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The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) is a highly advanced ground-based telescope that will be located in the Atacama Desert in Chile. It will have seven massive mirrors and will be able to rotate 360 degrees with extreme precision. The telescope's enclosure structure will be one of the largest mechanized buildings in the world, designed to limit wind disturbances and protect the instruments during the day. The GMT will allow astronomers to study exoplanets and provide sharp images with high resolution. The project is expected to be completed in the 2030s. [Extracted from the article]

Robots are increasingly being used in the construction industry to perform repetitive and demanding tasks. These robots are designed to improve efficiency and safety on construction sites. Specific construction tasks, such as drywall spraying and finishing, layout printing, materials transportation, and capturing site imagery, can now be automated using purpose-built robots. Contractors are adopting these robots to address labor shortages and increase productivity. The use of robots in construction is expected to continue growing as more applications are developed. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the 2023 ENR Global Best Projects Awards, showcasing 31 winning projects from 23 countries. These projects exhibit diverse challenges, innovations, and collaborations across various sectors, with a special emphasis on quality, innovation, safety and teamwork. Turkey's 1915 Çanakkale Bridge emerged as the Project of the Year among three finalists, celebrated in a virtual awards ceremony.

The article announces winners of the periodical Newsmakers, individuals who have made a significant impact on the industry and their communities with their experiences, including Kevin Antonelli, Chad J. Basinger, and Sean P. Clifton.

The article announces the winner of the 2022 annual Engineering News-Record (ENR) Global Best Project Awards, including the Google Bay View Campus in northern California, the Tianfu Agricultural Exposition center in China, and the Canal Lachine Bridge project in Quebec, Canada.

Texas A&M's College of Architecture recently held a construction technology start-up pitch competition in partnership with the Society for Construction Solutions and Brick & Mortar Ventures. The goal of the competition is to prepare students pursuing construction management degrees for the modern workforce by exposing them to state-of-the-art technology and employment opportunities related to technology. The initial pitch competition focused on start-ups targeting the needs of construction contractors, and the winning pitch was from Edison Motors, which is developing an all-electric hauling truck. The university plans to hold quarterly pitch meetings on different construction topics to foster student engagement and innovation. [Extracted from the article]

Used iron prices have remained stable over the past two years, with a slight decrease in value. This stability suggests a steady market for used equipment. Data also shows a decline in machine age and usage, indicating a trend towards regular equipment refreshes. Original equipment manufacturers have reported profits but anticipate slower sales for the rest of 2024, citing factors such as lower-than-expected sales in construction and volatility in construction sales. Despite steady roadbuilding equipment sales, there has been lower demand for earthmoving equipment due to competitive job bids and difficulty in securing favorable financing. [Extracted from the article]

Advanced Construction Robotics is now offering its rebar-tying robot, TyBOT, for direct purchase in addition to service arrangements. TyBOT is a gantry-mounted robotic arm that automates the process of tying rebar intersections on large installations like bridge decks. The new TyBOT 3.0 standard model has a working width of 67 inches and costs $425,000, with the option to extend the width to 117 inches for $455,000. Training, software updates, and access to an online portal are included in the purchase price. The company has received endorsements from union ironworkers and specialty contractors, and orders for the TyBOT 3.0 are being taken for delivery in early 2025. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores how contractors in the U.S. are using a tight labor market and booming construction to examine the changing role of the equipment operator as new technologies upend traditional construction processes. Topics covered include indicators for how many operators and people are pursuing the required certifications to run equipment, and the offer of virtual reality training for mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP) in response to the labor shortage.

