The Construction Specifier Express

July 5, 2022

Big-D Construction, Kitchell collaborate on Utah's largest construction project

New York Penn Station prepares for the future with $73M expansion project

Preliminary design work will soon begin for a $73 million project to renovate and expand New York Penn Station to double its transit capacity.

Industry veteran awarded for commitment to steel standards development

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) presented its 2022 Market Development Industry Leadership Award to Benjamin W. Schafer, PhD, PE, recognizing him as “a key factor in the success of AISI’s standards development activities for his entire career.”

AIA, mindful MATERIALS partner to promote product sustainability

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and non-government organization mindful MATERIALS have partnered to create a database of sustainable material specifications and encourage firms to sign AIA’s Architecture & Design (A&D) Materials Pledge.

ASLA elevates 27 members to Fellows for dedication to community and craft

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) elected of 27 its members to be elevated to the ASLA Council of Fellows, for their exceptional work, leadership, knowledge, and service.

Features

Substitute materials: Weighing pros and cons in exterior restoration

While repairing and salvaging existing materials is generally regarded as the first choice when addressing deterioration in exterior restoration projects, replacing some amount of material is often unavoidable.

Cool roofs 101: Planning and specification considerations

Rising temperatures are quickly becoming a key challenge for cities and urbanized areas.

DISCUSSIONS OF THE WEEK

BALLISTICS RESISTANT GLAZING

I’m helping a colleague with a ballistic glazing application. We’re very early in the process right now. Are there any members who are Certified Construction Product Representatives (CCPRs) with this type of application, familiar with these types of applications, or could recommend an avenue to reach out for product or application information?

JOIN THE DISCUSSION!

COST ESCALATION AND SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) issued a press release asserting construction costs have escalated 22 percent in the past year. Couple that with substantial challenges in the supply chain, including frequent delays in delivery of products needed for construction projects, and the design and construction industry is currently in a very challenging position. It is increasingly difficult to prepare a reasonably accurate opinion of probable construction cost. When the supplier’s price quote is valid for only seven days, and weeks or months elapse between the bid opening and when the purchase order is signed, someone is undertaking significant price risk. Supply chain issues are legion. Products are delivered late. Some orders are canceled. Sometimes alternative products are delivered instead of the ordered and approved products. Do your clients recognize these challenges? What are they and you doing to address them?

JOIN THE DISCUSSION!