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Duke Engineering Dean Shares Thoughts on U S Immigration Reform

In order to have the brightest minds tackling the world's biggest problems, Duke's Pratt School of Engineering Dean Ravi Bellamkonda explains why he feels U.S. immigration reform should not prevent foreign nationals from attending American universities.

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Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc.

At Civil Engineering Consultants, we provide a full range of land development services in civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and land-use planning for public and private sector clients.

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Engineering Tech

Zero-Energy Buildings: An Engineering Solution for Ecosystem

Article | July 20, 2022

Most buildings, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, consume a significant amount of energy over their lifetime, whether for lighting, heating, ventilation, or plugged-in devices. Buildings consume approximately 40% of global energy, 25% of global water, 40% of global resources, and emit approximately one-third of global greenhouse gases. The energy required to power these structures has risen precipitously in recent decades, putting an increasing strain on national power grids. This has increased the pressure to generate power by burning fossil fuels, contributing to the current climate change. This lethal cause and effect has compelled many engineers and policymakers to consider how we can reduce energy consumption in the buildings we build. What is a Zero-Energy Building? A zero-energy building (ZEB) is one in which the total energy used over the course of a year is equal to the amount of renewable energy produced - in other words, it produces enough energy to meet its own annual requirements. This means it does not require energy from the power grid, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to mortgage or bank repayments, utility bills are one of the most expensive running costs for these homes, offices, and manufacturing plants. So there are financial as well as environmental reasons for having ZEBs. The scope and approach of these terms vary, but the fundamental goal of reducing energy usage, improving building energy performance, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions applies to all definitions. Components of A Zero-Energy Building: A ZEB has two main components: reducing the building's energy consumption and producing renewable energy for on-site use. The first key element (lowering the total amount of energy used in a building) can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient lighting systems, insulation, better water management, improved ventilation systems, and smart meters. Even changing occupant behavior can have an impact on a building's energy efficiency. The second component (on-site generation of renewable energy) could include installing solar panels, small wind turbines, or micro combined heat and power systems to meet a building's electricity, heating, or cooling needs. Any excess energy generated by the building can be transferred to the national grid, allowing the building's owners to profit from their own thriftiness. Zero energy cities are an engineered extension of zero energy buildings. As more buildings become energy self-sufficient, communities and cities may become zero energy. This means that the total energy consumed by a city's infrastructure will be equal to the amount of renewable energy generated. Engineering solutions that create zero-energy buildings, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, are the first steps toward achieving zero energy cities - a transition that will be critical in slowing rampant climate change and that we must now accelerate.

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Engineering Tech

IFS CLOUD FOR CONSTRUCTION – THE TIME TO TRANSITION IS NOW

Article | August 24, 2021

Theconstruction industryhas long been challenged by a number of inefficiencies. As countries across the world look to stimulate their economies into recovery, investment in infrastructure and construction projects is at the forefront for many—meaning now is the time for construction companies to face and resolve their inefficiencies. In an earlier blog I looked atkey trends in the industry for 2021and noted that increasing productivity is still one of the major hurdles that the industry needs to overcome. However while there is no one-size-fits all to resolving this, there are some general themes that can be adopted by all who are ready to transition to a more dynamic, agile and profitable construction company which is centered around the adoption of best practices.

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Construction

The Risks, Barriers and Opportunities of BIM

Article | July 14, 2022

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry worldwide. For many public sector and major projects, BIM has become the required method of working. Yet, despite the increasing acceptance and use of BIM, there are still some barriers to its adoption.

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Engineering Tech

Three years on from the UK's National Infrastructure Assessment - how should we evolve strategic infrastructure planning?

Article | July 12, 2021

Major infrastructure interventions come with significant uncertainty – this is something explored before before. Provision of high quality infrastructure is a challenge faced by every government around the world, and there are many uncertainties around the planning and funding of these schemes that have to be weighed up and balanced. The Enabling Better Infrastructure (EBI) programme encapsulated best practice principles from around the world. We have dipped into this best practice toolkit to underpin our review of the UK’s strategic infrastructure planning system led by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), the results of which we have published today.

