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A new alluvial quarry has been established in Marlborough to provide construction companies with a reliable supply of gravel, aggregate, and sand for rebuilding after the Seddon and Kaikoura earthquakes. The quarry, owned by the CMT Group, operates for three to four months during the spring and summer and has the capacity to extract 20,000 cubic meters of alluvial aggregate per year. The acquisition of the quarry strengthens CMT's civil construction capabilities and ensures a secure supply of materials for their projects. The quarry primarily produces screened aggregate for building and construction projects, with some used for road construction and maintenance. The site will be restored to grazing farmland once the quarry's lease ends in 20 years. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Practical Caravan provides a brief overview of the historical significance and attractions of North Wales. It focuses on the town of Caernarfon and its famous castle, built by King Edward I, highlighting its architecture and connection to Welsh legends. The article also mentions the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales in 1969. Additionally, the text discusses other tourist destinations in North Wales, such as Portmeirion, Abersoch, and Tyddyn Isaf caravan park near Lligwy Beach, providing information and personal experiences. This article serves as a useful resource for library patrons interested in exploring the history and attractions of North Wales. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the challenges faced in designing and constructing underground engineering projects in cold regions, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. The presence of permafrost, which is frozen soil, presents unique difficulties due to its varying thickness and temperature. Changes in temperature and heat sources can impact the stability of structures built on or into permafrost. Engineers must consider these factors and adapt their designs accordingly. The article discusses the challenges faced in building structures on permafrost in Alaska, including settlement and instability caused by thawing ice-rich permafrost. Various techniques such as ground exploration, monitoring, and ground-freezing measures are used to mitigate these risks. The article also highlights seismic concerns and soil liquefaction that can occur when permafrost thaws. Successful examples of engineering in cold regions, such as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, are mentioned, along with the measures taken to protect them from thawing permafrost. The article also emphasizes the importance of the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility in studying permafrost and its response to climate change. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the transformation of a townhouse into a single home by architect George Bradley. The clients, an actress and a cinematographer, wanted to combine two separate dwellings and restore the townhouse to its former glory. The design of the home was influenced by the clients' collection of artwork and furniture, with a focus on color and lighting. The lower ground floor had a clean, bright, and technical feel, while the upper floors incorporated mid-century Italian colors and fittings. The article also provides advice for creating a successful design scheme, emphasizing the importance of hiring a good architect and allowing ample time for preparation and decision-making. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the town of Whitby in North Yorkshire, focusing on its historical significance and attractions. It highlights the dangers and historical context of the clifftop trail, as well as the ancient origins and importance of Whitby Abbey in early Christian church meetings. The article also explores the town's connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula and its association with seafaring explorer Captain James Cook. It provides information about Cook's life, including his apprenticeship to John Walker and his voyages, emphasizing his focus on astronomical research and his crew's respect for him. The article also mentions other attractions in the area, such as boatbuilding and repair, pirate ship tours, and the Captain Cook Museum. It briefly mentions nearby coastal towns and offers recommendations for food and drink establishments. The article concludes by mentioning the possibility of spotting dolphins and whales in the area. [Extracted from the article]

FRANK GEHRY WANTS TO BUILD A PARK IN LOS ANGELES. Partly because of that museum, and partly because of his string of pioneering edifices that followed, Gehry is now regarded as the most significant North American architect of his era, and perhaps the most celebrated living architect in the world. "What Frank Gehry accomplished in Bilbao and elsewhere is astonishing", says Flyvbjerg, whose book on the economics of building projects, How Big Things Get Done, analyzed cost data on 16,000 built structures from the past 87 years, including very mundane projects. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the implications of the Building Safety Act for structural engineers working on small projects. Topics include new duties for designers and dutyholders, the role of principal designers in compliance and coordination, and the additional responsibilities and liabilities associated with high-risk buildings (HRBs).

Pirkko and Pasi Alanen built a minimalist house in Helsinki, Finland, that proves minimalism can coexist with family life. The house features large windows that bring in natural light and offer views of the changing seasons. The couple incorporated practical solutions into the design, such as a recycling point in the boot room, a dedicated storage room, and a wall of sliding doors to hide coats and shoes. They also included a large bathtub for their three young children and acoustic panels to reduce noise. The house is filled with genuine materials like oak floors and durable ash stair treads. Pirkko enjoys changing the furniture layout but always leaves empty space for the children to play. The best thing about living in the house is the moments of family togetherness and relaxation. [Extracted from the article]

