Questionable design, construction practices likely contributed to Surfside condo collapse | Construction Dive

“Our goal is to ensure that each worker is treated fairly at every level,” said Assistant Commissioner of Wage and Hour Compliance Joseph Petrecca. “I hope this case serves as a reminder to all public works contractors of their obligations under the law.” NJDOL Press Release: September 15, 2021

On September 29, 2021 ICE hosted a webinar presented by John Adams, founder of the John Adams Law Firm in Hainesport, NJ. Mr. Adams provided an overview of the trends related to government, owner and contractor COVID-19 vaccination mandates and their implications for union masonry contractors. Contractors only can watch a recording of the webinar but registration is required: COVID-19 Webinar Recording Registration

Total Construction Starts Decline in August, falling 9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $782.8 billion. Richard Branch, Chief Economist for Dodge Data & Analytics stated, “The Delta variant has raised concern that the fledgling economic recovery is stalling out, undermining the already low level of demand for most types of nonresidential buildings. However, the dollar value of projects entering planning continues to suggest that the recovery in construction starts should resume early in the new year.” Note: September data has not been released to date

Dodge Momentum Index Recovers in September gaining 11% to 164.9 from the revised August reading of 148.0, which was down from the July reading of 154.0. The commercial planning component increased by 13% this September, with a 32% increase from last year, and the Momentum Index showing 30% higher than last year. The strength in projects moved higher in most sectors this September with 17 projects valuing $100 million or more entering planning. The Momentum Index gain is a sign that owners and developers are working past concerns of pricing, Delta, and politics to move forward with meeting project demands.

Note: September data has not been released to date

Business conditions remain strong at architecture firms, despite concerns about the Delta variant with most firms already reopening from their pandemic closures. The Northeast is reporting a more moderated pace of growth, which is in line with the broader economy 3^rd Quarter growth, and both nonresidential and residential construction are still showing an overall slight increase. Note: September data has not been released to date

The Architecture Billings Index is an economic indicator for nonresidential construction activity, with a lead time of approximately 9–12 months. Investment groups like Wells Fargo, media outlets, firms of all sizes, and business leaders rely on this leading monthly economic indicator to assess business conditions and predict and track the market.

Construction is a hot area for robotics development because it has not kept pace with innovation and hasn’t had a technology make-over in decades. Scaffolding is a prime target for automation as reported by ZDNet. Scaffolding robot buttresses tipping construction industry | ZDNet

Steel and iron prices are up 95.2% year over year, while aluminum prices are up almost as much: a 63% jump year over year. If you’re building with these materials, you “might be wincing with every quote and invoice.” Conditions are ripe for bubble pricing. Steel prices “have turned into a bubble. So, they go higher because they go higher,” CRU Group Analyst Josh Spoores said. Steel and Aluminum Prices Make Some Wonder If There’s a Bubble | GlobeSt

The construction of the past has shaped and molded the world we live in today. These 5 of the oldest buildings from around the world demonstrate that with the proper mindset and materials; stone and bricks, buildings can be constructed to withstand anything. Check out these buildings that are still standing today, why they were created and how they were constructed here: 5 Oldest Buildings from Around the World | DOZR