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Engineering Tech

The Future of Acoustical Engineering

Article | July 20, 2022

Most buildings, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, consume a significant amount of energy over their lifetime, whether for lighting, heating, ventilation, or plugged-in devices. Buildings consume approximately 40% of global energy, 25% of global water, 40% of global resources, and emit approximately one-third of global greenhouse gases. The energy required to power these structures has risen precipitously in recent decades, putting an increasing strain on national power grids. This has increased the pressure to generate power by burning fossil fuels, contributing to the current climate change. This lethal cause and effect has compelled many engineers and policymakers to consider how we can reduce energy consumption in the buildings we build. What is a Zero-Energy Building? A zero-energy building (ZEB) is one in which the total energy used over the course of a year is equal to the amount of renewable energy produced - in other words, it produces enough energy to meet its own annual requirements. This means it does not require energy from the power grid, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to mortgage or bank repayments, utility bills are one of the most expensive running costs for these homes, offices, and manufacturing plants. So there are financial as well as environmental reasons for having ZEBs. The scope and approach of these terms vary, but the fundamental goal of reducing energy usage, improving building energy performance, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions applies to all definitions. Components of A Zero-Energy Building: A ZEB has two main components: reducing the building's energy consumption and producing renewable energy for on-site use. The first key element (lowering the total amount of energy used in a building) can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient lighting systems, insulation, better water management, improved ventilation systems, and smart meters. Even changing occupant behavior can have an impact on a building's energy efficiency. The second component (on-site generation of renewable energy) could include installing solar panels, small wind turbines, or micro combined heat and power systems to meet a building's electricity, heating, or cooling needs. Any excess energy generated by the building can be transferred to the national grid, allowing the building's owners to profit from their own thriftiness. Zero energy cities are an engineered extension of zero energy buildings. As more buildings become energy self-sufficient, communities and cities may become zero energy. This means that the total energy consumed by a city's infrastructure will be equal to the amount of renewable energy generated. Engineering solutions that create zero-energy buildings, whether residential, commercial, or industrial, are the first steps toward achieving zero energy cities - a transition that will be critical in slowing rampant climate change and that we must now accelerate.

Read More
Engineering Tech

Infrastructure Policy Watch: new resilience guidelines from Australia and UK hydrogen strategy

Article | August 24, 2021

Theconstruction industryhas long been challenged by a number of inefficiencies. As countries across the world look to stimulate their economies into recovery, investment in infrastructure and construction projects is at the forefront for many—meaning now is the time for construction companies to face and resolve their inefficiencies. In an earlier blog I looked atkey trends in the industry for 2021and noted that increasing productivity is still one of the major hurdles that the industry needs to overcome. However while there is no one-size-fits all to resolving this, there are some general themes that can be adopted by all who are ready to transition to a more dynamic, agile and profitable construction company which is centered around the adoption of best practices.

Read More
Construction

Zero-Energy Buildings: An Engineering Solution for Ecosystem

Article | July 14, 2022

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is revolutionizing the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry worldwide. For many public sector and major projects, BIM has become the required method of working. Yet, despite the increasing acceptance and use of BIM, there are still some barriers to its adoption.

Read More
Engineering Tech

Three years on from the UK's National Infrastructure Assessment - how should we evolve strategic infrastructure planning?

Article | July 12, 2021

Major infrastructure interventions come with significant uncertainty – this is something explored before before. Provision of high quality infrastructure is a challenge faced by every government around the world, and there are many uncertainties around the planning and funding of these schemes that have to be weighed up and balanced. The Enabling Better Infrastructure (EBI) programme encapsulated best practice principles from around the world. We have dipped into this best practice toolkit to underpin our review of the UK’s strategic infrastructure planning system led by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), the results of which we have published today.

Read More
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Spotlight

Civil Engineering Consultants, Inc.

At Civil Engineering Consultants, we provide a full range of land development services in civil engineering, land surveying, landscape architecture, and land-use planning for public and private sector clients.