Sarah Cross has purchased the house next door to her existing property in the coastal village of Rhoscolyn, Anglesey, in order to create a larger retreat for her family and expand her holiday home business, Little Fish Escapes. The renovation project, carried out by local builders AK Developments, involved reconfiguring the layout and incorporating features such as a glazed first-floor balcony with panoramic views, a separate exterior staircase, and a hot tub. The project was completed successfully, and both homes now serve as peaceful and restorative retreats for families and individuals. [Extracted from the article]

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has launched a project to install a high-pressure pipeline in Karachi, Pakistan, at a cost of Rs3.86 billion. The pipeline aims to improve fuel supply for industrial consumers in the western part of the city and address low-pressure gas issues in the region's industrial sector. The 31-kilometer-long pipeline will meet the current industrial demand of 130-140 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) and is expected to reduce leakages and theft. The project was completed on schedule despite extreme heat, and SSGC has installed six major pipelines in Karachi to enhance gas supplies to industrial zones. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the damages caused by a dam that broke at the Amarapura Urban Project construction site in Amarapura Township, Mandalay Region in Myanmar on July 14, 2024. Topics discussed include the purpose of the dam, statement from a member of a rescue team, and comments by a firefighter involved in the search about the incident.

Purpose: Risk response decisions (RRDs) are vital for project risk mitigation. Although past research has focused on RRDs for independent single projects, it has scarcely explored how to make RRDs for single projects in project portfolios (SPPPs). Consequently, this study aims to bridge the gap in extant literature by developing an integrated approach to select risk response strategies (RRSs) for SPPPs considering objective adjustments and project interdependencies (PIs). Design/methodology/approach: An integrated quality function deployment (QFD) method was used throughout this study. More so, a balanced score card (BSC) and stratified-Z-numbers-full consistency method (SZFUCOM) was applied to identify SPPP success criteria (SP3SC) to determine their weights. In addition, a spherical fuzzy set-design structure matrix (SFDSM) was used to quantify the correlation between the risks and the relationship between the risks and the predecessor projects. Consequently, the relationships between the risks and SP3SC and RRSs were described by the spherical fuzzy set (SFS) and Z-numbers, respectively. Besides, the results are weaved into QFD to transform SP3SC into risks and then into RRSs, while a linear optimization model is used to obtain the optimal RRSs. Lastly, a construction project portfolio (PP) was used to test the veracity of the results to prove their validity. Findings: The approach to RRDs for single projects is observed to be different from that of SPPPs. In addition, this study finds that project portfolio objective adjustments (PPOAs) and PIs have significant impacts on RRDs given that they influence the risk priorities of independent single projects and SPPPs. Moreover, the application of an integrated QFD effectively synthesized the results from the findings of this study, as well as enabled companies to determine robust RRSs. Finally, the consistency results of the SZFUCOM were better than those of the triangular fuzzy number-full consistency method. Originality/value: The study innovatively explores the method of RRDs for SPPP, which has been ignored by past research. SP3SC highly compatible with PP success is determined. Z-numbers are first used to evaluate the effect of RRSs to enhance the robustness of RRDs. The study proposes a method of RRDs comprehensively considering PPOAs and PIs, which provides robust methodological guidance for SPPP managers to control risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 969MW Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ and K) has been found to have significant design flaws. The Pakistani government has urged the Chinese company responsible for the project to address these issues promptly. The project has experienced delays and periodic shutdowns, with the latest closure occurring in May 2024. A committee has been commissioned to investigate the faults and delays. The project's shutdown has resulted in a financial impact of Rs 55 billion per annum. Efforts are underway to engage international experts to inspect the project site and assess potential damages. Despite its challenges, the project has provided over 20 billion units of clean electricity to the National Grid since 2018. [Extracted from the article]

The Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectricity project in Azad Kashmir has been plagued by defective design and construction, resulting in significant financial losses and a halt in operations. The project, which was intended to generate renewable hydropower, experienced construction defects such as using soil instead of concrete and lack of physical support from rocks. A team of foreign experts discovered these issues after cracks developed in the tunnel. The project's shutdown is estimated to result in direct annual losses of over Rs55bn, with indirect losses potentially reaching Rs150bn. An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the flaws in the project's construction. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on "The Sands," a new development in Papamoa, designed to accommodate rapid population growth with amenities like retail shops, an aquatic center, library, cinema, medical center, offices, and a retirement village, alongside a housing subdivision. HEB Construction and Bay Civil handle earthworks, while Livingstone Building manages the initial vertical construction phases in a joint venture for this expansive project.

The article presents a continuing professional development (CPD) paper on the structural analysis and design of solar panel mounting structures made of cold-formed steel, using GRAITEC Advance Design software. It highlights the structure's its capabilities in analyzing and designing cold-formed steel members while considering factors like local buckling, torsion, and second-order effects.