The article discusses the current state of the used construction equipment market and its stability after experiencing fluctuations in recent years. Resale values for used construction equipment have been decreasing slightly each month, indicating a more stable market. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have reported mixed results, with Caterpillar seeing increased sales and profits, while Komatsu and John Deere have faced challenges. Construction equipment has shown more stability compared to other sectors such as agriculture and lift equipment. Overall, the stability in the market is seen as a positive sign for the industry. [Extracted from the article]

The Giant Magellan Telescope has passed its final design review, solidifying the design for the telescope enclosure and allowing for the procurement process to begin next year. This telescope is part of the new class of "Extremely Large Telescopes" and will be one of the largest optical telescopes ever built. The project began in 2003 and is expected to be completed in the mid-2030s. The telescope will be located on a mountaintop in Chile and will have a moveable enclosure that can rotate 360° in four minutes. The design has been carefully engineered to withstand high winds and seismic activity. [Extracted from the article]

Tomahawk Construction, a Florida-based contractor, has turned to semi-autonomous trucks to address the challenge of finding qualified truck drivers for their residential project in Naples. Teleo, a construction tech start-up, approached Tomahawk Construction with their semi-autonomous construction equipment, which allows one driver to remotely operate multiple trucks. The system uses AI to recognize different vehicles and is constantly learning and improving. The deployment of the Teleo system is straightforward, with a control package installed on the machine and a custom mesh network set up on site. This technology has the potential to expand the operator base and attract a different set of people. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents profile of best 2021 construction companies. Topics include Omaha VA Ambulatory Care Center became the first project to put private money toward the construction of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility while using funds from available VA appropriations; and harbor in East Boston is not only home to a vibrant mixed-use community, is setting new standards for resilient and sustainable development.

The article offers information about the increasing use of digital delivery, three-dimensional modeling and other technologies in the U.S. infrastructure and construction industry. It mentions the views of the David Unkefer, senior construction engineer with the Federal Highway Authority on the digital project delivery.

The article focuses on Turkey's two-continent expanse others pushed for adoption of burgeoning ideas like Right to Repair and Engineering With Nature. Topics include the instrumental in developing or improving standards that the safety of those who work on projects and those who use the completed structures, and the others persevered on projects from critical bridge repair to airport construction as the pandemic contributed to the already complicated nature of the work.

The article announces the winners of the annual Global Best Projects Awards including Engineering Authority of Egyptian Armed Forces' project tackling wastewater; Meridian Port Services Ltd.'s Tema Port and Container Terminal Expansion in Ghana.

The article informs that remote work, remote collaboration and better awareness of the workforce on construction jobsites, which seeks to move on from the pandemic and new normal technology. Topics include contractors had already implemented cloud-based document and project management prior to the pandemic; and display of resourcefulness during the early pandemic made companies more fluid and open to unusual arrangements.

The article discusses several personnel changes including appointment of Justin Rice as regional Editor, MidAtlantic and New England; and promotion of Jeff Rubenstone as Associate Editor at periodical "Engineering News-Record."

The article addresses economic performance of the construction industry in the U.S. for the third quarter of 2021. Topics discussed include concerns about the Delta variant of the Covid-19 and its impact on the industry, according to Richard Branch, chief economist at Dodge Data & Analytics, performance of the single-family market, according to Branch, and decline in lumber prices.

When a piece of equipment breaks down on site, rental agreements, subcontractor contracts and other arrangements generally make it clear who gets to open the hood and start tinkering. In particular, the FTC cited the precedent of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, which forbids manufacturers from tying warranty coverage to customers' use of OEM parts or services. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which represents many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that supply the agricultural and construction sectors, has taken a firm stance against both right to repair advocates and efforts to pass legislation at the state and national level codifying complete access to the repair tools and software for machines. Steering owners of devices and equipment to use only OEM-approved repair and service channels could be considered an anticompetitive practice in some circumstances, the FTC concluded. [Extracted from the article]

According to a report from industry analyst firm EquipmentWatch, prices for used heavy equipment in the construction industry have leveled off and even slightly declined. This indicates a stabilizing market and makes equipment more affordable. While there has been a slight dip in prices, it is not indicative of a general slide and is more likely due to normal seasonal construction trends. Additionally, there has been an increase in machine usage in agriculture, lift, and construction categories, which may be a result of older equipment aging out and manufacturers fulfilling demand. Major manufacturers like Caterpillar and John Deere have resolved their supply chain issues and are reporting record sales. However, there may be some short-term disruptions in equipment availability due to recent events, such as the closure of the Port of Baltimore. Overall, the data suggests that prices are stable and there have not been any significant drops. [Extracted from the article]

