code and floodplain management requirements for project sites.

To ensure project sites are reasonably safe from flooding, the NFIP requires that structures are designed to prevent flotation, collapse and lateral movement during a flood; flood resistant materials are used; the building is engineered and constructed to minimize flood damage; and HVAC/plumbing equipment is designed or located to prevent water entry.

Updated federal flood maps and changes to the NFIP have forced communities to alter building codes and comply with the new floodplain regulations to qualify for federal disaster assistance and flood insurance. While regulation of floodplain land use is the responsibility of state and local government, state and local ordinances generally follow NFIP requirements plus those set by the state or community.

Regulation can be achieved through designated flood ways, encroachment lines, zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, special use permits, flood plain ordinances and building codes. Typically communities adopt or enforce flood plain management ordinances and laws to define regulatory floodplains and control development. The NFIP makes affordable, federally backed flood insurance available once minimum NFIP regulations are met.

Contractors should also review these other important sources of information:

Flood Insurance Rate Maps which define flood boundaries for FEMA flood zones and base flood (100-year flood) elevations, and map the results of recent flood insurance studies

Flood Boundary Maps

Flood Insurance Studies, which show mean water levels and wave elevations along the shoreline

FEMA Technical Bulletins, such as Floodproofing Non Residential Buildings (FEMA P-936) and NFIP Technical Bulletin 3-93

State and local land use regulations, which govern land use, can be more restrictive than FEMA and the NFIP, and may set higher standards based on local conditions in the interest of safety.

DETERMINE THE CONSEQUENCES AND LIKELIHOOD OF A FLOOD
Flood risk is defined as the potential losses associated with a flood in terms of costs and consequences, expected probability and frequency of event, and exposure to floods. Residual risk is the level of risk not off-set by hazard-resistant design or insurance, such as the continued cost of rebuilding.

Generally, contractors can follow this rule of thumb to assess the potential consequences of a flood event. First, determine the construction/replacement cost per square foot as applied to floodable levels. Then, add the cost of business disruption that includes a realistic period for resumption of operations after a flood. The time required to move back in and resume business is typically longer than predicted.

According to the NFIP, flooding is the #1 natural disaster in the U.S. However, most property owners protect against burglary and fire even though a flood event is more likely. For projects in flood zones, contractors should consider the likelihood of a flood event over a given time period, the likelihood of frequent/less severe events like nuisance flooding or flash floods, and less frequent/more severe events such as hurricanes and 100-year floods.

A common misconception is that a "100-year flood" is a flood event that happens once every 100 years, which may give contractors a false sense of security about the flood risk for a project site. In fact, a 100-year flood statistically has a 1 in 100 probability of occurrence - a one percent chance - in any given year. Using the same statistical process, a 50-year flood has a 1 in 50 probability of occurrence, a two percent chance, in any given year. A 10-year flood has a 1 in 10 probability of occurrence, a 10 percent chance, and so on. Therefore, it is possible for a 100-year flood to happen two years in a row, and a 10-year flood event to happen 10 times in a single year.

The 100-year flood is the national standard used by the NFIP and all federal agencies for the purposes of requiring the purchase of flood insurance and regulating new development. At a minimum, commercial contractors should build to standards that prepare for flooding scenarios that may seem unlikely, but actually have a statistical probability of occurrence.

REDUCE AND MANAGE FLOOD RISK
Risk can be reduced or managed physically through flood mitigation and financially through insurance. Risk reduction is a combination of physical measures such as building codes, design and construction, best-in-class solutions, safety factors and insurance measures. Financial exposure to residual risk - that which can't be prevented or avoided - can be reduced by purchasing insurance, but should not be a substitute for a properly designed and constructed building.

Structures built to specifications for a 500-year flood event will have a much lower risk of being flooded over 30 years versus structures built to the base flood elevation. Use of freeboard is another way to mitigate risk by providing additional protection for floods exceeding the base flood elevation and typically results in lower insurance premiums. NFIP insurance and private insurance can reduce exposure to any remaining risk. Even after these measures, some risk to flooding will remain.

To avoid or manage flood risk, commercial contractors and their clients have few options: move the building outside of the flood zone, elevate the structure above base flood elevation, build earthen barriers like berms, dikes and walls, or floodproof. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, dry floodproofing is the best choice for urban structures and is recognized by the NFIP as an acceptable option for commercial businesses.

Dry floodproofing requires that all large openings have flood barriers, flood panels or flood doors installed, areas below water level must resist infiltration, all small openings must be sealed, buoyancy effects should be considered and a method for pumping out leakage must be provided. FEMA and the NFIP allow dry floodproofing for commercial buildings because relocation or elevation would be a significant business hardship. Furthermore, most commercial structures can't be elevated, and employees can deploy floodproofing solutions and practice fire-drill style floodproofing deployment plans.