The article emphasizes that the embodied carbon of timber buildings is often underestimated at early design stages due to the exclusion of secondary components like metallic connections, fire protection, and acoustic insulation. It reveals that considering these elements can increase the upfront embodied carbon by up to 50 percent in residential and 36 percent in commercial buildings. This initial study underscores the need for project-specific strategies to ensure accurate carbon estimations.

The article discusses the takeover of higher education in Iraq by pro-Iran militias, specifically the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) movement. The AAH has been working to control the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which oversees over a million students in Iraq. The group's new position in higher education allows them to recruit young cadres for their militias and undermine student movements that have been critical of the militias and Iranian influence. The article emphasizes the need for the United States to prevent militia control over higher education, counter their influence among youth, and highlight their presence in universities. [Extracted from the article]

Taylors Contracting achieved a significant milestone by extracting over 21,200 tonnes of material from their privately owned Blacks Quarry in just 79 workdays. The quarry had a limited operating window of three months per year, and a team of seven employees commuted daily to complete the work. Due to space constraints at the quarry site, rock had to be extracted and stored off-site until the quarry's closure. The company successfully loaded and transported 3,000 tonnes of material from the South Island to the lower North Island, demonstrating their ability to contribute as a rock exporter. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Wood Magazine showcases the dream shop of Ken Chancellor, a shop teacher with a lifetime of woodworking experience. Ken emphasizes safety in his shop and takes pride in the fact that neither he nor any of his students have suffered major injuries in his 35-year teaching career. His new shop is spacious and well-designed, featuring a dual tablesaw setup, a 3-hp cyclone dust collector, and compressed air plumbing. Ken's shop is organized and includes custom-built racks and cabinets for storage. He now spends his days building custom furniture and enjoys his time in the shop. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of color coordination in tile installations, emphasizing how colors impact emotions and reflect personality. Designers and architects carefully select tiles, grouts, sealants, profiles, and trims to create unique palettes for each project. The choice of colors can elevate the design, with accents like profiles and trims enhancing the overall aesthetic. Different installation products offer a wide range of colors and finishes to meet various design needs, ensuring durability and style in different settings. [Extracted from the article]

A study of some 16,000 major projects—from large buildings to bridges, dams, power stations, rockets, railroads, information technology systems, and even the Olympic Games—reveals a massive project-management problem. Only 8.5% of those projects were delivered on time and on budget, while a mere 0.5% were completed on time and on budget and produced the expected benefits. In other words, 99.5% of large projects failed to deliver as promised. Master architect Frank Gehry consistently defies those odds, producing projects of staggering beauty while meeting time and budget targets. This article reveals four lessons, gleaned from interviews with Gehry and his colleagues, for successfully managing big projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), recently visited the Mohmand Dam Project to assess construction progress. He emphasized the project's importance in meeting Pakistan's water and energy needs. The Chairman received updates on ongoing tasks and directed contractors to adhere to the execution plan for timely completion. The Mohmand Dam Project, expected to be the 5th highest concrete-face-rock-fill dam globally, is set to be completed by 2026-27. It will enhance water storage capacity, irrigation prospects, and energy generation in areas such as Mohmand, Charsadda, and Peshawar. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on how Coventry Public Schools in Connecticut are developing elementary students into empowered learners aligned with their "Portrait of the Graduate" vision. Topics include incorporating essential competencies such as effective communication, critical thinking, and collaboration through authentic interdisciplinary projects, repeated instruction, and customized rubrics.

The article explores Vice Admiral Halsey's challenges and decision-making during the South Pacific campaign in World War II. Halsey faced difficulties in the South Pacific Area, particularly in the seizure of Guadalcanal. He recognized the importance of expeditionary airfields and decided to construct them at Ndeni and Aola Bay. However, due to worsening conditions on Guadalcanal, the forces were redirected to seize another enclave on the island. The construction of the airfield at Aola Bay faced challenges due to the unsuitable terrain. Halsey's use of ground reconnaissance teams played a crucial role in the successful completion of his naval campaign in the Solomon Islands. The article suggests that the Marine Corps can learn from Halsey's approach and establish aviation ground support reconnaissance teams to enhance decision-making during expeditionary aviation operations. [Extracted from the article]

The Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-power Project in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has been shut down for inspection due to a major operational issue. The project, valued at over Rs500 billion, experienced pressure fluctuations in its headrace tunnel, prompting the shutdown. The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) plans to coordinate with project consultants and international experts to rectify the issue once it is identified. The project, which began construction in 2002 and was completed in April 2018, has faced previous challenges and repairs, including major cracks in its tailrace tunnel. [Extracted from the article]

