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.

The Useful Guide on How To Maintain Your Line-Striping Machine Properly

Cleaning striping equipment remains a crucial operation in whole construction process as contractors ought to do this if they want to maintain their quality equipment properly. It takes cleaning every day and  weekly maintenance to preserve the equipment and make sure it is going to provide good quality.
To start up the cleaning, the contractors need three 5-gallon buckets: one with the coating, the other with water and the last one empty, for waste used to dump the recycled material back into it. The choice of water temperature is also important: lukewarm, soapy water for latex based coatings and paint thinner for oil-based coatings. Having done so, you may proceed with cleaning the equipment. You just flush the proper cleaning agent through the fluid section, hoses, guns and tips until it comes out clean.
Some other essential parts of the equipment that need to be cleaned are the filters. They need to be cleaned in such a way to avoid plugging the machine and losing pressure.
Some manufacturers suggest a daily deep cleaning while the others prefer cleaning selected parts daily, during the weekly maintenance schedule. If you prefer weekly deep clean plan, then you have to properly store paint daily.

Caterpillar Backhoes Teams Fight: Machines of Glory

Machines of Glory, the new Discovery Channel show, sets extreme challenges to verify the speed and the skills of America’s best operator crews on backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, excavators, skid steers and dozers. Of course, lots of demolition stuff goes on during the show, and the audience simply loves it!
Being the sponsor and the technical advisor, Caterpillar is behind the ins and outs of the show. Moreover, ForConstructionPros had the chance to see this show trailer in advance and then meet the host and producers of Machines of Glory at Cat’s Clayton, N.C. – compact wheel loaders manufacturing plant.
Apart from the dynamic action and entertainment, the show also provides a handful of information on how the machine actually works and the way it can be used.

Alabama Home Construction Still Lags Behind

The home construction industry has not been a blessing for Sam Almaroad the last couple of years.
In the past, his business, Almaroad Construction Inc., used to have quite a few homes to built until the start of the economic breakdown and the housing market crash in 2007. Then, all the construction plans for the Almaroad Construction were cancelled. Lately, the housing market in the county has improved in terms of sales. However, there has not been much improvement in the construction industry and builders, like Almaroad are still trying to fight over the adverse effects of the rocky economics. Although they can’t see much improvement for now, they hope to see some positive changes coming this year. As for the latest statistics from the Alabama Center for Real Estate, no new building permits were allowed for homes in Calhoun County in January when compared to nine issued in December and six issued in January last year. Unfortunately, all the statistics clearly indicate that the overall condition of the housing market has still much to be desired, as compared to the period prior to the recession. However there is a grain of hope in the whole situation, as some slow increase can also be seen and the market is expected to recover anyway, sooner or later.

John Deere Introduces a New K-Series Crawler Dozers on the Market

John Deere is going to add four models to the K-Series crawler dozer line, thus giving the contractors the access to emissions-certified machine that provides higher productivity, increased uptime and lower daily operating expenditures in earth moving and grading applications. The combination of the best features from 550K, 650K,700K and 750K crawler dozers were used to build the popular 850K model, launched in 2011.
The K-Series uses cooled EGR technology that includes exhaust filters remain Deere’s simple, fuel efficient and completely integrated solution to stick to 2012 EPA emissions regulations. The engine’s diesel particulate filters are cleaned automatically while performing routine operation. That eliminates the need to idle down for maintenance. The four new crawlers come along equipped with John Deere’s sole V-Cool package. That system isolates coolers from dust and engine heat for the increased durability. Furthermore, the V-Cool is positioned behind the heavy-duty grille and fan, which makes the coolers less vulnerable to the hardships of the worksite.

John Deere: A Sponsor of the National Ag Day

Once again, John Deere, working takes part in the partnering sponsorship of the National Ag Day, celebrated in Washington, D.C. on March, 8th. Barry Nelson, the manager media relations for John Deere, has made a point that the Ag Day was created to acknowledge and celebrate the great extent of contribution that the agriculture has on the improvement of people’s everyday life. During the celebration, and the days close to March 8th, there are many different activities held across the country and aimed at educating the Americans about the important role that the American farmers play in providing fuel, food and fiber.
According to the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), the authorities that John Deere works close with, the National Ag Day program encourages every American to understand the way the food is produced and acknowledge the crucial role that the agriculture plays in providing abundant products, thus maintaining a strong economy. Moreover, celebrating the Ag Day is supposed to make people understand there is the opportunity of career in the agriculture industry.
Apart from the public service announcements and some other educational programs, the ACA, along with John Deere and other industry partners are going to host the most important event, held in the Washington’s Capitol on March 8th. Moreover, some high- profile events are going to be held all day long, focusing the attention on the agriculture’s impact among legislators and government authorities.