Commercial contractors should take proactive measures to minimize flood risk before beginning any project, and particularly in flood-prone areas. The frequency of flood events and the high cost of floods on businesses and communities across the U.S. will continue to drive demand for flood protection and other measures to reduce the probability of catastrophic loss due to flooding.

Tom Osborne is the owner and president of Flood Panel, LLC where he oversees design, development and operations for the manufacture of flood mitigation products for commercial buildings in flood zones nationwide.

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The historic rainfall that devastated parts of Houston earlier this year exposed the nation's vulnerability to flooding that can destroy homes and businesses in an instant. In addition to death and injury, flooding can cause extensive infrastructure and property damage, social instability and economic disruption.

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Bonding is important

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9 Essentials Bonds and Insurance for Construction Companies

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Construction Bonds Basics Explained for Contractor and Builders. Learn the requirements, cost, limitations, and information pertaining to insurance.

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Installing Riprap

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Riprap is a commonly used method to protect soil from erosion in areas of concentrated runoff. Riprap is a layer of very large stones interlocked together acting as a barrier on slopes that are unstable because of seepage problems or areas that are receiving a large concentrated flow.

Where to Use Ripraps

Ripraps can be used to stabilize cut and fill slopes preventing erosion and other stabilization problems. Other areas that can be stabilized with ripraps are:

Channel Sides and Slopes

Culverts inlets and outlets

Bridges

Slopes

Drainage Structures

Grade stabilization structures

Storm drains

Streambanks

Riprap Construction Tips

When building a riprap wall be sure to follow these helpful tips:

Use only well-graded mixture or rock sizes and avoid using the same rock size. By using different rock sizes, will allow the rocks to create a perfect interlocking system.

The rock type shall be durable enough to withstand freeze and thaw cycles, for instance granite-type rocks. An average size of 2 inches to 24 inches in diameter is recommended.

It is recommended to use blocky and angular shaped rocks. Be sure to select rocks that have similar dimensions in all sides and must have sharp clean edges.

To ensure that the riprap is anchored to the soil, be sure to make the riprap at least two times as thick as the maximum stone diameter.

Before installing the first layer of stones, apply a synthetic geotextile membrane to prevent the soil from moving through the riprap.

Extend your riprap all the way to the top of the bank or to the design water level so it can control erosion more efficiently

Ensure that riprap extends to five times the bottom width upstream and downstream of the beginning and ending of the curve and the entire curved section.

Consider using chain link fencing or wire mesh to secure riprap installations, especially on steep slopes or in high flow areas. You can use galvanized wire mesh for better efficiency and durability.

Things to Consider During the Installation

During the installation process, you will need to be careful and refrain from using this method when the slope if greater than 2:1. Slopes greater than 2:1 can cause the riprap to fall down due to erosion and sliding caused by water flow. If not used correctly, it can actually worsen the condition and increase the amount of erosion. If you are also considering using grouted riprap, a smaller rock might be used, but they will be interlocked with the grout and cement. Grouted riprap must be securely protected against toe scour or undermining and it cannot be self-repair like the ordinary installation.

After every storm or major runoff event, the system needs to be inspected and maintained. If the wire mesh or the stone has been damaged or altered, be sure to repair it immediately to prevent a cascade effect with the whole system. Also, you might need to control weed and brush growth in some locations.

Erosion Control Costs

The cost of riprap varies depending on location and the type of material selected. A cost of $35 to $50 per square yard of nongrouted riprap can be used as a basic quote, while grouted riprap ranges from $45 to $60 per square yard. These costs will depend on the availability of resources, accessibility and total area to be covered.

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Estimating and Installation Tips: Ripraps to Prevent Erosion

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Riprap is a commonly used method to protect soil from erosion in areas of concentrated runoff. Riprap is a layer of very large stones interlocked together acting as a barrier on slopes that are unstable because of seepage problems or areas that are receiving a large concentrated flow.

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$200 Mil maintenance Facility

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EllisDon Kinetic- Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton Shop Consolidation Project
Construction manager EllisDon Kinetic - A Joint Venture oversees the final phase of construction on the FMF Cape Breton Shop Consolidation Project. By Janice Hoppe
In its fifth and final phase of construction, Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton is beginning to resemble the 20-year-old artist rendering from when the project first got underway. FMF is known as the "Corner Garage" among Royal Canadian Navy sailors because they berth at a jetty alongside the FMF shop facilities when their vessels need maintenance.