Clive and Sue Barrett built a new barn-style home on their property in Cambridgeshire. They initially converted an old stable block and cowshed into a home, and later obtained permission to replace an old warehouse and storage unit with a new house. The four-bedroom property was designed to resemble converted barns and outbuildings, with a variety of rustic materials used for the cladding. The Barretts prioritized low-maintenance finishes and incorporated sustainable features such as air source heat pumps and a biodigester. The house was completed in 16 months, and the couple sold their barn conversion to keep ducks, pygmy goats, and alpacas on their property. [Extracted from the article]

Jaymeen and Neelam Patel decided to improve and futureproof their Victorian home in Beckenham rather than moving. Their main goal was to create a large, multifunctional space that would allow for comfortable entertaining while still maintaining the character of the original property. They hired James Daykin of Daykin Marshall Studio to design a grand and convivial hall for eating, entertaining, and gathering. The resulting extension features brick and glazed walls, a sedum roof, and a central chimney and fireplace that help divide the open-plan layout. The project faced challenges during the planning process but was ultimately approved and completed in two phases. The Patels are pleased with the outcome and enjoy using the new space for family activities. [Extracted from the article]

Renowned international safe cities consultant, Noman Said, emphasizes the importance of planning safe cities in Pakistan from the beginning, as numerous projects are already underway or being planned. He suggests that safe cities should be designed to integrate with each other at various levels, such as divisional, regional, provincial, or national, in order to safeguard public funds. Noman Said also highlights the significance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), but emphasizes that providing a secure environment is crucial for businesses. He believes that safe city projects have the potential to transform Pakistan's business landscape by reducing crime rates and creating a safer environment for investors. The private sector, with the support of SIFC, can bring in FDI through trade promotion and hosting international events. [Extracted from the article]

The Economic Affairs Division (EAD) has instructed the National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) to speed up construction on the Dasu hydropower project, aiming for completion by the end of December 2025. A recent meeting chaired by Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema discussed the progress and challenges faced by foreign-funded projects, with a focus on addressing delays that hinder disbursements and prolong project timelines. The EAD has directed the Power Division and NTDC to expedite construction and ensure timely compensation to landowners. The deadline for completing the project is December 2025, with a focus on meeting operational requirements in advance to facilitate power evacuation efficiently. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Stamford Magazine discusses the renovation of a 1917 Colonial home by interior designer Jill Kirk. Kirk's design style, called "radical naturalism," incorporates elements from the surrounding environment. The article emphasizes Kirk's use of social media, particularly Instagram, to share her design process and gain a following. Unique features of the renovation include a ping-pong room and a whiskey room. Kirk's approach to design focuses on creating a space for her children that can evolve with their changing interests, avoiding decor that is too specific to their current age. The article also mentions Kirk's middle son's creative nature and her excitement about selecting furniture for her youngest son's new space. [Extracted from the article]

Enter Projects Asia has constructed a unique and immersive rattan wonderland at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru in India. The project consists of five sculptural rattan pavilions, inspired by the 20th-century garden city movement, which create a meandering and informal layout for travelers. The design process involved using software to develop the forms and fabrication processes, as well as fit tests for the 168 modules comprising the pavilions. The modules were handwoven by Thai craftspeople and then shipped to Bengaluru for installation. The rattan pavilions are part of a larger "terminal in a garden" concept, which includes natural elements and has achieved LEED Gold certification. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the role of civil and structural engineers in advancing sustainable development through the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights sustainable construction projects and technological innovations like drone inspections, aimed at achieving these goals. It emphasizes the need for continued collaboration across industries and government support to overcome challenges and promote more sustainable building practices.

The Indian tire industry has experienced significant growth in recent years due to the thriving automotive industry in the country. With the production of over 217 million units in 2023, the industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years. Major tire producers in India include Balkrishna Industries, MRF, Apollo Tyres, Ceat, JK Tyre & Industries, Goodyear India, TVS Shrichakra, Pix Transmissions, and Indag Rubber. The industry's revenue is projected to reach over $22 billion by 2032, and exports are expected to increase to $4.3 billion by 2028. The medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment is expected to lead future growth, driven by increasing demand for logistics and transportation services. The replacement segment is also expected to play a key role in future growth, as the vehicle population continues to increase in India. The demand for Off-The-Road (OTR) tires has also increased due to infrastructure development, mining and construction growth, and the agriculture sector. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents an interview focuses on how companies like Salesforce are engaging with open source development, highlighting their contributions and collaborative efforts within the community. It discusses Salesforce's involvement in inner sourcing, their active participation in open source projects, and the incentives for developers to contribute to such projects, emphasizing the benefits of building upon existing projects and collaborating with the broader developer community.

