Latest News

Caterpillar and CRH Partner for Electric Construction Equipment Advancements

Caterpillar, the world's largest construction equipment manufacturer, is making strides towards an electric future through a strategic collaboration with CRH, an Ireland-based provider of building materials. This marks a significant milestone, as CRH becomes the first company in the quarry and aggregates sector to enter such an agreement with Caterpillar. The focus of this electrification strategic agreement is to accelerate the implementation of Caterpillar's zero-exhaust emissions solutions, particularly the deployment of their 70 to 100-ton-class battery electric off-highway trucks and charging solutions at a CRH site in North America. CRH is actively participating in Caterpillar's Early Learner program for battery electric off-highway trucks, conducting on-site testing and validation

AI Tech Trials See Costain Playing a Key Role in Roadwork Innovation

Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is providing pro bono support to two proposals to trial the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in National Highways projects in 2024. National Highways, supported by Connected Places Catapult, launched a competition to encourage innovative solutions to improve

Machinery Partner Raises $11M to Serve the Builders of America

“The company will expand its reach in the U.S., making heavy machinery and industrial equipment accessible for builders, small businesses, and subcontractors.” Machinery Partner, a company offering novel procurement, financing, and support for builders and contractors needing heavy machinery, today announced it raised
Construction Machines & Vehicles

Volvo Unveils Enhanced Compact Excavators EC37 and ECR40 for North American Market

Volvo Construction Equipment is introducing two new compact excavators to the North American market, namely the 3.7-metric-ton EC37 and the 4-metric-ton ECR40. These models are set to replace the EC35D, ECR35D, and ECR40D in Volvo's existing lineup. Although the EC37 and ECR40 share the same platform and components, they differ in their swing radius, with the EC37 featuring a conventional tail swing and the ECR40 having a shorter tail swing radius. Both excavators are powered by Volvo's 24.8-horsepower diesel engines, designed to meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards without the need for a diesel particulate filter. The new engines are now equipped with an ECO mode, and they boast auto engine shutdown and auto engine idle features. Auto engine shutdown discontinues engine operation after
Building Equipment & Products

Transforming Scrap Aluminum: PNNL's ShAPE Technology for Sustainable Building

A groundbreaking patent-pending technology developed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) could revolutionize the use of scrap aluminum in building structures. The Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion Process (ShAPE) has shown remarkable potential in transforming various scrap materials, including twisted aluminum mesh and banged-up bicycle frames, into high-quality extrusions that meet or surpass ASTM standards for strength and flexibility. This innovative process not only offers a sustainable solution for repurposing aluminum scrap but also reduces dependency on imported primary aluminum. Moreover, rigorous laboratory testing has demonstrated that ShAPE conserves nearly all the energy required for manufacturing new aluminum products, thus contributing to environmental
Digital Construction

Revolutionizing Construction: Eco-Friendly 3D Printed Hydrogel Offers Sustainable Solutions

The global focus on sustainable materials is intensifying as industries seek eco-friendly alternatives. Among these, the construction sector stands out due to its significant environmental impact, responsible for consuming 50% of global fossil resources, generating 40% of waste, and emitting 39% of CO2 annually. Addressing this, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and the Wallenberg Wood Science Center have developed a groundbreaking solution: a 3D printed hydrogel for greener construction. This innovative material combines nanocellulose, widely used in biomedicine for tissue scaffolding, with algae-derived alginate. The addition of alginate enhances the hydrogel's flexibility, crucial for architectural applications. Malgorzata Zboinska, lead researcher, highlights

Concrete Copilot: AI Optimizes Concrete Mixes for Cost and Carbon Efficiency

Concrete.ai has officially launched its patented AI platform, Concrete Copilot, designed to revolutionize the optimization of concrete mix designs for efficiency, cost savings, and carbon reduction. The platform, powered by GenAI, allows concrete producers to swiftly identify the most optimal mix recipe for any
Articles

Akela Group Ltd Supports AS Homes to Deliver Over 120 Affordable Homes in Glasgow

Akela Construction Ltd, Akela Ground Engineering Ltd and DGM Surfacing Ltd, all part of the Akela Group, is continuing to support AS Homes (Scotland) with the delivery of a significant affordable housing development in the east of Glasgow for Sanctuary Group. The partnership will bring 128 high-quality homes to Myreside Street in Carntyne. The properties, which will be available for social and mid-market rent, are being built on a 2.48 hectare brownfield site which was previously the site of local steel fabricator, Brown McFarlane. Designed by S2 Architecture, Myreside Street comprises a mix of properties, including 38 modern flats across four storey blocks, ranging between one and two beds, and 90 houses spanning two, three and four bedrooms. The ‘barrier free’ development will be fully

