APRIL 2017
> IN SIDE < C
ONCR E ON-S TE IT E PG.3 7
LOOKING UP DRONES PROVIDE NEW PERSPECTIVE PG. 18
RISK
COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE PG. 44
CONEXPO WRAP-UP FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY PG. 30
SKY HIGH
JOB WITH A VIEW PG. 23
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VOLUME 62, NO.3/ APRIL 2017
COVER STORY 18 Looking up UAV adoption is one of the fastest growing uses of technology in construction. Contractors are using drones to share information, make precise measurements, and create safer jobsites.
DEPARTMENTS 7 Comment More than common sense
10 News
Industry news
16 Construction Stats The latest numbers on construction activity and employment
COLUMNS 44 Risk Disruption and collective intelligence
46 Contractors and the Law Concurrent delay remains a thorny issue
28
23 45 Index of Advertisers
23
28
40
PCL completed a $26-million renovation of the Banff Gondola upper terminal building. Located at an elevation of 2,281 metres, this job came with more than a few logistical challenges.
A forward-looking vision for construction and infrastructure took centre stage at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2017.
CarbonCure’s CO2-infused process strengthens concrete by roughly 10 to 20 per cent.
A job with a view
CONEXPO wrap-up
Stronger and greener concrete
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COMMENT
More than common sense
L
Get the latest construction news! Follow us on Twitter @OnSiteMag
ean is far from the novel concept it was back in the ‘50s when Toyota first popularized it. Yet, here we are in 2017, and a new lean event, whitepaper, seminar, book, association, or video seems to pop up everyday. Why is this? It’s because the construction industry, as a whole, does not fully understand or respect the approach. “How many times have you heard that lean is ‘just common sense?’” asks lean advisor Gregg Stocker. “Referring to lean as nothing more than common sense is often an excuse to ignore transformation and continue to do things in the same way.” Seems a bit harsh, but he’s not wrong. When contractors categorize lean as “common sense”, it generalizes a strategy that is built on specific tools and principles that are designed to enhance value and uncover wasted resources — wasted time, wasted movement, and wasted human potential. We’ve all heard the old adage “Measure twice, cut once.” It’s good common sense, reduces errors and improves efficiency. But, it’s not lean. To fully embrace lean, an organization needs to drink the proverbial Kool-Aid. It requires very specific and intentional training from the top down. The Lean Construction Institute – Canada (LCI-C) was established two years ago as a special committee of the Canadian Construction Association to address this need. One of the LCI-C’s objectives is to deliver training to the construction industry. In February the Canadian Lean Construction Certificate Program was announced. The program will have three levels of certification, each with its own education and/
or experience requirements: • Level One – Lean Project Delivery Fundamentals • Level Two – Lean Project Coordinator • Level Three – Lean Project Facilitator LCI-C anticipates Level Two exams will be available to be written in late 2017. Level One exams will be available much sooner. Lean projects are completed faster, on budget, and with fewer safety issues than most traditional projects. But, it’s not a matter of simply applying common sense. It is a detailed approach that is very different from what most contractors are used to. “It’s basically thinking backwards from your outcome,” explains Art Winslow, director of lean and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) at Graham. “You establish what your outcome is, what your milestones need to be. Then you’re working to discover what needs to be done to meet each of the milestones. It’s 180 degrees from traditional planning.” And, that right there is the biggest challenge. It requires change. In order for the construction industry to embrace lean thinking, it needs to stop saying lean is just “common sense” and get the necessary training to understand the concept fully.
Corinne Lynds / Editor CLynds@on-sitemag.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE
www.on-sitemag.com / Fax: 416-510-5140
PUBLISHER | Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 PLeonard@on-sitemag.com
JACOB STOLLER / Principal, StollerStrategies On drone technology: “UAV or drone adoption is one of the fastest growing uses of technology in construction, and inspecting icy rooftops is only one of many emerging applications leading to safer jobsites, better dissemination of information, and in some cases, precise measurement.”
EDITOR/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR | Corinne Lynds (416) 510-6821 CLynds@on-sitemag.com MEDIA DESIGNER | Lisa Zambri lzambri@annexbizmedia.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | David Skene (416) 510-6884 DSkene@on-sitemag.com SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR | Kim Rossiter (416) 510-6794 KRossiter@on-sitemag.com ACCOUNT COORDINATOR | Cheryl Fisher (416) 510-5194 CFisher@annexbizmedia.com CIRCULATION MANAGER | Urszula Grzyb 416-442-5600 x3537 ugrzyb@annexbizmedia.com
ROBIN DAVIS / Lawyer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP On delays: “Despite the best intentions of all parties involved on a construction project, it should come as no surprise that delays can occur. Where a delay can be clearly attributed to a single party, the appropriate remedy is relatively easy to determine. However, where two parties to a construction contract each cause delays that occur at the same time and affect the completion date, determining responsibility for the costs of delay can be far more difficult.”
DAVID BOWCOTT / Global Director – Growth, Innovation & Insight, Global Construction and Infrastructure Group at Aon Risk Solutions On disruption: “If ever there were an industry ripe for disruption it is construction. Mega-trends like globalization, asset management, and new technology are beginning to turn this long unchanged industry inside out. Knowing this, how do industry players stay on the winning side of future disruptions?”
NATE HENDLEY / Freelance Writer & Author On stronger concrete: “CarbonCure Technologies of Dartmouth, N.S. is looking to make concrete stronger and greener by infusing it with recycled carbon dioxide (CO2). The concept isn’t new, but CarbonCure’s process is. The company’s patented technology has been used in several recent construction projects and earned the firm industry kudos.”
Vice President | Tim Dimopoulos (416) 510-5100 tdimopoulos@annexbizmedia.com
COO | Ted Markle tmarkle@annexweb.com President & CEO | Mike Fredericks Established in 1957, On-Site is published by Annex Business Media 80 Valleybrook Drive, North York, ON M3B 2S9 Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065710 ISSN: 1910-118X (Print) ISSN 2371-8544 (Online) Circulation email: apotal@annexbizmedia.com Tel: 416-442-5600 ext 3258 Fax: 416-510-5170 Mail: 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 SUBSCRIPTION RATES Canada $81.00 per year, Outside Canada US$139.00 per year, Single Copy Canada $13.00. On-Site is published 7 times per year except for occasional combined, expanded or premium issues, which count as two subscription issues. Occasionally, On-Site will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above. Annex Privacy Officer privacy@annexbizmedia.com Tel: 800-668-2374 Content copyright ©2017 by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc may not be reprinted without permission. On-Site receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. On-Site, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, re-publish, distribute, store and archive such unsolicited submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. DISCLAIMER This publication is for informational purposes only The content and “expert” advice presented are not intended as a substitute for informed professional engineering advice. You should not act on information contained in this publication without seeking specific advice from qualified engineering professionals.
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8 / APRIL 2017
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INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY>NEWS Federal Budget 2017: Momentum stalls on infrastructure commitments Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau presented a much more cautious budget on March 22nd than he did in 2016. While the 2016 Budget and 2016 Fall Economic Statement both overflowed with infrastructure funding announcements (totalling $180 billion), 2017`s budget repeated previous announcements and took a targeted approach to new infrastructure investment. New details on the Canada Infrastructure Bank were very limited and no new funding was announced for public transit. The highlight for the construction industry is the new National Housing Strategy, which will pump more money into affordable housing construction and repair. With investment in skills and training, the Government took a broad approach, focusing on transfers to provincial and territorial governments, and general funding for young Canadians, EI beneficiaries and mature students.
CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE BANK Little was offered in new details on the much-anticipated Canada Infrastructure Bank. The Government reiterated its $35-billion commitment to the Canada Infrastructure Bank, which was made in the 2016 Fall Economic Statement. It also revealed that less than 10 per cent of this funding (only $2.8 billion) will be spent over the next five years. Legislation to establish the Canada Infrastructure Bank will be coming soon, and the Government plans to identify a CEO and Chairperson. Their goal is for the Bank to be operational in late 2017.
PUBLIC TRANSIT Budget 2017 included $20.1 billion over
11 years in previously announced funding for public transit. Projects in Ontario that will benefit from this funding include Stage 2 of the Ottawa LRT, Metrolinx’s GO Regional Express Rail (RER) program and Toronto’s SmartTrack project. Over the next five years, spending on public transit will amount to $3.9 billion (less than 20 per cent). The Government also limited the amount of federal funding for municipal public transit infrastructure in order to encourage more provincial investment. The amount of municipal funding is capped at a maximum of 40 per cent, down from 50 per cent previously. Provincial projects will still be able to get up to 50 per cent federal funding.
TARGETED INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING Beyond public transit and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Government took a targeted approach in this budget to funding infrastructure. Indigenous community infrastructure was a major focus of the 2017 budget. In addition to the $8.4 billion over five years which was announced in the 2016 budget, the federal government is investing an additional $4 billion over the next 10 years for indigenous community infrastructure such as housing, water treatment, healthcare facilities. Budget 2017 provides Natural Resources Canada with just over $100 million over the next five years for green building programs. This includes $67.5 million in new funding to continue existing energy efficiency programs, and $39.8 million to promote the use of wood as a substitute for other materials in infrastruc-
ture projects. The Government highlighted mid-rise commercial and industrial buildings as targets for increasing the use of wood materials. Another area of focus for infrastructure investment is cultural and creative spaces. Over the next 10 years, $300 million ($120 million over the next five years) has been allocated to the Canadian Cultural Spaces Fund, which focuses on construction and renovation of spaces for the creative economy, artists and cultural entrepreneurs. Other targeted infrastructure investments include: • $80 million over the next 10 years ($20 million over the next five years) for the construction community educational infrastructure in official language minority communities. This includes facilities such as early childhood centres, community centres and cultural centres. • $77 million over the next 10 years ($31 million over the next five years) for the Enabling Accessibility Fund, which supports the construction and renovation of public spaces to improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities.
SMART CITIES CHALLENGE Budget 2017 provided more details on the Smart Cities Challenge Fund, which was announced in the 2016 Fall Economic Statement. Canadian cities will be able to compete for funding by proposing innovative approaches to city building and planning. The Government has allocated $300 million over the next 10 years ($125 million over the next five years) for the Smart Cities Challenge.
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INDUSTRY NEWS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT The 2017 budget takes a broad approach to skills and training funding rather than focusing on specific skills, jobs, trades or types of training. The Government provides funding to initiatives that support training for Canadians at various stages in their careers. This includes $395.5 million over three years in new funding for the Youth Employment Strategy, which creates opportunities for young people. The budget also allocates $454.4 million over four years (starting in 2018-19) to
initiatives that support mature students who are studying part-time, supporting a family or returning to school. In order to encourage those receiving EI benefits to seek new training, the budget provides $132.4 million over four years (starting in 2018-19). Looking at transfers to other organizations and levels of government, the 2017 budget increases funding to provinces and territories through Labour Market Transfer Agreements by $2.7 billion. Finally, the budget provides $225 million over four
years (starting in 2018-19) to establish a new organization, which will work in partnership with provinces, territories, the private sector, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations. This organization will explore new approaches to skills development, and identify future skills requirements in order to inform future investment in skills development. SOURCE Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS)
Contract awarded to construct and operate waste management facility
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) has awarded the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) contract to complete construction of the remaining storage cells at the Port Hope Project Long-Term Waste Management Facility. The contractor will also operate the facility during the upcoming cleanup of historic low-level radioactive waste in Port Hope. The successful bidder, ECC/Quantum Murray, LP of Toronto, has extensive experience in environmental remediation work in North America, including construction of the first cell of the highly engineered above-ground mound at the Port Hope facility that will safely store waste from the cleanup of various sites in the community.
“With the completion of Cell 1 scheduled this fall and the contract to operate the facility now in place, the site will be ready to receive waste, and remediation in Port Hope and can begin early next year,” said Craig Hebert, general manager Historic Waste Program Management Office (formerly the PHAI Management Office). Work to be completed under the contract, which is the largest that the PHAI will undertake, includes the construction of the three remaining storage cells designed to safely isolate low-level radioactive waste by encasing the waste with multi-layer base liner and surface cover systems.
The contractor will also complete the supporting infrastructure required at the site, including internal waste haul roads, vehicle portal monitors to measure radiation levels, and weigh scales to track waste volumes. A decontamination station will be built to ensure that trucks are free of contamination before leaving the site. Under previous contracts, work completed at the long-term waste management facility included construction of a dedicated access road built to municipal standards, and an advanced technology waste-water treatment plant that is discharging treated effluent to Lake Ontario that meets or exceeds all discharge criteria. While work is underway, the prime contractor and all sub-contractors will adhere to stringent health and safety plans, as required by CNL under its Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission licence for the Port Hope project. Contractor requirements for the protection of the public, workers and the environment include dust management, occupational health and safety, radiation protection, and traffic safety plans. “This work represents a significant milestone,” said Hebert. “We are committed to ensuring it is completed safely and efficiently to the benefit of the project and this community.” SOURCE: Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on-sitemag.com / 11
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INDUSTRY NEWS CCA highlights accomplishments of 12 recipients with 2016 CCA Awards Hosted March 22, in Riviera Maya, Mexico, the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) annual awards recognize important contributions of individuals, organizations and projects that promote and enhance the Canadian construction industry, whether through innovation, projects, or dedication to the industry. “I’m honoured to highlight these indi-
viduals, companies and associations,” said Gilbert Brulotte, CCA’s chair. It’s a privilege to be able to showcase the leadership, innovative approaches and generosity demonstrated through these awards. It sets the bar for all of us and demonstrates what we can achieve as individuals and as organizations...”
The Person of the Year Award was presented to PCL’s Paul Douglas for being an inspiration to his employees, colleagues and industry peers, as well as for making significant contributions to the industry at local, provincial and national levels.
THE 2016 CANADIAN CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE: Awards of Excellence 2016 CCA Person of the Year Award – Paul Douglas, PCL Construction 2016 CCA Excellence in Innovation Award – Boehmers 2016 CCA Environmental Achievement Award – PCL Construction 2016 CCA International Business Award – Produits Métalliques (PMI) 2016 CCA National Safety Award – Deep Foundation 2016 CCA Partner Association Award – Calgary Construction Association 2016 CCA Community Leader Award – Gateman-Milloy 2016 CCA Gold Seal Association Award – Calgary Construction Association
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Awards of Recognition 2016 CCA General Contractor Award – Kees Cusveller, Graham Group 2016 CCA Trade Contractor Award – Patrick Waunch, Rambow Mechanical 2016 CCA Civil Infrastructure Award – Steve Cruickshank, Cruickshank Construction 2016 CCA Manufacturers, Suppliers and Services Award – John Owens, Revay and Associates
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INDUSTRY NEWS
“In an industry where safety is paramount, we want to ensure companies have all the available information to make informed decisions about safety policies and programs that strike the right balance,” said Darrel Reid, VP, Policy and Advocacy at PCA.