The article highlights several real estate properties and developments in and around Atlanta. It features McLemore, a luxury residential development nestled in the mountains of Georgia, offering turn-key and shovel-ready properties designed for a stress-free transition. It showcases The Heritage at Lake Martin, an exclusive lakefront retreat in Alabama developed by Russell Lands, offering luxury estate homesites and world-class amenities.

This article from Dirt Wheels magazine features a project build by Kory Ellis, who combined a 1987 Suzuki LT500 engine with a 2007 LT-R450 chassis. The engine mounts were custom-built by Mark Laeger, and a custom aluminum gas tank was provided by Walsh to accommodate the engine. CT Racing created a unique expansion chamber and silencer for the project. The resulting quad has a powerful two-stroke engine and a more compact chassis, making it a fun and agile ride. The article also provides a list of the parts used in the build. Overall, this project showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the ATV community in keeping the sport quad lifestyle alive. [Extracted from the article]

The SEMA Show is the largest automotive event in the world and is primarily a trade show for aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, and related companies. It attracts attendees from over 140 countries and features over a million square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. The event showcases high-end builds and the latest automotive parts. Street Trucks magazine attended the show and debuted their Sergeant Square C10 and Project Stockish builds. The event is exclusive to the automotive industry and provides extensive coverage for enthusiasts. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides a 10-step guide to finding the right builder for your construction project. It emphasizes the importance of seeking recommendations from trusted sources, utilizing online resources such as review sites and professional organizations, and visiting past projects and meeting homeowners to assess the quality of a builder's work. The article also suggests comparing quotes, ensuring contractual arrangements and insurance are in place, enlisting the help of an architect, aiming for builders with professional accreditations, and determining who will be doing the work. The advice is based on the experiences of a homeowner who successfully completed a renovation and extension project. [Extracted from the article]

This article provides an overview of the process of applying for planning permission for self-build projects in the UK. It emphasizes the importance of understanding local planning policies and the level of detail required by the local authority. The article explains different types of planning permission, associated costs, and the validity period of planning permission. It also highlights the need for planning permission for various types of building projects and advises consulting the local planning authority for specific requirements. The article recommends engaging a planning consultant for complex projects and provides information on the necessary documents to include in a planning application. It warns that developing land without planning permission is illegal and can result in enforcement action. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the results of the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2023, which recognize outstanding homes in the UK. Winners include a sustainable cabin-like home in Suffolk, a cottage renovation in Carmarthenshire, an EnerPHit home in south London, an oak-framed home in Herefordshire, a barn conversion in Devon, and a Northamptonshire home that won the Reader's Choice Award. The article also provides information on different categories of homes, such as self-build, extension, conversion, renovation, green home, interior, value home, custom build scheme, contemporary home, spirit of self-build, and home of the future. It also discusses the importance of site insurance for construction projects. The document provides information on various architectural projects and products, highlighting the benefits of Internorm windows and doors, which are energy-efficient and offer superior performance. It showcases award-winning architectural projects, including renovations, extensions, and new builds, and discusses the concept of custom build houses and their advantages. This document is a valuable resource for individuals interested in architecture and construction. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses Pat Soffe's unique and custom-built 1956 Willys offroader. Soffe decided to build the Willys project instead of purchasing a new Jeep due to the high cost. The build took about 18 months and was done in Soffe's three-car garage. The vehicle features a 2001 Gen III 5.3L GM V-8 engine, a custom suspension, GM one-ton axles, Milestar Patagonia Black Label tires, and a spartan interior. Soffe's Willys truck was selected for the Ultimate Adventure event and is a testament to his talent and the uniqueness of his rig. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the unveiling and exploration of the 425 Northwest Idea House, a prestigious new construction project by John Buchan Homes. It delves into the meticulous craftsmanship, innovative design, and luxurious amenities that define this exceptional residence. It highlights how the house seamlessly integrates nature, technology, and comfort to create a sanctuary for its residents.

This article discusses the interior design project of a new build home by Joshua Smith. The clients wanted a personalized country-coastal-escape vibe, rather than a full-on beachy theme, for their home in the Hamptons. Smith used blue as a neutral base and incorporated the clients' personalities and style into the space. The most important room for the homeowners was a glass pool house with a timeless feel. Smith chose a peony-inspired color palette, with peony pink as the thread connecting the rooms on the first floor. The article also provides advice for creating a successful interior design scheme, emphasizing the importance of texture, pattern scale, and color continuity. [Extracted from the article]