Mass Production of Building Components: Now It’s Possible

It’s a commonly known fact, that architects, just like any other group of specialists have used computer-aided design software for many years. On average, the resulting digital files are then changed into hard-copy plans, supporting traditional construction practices in the end.
Lately, the researchers in the College of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology have been automating some processes that turn computer-based designs into real world entities. They work on developing techniques that fabricate building elements directly from digital designs. That allows to custom the selected components and manufacture them quicker and at low expenses. Apart from the tremendous increase in efficiency, the high-end customized architectural products are also going to be environmentally – friendly.

There are two separate projects in which the College of Architecture has taken part. The first involves creation of the award-winning building-element concept referred to as the “Liquid Wall”. The Georgia tech team used digital techniques to help produce a prototype wall, with ultra high-performance concrete. The second project, sponsored by Lafarge North America,  included the development of a complete free-standing structure with the use of ultra  high –performance concrete elements produced strictly from digital designs.
The Liquid Wall, originated by Peter Arbour from RFR Consulting  Engineers , based in Paris, won the 2010 Open Call for Innovative Curtain- Wall Design competition. The award-winning concept presented a new, advanced approach towards curtain walls that keep out weather and are non-structural and lightweight at the same time.

Construction employment fell

According to the numbers , the construction employment fell in May by 28.000, which is the largest decline in two years. Moreover, it is now at the lowest level since August as estimated on the basis of the federal data by the Associated General Contractors of America. That phenomenon occurs along with the  1.4 per cent drop in the public construction spending which has slowed down the overall construction activity growth to 0.3 per cent.
Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, admits that industry is having a difficult start to the year, as a result of the construction employment shrinkage. Particularly, it is the cuts to public sector investments in construction that are taking their toll, with the heavy and civil engineering construction experiencing the largest employment decline within the sector. The association officials claim that the new construction employment and spending figures underscore the urge for quick congressional action concerning long-term infrastructure measures, including reauthorizing clean water and surface transportation programs. Undoubtedly, some reparatory steps must be taken, given the pessimistic construction employment figures.

Some Upgrades of M313D and M315D Excavators Announced by Caterpillar

The two models of excavators produced by the Caterpillar, M313D and M315D from Cat®M300D Series Wheeled Excavator have recently received the engineering updates that are supposed to strengthen their original qualities. The operator’s station, alongside with the undercarriage and fleet-management have been refined and upgraded. The two new models provide a more sophisticated design, add up to the operator’s comfort and more effective asset management.
As for the brand new features, the M313D and M315D models were equipped with the welded undercarriage, allowing to use the blade either front or rear, with or without outriggers and the non-blade end. The excavators could be also fitted with the outriggers front and rear, which greatly enhances their versatility.
Cab refinement includes e.g. fitting a new in-cab monitor, with a 40 per cent larger display and the simplified navigation of menus. It enables the operator to manage the standard rearview camera via quick-access buttons, just like managing two extra cameras. A new, right-hand switch-panel module has also been added and it is the same one as used on six-cylinder wheeled excavator machines. It houses the rotary-throttle dial, making it easy for the operator to get the intuitive access to engine-speed control.
The ease of maintenance has been strengthened mainly by rerouted coolant lines for the unlimited access to service pints and the shut tank, with the redesigned filler neck and cap. Additionally, new electrical connectors are used for the proportional pilot valves and the hydraulic tank incorporates both the new pressure and temperature sensors, plus the new drain valve.