Category: Infrastructure
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Is it time for the UK to leave the Aarhus Convention?
The political challenge for the government, committed to the rule of law, to grow the economy, and in the face of global warming, is clear: either act in breach of the Convention or leave it. However, the Convention enshrines environmental rights, and the government is simultaneously committed to its 2050 Net Zero Strategy. The rise…
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ARTBA Responds to OSHA’s Proposed Heat Safety Rule
As the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) continues developing its proposed federal standard to address heat-related illness and injury in the workplace, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has submitted detailed written responses outlining the transportation construction industry’s perspective on how such a rule should be structured. I’ve written previously about state-level…
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Public infrastructure fuels surge in construction pipeline values
The total value of published UK construction projects has more than doubled from £11bn in Q2 to £25bn in Q3 this year, according to a new report by procurement services firm Constructionline. The 127% value increase has been driven by significant new public infrastructure investments, with education, energy and health projects accounting for the largest…
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Optimize Concrete Slab Dowel Design with the EIDM Enhanced Integrated Dowel Model
Because standards are intentionally conservative for most projects, but new design methods are changing, project-specific design optimization is required to provide safe, cost-effective, and sustainable construction. The newly developed Enhanced Integrated Dowel Model (EIDM) ensures joint performance under all wheel types, to reduce joint spalling and callbacks, while typically also reducing cost and improving sustainability. Dowels…
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Cold-Weather Concreting: Technical Guidance for Preventing Winter Damage
As construction timelines stretch deeper into the colder months, concrete contractors are increasingly expected to deliver high-performance placements under challenging conditions. Cold weather can slow hydration, delay strength gain and significantly increase the risk of early-age concrete damage. Without proactive measures and technical know-how, cold-weather concreting can lead to compromised structural performance, costly repairs or…
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Job spotlight: senior consultant, Turner & Townsend
Shifa Isa explains why supporting others on their career journey is just as rewarding as her own personal achievements at Turner & Townsend. What attracted you to a career in the built environment? One of the key drivers in my career is witnessing the real, measurable impact that our efforts have on the communities and…
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UK planning bill changes aim to unshackle ‘stubborn’ system
The government has proposed a series of new measures it hopes will turbocharge planning and infrastructure delivery across Britain. The amendments to the landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill could become law later this year if ministers vote them through. If passed, the bill will give ministers new powers to issue ‘holding directions’ to stop councils…
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CIOB report addresses construction’s ‘volatility’
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has published new research on the construction industry’s capacity to meet key targets, including the delivery of 1.5 million new homes by 2029. The report, Capacity Constraints in Construction: Rethinking the Business Environment, looks at some of the industry’s biggest challenges, including recruitment, training and retention. The research also considers…
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Merlo Forecast Projects Growth in Construction, Agriculture and Data Centers
Merlo America, in collaboration with predictive sales intelligence firm BiltData.ai, has released a forecast projecting steady growth across the construction, agriculture and data center sectors over the next decade. The report estimates U.S. construction spending will rise from $1.553 trillion in 2025 to $1.889 trillion by 2030, reflecting a 4% compound annual growth rate. Residential…
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Off-grid: how energy infrastructure impacts construction projects
Contractors must engage with grid operators early to avoid delays in their developments, writes Barrett Harris. Image: Dreamstime Among the several challenges facing UK construction, getting a quick connection to the electricity grid is fast becoming another hurdle to overcome. Recent soaring demand for connections has put the grid under significant pressure, with backlogs leading…