Located at the Navy's Dockyard near Victoria, British Columbia, the FMF shops repair and overhaul the RCN's ships and auxiliary vessels. "The engineering company that did the initial concept put a massive jigsaw puzzle together on paper, and to see it now largely completed in the flesh is really quite rewarding," says Clive H. Orford, project director for naval infrastructure requirements for the Department of National Defence (DND).

FMF features some 38 shops that specialize in various manufacturing, overhaul and repair capabilities and techniques, ranging from electroplating to powder coating, fixing sensitive electronic equipment and repairing major naval weapons systems. Over the past two decades, FMF Cape Breton has undergone a large consolidation project to improve its efficiency. The DND manages the project, which will cost about $500 million when complete and spans over five phases.

When completed in fall 2018, FMF Cape Breton's 38 maintenance shops will be consolidated into a single area at the dockyard, basically putting this organization under one roof. "It's been a long journey," Orford notes. "We are keeping pace and the work is progressing more or less on schedule now. The project's financial outlay is what we had hoped to achieve because the contractors are keeping to schedule."
Steady As She Goes
EllisDon Kinetic (EDK) - A Joint Venture is the construction manager on site that has been responsible for procuring all necessary subcontractors that will build each of the seven different construction work packages in sequence and roughly over a five-year period. Defence Construction Canada (DCC) is overseeing EDK's work as the site manager.

"This [Phase V] work contract has been underway for about three years," DCC Major Project Leader Brian Fraser says. "We got off to a slow start the first year, but we have improved and are on track. We've handed over three work packages to the DND for use, and our next major milestone is the turnover of the abrasive blast and paint booth work package in May 2017."

The $20 million abrasive blast and paint booth package includes large equipment that the RCN will use to paint and refinish ship components, and will be housed within a new extension to a building that was constructed about 10 years ago under an earlier phase of the project. Overall, the project's journey involves adding several new sections of industrial shop building onto two large buildings that were built about 25 years ago, as well as renovating several areas within those older buildings.

"I've just finished procurement on the last work package, which is a major milestone," EllisDon Kinetic Lead Project Manager Mark Liudzius says. "We have all the trades lined up through to the completion of the job, and this means that we can turn estimated budgets into more firm budgets. That helps give the owner a better idea of the final costs."
Site Security
One of the biggest challenges EDK has faced is the security policy on site. "We are on a military base, so everyone who comes on to do work has to have security screening from the federal government," Liudzius says. "That takes time and sometimes months for an individual to get clearance, so replacing workers is not a simple task. There have been issues with keeping staff levels and subcontractors because of the logistics involved with security."

Fraser says EDK continues to perform well despite early staffing challenges. "Security clearances have become a greater issue and the Canadian and American government security processes don't quite align," he adds. "There was some special admittance granted to Blast-One, based in Columbus, Ohio, so they could come onto the site for the abrasive blast and paint booth package."

Surprises happen on site and EDK has done its best to stay on schedule and come up with solutions when they do. For example, a piece of equipment needs to be moved to complete one of the shops, but after the move it is determined that it needs to be reconfigured by the original manufacturer, which did not have security clearance. "We are supposed to move that shop by the end of August. If we can't move the piece of equipment, that shop won't move, then we can't demolish the old building and we can't start building the new building area," Liudzius adds. "These are the types of issues we are having."
The Last Dance
During the first three $85 million renovation packages of Phase V, EDK and DCC were in the existing buildings working around the FMF Cape Breton workforce who needed to still do their job. Orford described the working environment as a juggling act or dance between the contractor and its workforce and the DND workforce. "It was pretty well managed and a generally happy worksite," he adds.

"That was a challenge," Fraser adds. "It was no small task, but now that challenge has passed and we are starting on new construction, which should be far easier."

Moving forward, EDK and DCC will be focused on the remaining four work packages at FMF Cape Breton. Once the project is completed in two years, FMF Cape Breton's industrial processes will be more efficient and it will operate within a smaller and tighter footprint.

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EllisDon Kinetic- Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton Shop Consolidation Project

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Construction manager EllisDon Kinetic - A Joint Venture oversees the final phase of construction on the FMF Cape Breton Shop Consolidation Project. By Janice Hoppe In its fifth and final phase of construction, Fleet Maintenance Facility (FMF) Cape Breton is beginning to resemble the 20-year-old artist rendering from when the project first got underway.

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Infrastructure Projects Cost Significant Money

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Europe has some of the longest railways which have allowed cities to strengthen their infrastructures and satify an increased tourist focus. We take a look at several areas which have enabled this growth and enabled them to become popular places to visit and enjoy.

