Category: Expert Columns
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Fix the Dam Concrete: Aging U.S. Dams Face Urgent Repairs
With America’s dams showing their age, utilities have an opportunity to tap into federal funding and modernize critical concrete infrastructure before costly failures strike. In the U.S., hydropower generates nearly 27% of renewable electricity and 93% of all utility-scale storage, yet the average dam is nearly 80 years old, according to the U.S. Department of…
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Cost and Performance Gains With Hardware and Software Subscription Models
Subscription-based models — offering an alternative to one-time purchases or perpetual licenses — are becoming more common in both professional and personal settings. Whether it’s machine control systems, office equipment, software or beyond, consumers are increasingly drawn to the flexibility and convenience that subscriptions provide. For the construction industry, software and hardware subscriptions offer cost, predictability,…
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Staying Ahead of PAGA Reform: How Businesses Can Strengthen Compliance and Safeguard Operations
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California is well-known for having some of the most rigorous labor requirements in the United States, especially concerning employee meal and rest breaks. These regulations have been in place for over two decades, but recent legislative changes raise the stakes for non-compliance. As of July 1, 2024, California reformed its Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA),…
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Be the Problem Solver Clients Remember
As asphalt contractors we wear many hats, but the most critical one is that of a problem solver. Every day, we navigate a maze of challenges—crumbling pavement, tight schedules, or complex site conditions. Yet, the problems that matter most are those of our clients. By focusing on their needs and delivering creative, practical solutions, we…
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Transforming Concrete: State of the Concrete Industry
Innovation in measurement technologies is transforming how we understand and control concrete performance in real time. These technologies reduce reliance on manual testing and allow for data-driven decision-making, improving quality control and reducing material variability. By capturing material behavior throughout the full supply chain, this opens the door for significant optimizations. Complementing measurement technologies, optimization…
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How Contractors Can Strengthen Our Roads & Highways
Far more than just physical connections between cities, our nation’s road and bridge systems are the lifelines of our economy and daily life, enduring relentless loads, severe weather, and chemical assault. Despite their robust design, these structures are deteriorating at an alarming rate. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the average age of…
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The Dangers of the “Accidental Project Manager” in Construction
People of a certain age will likely remember the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield, whose signature lament was, “I don’t get no respect!” While Dangerfield was obviously referring to himself, he could just as easily have been talking about the role of construction project manager. In many industries – especially in construction – project managers are often treated…
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How the New NAPSA Power Sweeping Standard Protects Contractors from Legal Risk
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Power sweeping and property management companies often encounter safety issues, such as slip and fall accidents, which can result in litigation. These incidents not only pose a risk to the health and safety of individuals but also have significant financial implications for companies. To address these challenges, the North American Power Sweeping Association (NAPSA) has…
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How the New NAPSA Power Sweeping Standard Protects Contractors from Legal Risk
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Power sweeping and property management companies often encounter safety issues, such as slip and fall accidents, which can result in litigation. These incidents not only pose a risk to the health and safety of individuals but also have significant financial implications for companies. To address these challenges, the North American Power Sweeping Association (NAPSA) has…
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Cold Weather Workwear for Concrete Crews: Preventing Frostbite and Cold Stress on the Job
When concrete crews pour slabs in January or set sidewalks during sleet, the job continues regardless of the cold. For contractors, winter brings challenges that go beyond discomfort. Frostbitten fingers make it difficult to tie rebar, numb feet create unstable footing and the risk of hypothermia rises quickly without proper protection. Reliable winter workwear is…