Construction industry prepares for marijuana legalization A lot has changed since recreational marijuana use was legalized in several U.S. states. In Washington, fatal crashes involving drivers who recently used marijuana have doubled since legalization. In Colorado, there are now more dispensaries than there are Starbucks, McDonalds and
7-Elevens combined. Legalization in the U.S. happened with breakneck speed and in just a few months, the Trudeau government will be introducing legislation to legalize marijuana here in Canada. So how does the construction industry prepare? Once the legalization bill is passed,
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likely later this year or early 2018, Canada’s Health Minister Jane Philpott, says the provinces will need time to get ready with a regulatory process and public education. For companies with “safety sensitive” work environments, like Canada’s construction industry, that education is well underway. The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) has been holding a series of seminars to help its member companies stay ahead of the curve, by developing polices that raise awareness and address potential concerns around privacy and testing. “In an industry where safety is paramount, we want to ensure companies have all the available information to make informed decisions about safety policies and programs that strike the right balance,” said Darrel Reid, VP, Policy and Advocacy at PCA. As marijuana’s social acceptance and accessibility increases, so do concerns about its impact on workplace safety, especially given the potency of today’s marijuana. Research shows that it is not “your parent’s pot.” Not by a long shot. With average potency at about 20 per cent THC, that’s about three times the potency of 30 years ago. “We have the advantage of drawing on the U.S. experience and research, to develop safety programs that are in step with our changing legislation,” added Reid. “Legalization is coming quickly in Canada, and this is our opportunity to make sure the construction industry is ready for it.” SOURCE Progressive Contractors Association of Canada
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CONSTRUCTION STATS A selection of data reflecting trends in the Canadian construction industry
BUILDING PERMITS UP IN JANUARY The value of building permits issued by Canadian municipalities rose 5.4 per cent to $7.6 billion in January, following two consecutive monthly decreases. Six provinces posted increases, led by Alberta and British Columbia. Nationally, construction intentions rose in every component, particularly institutional buildings. The value of building permits issued for institutional structures rose 19 per cent to $732 million in January, the second increase in six months. SOURCE: Statistics Canada
MOST APPRENTICES ARE YOUNG, MALE AND CANADIAN-BORN Apprentices continued to be mainly young men who were born in Canada. There was a notable underrepresentation of women and immigrants in these programs. Women form about half of the population in Canada, but they accounted for only 14 per cent of apprentices. Similarly, immigrants accounted for 9 per cent of apprentices, less than half their share (23 per cent) of the population of Canada aged 15 and over. SOURCE: Statistics Canada
GOOD MONEY FOR CANADIAN APPRENTICES Results from the 2015 National Apprenticeship Survey show that, overall, there were clear benefits for apprentices in completing their programs. Those who completed an apprenticeship program were more likely to have a permanent job, employment benefits and income, than those who left their programs before completion. Those who completed their programs had an average annual income of $69,512 or an hourly wage of $33/hour. SOURCE: Statistics Canada
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OnSite_
TomorrowsEdgeToday.com
Who’s herding who?
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DRONES
UAVs
provide new perspectives on jobsites Contractors are using drones to improve safety, data capture and precise measurement BY JACOB STOLLER
W
hen PCL Construction needed to assess the condition of an Edmonton rooftop in mid-winter, they chose an alternative approach. “Instead of sending somebody up there to walk on the roof in icy conditions, we flew a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) over the roof and sent the video to the consultant,” says Mirra Maheden, senior virtual construction specialist for PCL. The video provided the necessary overview, and also allowed the consultant to zoom in on various details in order to complete the assessment. UAV or drone adoption is one of the fastest growing uses of technology in construction, and inspecting icy rooftops is only one of many emerging applications leading to safer jobsites, better dissemination of information, and in some cases, precise measurement. “We started looking into this about two years ago, and we’ve been using UAVs on project sites for about a year now,” says Sonny Shem, virtual construction manager for PCL. “It’s gone from discussing what we could do with drones, to actually getting out there and flying and capturing data.” PCL currently has a dozen pilots trained to fly drones effectively and in accordance with legal requirements. The most common application, says
Maheden, is relatively straightforward – progress videos, typically updated on a weekly basis, that give stakeholders a “big picture” view of how a job is progressing. “Videos allow managers to see the progress of the site from an aerial view, so they can assess which areas are progressing or lagging and compare that with their planning schedule. They can also send the video to clients, or prospective clients or tenants.” Flight videos taken on drone flights are also used to identify hazards on jobsites, and to provide documentation for compliance with environmental regulations. “EllisDon does a lot of projects with local governments, and there are guidelines for maintaining clean jobsites and handling materials in an environmentally friendly way,” says Stantton Pallister, geomatics manager at Alberta-based PME Inc., a heavy civil contractor owned by EllisDon. “Drones allow us to keep a clear photographic record of the site.” While providing viewers with an aerial
perspective is the most common use for drones, it is not the only one. “Different kinds of cameras and devices can be attached to the drone for different applications,” says Pallister. “For example, when a building is complete, we can fly a drone around it with a thermal imaging camera, and look for heat leaks.” Other technologies include magnetic imaging, laser imaging, and GPS data. Perhaps the most powerful application is the use of drone-collected data in virtual 3D models of construction projects. This provides a common view of the site for people throughout the organization, and allows supervisors, constructions managers, and senior managers to discuss projects from the same vantage point. “The 3D models that are generated from our drone flights provide a perspective that amazes many of our customers, compared to what they are used to looking at,” says Pallister. Drones can also be used for measurement purposes. One of the most advanced applications comes from mining: the use
“It’s gone from discussing what we could do with drones, to actually getting out there and flying and capturing data.”
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DRONES
Drones are often used on construction sites for progress videos, safety analysis, and to update geographc models. PHOTO CREDIT: PCL
TRANSPORT CANADA INTRODUCES MEASURES TO PROTECT CANADIANS FROM RECKLESS DRONE USE Canadians expect to feel safe on the ground and in the sky. The number of incidents involving recreational drones has more than tripled since 2014, prompting Transport Canada to introduce a measure to prevent the reckless use of drones that is putting the safety of Canadians at risk. The key new rules are that recreational drone operators must mark their drone with contact information, and may not fly: • higher than 90 metres; • at night; • within 75 metres of buildings, vehicles or people; • within 9 kilometres of the centre of any airport, heliport, aerodrome or water aerodrome where aircraft take off and land. • Operators of drones for commercial, academic or research purposes are not affected by this measure. The rules that are already in place are effective and most commercial users operate their drones in a safe manner. • Any recreational operator who fails to comply with the new flying restrictions and conditions could be subject to fines of up to $3,000. Please visit www.canada.ca/drone-safety to learn more about the new rules, and updates on the department’s progress on drones.
of drones in early stages of a project to create and update accurate geographic models, allowing contractors to measure quantities of earth, gravel, and other aggregates. “At PME, one of the ways we get paid, is for how much earthworks material is moved at a jobsite, so we developed a process where we can use the drone to measure volumetric quantities of earthwork stockpiles on jobsites,” says Pallister. “We measure accurately to the cubic metre, and provide that to the construction team for progress billing.” The method, Pallister points out, is superior to traditional methods, such as counting truckloads. “We’re more accurate, and this adds up to substantial savings.”