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Engineering Tech, Construction

RJC Engineers Strengthens US Capabilities with the Acquisition of Kordt Engineering Group

GlobeNewswire | March 24, 2023

Leading design and consulting firm RJC Engineers (RJC) strengthens their capabilities in the United States by acquiring Kordt Engineering Group (KEG). This acquisition allows RJC to serve the entire North American market better and for KEG to provide clients with the added capacity, depth, and experience of RJC. The firms will continue to provide structural engineering, façade engineering, structural glass engineering, and more. RJC has fourteen locations across Canada and is now in Las Vegas and Reno. “RJC is excited to further establish ourselves in the United States through acquiring KEG. Our firms and people have worked together for over a decade and share a history of successfully delivering projects throughout the United States,” said Mike Moffatt, Executive Principal of RJC Engineers. “Our strategic expansion into the US allows RJC to bring its expertise in many building sectors and service offerings to a broader client base.” KEG is a structural engineering firm with offices in Las Vegas and Reno. The firm provides timely, efficient structural designs for many building types, from commercial retail to landmark buildings. KEG has a strong signature client base across North America and into Europe, with a reputation for client service and people-focused culture akin to RJC’s. Stephan Kordt founded KEG and is now President of US Operations with RJC. A respected engineer and trusted leader, Stephan’s reputation for delivering quality projects within tight deadlines is well-earned. His deep technical knowledge, industry relationships, and ability to develop elegant and appropriate structural solutions make him highly sought after throughout the United States. His projects include The Watermark, Project 63, Crystals at CityCenter, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino Expansion, Venetian Casino Resort and Venezia Hotel Tower, and the World Market Center. Theodore Droessler (Ted) is Vice President of US Operations with RJC. Ted has a strong background in quality assurance and management. He has helped manage design professionals and technical staff for the delivery of projects ranging from single-storey luxury residential projects to commercial structures. His projects include 5G upgrades to existing communication buildings, load testing of deep foundations and redevelopment of older masonry structures to include change of occupancy. “We are thrilled to join forces with RJC and look forward to working with an even wider group of clients across the United States,” shares Stephan Kordt, President of US Operations. “We will continue to deliver the high-quality client service and innovative structural engineering solutions we are known for while bringing the expanded depth of expertise, resources, and services offerings now available to us as part of RJC.” “We are delighted to welcome this talented, passionate team to RJC Engineers,” Moffatt said. “Their depth of knowledge and experience in building structures, combined with their dedication to client success, is a natural fit with us. Together, we’re well-positioned to help our clients thrive.” About RJC Engineers: RJC Engineers (RJC) is an employee owned engineering firm that celebrates creative thinking, prompt service, and technical excellence in the design and maintenance of structures. Bringing the best of RJC to every project for over seven decades, the firm integrates ingenuity and practicality to create success for their clients and their projects. RJC provides structural engineering, structural restoration, building science, parking facility design, structural glass engineering, and building energy modeling services.

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Robotics and Automation

ABB Robotics is Advancing Construction Industry Automation to Make Buildings Safer and More Sustainable

ABB Robotics | May 21, 2021

ABB Robotics is driving automation within the housing industry with new robotic automation solutions to deal with key challenges, including the necessity for cheaper and environmentally friendly housing and to scale back the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage. Robotic automation offers huge potential to reinforce productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility throughout the development industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites, and robot 3D printing of homes and customized structures. also as making the industry safer and more cost-effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing the quality and cutting waste. ABB Robotics is driving automation within the housing industry with new robotic automation solutions to deal with key challenges, including the necessity for cheaper and environmentally friendly housing and to scale back the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage. Robotic automation offers huge potential to reinforce productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility throughout the development industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites, and robot 3D printing of homes and customized structures. also as making the industry safer and more cost-effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing the quality and cutting waste. With the industry facing increased environmental regulation and therefore the need for less expensive buildings, robotic automation reduces waste by improving quality and consistency, which is critical when it's estimated that up to 1 / 4 of fabric transported to a vacant lot leaves as waste3. With automation and digital solutions, builders also can design waste out at the start of a project through effective building design and construction processes. With quite 200,000 vacancies for low and high-skilled workers within the EU alone in Q2 20204, the industry labor shortage may be a growing issue, with younger people postpone construction careers by perceptions that it's a dangerous occupation. Construction workers account for around 30 percent of workplace injuries and are up to fourfold more likely to be involved during a casualty vs. other sectors, with an estimated 108,000 fatalities per annum worldwide5. Robots can make construction safer by handling large and heavy loads, working in unsafe spaces, and enabling new, safer methods of construction. Using robots for the repetitive and dangerous tasks that folks increasingly don't need to try to do means automation can help support the industry's labor and skills crisis and make construction careers more appealing to children. About ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation may be a pioneer in robotics, machine automation, and digital services, providing innovative solutions for a various range of industries, from automotive to electronics to logistics. Together with the world's leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, we've shipped quite 500,000 robot solutions. We help our customers of all sizes to extend productivity, flexibility, and ease and to enhance output quality. We support their transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the longer term. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs quite 11,000 people at over 100 locations in additional than 53 countries.