Bechtel Donates Hundreds of Construction Tools to Local School District

Bechtel announced today that the company donated more than 800 new hand, technical, and construction tools to the Brownsville Independent School District (ISD) Career Technical Education (CTE) and Adult Continuing Education (ACE) programs. As students prepare for a career in construction and engineering, learning on
Security & Fire Protection

How Innovative Software Solutions Are Redefining Fire Safety Planning

The construction industry is no stranger to the risks associated with fire incidents. To tackle this challenge, progressive construction firms are embracing state-of-the-art software solutions that streamline the creation of comprehensive fire safety plans. These groundbreaking tools not only aid in designing structures that prioritise fire safety but also play a pivotal role in complying with the latest fire safety regulations. As we set our sights on the year 2024, fire safety planning takes centre stage in construction projects. In light of evolving regulations and a heightened emphasis on workplace safety, construction companies are placing greater importance on implementing effective fire safety measures. These measures are crucial for protecting both their workforce and valuable

Retrofitting Fire Safety Systems Integrated Approaches for Energy Efficiency

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about fire safety in older buildings. As these structures age, their fire safety systems become outdated and may not comply with the latest regulations. Retrofitting fire safety systems is crucial to ensure the safety of occupants and comply with legal requirements.
Product Focus

Autonomous Robot Builds Stable, Recyclable Stone Walls

Construction provides the backbone for industries including manufacturing, transportation, civil engineering and agriculture. Yet, it lacks enough resources to meet continuously growing needs for infrastructure. Now, a 12-ton autonomous robot offers a sustainable blueprint for moving forward. The excavating machine can scan, digitally inventory and stack materials such as boulders and recycled concrete — all without help from humans. While it uses its skillset to build freestanding, mortarless stone walls, the robot also develops 3D repositories of the materials it uses, making it easier to recycle and repurpose those materials if needed. "By maintaining a digital inventory of the materials within buildings, it becomes easier to plan for reuse before the wrecking ball arrives on site,

Electric Dreams: When Is the Best Time to Switch to An Electric Machine?

With manufacturers set to ramp up production of battery-powered construction equipment over the next two years, does it make economic sense yet to make the switch from diesel? Lucy Barnard finds out. “It’s a lot of money – there’s no two ways about it,” says Mark Ashdown, transport manager at fencing and installation

Caterpillar 950, 962 Wheel Loaders

Models 950 and 962 Caterpillar wheel loaders have standard technologies as part of the next-generation upgrade. Cat C7.1 engines deliver 249 and 269 horsepower, respectively, and operating weights are 42,461 pounds and 44,469 pounds. New application profiles give operators the ability to set customized profiles for
Country Reports

Vietnam Ready to Pour Over $70bn Into Building Cross-Country High-Speed Railway

Expediting this investment is crucial for maximizing the potential benefits, as the current national rail network in Vietnam lags behind those of neighboring countries in Southeast Asia, experts said. While there is a unanimous agreement on the necessity of investing in the new railway system, divergent opinions exist regarding the optimal speed for the trains and whether priority should be given to express freight transportation or passenger services. Speeding Into the Future At 350km Per Hour The document submitted to the Ministry of Transport outlines three proposed plans for the national railway network in Vietnam, with Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi expressing support for the third plan. The third plan suggests a high-speed double-track railway with a speed capability of

NEOM And DSV Establish $10 Billion Logistics Joint Venture

NEOM and DSV announce a US$10 billion exclusive logistics joint venture to support the development of the ambitious projects taking shape in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. The partnership will focus on providing logistics services for NEOM in the coming years. Under the agreement, the joint venture will provide end-to-end supply
Events

Saudi Infrastructure Expo | 11 - 13 September 2023

Experience the pinnacle of infrastructure excellence at the Saudi Infrastructure Expo, the leading infrastructure event in Saudi Arabia. Showcasing the very best in planning, engineering, transportation systems, communication networks, smart technologies and utilities, this three-day event is essential for 21st-century development. It will support the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. Renowned global brands and qualified professionals come together to network, learn and do business, making it the focal point for Saudi Arabia's infrastructure industry. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to acquire services, solutions and cutting-edge technology for ongoing and future project requirements. Join us and be part of shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure sector.