ASSESSING THE OPTIONS Thanks to the introduction of drones to the consumer market, prices have plummeted in the past three years, giving contractors a range of choices. “We’re using everything from prosumer UAV to commercial devices – it depends on the application,” says Shen. “If we’re just taking a quick video, we might use a prosumer type drone. If we’re actually mapping the terrain, we’ll need a higher end drone with a better sensor and a better camera system.” Collecting the data, however, is only the beginning. Captured data is typically stored in the drone on memory cards, and are then uploaded to the cloud, where it is either made available as video, or
processed in formats suitable for BIM programs and other 3D apps. Integration, always a challenge, is particularly daunting given the file sizes, which ranges from 4 – 6 GB from a typical flight. For organizations that aren’t interested in purchasing or learning to operate drones, there are companies like Menlo Park, Calif.-based technology provider Kespry, which offers an all-inclusive, end-to-end solution. Clients pay a subscription fee for a complete package, which includes access to fully-equipped drones, data collection tools, and cloudbased processing facilities that allow the data to be delivered to construction applications in 30 file formats. Kespry’s software flies the drones based on defined missions, so there is no need to train pilots. “We take care of all the steps for contractors that need to collect accurate, reliable data, but don’t want to be in the drone business,” says David Shearer, vice-president marketing for Kespry. In addition to AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction), the company provides solutions for aggregates and mining, and the property claims insurance industry in Canada. One of the key requirements for drone use is keeping compliant with regulations. UAVs were unregulated in Canada until fairly recently, but are now considered aircraft and are covered under the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR). Restric-
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DRONES
Site works and building construction in the Halifax Regional Municipality. PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN FLEMMING, PRESIDENT, OCEAN CONTRACTORS LTD.
“We take care of all the steps for contractors that need to collect accurate, reliable data, but don’t want to be in the drone business.”
tions include allowable flying altitudes, maintaining visual contact with the drone, and avoidance of no-fly zones such as populated areas and airports. The regulations are extensive, and operators at the very least need to become thoroughly familiar with them, and in many cases, apply for a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). “We have seen the regulations get very complicated,” says Shem. Organizations may be required to carry special liability insurance as well.
LOOKING AHEAD
The rapid expansion of drone use in construction is not slowing down. PCL is working on expanding its capabilities for developing 3D point clouds for bringing data into its 3D modeling systems. “We’re just scratching the surface of where this can go,” says Maheden. Pallister’s team is working on incorporating GIS data in their mapping operations. For example, PME plans to fly drones in built-up urban areas to identify and locate terrain features such as lamp posts, fire hydrants, mail boxes, and power lines – all of which are currently captured through ground observation. The information will then be shared with municipalities for urban planning, or to estimating teams. “When we’re looking at job pursuits or pre-construction work, we’ll be able to be more predictive for our planning and our costing,” says Pallister. “We’ll know what the ground features look like before we begin the project.” Progress, however, isn’t just about improving the technology – contractors have much to gain from applying technologies that already exist. “It’s important that this is used in a wider perspective,” says Shem. “When you’re on a construction site, you don’t actually get to see the whole progress that’s taking place. We can show a progress video to a project manager that’s been on a site for two years, and they tell us they’ve never seen the project from that perspective.” “When we share these videos with the trades on a project, they get to see things they don’t normally see,” says Maheden. “That helps them become more engaged and thus take pride in their own work, and helps us enhance the teamwork on site.”
Jacob Stoller is a principal of Toronto-based StollerStrategies. Send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.
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PROJECT PROFILE
PHOTO CREDIT: PCL
A job with a
VIEW
PCL’s upper terminal renovation elevates Banff’s top attraction BY CORINNE LYNDS
I
t’s not everyday you get to enjoy a breath-taking view of the Rocky Mountains on your commute to work, let alone ride a gondola high above the treetops of Banff National Park. But, that’s exactly what PCL project manager Cole Kitchen and his crew did for an entire year. In September 2015, PCL began a $26-million renovation of the Banff Gondola upper terminal building. Located at an elevation of 2,281 metres at the
apex of Sulphur Mountain, this job came with more than a few logistical challenges.
THE JOB Although the project was considered a renovation, the main building was nearly demolished. “We took back [the entire original round building] to its concrete structure, and we had to install structural steel to compliment the existing concrete, and work off the original bones of the
building,” explains Kitchen. The only structure that remained intact was the gondola hall itself, which is a green barnlike building that is now tied into the new structure. With 90 workers on site at peak construction, the job took a year to complete. It was open to the public most of that time, and relied heavily on tools and training you don’t often see on a typical jobsite. on-sitemag.com / 23
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THE TEAM PCL – construction management/ general contractor DIALOG – Architect/mechanical consultant Lawson Projects – Project consultant Entuitive – Structural Engineer Optical Engineer – Mulvey and Banani
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PROJECT PROFILE
THE LOGISTICS With a lack of access to roads, and few alternative options, PCL relied on material carts secured to the gondola’s steel cables to carry up to 500 kg (1,100 lbs.) of construction materials per load. “The gondola already had two material carts that they used for taking supplies and all sorts of materials that they need up to the terminal,” says Kitchen. “And so what they are is a 4 ft. by 5 ft. cart. Instead of having a gondola car fastened to the line, they have these material carts.” PCL had four more carts made up, so there were a total of six available for transporting materials up and down the mountain. “We brought most of our materials up that way,” says Kitchen. “We could only transport materials up to 12-ft. long on a single cart. Anything that was longer than that, or heavier than 500 kg, we could take off two gondola carts and tie things directly to those in tandem. We ended up taking a lot of structural steel up that way. The longest piece was 53 ft.” The contractors relied on the expertise of the gondola workers who made sure the carts were balanced properly. Counter-weights were used in just about every load to ensure the materials made it safely up the mountain. According to Kitchen no equipment or materials were ever tipped out of the carts during the eight-minutetrek. The demolition of the existing structure meant a lot of materials needed to
come down the mountain as well. More than 312 tons of concrete, 149 tons of steel, and 79 tons of debris were transported down the mountain through a complex schedule of gondola material carts and helicopter lifts. The concrete and steel were 100 per cent recycled, and about 75 per cent of the debris was recycled too.
THE HELICOPTERS Four different helicopters with varying lifting capacities were used to do roughly 300 lifts throughout the course of the project. The original design did not take into consideration the use of a crane for construction, owing to the remote location. “One of our most senior superintendents came up with the idea of using existing concrete to erect a Derrick crane on it,” explains Kitchen. “So we incorporated the new structural steel design, that Intuitive (the structural engineer) had designed, and we got them to modify it so it could actually carry this Derrick crane, and carry the loads.” Once the structure was stripped back to the concrete, they broke a Derrik crane down into 35 separate pieces, and then used a helicopter to erect that crane over the course of two days in 35 trips.
THE ELEMENTS The unique location of this project presented its own set of environmental challenges. Wind gusts up to 125 km/h, on-sitemag.com / 25
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PROJECT PROFILE
extreme temperatures, and wildlife were just a few of the considerations managed by the project team when working at such high altitudes. “Weather was one of our bigger concerns for sure,” says Kitchen. “We dealt with a fair bit of snow, but the only thing that actually slowed us down was the wind. The crane would have to shutdown because of the wind.”