Copenhagen Metro

Built in 1998 and fully completed in 2007 at a cost of $1.47 billion, the Copenhagen metro incorporates 34 trains and runs through 21km of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg.

Designed in conjunction with the Giugiaro Design team, the metro links 22 stations with a 300-person capacity, in addition to nine underground stations.

The metro is now being expanded to include a 15.5km city line, Cityringen, which will add an extra 17 underground stations, which is expected to complete in 2019.

Milan - Bologna High Speed Rail

The Milan - Bologna High Speed Rail is an essential transport link within Italy. Linking Milan and Bologna, it was built to provide stronger infrastructures and reduce congestion within the region.

Constructed at a cost of $9.1 billion, work originally began in 1997 and officially completed in 2008. It has become part of the European Union's Trans-European high-speed rail network.

In total, the line is 214km long, with 67 trains running per day, providing an efficidnt service to locals and tourists within the area.

Lötschberg Base Tunnel, Switzerland

Running through the Bernese Alps below the Lötschberg Tunnel, the 34.6km Lötschberg Base Tunnel (LBT) was constructed in order to provide alternate routes for lorries and reduce congestion within the region, becoming popular with both locals and tourists.

It has become the longest rail tunnel in Switzerland and the third longest in the world currently at 34.57km.

The tunnel has successfully allowed increased transport to reach Germany and Italy, with over 100 trains which utilise the LBT per day since completion.

Budapest Metro Line

Commencing in 1896, the Budapest Metro is the third oldest railway in the world and oldest remaining electrified underground railway in Europe, after the 1890 City & South London Railway became part of the London Underground.

The metro has since been developed in accordance with Budapest's growing infrastructure and tourist economy to include four lines, totalling up to 38.6km.

The lines run from the main centre; Vörösmarty tér and Mexikói út, through the city and also across the north-south divide. The newly fourth line will allow commuters to travel south-west, leading to Kelenföld vasútállomás, providing an efficient service throughout the city.

Barcelona Metro Line 9

The Barcelona Metro Line 9 is currently under construction and is expected to complete in 2020. The line incorporates two sections, L9 South and L9 North, which are waiting to be linked.

Run by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona, the line will be 47.8km and will become a central transport link in Barcelona upon completion, crossing all major areas within the region.

Crossrail, United Kingdom

The ongoing construction of the Crossrail railway within London will become a central transport link within London, strengthening existing links and connecting with nearby counties to reduce increasing pressures on existing transport systems and the London Underground. It is one of Europe's biggest construction projects to date.

Connecting central and south-East London with Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Essex, it will be frequently used by commuters with over 20 trains which will run per hour and is expected to fully complete in 2020.
Follow @ConstructionGL Read the August 2016 issue of Construction Global magazine

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Europe has some of the longest railways which have allowed cities to strengthen their infrastructures and satify an increased tourist focus. We take a look at several areas which have enabled this growth and enabled them to become popular places to visit and enjoy.

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Future of Construction looks bright

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As the economy improves, often the construction business does as well-but that industry is still looking for sound strategies, not just structures. After the housing dip of a few years ago, value is still on people's minds as there isn't a guarantee that another downturn couldn't be around the corner.

Mike Miller, the Mid-Atlantic Division leader for Southland Industries, Dulles, VA, a mechanical engineering building firm, and Jim Snyder, director of operations for construction company Warrior Group, Columbus, OH, give us insights into the trends to look for this year.

1) Single-Design Model

Miller points out that traditionally, engineering documents were created then given to the contractor to re-draw with different information. Now, to save time and money, there's a shift to have it all in-house from engineering to coordination, creating a one-stop shop. Through the proper coordination, models can and should, says Miller, go through engineering right into construction. "Thirty month projects can get turned into 24-month projects," he adds.

2) Materials

Miller, who has a degree in architectural engineering, says materials such as adapted sheet metal are popular as a guaranteed pressure class for high quality, but it's how materials are being used that makes the difference. Going to prefabrication off-site for construction fits right into the ongoing theme of improving schedules. "Instead of joining one piece of duct work you can join 20 feet of duct together," Miller says. "It's about moving more work from the field into the shop."

3) Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption is always on the mind in construction, says Miller. He notes systems that recover energy through heat wheels and occupancy sensors are becoming vital. An example of the latter are the countless interior conference rooms that can be left empty for weeks. By recognizing carbon dioxide in the room, a sensor changes the ventilation and, therefore, the energy needed.