Grant Quasha, CEO of Eco Material Technologies, discusses the company's role as a leading producer and supplier of cement products using supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and other alternative sources. The company has expanded its supply of SCMs beyond traditional waste materials from coal-fired power plants. Quasha highlights the importance of sustainability and green construction in driving their business, as their products offer cost-efficient ways to improve performance and reduce carbon. He also discusses the challenges of meeting demand due to the declining supply of fly ash and the company's investments in storage and logistics to move materials where they are needed. The company is experiencing growth in production in Texas and the central region. [Extracted from the article]

ALICE Technologies has developed an artificial intelligence-based tool that can optimize construction schedules directly from an Oracle Primavera P6 file, without the need for a BIM. The tool, called ALICE Core, uses algorithms to simulate the construction process based on the data from the P6 file, taking into account tasks, sequencing, and resource requirements. ALICE Core has two steps: an assessment phase where the system presents the schedule in a visual representation, and a recover phase where the system reshuffles tasks to save time, money, or meet user-defined constraints. The integration with P6 allows users to import and export schedules easily. [Extracted from the article]

The World of Concrete event held in Las Vegas saw a positive and optimistic atmosphere among the nearly 60,000 attendees, including contractors, manufacturers, and masonry experts. The event showcased the impact of recent federal infrastructure initiatives, with equipment makers receiving orders and companies looking to expand their fleets. While the private sector work faces economic challenges, sectors like infrastructure spending and the revitalized U.S. manufacturing sector are expected to show significant growth. The event also highlighted new machinery, such as Caterpillar's compact track loaders with improved features and comfort for operators. Additionally, advancements in lithium-ion power were showcased, with battery-powered tools now able to handle demanding applications. [Extracted from the article]

Switzerland-based cement manufacturer Holcim Ltd. has announced plans to spin off its U.S.-based subsidiary, Holcim US, and prepare it for an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in the first half of 2025. Holcim US is the largest cement producer in the United States, with over 850 locations and more than 14,000 employees. The subsidiary recorded approximately $11 billion in sales in 2023 and has experienced strong growth in the North American construction market. Holcim CEO Jan Jenisch believes that a U.S. listing will allow the company to fully capitalize on the region's attractive construction market. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs about several air filtration and treatment systems combating the spread of COVID-19 virus, such as the Biodefense Indoor Air Protection Filter; and RGF Environmental Technologies. It also mentions how manufacturers are deploying a range of technologies, including Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 13-rated high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, ultraviolet light, ionization, plasma arcs and hydrogen peroxide generators to neutralize or filter the virus.

The article offers information on artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have struggled to make sense of chaotic construction jobsites have seen industry firms build the vast data lakes and analytics systems necessary for these machines to provide useful advice on how to plan, schedule and execute projects. Topics include the companies make the investment into collecting and properly organizing their project data.

The article discusses that with the COVID-19 pandemic driving greater digitization of construction processes in general, industry firms are having to consider whether it's now the time to shift to a more digital supply chain. It mentions that barcodes on the tags allow any smartphone user to quickly scan them. It also mentions the lack of consistent data management appear an easy target for technology firms aiming to tie them all together.

The article discusses Venture capital has pouring in as tech investors seeing potential for growth. Industry firms that has made investments in technology have seeing real gains from efforts. Topics include the first tech innovations to emerge as COVID-19 upended ordinary life focused on safety; and the views of Jit Kee Chin, chief data and innovation officer at Boston-based general contractor Suffolk, on tool.

The article informs that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., equipment makers and distributors were in a good place, and had been some talk about the construction cycle peaking in 2020 and perhaps cooling off, but sales were strong and backlogs among contractors remained healthy. It mentions that the effects of construction shutdowns, collapses in state and local revenues and a pullback in private construction have equipment manufacturers, distributors and suppliers facing choices.

The article focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed flaws in global, and political systems, it has also created new opportunities for bright and motivated fixers not unlike ENR's 2020 National Top 20 Under 40 achievers. Topics include the views of Kim Scott, vice president of business development at Blach Construction, on the direct role critical to proposal production to work remotely from another state, and the views of Aaron Yohnke, vice president at PCL Construction, on the same.