THE SAFETY TRAINING Safety is a top priority on any jobsite, but even more so at the top of a mountain. The entire team supported a strong safety culture and were proactive in working collaboratively to ensure the safety of all members of the construction crew. Particular attention was paid to flight patterns to address windy conditions. First-aid kits—designed specifically for the eventuality of a power failure caused by a mountain storm—were stocked with sleeping bags and food in case the weather prevented the workers from leaving the mountain. “We were lucky though,” says Kitchen. “No one ever got trapped up on the mountain overnight.” In addition safety protocols were developed and coordinated with gondola staff to ensure all workers were transported safely to the base of the mountain at the end of each shift. Kitchen explains: “We had a last man down the hill mentality. We would always do a headcount before closing up the site. We wanted to make sure we didn’t leave anybody there. That’s something you don’t normally have on a site in the city. It was a lot more remote and the guys worked really well together, and I think that’s why we had such a great safety record too. Everybody was really consciously looking out for each other.” Workers on this project had to do some additional safety training for dealing with the local wild life, including bear safety. “We had a dozen cans of bear spray on the site. And we worked hand in hand with Parks Canada. They were on-site on a bi-weekly basis wanting to know what animals were out. They wanted to make
A Derrick crane was broken down into 35 pieces, then a helicopter was used to erect it on top of the mountain over the course of two days in 35 flights.
sure that nothing was being interfered with,” says Kitchen. “But they did tell us there were really no berries or anything on that mountain so the bears wouldn’t come up, but they could be down in the parking lot. So that was an interesting something I’ve never had to deal with on a jobsite before.”
A helicopter was even used to bring in “fancy” public outhouses with running water and electricity at one point. The owner didn’t want the public to have to use regular construction outhouses while the main washrooms were out of commission.
THE WRAP-UP THE PUBLIC If the job itself wasn’t challenging enough, the client wanted to keep the mountain open as much as possible throughout construction without compromising the guest experience. For that reason the project required an aggressive timeline that included multiple partial occupancies of various areas within the building, including the gift shop, coffee shop, interpretive centre, and restaurant. May 1st the gondola was opened so the public could go up and hike the trail surrounding the upper terminal. July 1st the first floor was opened up, and guests were able to visit the gift shop and café. In August floors 2 and 3 were opened up so guests had access to better food. Then September 15, the rooftop observatory on the 4th was opened. “[These partial closed areas] made things challenging,” says Kitchen. “We would lose our laydown areas, and it got tighter and tighter and tighter.”
Despite the challenges, the state-of-the-art renovation to the upper terminal building went off without incident. The updates to the building include: an interactive family-friendly interpretive experience, a specialty cinema with theatre presentations, an expanded rooftop viewing deck, and all new food and beverage offerings. As for Kitchen and his crew, they’re not commuting on a gondola anymore, but do feel fortunate for the time they spent with a bird’s eye view of the Rocky Mountains. “Camaraderie among the workers was unusually high on this job,” says Kitchen. “And everybody that worked on it said, you know this is going to be a once in a lifetime project.”
With files from PCL. Corinne Lynds is editor of On-Site. Send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.
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OnSite_
PLAY! COME OUT AND
ICUEE 2017 | Louisville, Kentucky | October 3-5
There’s only one place you can play with all the new toys in the construction and utility industry before you buy them — ICUEE, North America’s Premier Utility Demo Expo. Come get your hands dirty on our 2-mile outdoor test track. Or while exploring 25 acres of exhibits. And learn about the newest technology at our indoor demo stage. Every other year we gather over 950 of the leading manufacturers. So you can come play in our sandbox. Pre-register now at ICUEE.com and receive the latest show alerts and early bird specials.
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SHOW WRAP-UP
Tech and innovation front and centre at
CONEXPO-CON/AGG & IFPE 128,000 attendees, 2.8 million square feet of exhibits, and 2,800 exhibitors on the show floor STAFF REPORT
A
forward-looking vision for construction and infrastructure took centre stage at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2017, from the unveiling of the world’s first 3D-printed excavator and the new Tech Experience to the largest show floor in history and a stellar education lineup featuring leading innovators. The exhibitions held March 7 to 11, 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Center highlighted the newest product innovations and best practices for the construction and construction materials and fluid power/power transmission/motion control industries. “Our shows are renowned as an industry showcase of ‘what’s next,’ and this year’s show did not disappoint. From the new Tech Experience, which highlighted the vital connection between technology and construction to the culmination of AEM’s Infrastructure Vision 2050 Challenge, this year’s show demonstrated the rapid innovation in our industry,” said Rich Goldsbury, 2017 CONEXPO-CON/AGG chair and president and CEO of Doosan Bobcat North America & Oceania. The technological changes revolutionizing construction and manufacturing were a central feature throughout the show. The first-ever Tech Experience pavilion attracted solid traffic throughout the week, as attendees flocked to see the world’s first-ever 3D-printed excavator, hear from industry innovators during a collection of “Tech Talks,” and engage with the conclusion of the Infrastructure Vision 2050 Challenge Finale, which awarded $100,000 in prize money to winners over a crowd-sourced competition to develop forward-looking infrastructure solutions.
“Keeping pace with technology is critical for our industries’ success and the 3D printed excavator featuring fluid power innovations, is a perfect example of the shows’ future-forward commitment to explore innovations that are happening now and the exciting possibilities ahead,” said Robert Mortensen, IFPE 2017 chair and president of HUSCO International. CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2017 spanned a record 2.8 million-plus net square feet of exhibits with a record 2,800-plus exhibitors from leading global manufacturers, from multinational giants to small firms with specialized products.
SNEAK PEEK AT THE FUTURE: New Tech Experience & Tech Talks Forum The new Tech Experience at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2017 amplified the technology throughout the show floor, with an emphasis on emerging construction innovations that are driving change and process improvements across the industry. Three interactive zones gave attendees a first-hand glimpse at the technologies shaping the jobsites of tomorrow, infrastructure development and workforce development. The world’s first fully functional 3D printed excavator anchored the Tech Experience, with 3D Printworks further exploring additive manufacturing’s possibilities for construction applications. The “Tech Talks” forum at the Tech Experience gave attendees a chance to hear from global innovators and technology leaders to discuss what lies ahead. The forum’s content-rich presentations aimed to inspire and inform attendees, with an emphasis
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on applied and blue-sky innovation to benefit infrastructure projects and construction jobsites.
TRANSPORTATION REIMAGINED: Infrastructure vision 2050 The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) helped to convene a high-level conversation on the future of transportation infrastructure as five finalists squared off in the Infrastructure Vision 2050 Challenge Finale event. The top winner: a proposal from a pair of University of California-Berkeley students to leverage autonomous vehicle technology to develop a surge-priced “Hyperlane” to ease congestion and improve mobility. AEM launched the incentivized competition to generate crowd-sourced solutions to address the future of infrastructure throughout the world. The campaign’s three phases – Complain, Dream, and Build – drew hundreds of ideas from around the world about how to revolutionize infrastructure.
EDUCATION AND EXHIBITS: Industry best practices & product innovations Comprehensive education programs at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE 2017 helped attendees sharpen professional skills and improve their businesses’ efficiency and productivity. CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 offered a record 143 education sessions, grouped into 10 tracks, including a new Technology track. IFPE 2017 hosted the industry-wide Energy Efficient Hydraulics and Pneumatics Conference in addition to hands-on “college courses” on effective use of hydraulics in mobile equipment.
CONSTRUCTION CLIMATE CHALLENGE: Reducing carbon in infrastructure construction The CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibition in Las Vegas was the venue for the latest gathering of the Construction Climate Challenge. Tackling issues such as calculating the whole life impact of building materials, the potential for cutting emissions in construction equipment and the environmental opportunities of delivering California’s high speed rail system, industry speakers discussed the climate challenges of reducing carbon in infrastructure construction from their own diverse perspectives. The Construction Climate Challenge is an initiative hosted by Volvo CE, whose aim is to promote environmental awareness, enhance collaboration and share best practices throughout From left: Margaret Cederoth, sustainability the construction industry manager at the California High-Speed Rail value chain. The Las Vegas Authority, Bryan Staley, president and CEO of the Environmental Research and Education seminar was moderated Foundation, and Dave Ross, vice president of by Bryan Staley, presadvanced engineering at Volvo Construction ident and CEO of the Equipment. Environmental Research and Education Foundation. Staley was joined on stage by Margaret Cederoth, sustainability manager at the California High-Speed Rail Authority, and Dave Ross, vice-president of advanced engineering at Volvo CE.
