Like expert winemakers picking grapes from the vine, we’ve hand-plucked only the finest stories for our weekly news roundup. This week’s offering includes an interesting partnership between leading robotics & construction companies, experimentation with alternative concrete designs and growth in the vinyl building material market. Read on for the full stories:
A Surprising Ingredient Could Make This Miami Dock the Future of Concrete Construction
The Miami Herald
As we’ve reported on, current concrete practices pose an environmental risk. Construction on a new dock using a new concrete construction practices are looking to innovate the way we build. The first innovation comes from the use of a fiber-infused plastic as support instead of steel rebar. Because plastic is not corrosive, the surrounding concrete will also be mixed with saltwater rather than freshwater. Should this system prove to be successful, it could address two of the main problems associated with concrete: corrosion and diverting water resources.
Goodwill Building Momentum for Construction Training Center
Richmond Biz Sense
A new initiative from Goodwill is hoping to outfit more people with the skills it takes to get their foot in the construction force.
Excessive Litigation a Threat to Home Construction
KOB 4
A surge in lawsuits against major contractors in the New Mexico region are threatening the industry. The effects of the lawsuit are leading to business closure, increased insurance prices and growing construction costs. Brian Egolf, Speaker of the NM House of Representatives has suggested the creation of a construction review board to handle disputes.
Trimble, Hilti and Boston Dynamics Partner to Explore the Use of Autonomous Robots in Construction
The American Surveyor
Robotics automation is moving ever closer. This week saw a new partnership come to fruition between several major companies like Boston Dynamics and Trimble. The bridge these companies hope to create between the hardware and software elements of automation could prove to be the focus the industry needs to jump on board.