4) Permanent Modular Construction

Snyder offers that permanent modular construction will be a huge trend in the coming years, saying the construction can easily last more than 50 years. "It looks exactly like commercial construction and can be done using many of the same things: metal studs, concrete, or even wood." Snyder says modular construction fits particularly well when you're in a time crunch, from fast food restaurants that need to go up quickly to army barracks for military deployment. "It also allows you to have an easier time doing the building as you go," he says. "Instead of building 100,000 square feet, you can do 25,000 and then later, add on." Snyder, who has a degree in construction science, sees it also becoming a part of high-rise construction and being particularly popular for how it fits in with LEED requirements. The key, he says, is changing people's minds about what they envision. "They see it as boxes," he says, "but it can be so many things that you want it to be."

5) Possibly...You

According to Miller, well-rounded mechanical engineers who can go beyond calculations to fitting into these coordinated engineering design models will render themselves invaluable. The only question is: Are you flexible enough for the challenge?

Eric Butterman is an independent writer.

Well-rounded mechanical engineers who can go beyond calculations to fitting into these coordinated engineering design models will render themselves invaluable.
Nikhil A. Koratkar, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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5 New Trends in Construction and Building

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As the economy improves, often the construction business does as well-but that industry is still looking for sound strategies, not just structures. After the housing dip of a few years ago, value is still on people's minds as there isn't a guarantee that another downturn couldn't be around the corner.

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Structural Steel Time Lapse

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Concrete Forms Construction of Reinforced Concrete Walls

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1-week construction time-lapse with 22 closeups: Week 42: Structural steel; all-day concrete pour

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Two major themes this week: structural steel and concrete pouring. We see a lot of structural steel frame work this week, sort of like assembling a giant erector set, by some very sure-footed guys (the "raising gang", the "bolting gang", the "plumb up gang"). On Thursday there's a concrete pour that lasts all day.

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Erecting Commercial Building

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hudson yards redevelopment project (location)

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Inside NYC's Massive Hudson Yards Construction Site

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July 14 (Bloomberg) -- New York City's Lower West Side is in the midst of a massive transformation. In about 10 years, Hudson Yards will be home to thousands of apartments, a hundred shops, a school, and 14 acres of public space.

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Infrastructure Time Lapse

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Marist College and NYS DOT RT 9 Underpass Project July 2011

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A 30 second time lapse showing nearly 2 weeks of work as the NYS DOT constructs an underpass under RT 9 in Poughkeepsie, NY on the Marist College campus.

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Rock Blasting

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WSDOT does rock blasting on I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass in order to stabilize the hillsides and create room to widen the highway. The highway closes for about 1 hour for the blasting and clean up.

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Earthwork

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Be sure to subscribe to get notified of new videos every other day! Caterpillar 385B L excavator picking up and spreading rock at a jobsite in New York City http://www.heavytruckphotos.com/

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New York State Department of Transportation

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Ground Level Construction Services , Inc.

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Ground Level Construction Services, Inc.

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Ground Level Construction Services - Excavation Contractors New York

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Site Excavation

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JD 225D Excavator Doing Fine excavation for footing on sept 20,2010.mov

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A JD 225D excavator does some fine excavation for footings on a commercial building on Horton St in london ontario on sept 20,2010

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Hydroelectric Dam

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Micro Hydro Electric Power System in Colorado Part

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Hoover Dam Megastructures Documentary National Geographic Documentary

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Niagara Hydroelectric Power - Mega Project Harnessing The Power Of Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls hydroelectric generating plants are the hydroelectric powerplants in the vicinity of the Niagara Falls, a large geological feature which stradd. Niagara Falls hydroelectric generating plants are the hydroelectric powerplants in the vicinity of the Niagara Falls, a large geological feature which stradd.

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Site Development

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Mega Project Harnessing The Power Of Niagara Falls

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Aerial View of Construction on Sasol’s US Mega Project

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We're building: Sasol continues to progress construction of its $8.9 billion ethane cracker and derivatives project in Southwest Louisiana. Early works activities, site preparation and civil construction work have been under way since 2014. Learn more about project progress at www.sasolnorthamerica.com

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Storm water Retention

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Cranes

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Asphalt Paving

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Bridge Construction

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Well Engineered Infrastructure

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Support of Excavation

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Pipeline Construction

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Asphalt Reclaimation

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Setting Precast Basin in the field

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Picture 1
Large Commercial Site with Tower Cranes and Structural Concrete

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Video 1
Graham Brothers Construction Earth work video

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Graham Brothers Construction Company, Inc.

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Heavy Civil, Mining and Site Prep contractor. See more at http://www.grahambrothers.us/