New Product
LAUNCHES: NEWLY DESIGNED MOBILE GENERATORS Doosan Portable Power unveiled three newly designed models to its mobile generator lineup — G25, G50 and G70. The Tier 4 Final– compliant generators offer improved fuel efficiency, extended runtimes and the industry’s lowest sound levels. These updated models are the first mobile generators equipped with Doosan-built engines — the D18, D24 and D34 respectively. The high-performance engines deliver increased fuel economy, unrivaled motor starting capability and reliable operation in extreme conditions.
THREE-TRACK COMMANDER FOR EXTREME RADII The three-track Commander III Xtreme is unlike any other Commander built by GOMACO, and now has the ability to slipform a 24-in. (610 mm) radius. The Extreme Package for multi-application pavers includes rotary-sensored slew drives for steering, sensored leg positioning, independent travel circuits to each track, radius software, three-sensor radius system, and repeatable mold offset. The Commander IIIx features extreme turning capabilities with rotary-sensored slew drives on each of the three tracks. on-sitemag.com / 29
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SHOW WRAP-UP
VOLVO CE REVEALS LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN REDESIGNED WHEEL LOADER
INDUSTRY-CHANGING CRUSHER FOR MINERALS PROCESSING The Metso MX crusher is based on patented Multi-Action crushing technology, which combines the piston and rotating bowl into a single crusher. The new machine provides a giant leap in profitability by cutting operational costs by 10 per cent and enabling 10 per cent higher uptime compared to traditional cone crushers. It also provides a very high reduction ratio with a premium end-product shape and consistency critical in aggregate applications.
The all-new flagship of the Volvo wheel loader range features a 10 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and a striking new design. The largest in the Volvo CE wheel loader range comes with new powertrain, new hydraulics, and new operator environment. Engineered for efficiency, the L350H is fitted with next-generation hydraulics and powered by a Tier 4 Final D16J engine, for high torque at low rpm. The ideal partner for quarry production, the L350H now comes with a higher capacity 7.3 cubic metres (9.5 cubic yards) rock bucket, for maximum performance.
exhibitors
WHEEL LOADER EQUIPPED WITH CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION Doosan Construction Equipment is building on the success of its current wheel loader lineup with the new DL420-5 CVT (continuously variable transmission) wheel loader. It is the first Doosan wheel loader that combines the benefits of a traditional automatic transmission and a hydrostatic transmission in one machine. Doosan currently offers eight conventional automatic transmission wheel loaders and two hydrostatic models — the DL200-5 and DL200TC-5 (tool carrier). The new machine was debuted at CONEXPO-CON/ AGG, and is scheduled to be available for purchase later this year in North America.
million-plus net square feet of exhibits
Total attendees
CASE UNVEILS “PROJECT MINOTAUR” CASE Construction Equipment introduced the DL450 compact dozer loader – AKA “Project Minotaur” – a fully integrated design that matches the best operating characteristics of a compact track loader (CTL) with a crawler dozer. A launch/ production date for the machine has not been confirmed, but CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2017 represents a new and advanced phase in product development with extensive voice of customer work being conducted at the show and with top contractors.
ASV OFFERS RT-30 COMPACT TRACK LOADER ASV LLC, a manufacturer of all-purpose and all-season compact track loaders and skid steers, exhibited the Posi-Track RT-30. It is a compact track loader that offers a heavy-duty commercial machine in a small package. The radial lift loader is the industry’s smallest sit-on model, yet features the same productivity-enhancing qualities as larger ASV machines. This includes highly efficient hydraulics and cooling systems as well as best-in-class low ground pressure. In addition, the RT-30 provides a safer, more productive alternative to walk-behind and sit-on mini skid steer loaders.
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SHOW WRAP-UP 50 YEARS OF MOTOR GRADER INNOVATION To commemorate 50 years of the articulated motor grader, John Deere displayed a restored JD570 model that was reconditioned by two retired John Deere Dubuque Works employees, Don Bagby and Jerry Bode. Introduced in 1967, the JD570 pioneered many of the innovations and developments seen on motor graders today, including articulated frame steering, hydraulically controlled machine functions and the rollover protective structure.
KUBOTA UNVEILS ITS FIRST-EVER DIESEL ENGINE ABOVE 100HP
ALL-WHEEL STEER LOADER DESIGNED FOR PRODUCTIVITY Wacker Neuson’s newest all-wheel steer loader is the 8115L, offering the power and capacity for larger jobs, but has a compact design to access hard to reach areas. The AWS wheel loader includes a rigid one-piece chassis that prevents shifts in the centre of gravity, even at full turn. This ensures unparalleled stability, even when working on uneven ground and maintains a constant payload. The AWS has a 40-degree steering angle on each axle that allows a high degree of maneuverability, which helps to reduce transit and cycle times.
Kubota, known worldwide for its compact diesel engines, unveiled a groundbreaking product. For the first time in its history, the company is expanding its lineup to include engines up to the 200hp class. The first model in its new 09 Series was on display at CONEXPO. Kubota has spent years proactively developing engine solutions to meet the latest emissions regulations in the U.S., Europe and Japan. With looming Stage V requirements set to hit Europe beginning in 2019 or 2020, Kubota is excited to be one of the leading manufacturers to announce Stage V ready diesel engines. Mass production of the V5009 will not begin until 2020.
HYUNDAI ADDS THIRD TANDEM-DRUM MODEL Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas announced enhancements and an addition to its compaction-roller product line. A new tandem-drum model, the HR26T-9, joins two previously available models, and Hyundai’s four single-drum rollers – the HR70C, HR110C, HR120C and HR140C – now feature Tier 4 Final-compliant engines. Hyundai’s compact, tandem-drum roller models are designed for asphalt paving and maintenance, while the single-drum roller models are well suited for soil and aggregate compaction. All Hyundai compaction roller models offer excellent 360-degree visibility for the operator.
JCB INTRODUCES TELESCOPIC BOOM The JCB Teleskid can reach 60 per cent further forward than any other skid steer on the market, and is the only skid steer in the world that can dig below its chassis to an unparalleled depth of around one metre. In addition, the new machine can reach 8 per cent higher than any other skid steer. The Teleskid features JCB’s myCHOICE software, allowing control responsiveness and joystick sensitivity to be tailored to suit operator preferences.
Overall contractor and producer attendance grew by International attendees from 150 countries.
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OnSite_
RUN STRONG. Packed with features that operators demand, Doosan® crawler excavators bring strength to every job. See machines, features and specs:
DoosanEquipment.com/Excavator 1.877.745.7814 Doosan ® and the Doosan logo are registered trademarks of Doosan Corp. in the United States and various other countries around the world. ©2017 Doosan Construction Equipment. All rights reserved. | 181
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SHOW WRAP-UP
Attendees purchased
tickets for education sessions
LOW-COST-PER-TON OPERATION The Cat 986K wheel loader features a completely redesigned state-of-the-art cab equipped with STIC steer and Cat Production Measurement, which brings payload weighing to the cab so operators work more productively and deliver accurate loads with confidence. Combining reliable, efficient loading with multiple lives, the 986K loader helps to improve the company’s bottom line. Weighing less, and shorter than the Cat 988K loader, the new 986K serves as a true replacement to the legacy 988F model, offering a low-cost-per-ton option that meets production needs.
