">Huge Marcellus Shale Develops as Natural Gas Source


Industry firms have been flocking to regions rich with shale gas and may well find themselves at at the heart of the national debate about whether this type of drilling can limit or exacerbate potential damage to the environment.  


">Continuing Industry Impact of Mobile Technology and New Apps


Devices such as Apple’s iPad are popping up on more jobsites, speeding productivity and innovation, say users. Unsurprisingly, industry-specific applications are booming, many home-made, but also new gray areas of risk.



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">">Mergers and Acquisitions Continue Apace


Seeking growth and survival, firms are looking near and far to link up. At least 14 firms from ENR’s 2010 and 2011 Top 500 Design Firm lists were acquired this year.

">Libyan Rebellion Stalls Big Project


Libya's civil war halted an ambitious plan to build a $5.6-billion rail system and other major projects as overseas firms pulled out employees. Some are returning as some work resumes, but the country's building outlook remains uncertain.

">U.A.E. Rail Job Dumps Key Firms

Talk about client risk. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Rail Co. terminated several large U.S. and other contractors with no explanation to the public or the firms on its estimated $11-billion rail network in the United Arab Emirates.

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Massive Construction Jobs Come with Layers of New Risk

Global construction projects are growing in size, particularly related to natural resource development. Insuring that 'gigaprojects' get sufficient materials, equipment and labor now involves a worldwide supply chain.

">">Damage from Tornadoes and Storms

2011 was not exempt from damaging and deadly storms. Irene never made it to hurricane-status, but effects of her late summer deluge along the East Coast are still being felt. A tornado that struck Joplin, Mo., caused damage that now ranks with the worst ever. Cleanup and repair work bolstered firms' bottom lines, but there was plenty of volunteered assistance as well.