Construction defect reform in Colorado
Working since January on their fourth attempt at passing construction defect reform legislation, Colorado state lawmakers are still having difficulty passing any meaningful reform. First reported in January by The Denver Post, builders are hesitant to start new projects in the state - leading to a lack of condo units available for purchase, and no new condo project applications.
"Reform proponents blame Colorado's construction-defects law for the condo shortage, saying the law makes it too easy for homeowners to sue over cracked foundations, leaky windows and other structural problems.
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]
Engineering trends in 2016
It's an exciting time in the field of engineering. Climate change, resilient design, hardened buildings, shelter from storms and shelter from terrorists all present challenges in the design of buildings and other structures. As reported by Civil and Structural Engineer, the stage is set for a range of opportunities in the industry:
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]College students study sustainable architecture overseas
In the current landscape, sustainability and green architecture and building are key. Just as important is learning from others across the globe who are facing similar challenges to those we have in the United States.
Reported by The Argonaut, University of Idaho College of Art and Architecture students went overseas to study sustainable architecture in Scotland, Glasgow, Wales and London, learning about how to integrate sustainable living practices with architectural design.
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]Flood protection design and construction since Katrina
In the wake of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina earlier this year, Engineering News-Record reported on the current state of the flood protection system in place, and the changes that have been made since the storm.
"The fact that floodwalls around New Orleans were designed to be overtopped but remain standing says much about the post-Katrina hurricane-protection system that rings the city—and about the risks that those who live within that system still face.
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]New Jersey Fire Officials Demand Tougher Code
On August 24th, The Journal of Light Construction reported on New Jersey fire officials are looking for change - and are concerned that policymakers are dragging their feet seven months after a runaway apartment building fire.
"At issue in New Jersey is the question of whether stick-frame construction — what firefighters are calling "lightweight wood construction" — should be allowed in multifamily dwellings at all. Two identical bills under consideration in the state Assembly and the Senate would impose a two-year moratorium on permitting and building of stick-framed apartments or condominiums while officials study the question."
Read more about the situation here: http://www.jlconline.com/coastal-contractor-news/new-jersey-fire-officials-demand-tougher-code_o
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]
Algae-Harvesting Technology Turns Frack California Water Into Irrigation Water
On July 22nd, Engineering News-Record reported that OriginClear Inc. "has repurposed its machines to tackle flow-back water from the oil-and-gas industry."
"The technology uses a filtration system called electro water separation (EWS), which employs electrochemistry to separate the flow-back water from the oil and chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. In the same way, EWS can treat produced water from conventional oil and gas wells"
Read more about the technology and its possible uses here: http://enr.construction.com/technology/construction_technology/2015/0722-algae-harvesting-technology-turns-frac-californian-water-into-irrigation-water.asp
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]
Welcome!
CCA will be kicking off our new blog early in 2015 and will feature industry insights, case studies, featured projects, and more. Bookmark this page or use the form to subscribe for email updates.
Read More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]
