Contractors experienced less demand and approximately 13% of the construction workforce was laid off as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the US, the Associated General Contractors of America reported.
Boston Dynamics’ autonomous dog-shaped robot, Spot, is known for its ability to traverse complex terrain and is now being used by construction companies for inspections and LiDAR site scans.
Generative design is being used by the Quebec Wood Export Bureau and VIATechnik to deliver purpose-designed relief structures designed for sites as well as mission needs for COVID-19 health care, first responders and other disaster needs.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has delivered 50 COVID-19 alternate care facilities in hotels, dormitories, convention centers and arenas with 12 more soon to be completed.
Trying to keep projects moving during a viral pandemic and partial construction freeze is no small task, and project teams are finding new ways to keep things on schedule when site visits and office meetings are no longer viable.
The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute has recently commissioned the largest Ultra High-Performance Concrete implementation project in which six major precast concrete companies are collaborating to develop their own ultra mixture proportions and to implement the technology.
Gilbane Building Co. is deploying a new wearable tag from Triax Technologies that alerts workers when they are violating social distancing rules on jobsites and provides contact tracing information if someone becomes sick with COVID-19.