A pproximately $62.24 billion in projects started in Texas and Louisiana in 2013, up nearly 15% from $54.36 billion in 2012, according to McGraw Hill Construction Dodge. The corresponding increase in the number of jobs across both states bodes well for the region's economy in 2014. Photo by Patrick Quigley, Gulf Coast Air Photo Crowd Pleasers: Construction is under way on Tulane University's Yulman Stadium. The boom in stadium construction will continue in 2014. Photo by Patrick Quigley, Gulf Coast Air Photo LLC/courtesy of PCCP Constructors, a Joint Venture Infrastructure: An aerial view of the Permanent Canal Closures and Pumps
Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record When a magnitude 5.8 earthquake shook the Eastern Seaboard in summer 2011, it jolted engineers of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) into action. Within two days, agency engineers and a team led by structural engineer Tipping Mar, Berkeley, Calif., were at the Washington Monument, assessing damage to one of the nation's most iconic landmarks. Since then, NPS and its engineers and contractors have worked to tap available resources, leverage lessons learned and expedite repairs. After nearly $15 million of work, the marble obelisk, more than 555 ft tall, is on track to
Related Links: Environmental Integrity Report Efforts to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharges in the Chesapeake Bay's watershed states have made a noticeable impact, according to a recent report, and more improvements are expected in the coming years. Citing Environmental Protection Agency data, the Environmental Integrity Project reports that discharges of nitrogen from industrial facilities and sewage treatment plants declined about 3 million tons, or about 6.5%, in 2012 compared to the previous year."There's been a lot of money spent, and nitrogen discharges have gone down pretty significantly," says Eric Schaeffer, executive director of EIP.Discharges in Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of
From a $1.3-billion water treatment plant to a $5.6-million highway interchange, the winners of this year's Best Projects competition were not limited by value or scope of work.
After a sluggish 2013, the construction industry could see a gradual uptick in total construction starts in 2014, according the McGraw-Hill Construction’s 2014 Dodge Construction Outlook. McGraw-Hill Construction forecasts that total construction starts could rise by 9% next year to $555 billion, led by a solid housing market and improved opportunities in commercial building. Non-building sectors, especially electrical utilities, could be drag on starts in the coming years.“It’s another step along the road to recovery, but on the painful to frustrating side at times,” says Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs at McGraw Hill Construction.McGraw-Hill Construction announced its forecast
The oil and gas boom coupled with an improved economy and a better financing environment boosted contractor bookings last year in Texas and Louisiana, and could serve as a launching pad for revenue spikes in 2014. Combined revenue of the Top 10 firms in the ENR Texas & Louisiana annual Top Contractors survey reached $9.84 billion in 2012—the highest since the recession took hold. The results reverse a downward trend among the top firms in which revenue fell from $9.4 billion in 2009 to $8.3 billion in 2011. Related Links: Top Contractors Ranking Top Contractors Market Sector Contractor of the
With $2 billion in revenue last year, Turner Industries Group LLC skyrocketed to the top on this year's ENR Texas & Louisiana regional contractor rankings. While the Baton Rouge industrial contractor reaps the benefits of rising oil-and-gas sector prospects, relationships forged over decades are the foundation of its success. Turner's long-term contracts with petrochemical clients illustrate its performance consistency, earning it accolades from owner groups such as the Construction Users Roundtable. Based on recent results and its history of success, Turner Industries has been named Contractor of the Year by ENR Texas & Louisiana. Related Links: Ample Bookings Prepare Contractors
Following the Obama administration's announcement that the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate will be delayed by one year, House Republican leaders are pushing to extend that delay to the ACA mandate for individuals, as well.
AP Photo One of the bolts may have sheared, causing beams and metal decking to collapse at the site of the seven-story Science Education and Research Center. A failed beam connector may have caused the collapse of part of a steel frame at a building under construction at Temple University in Philadelphia. One worker was injured.Ironworkers were working on the fifth floor of the seven-story Science Education and Research Center on July 11, when beams and portions of the corrugated metal deck fell to the floor below, according to Michael Richey, battalion chief at the Philadelphia Fire Dept.“Initial indications are
With 48 years in construction, Torcon is a strong player in the tristate region with a track record of going after highly complex projects in R&D and health care.