TEREX INTRODUCES RT 100US ROUGH TERRAIN CRANE Terex Cranes expands its rough terrain crane product family with the U.S. introduction of the latest model in the Terex rough terrain lineup. The 100-ton capacity, Terex RT 100US model offers a five-section, full-hydraulic boom that extends 154 ft. A 56 ft. bi-fold jib further enhances the reach and versatility of the crane. Designed for easy operation, it features a control system with integrated diagnostics, a new ergonomic cab design with an 18-degree tilt and an easy to access flat deck for safety, superior usability and comfort.
NEXT GENERATION CONCRETE PAVING SYSTEM TAKEUCHI LAUNCHES FIRST HYBRID EXCAVATOR Takeuchi-U.S. released the first hybrid dual-powered excavator in its lineup with the TB216H compact excavator. It features both an electric motor and diesel engine with its own pump group to power the machine’s hydraulics. The dual-power feature enables the operator to work indoors or outdoors, greatly increasing versatility. Machine performance is consistent regardless of the power source the operator chooses. In diesel mode the machine is powered by a Yanmar Tier 4 Final engine, that offers an output of 14.9hp. For emissions free environments, the machine can be powered by the 14.2 hp electric motor.
Topcon Positioning Group announced the next generation of automated concrete paving — the ZPS system — with the new Z-Robot and Z-Stack sensor. Using enhanced Topcon Millimeter GPS technology, the ZPS system is designed to bring unmatched accuracy to concrete paving with a fraction of the hardware required for traditional LPS (local positioning system). The Z-Robot is an advanced robotic total station with integrated Z-beam laser technology. It is designed to provide a hybrid function of high precision, optically based vertical accuracy control and the convenience of Z-beam laser positioning to maintain that accuracy across the paver. On-board the paver, the ZPS system uses the Topcon Z-Stack modular-designed system that seamlessly integrates GPS, optical targeting, and Z-beam reception into one unit by interlocking the required sensing technologies in one rugged “stack.”
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ALL-STEEL RADIAL TIRE
MINI SKID STEER OFFERS SUPERIOR VERSATILITY Ditch Witch, a Charles Machine Works Company, introduced the construction-grade SK1050 mini skid steer, ideally suited for a variety of demanding landscape, hardscape and irrigation jobs. The unit improves versatility and productivity by directing more hydraulic power to the attachment. Equipped with a 37hp Tier 4 Yanmar diesel engine, the SK1050 directs 30hp to the attachment, giving operators the power to tackle an assortment of challenging tasks with more efficient and productive use of hydraulic attachments, including trenchers and augers.
The Earthmax SR35 BKT OTR is the first tire to be produced in the 65 series. It will be of special interest to the construction industry. There are several size expansions in the works. The SR35 is a low-profile, all steel radial E3/L3 tire that is specifically designed for articulated dump trucks and loaders that operate in softer under-foot environments, which require more traction capability.
BASF LAUNCHES CONCRETE APP BASF’s smartphone app, Concrete Now! is available in the U.S. and Canada, and allows for instant access to information on concrete properties. Intended for contractors, engineers, architects and producers, the free Concrete Now! app serves as a channel to basic knowledge on the fundamentals of concrete use. The app includes items such as concepts and design factors, and interactive tools that provide answers related to concrete slump, air, finishability and set time.
Attendees serve in executive positions
Ticket sales up
KOMATSU ADDS NEW CRAWLER DOZER TO LINEUP EASY ROUTINE MAINTENANCE KOBELCO’s SK45SRX mini excavator packs full-size performance into a portable package. With an operational weight of 10,300 lbs., this machine offers a minimal rear swing radius with zero tail overhang, and allows for excellent handling in confined spaces. Convenient access panels allow for easy routine maintenance, filter changes or refueling without long work delays.
Komatsu America Corp. introduced the new D51 EX/PX-24 crawler dozer. Among the most versatile of all the Komatsu dozers, it features an updated, Tier 4 Final engine, and an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission. These two features provide up to 13 per cent less fuel consumption than the prior model, and exceptional maneuverability, respectively. Also, the new PX model, high-capacity blade with wear-resistant moldboard, can increase production by 15 per cent, compared to the previous model. on-sitemag.com / 35
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STIHL RB 400, RB 600 & RB 800 NEW PRESSURE WASHERS
RB 400 2,700 psi 2.7 gpm 196 cc 25 ft
Working Pressure Flow Rate Displacement Hose Length
SPARKLING CLEAN AGAIN IN NO TIME Dirt and debris at a construction site are as natural as shavings in a sawmill. The NEW STIHL RB 400, RB 600 and RB 800 pressure washers bring the power you need to finish every job right – with spotless machines, tools, facades and floors. The tools are remarkably easy to use, with equipment features including the ergonomic professional wand, enables you to adopt a more comfortable working position that makes cleaning less strenuous.
RB 600 3,200 psi 3.0 gpm 208 cc 40 ft
Working Pressure Flow Rate Displacement Hose Length
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RB 800 4,200 psi 4.0 gpm 429 cc 50 ft
Working Pressure Flow Rate Displacement Hose Length
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stihlclub.ca
www.stihl.ca 2017-03-31 2017-04-10 10:34 3:43 AM PM 2017-03-29 9:32 AM
10:34 AMAM -29 9:32
APRIL 2017
STRONGER AND GREENER CARBONCURE’S CO2-INFUSED PROCESS STRENGTHENS CONCRETE 38
IN THIS ISSUE: 38www.on-sitemag.com Insurance costs: wood vs concrete | 40 OPS revises standard to allow recycled concrete on-sitemag.com / 37
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CONCRETE NEWS
Insurance costs are six times greater for wood frame vs. concrete buildings
A
new study of the property insurance costs for wood frame and concrete mid-rise residential buildings conducted by GLOBE Advisors and released March 17 by the Concrete Council of Canada reveals a substantial gap in the risks and insurance rates between the two building systems. The data for the study “Insurance Costs for Mid-Rise Wood Frame and Concrete Residential Buildings” was drawn from relevant published literature and consultations with brokers, underwriters and property managers. Interviews with three underwriters and data from the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) show that builders’ risk insurance rates per $100 monthly for comparable wood and concrete buildings are on average $0.008 for concrete and $0.053 for wood. When excluding the rate provided by CWC for wood frame insurance, which was significantly lower than the rates provided by the underwriters, the average rate for wood buildings rises to $0.06, a factor of 7.5 times greater than that for concrete buildings. The study identified four main reasons for the higher rates: 1. Greater fire peril: The fire insurance portion of property insurance is 7 to 11 times higher for wood than for concrete structures, reflecting the far greater fire peril due to wood’s combustibility. Fire damage to a wood frame structure can result in a total loss, whereas for concrete, the financial loss is only partial. Only 1 per cent of concrete buildings are demolished due to fire, compared to 8 per cent of wood frame buildings. 2. Significantly higher moisture risk: Moisture control is a difficult and expensive process for wood frame mid-rise buildings as they are much more susceptible to mold and rot, which is much less of an issue for concrete structures. Water damage is already the leading cause of residential claims costs in Canada. Water
damage tends to spread more rapidly and remain undetected longer in wood frame structures compared to concrete structures, which can affect the safety of the structure or can even make it uninhabitable due to extensive rot and mold. B.C.’s “leaky condo” problems are well documented and known on an international scale. 3. Climate Change: Payouts from extreme weather have more than doubled every 5 to 10 years since the 1980’s, and are now a leading cause of property insurance claims. 4. Difficulty in obtaining insurance for wood frame structures: Many insurance companies in Canada are hesitant to underwrite wood frame structures, or will aggressively limit their risk exposure for such structures, during construction and over the life of the asset. Home warranty concerns are also highly relevant for strata
owners in wood frame structures. In 2014, in B.C., only 8 per cent of claims filed under home warranties from multi-unit residential buildings were paid. Condo owners in wood frame buildings therefore carry greater individual financial risk, and the data shows they may not be covered by their home warranty. “One of the key points about insurance rate setting emerging from this research was the importance of moisture control, both during construction and over the life of an insured asset. Indeed, the importance of moisture management could emerge as one of the most important takeaway conclusions of this research,” said Frank Came, senior advisor, GLOBE Advisors. GLOBE Advisors conducted the study on behalf of the Concrete Council of Canada.