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Engineering Tech

Buildertrend, the Leader in Construction Management Software, Secures Significant Investment Led by Bain Capital Tech Opportunities

Buildertrend | December 29, 2020

Buildertrend, the main supplier of cloud-based programming for homebuilders, remodelers and forte temporary workers, today reported that it has gotten a venture from Bain Capital Tech Opportunities and HGGC to quicken its development and grow the administrations it gives to clients. This first institutional venture will quicken Buildertrend's development direction through essential acquisitions and drive venture into neighboring contributions, for example, installments, information investigation and temporary worker administrations. Monetary terms of the private exchange were not revealed. Established in 2006 by Steve Dugger, Jeff Dugger and Dan Houghton, and situated in Omaha, Buildertrend is the main cloud-based development the board stage for private homebuilding, giving hearty and present day development the executives devices to more than 16,000 homebuilding, redesigning and claim to fame development organizations, their sub-contractual workers and their customers. Development groups depend on Buildertrend to maintain their organizations by normalizing planning and work processes, dealing with installments, buy and change arranges, and improving client correspondence and perceivability. "We established Buildertrend with a dream to upset the development business and make the confounded homebuilding and forte development measure more straightforward and effective," said Dan Houghton, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Buildertrend. "Bringing top notch cloud-based applications to the business has situated our foundation to be a reasonable differentiator. It was a considerable choice to welcome on an accomplice unexpectedly, and we are eager to cooperate with Bain Capital and HGGC and to use their worldwide organizations and ability scaling vertical programming organizations. This association will empower us to convey considerably more incentive to our clients across the world."

Read More

Engineering Tech, Construction

RJC Engineers Strengthens US Capabilities with the Acquisition of Kordt Engineering Group

GlobeNewswire | March 24, 2023

Leading design and consulting firm RJC Engineers (RJC) strengthens their capabilities in the United States by acquiring Kordt Engineering Group (KEG). This acquisition allows RJC to serve the entire North American market better and for KEG to provide clients with the added capacity, depth, and experience of RJC. The firms will continue to provide structural engineering, façade engineering, structural glass engineering, and more. RJC has fourteen locations across Canada and is now in Las Vegas and Reno. “RJC is excited to further establish ourselves in the United States through acquiring KEG. Our firms and people have worked together for over a decade and share a history of successfully delivering projects throughout the United States,” said Mike Moffatt, Executive Principal of RJC Engineers. “Our strategic expansion into the US allows RJC to bring its expertise in many building sectors and service offerings to a broader client base.” KEG is a structural engineering firm with offices in Las Vegas and Reno. The firm provides timely, efficient structural designs for many building types, from commercial retail to landmark buildings. KEG has a strong signature client base across North America and into Europe, with a reputation for client service and people-focused culture akin to RJC’s. Stephan Kordt founded KEG and is now President of US Operations with RJC. A respected engineer and trusted leader, Stephan’s reputation for delivering quality projects within tight deadlines is well-earned. His deep technical knowledge, industry relationships, and ability to develop elegant and appropriate structural solutions make him highly sought after throughout the United States. His projects include The Watermark, Project 63, Crystals at CityCenter, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino Expansion, Venetian Casino Resort and Venezia Hotel Tower, and the World Market Center. Theodore Droessler (Ted) is Vice President of US Operations with RJC. Ted has a strong background in quality assurance and management. He has helped manage design professionals and technical staff for the delivery of projects ranging from single-storey luxury residential projects to commercial structures. His projects include 5G upgrades to existing communication buildings, load testing of deep foundations and redevelopment of older masonry structures to include change of occupancy. “We are thrilled to join forces with RJC and look forward to working with an even wider group of clients across the United States,” shares Stephan Kordt, President of US Operations. “We will continue to deliver the high-quality client service and innovative structural engineering solutions we are known for while bringing the expanded depth of expertise, resources, and services offerings now available to us as part of RJC.” “We are delighted to welcome this talented, passionate team to RJC Engineers,” Moffatt said. “Their depth of knowledge and experience in building structures, combined with their dedication to client success, is a natural fit with us. Together, we’re well-positioned to help our clients thrive.” About RJC Engineers: RJC Engineers (RJC) is an employee owned engineering firm that celebrates creative thinking, prompt service, and technical excellence in the design and maintenance of structures. Bringing the best of RJC to every project for over seven decades, the firm integrates ingenuity and practicality to create success for their clients and their projects. RJC provides structural engineering, structural restoration, building science, parking facility design, structural glass engineering, and building energy modeling services.

