The Blue Book Network Velocity Index Posts 13% Increase in December
The Blue Book Network Velocity Index climbed 13.1% in December to 113.3 (December 2018 = 100). The increase reverses a 2-month decline, recovering from a revised 100.2 in November. The Blue Book Network Velocity Index is a measure of month-to-month changes in bidding activity in The Blue Book Network, accounting for seasonality, providing a leading…
Different Types of Drainage Pipe and When to Use Them
Almost every contracting project’s final product requires access to water. And when a project involves water, it almost always requires drainage pipes. With any form of pipe or wiring, there are many variations, each with different advantages and disadvantages specializing in particular situations. What is Drainage Pipe? A drainage pipe is any pipe used to…
Tips For Working With Concrete In Cold Weather
The general category of “cold weather concrete” applies to a period of three days or more where specific conditions occur while concrete is exposed. Per the American Concrete Institute, here is what those different weather conditions entail: — An average daily air temperature lower than 40°F. — Air temperature not exceeding 50°F for over half of a…
8 Tips for Improving Electrical Safety In the Construction Industry
From powerline workers to electrical engineers to indoor electricians, there are many jobs associated with electricity in the construction industry. When it comes to construction, electrical contractors perform some of the most integral and difficult work of any project. However, their work is also sometimes the most dangerous, raising serious concerns for electrical safety in…
Nonresidential Construction Spending Declines in November, Says ABC
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2021 — National nonresidential construction spending fell 0.6% in November 2020, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, spending totaled $792.5 billion for the month. Ten of the sixteen nonresidential subcategories saw decreased spending on a monthly basis….
Monthly Construction Input Prices Decreased in November, Says ABC
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2020 — Construction input prices fell 0.5% in November compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.4% for the month. Construction input prices increased 0.9% between November 2019 and…
ABC’s Construction Backlog Plunges in November; Contractor Optimism Falters
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2020 —Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 7.2 months in November, a decrease of 0.5 months from October’s reading, according to an ABC member survey conducted from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2. Backlog is 1.7 months lower than in November 2019. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings…
Green Concrete? Tips For Working With Sustainable Concrete
Concrete is the most commonly used man-made material on earth, with its versatility and durability being two of its main traits. However, despite its effectiveness, creating concrete has a notable environmental impact. For example, manufacturing cement requires high amounts of energy and water and produces as much as 7% of all carbon dioxide emissions each year. Also, it…
An Economic Outlook for the Construction Industry
Adapting to market conditions is not a new concept to the construction industry. While the industry has experienced varying degrees of impact from COVID-19, economic uncertainty is undoubtedly top of mind. During a recent DHG webinar in October 2020 with FMI Corporation professionals Alex Miller and Jay Bowman and DHG Partner Mike Trammell, the panelists…
NCCER Releasing Updated Construction Curricula in 2021
Revised versions of NCCER’s Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills, Concrete Construction Levels 1 – 2, Electronic Systems Technician Levels 3 – 4 and Roofing Levels 1 – 2 will be released in 2021. Written in conjunction with national subject matter expert committees, these curricula offer the standardized training and portable credentials trusted by the…
