On a regular basis, we highlight content posted on other blogs that we feel would benefit our readers. This week's blog highlights include:
Construction Industry Poised for Another Good Year
Optimistic outlook for 2017 construction growth is tempered by ongoing concerns about labor availability. Recapping the 2017 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook report prepared by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in conjunction with Sage Construction, Deb Carter points out that both public and private sectors are expected to grow in 2017 according to 46% of the survey respondents. To counter the labor shortages, firms are expected to boost their investments in pay, training and information technology. Check out Carter's blog post here. Click here to download the 13-page report directly from the AGC site.
Architecture Billings Skyrocketed in 2016
Mary March's writing on the Construction Dive sight this week reports that the Architecture Billings Index, an indicator of future construction spending, closed out 2016 at 55.9. March noted that November saw the highest level of construction spending since April 2006, with growth in all three major sectors - public, residential and nonresidential. Read March's full post here.
Construction Junkie's Top Technology for 2016
Power-assisted gloves, safety gloves, electrified concrete, solar roadways and bendable concrete are among the top 12 technological advances introduced or under development last year according to Shane Hedmond at the Construction Junkie blog site. Of course, the list would not be complete without at least one drone; this time one designed to inspect infrastructure, specifically bridges, walls and ceilings. Click here to see the complete list.