The article offers information on the role of technological innovations in dealing with the real-world challenges of layout and site documentation in the architecture firms. It mentions the role of advancement in layout technology, robotics and project delivery in bridging the gap between design intent and the field layout.

The article presents new investment in construction technology from traditional venture capitalists and technology startups. It mentions the growing of outside interest in construction funding as long-term investors in construction see technology benefits of starting off with knowledge of the industry and also highlights the lack of investment in new Research and Development technology.

The article highlights the stabilization of the construction equipment market as supply chain issues related to the pandemic are largely resolved, leading to a return to normalcy in production. Topics include the resolution of supply chain issues, the return to normal production, and the stabilization of prices in the used construction equipment market.

The article offers information about the educational consultant Material Connexion which is a library materials samples for architects, designers, and engineers.

The article discusses about a CONEXPO-CON/AGG, a North America's largest construction trade show, held during March 14-18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It mentions that equipment manufacturers had an array of machines running on alternative power sources such as lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.

The article discusses the exhibition of battery-powered construction equipment's at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show to be held in Las Vegas, U.S. from March 14-18, 2023.

The article focuses on focus of the Turkey on cataloging of destruction with emergency response team in Syria and Turkey aftermath of earthquakes and aftershocks in the country on February 6, 2023. Topics discussed include fires rage experienced by Mersin, container port of Turkey, after the quakes, chances of destruction of monuments, fund being allocated by the World Bank for reconstruction and recovery in Syria and Turkey.

The article focuses on the growing use electric equipment in construction sites. Topics covered include a plan by Volvo Construction Equipment to cease development of diesel-powered compact equipment and shift the product line entirely to battery-powered electric beginning in 2020, the advantages of electric equipment over diesel on urban jobsites, and the hurdles for adoption including issues with recharging batteries.

The article discusses impact of cybercrime over construction industry. Topics discussed include views of Phil Weaver, senior director of IT at Warfel Construction, on cyber incidents; statements given by Greg Young, from Trend Micro, on hacking; and mentions statements given by Chris McFadden, from Turner, on law enforcement and information technology. INSET: CRANES VULNERABLE TO HACKING THREAT.

The article discusses the construction of the Champlain Bridge in Montreal, Québec. Topics mention including the vertical access engineering and designs that is fit for variety of conditions, challenges in building the bridge and design and construction firms such as Flatiron Constructors Canada, Dragados Canada and EBC. T.Y. Lin International.

The article discusses Bentley Systems' commitment to ensuring customers retain ownership and access to their data, despite industry shifts towards the cloud and the rise of Artificial Intelligence.It also mentions the potential for subsurface geotechnical modeling in construction, following their acquisition of Sequent, discussing its application in infrastructure planning and resource management for evolving energy demands.

The article offers information on the stabilization of prices for used construction equipment during the summer, marking an improvement in the supply chain and indicating a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic-era shortages. While values of used equipment are decreasing and machine age is coming more in line with historic trends, operating costs for certain machines have increased significantly, partly due to a shortage of electronic control chips during the pandemic.

The article offers information on the equipment exhibition of "bauma", the world's largest trade fair in the construction industry, held in Munich, Germany, from Oct. 24 to 30, 2022.

In this article the author talks about the industry firms, suppliers and entrepreneurs are coming up with new processes and innovations to fight the spread of COVID-19. Topics discussed mechanical and plumbing contractor UMC Inc. has applied its design and installation skills to making touch-free wash stations for construction sites, and the views of Josh Kanner, Chief executive officer and founder of Smartvid.io., on it.

The article reports that as surcharges on foreign steel, aluminum and components are raising production costs, the U.S.- based equipment makers considering their options. The major manufacturers have hiked prices to reflect higher up-front costs of steel and other materials and products due to the tariffs and related uncertainties.

The article looks at potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering.

The article discusses the importance for the government to keep updated with the right infrastructure in response to the growth of autonomous vehicles (AV) in the U.S. The challenge of the Department of Transportation (DOT) in catching up with modernization programs to prepare for the deployment of all levels of automated driving systems is provided. The plan of both houses of the Congress to develop legislation that determines it role in regulating AVs is also mentioned.