Read More

Robotics and Automation

ABB Robotics is Advancing Construction Industry Automation to Make Buildings Safer and More Sustainable

ABB Robotics | May 21, 2021

ABB Robotics is driving automation within the housing industry with new robotic automation solutions to deal with key challenges, including the necessity for cheaper and environmentally friendly housing and to scale back the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage. Robotic automation offers huge potential to reinforce productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility throughout the development industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites, and robot 3D printing of homes and customized structures. also as making the industry safer and more cost-effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing the quality and cutting waste. ABB Robotics is driving automation within the housing industry with new robotic automation solutions to deal with key challenges, including the necessity for cheaper and environmentally friendly housing and to scale back the environmental impact of construction, amidst a labor and skills shortage. Robotic automation offers huge potential to reinforce productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing flexibility throughout the development industry, including automating the fabrication of modular homes and building components off-site, robotic welding and material handling on building sites, and robot 3D printing of homes and customized structures. also as making the industry safer and more cost-effective, robots are improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact by enhancing the quality and cutting waste. With the industry facing increased environmental regulation and therefore the need for less expensive buildings, robotic automation reduces waste by improving quality and consistency, which is critical when it's estimated that up to 1 / 4 of fabric transported to a vacant lot leaves as waste3. With automation and digital solutions, builders also can design waste out at the start of a project through effective building design and construction processes. With quite 200,000 vacancies for low and high-skilled workers within the EU alone in Q2 20204, the industry labor shortage may be a growing issue, with younger people postpone construction careers by perceptions that it's a dangerous occupation. Construction workers account for around 30 percent of workplace injuries and are up to fourfold more likely to be involved during a casualty vs. other sectors, with an estimated 108,000 fatalities per annum worldwide5. Robots can make construction safer by handling large and heavy loads, working in unsafe spaces, and enabling new, safer methods of construction. Using robots for the repetitive and dangerous tasks that folks increasingly don't need to try to do means automation can help support the industry's labor and skills crisis and make construction careers more appealing to children. About ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation may be a pioneer in robotics, machine automation, and digital services, providing innovative solutions for a various range of industries, from automotive to electronics to logistics. Together with the world's leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, we've shipped quite 500,000 robot solutions. We help our customers of all sizes to extend productivity, flexibility, and ease and to enhance output quality. We support their transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the longer term. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs quite 11,000 people at over 100 locations in additional than 53 countries.

Read More

Engineering Tech

Buildertrend, the Leader in Construction Management Software, Secures Significant Investment Led by Bain Capital Tech Opportunities

Buildertrend | December 29, 2020

Buildertrend, the main supplier of cloud-based programming for homebuilders, remodelers and forte temporary workers, today reported that it has gotten a venture from Bain Capital Tech Opportunities and HGGC to quicken its development and grow the administrations it gives to clients. This first institutional venture will quicken Buildertrend's development direction through essential acquisitions and drive venture into neighboring contributions, for example, installments, information investigation and temporary worker administrations. Monetary terms of the private exchange were not revealed. Established in 2006 by Steve Dugger, Jeff Dugger and Dan Houghton, and situated in Omaha, Buildertrend is the main cloud-based development the board stage for private homebuilding, giving hearty and present day development the executives devices to more than 16,000 homebuilding, redesigning and claim to fame development organizations, their sub-contractual workers and their customers. Development groups depend on Buildertrend to maintain their organizations by normalizing planning and work processes, dealing with installments, buy and change arranges, and improving client correspondence and perceivability. "We established Buildertrend with a dream to upset the development business and make the confounded homebuilding and forte development measure more straightforward and effective," said Dan Houghton, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Buildertrend. "Bringing top notch cloud-based applications to the business has situated our foundation to be a reasonable differentiator. It was a considerable choice to welcome on an accomplice unexpectedly, and we are eager to cooperate with Bain Capital and HGGC and to use their worldwide organizations and ability scaling vertical programming organizations. This association will empower us to convey considerably more incentive to our clients across the world."

Read More

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