OPS revises standard to allow recycled concrete In 2014, the Canadian Standards Association amended its concrete materials standard (A23.1) to allow the use of reclaimed concrete material as an aggregate in unshrinkable backfill. At the request of Aggregate Recycling Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Standards for Roads and Public Works (OPS) has now revised its municipal-oriented standard for unshrinkable fill (OPSS.MUNI 1359) to allow the use of recycled concrete. “Cities and towns across Ontario frequently have to cut trenches into existing roads and streets to install or repair utilities,” says Brian Messerschmidt, executive director of Aggregate Recycling Ontario. “Upon completion, the pavement must be restored. An alternative to backfilling these trenches with unbound granular aggregates, is the use of unshrinkable backfill, also known as flowable fill or Controlled LowStrength Material (CLSM).” Unlike granular backfill, which must be compacted, unshrinkable backfill is capable of flowing to fill excavation voids and helps to eliminate future settlement of the trench material. Unshrinkable fill is delivered by ready-mix trucks and like other concrete, the mixture includes cement, aggregates and water. The amount of cement used is considerably lower to achieve a low strength so that the backfill can be readily removed if required in the future. That standard was one of many revised standards recently published in November 2016 and is available from the OPS website www.ontario.ca
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OnSite_ 10319631
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2017-04-10 2017-01-31 3:14PM PM 3/30/15 3:43 11:56 AM
CONCRETE INNOVATIONS
Stronger and greener
CONCRETE CarbonCure’s CO2-infused process strengthens concrete by 10 to 20 per cent BY NATE HENDLEY
C
arbonCure Technologies of Dartmouth, N.S. is looking to make concrete stronger and greener by infusing it with recycled carbon dioxide (CO2). The concept isn’t new, but CarbonCure’s process is. The company’s patented technology has been used in several recent construction projects and earned the firm industry kudos. The CO2-infusion process doesn’t change the colour, texture or curing process: “It’s the same concrete [contractors] are used to. It’s made with the same materials. It’s just a greener product … from their perspective, they wouldn’t even know we had treated it with CO2,” says Jennifer Wagner, vice-president of sustainability at CarbonCure Technologies. The technology works like this: concrete plants retrofitted with CarbonCure equipment inject liquid carbon dioxide into wet concrete as it’s being mixed. The CO2 reacts with calcium contained in cement and undergoes a chemical conversion to become a calcium carbonate mineral. Converting the carbon dioxide into mineral form prevents it from being released into the atmosphere. This process strengthens concrete by roughly 10 to 20 per cent, depending on the mix, where it’s used and what for while reducing pollution (the production of cement accounts for about five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions). The CO2 comes from industrial gas suppliers who collect it from smokestack emissions at coal plants, oil refineries,
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r
fertilizer plants and the like. Purified and liquefied CO2 is put into pressurized tanks then delivered to concrete plants that use CarbonCure’s technology. Using carbon dioxide in concrete for construction purposes is not a new idea. While the science has been around for decades, “the way we do it is different,” explains Wagner. In previous applications, CO2 was pumped into curing chambers after concrete blocks had already been produced. By contrast, “We’re introducing the CO2 much earlier, when the concrete
and the U.S., says Wagner, who adds, “We’re growing pretty quickly.” Wagner says CO2-enhanced concrete costs about the same as regular concrete. Some producers optimize the process by decreasing the amount of cement used in the mix, which can lead to cost-savings, she states. CarbonCure has roughly two-dozen employees at two offices, in the Halifax-area and Birmingham, Ala. The latter branch was opened to accommodate rapid growth in the southern U.S. In addition to licensing its technology, CarbonCure teams
“It’s the same concrete [contractors] are used to. It’s made with the same materials. It’s just a greener product…”
manufacture and assemble CO2 equipment and install it in concrete plants. “Our key areas of growth are major metropolitan markets across Canada and the U.S.: Toronto, Vancouver, Alberta, then in through the U.S. primarily on the eastern seaboard, from Atlanta up to Boston and then again on the west coast,” says Wagner. Customers range from small concrete producers to multi-nationals such as Thomas Concrete. Headquartered in Sweden, Thomas Concrete tried out CarbonCure’s CO2 recycling technology at its Doraville, Ga. facility in February, 2016. The company was duly impressed and rolled the technology out to four more concrete plants in Georgia a few months later. “By recycling CO2 in five of its Atlanta metropolitan plants, Thomas Concrete is
is mixing,” explains Wagner. Early stage CO2 infusion means the process can be applied to ready mixed concrete, she continues. CarbonCure developed a way to use the technology in ready mixed about two years ago and has focused its efforts on this lucrative segment ever since. CarbonCure was founded a decade ago by Robert Niven, who remains CEO. Niven has an MSc from McGill University in environmental engineering and a BSc from the University of Victoria in chemistry. After launching CarbonCure, Niven and his staff spent years doing R&D. CarbonCure licenses its technology to concrete producers, who in turn sell CO2-sequestered concrete to contractors, builders, construction firms, etc. This specialty concrete is available from about 40 producers in Canada on-sitemag.com / 41
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CONCRETE INNOVATIONS
expecting to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately five million pounds every year. This is the equivalent to taking almost 500 passenger vehicles off the road each year,” reads a June 6, 2016 press release from Thomas Concrete. Wagner sees CarbonCure’s CO2 process as a win-win proposition: “The technology not only allows us to make greener products, it also allows us to put in stronger products. So even if there isn’t necessarily a big demand from the marketplace in terms of green, there’s still motivation for the producer to improve their products in terms of strength.” Another motivation: CarbonCure’s technology can be used to contribute to LEED points in some cases. To date, the CarbonCure technique has been used in “a pretty diverse” range of projects, says Wagner. These range from resorts to residences and commercial facilities. Nova Scotia construction firm B.D. Stevens used concrete treated with CarbonCure’s CO2 process when building a new headquarters and vehicle maintenance service centre for Ambassatours Gray Line. Ambassatours is a popular Nova Scotia tour company and its 32,000-sq.-ft. head office/service centre is based in Halifax. According to Wagner, this development marked the first major construction project anywhere using CarbonCure’s CO2-infused concrete. The facility opened June 22, 2016 and has earned raves from the owners. “There’s no issues whatsoever in terms of structure or cracks or anything … I have nothing but positive things to say about [the project] really,” states Dennis Campbell, CEO of Ambassatours Gray Line. Using CO2-infused concrete cost “slightly more, but not a terrific amount,” he adds. Other recent projects that have used CarbonCure’s process include the Hullmark Centre, a pair of luxury condominium towers in Toronto built by construction firm Deltera that include retail outlets and restaurants. Developer Tridel specifically requested CO2-enhanced concrete for this development. A concrete masonry wall in the Hullmark Centre parking lot was painted bright orange with a notice citing the benefits of eco-friendly concrete. (“That orange wall is storing CO2” reads a sign in the garage). The Washington. D.C.-based MGM National Harbor resort, completed last year, is a high-profile American project that used
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concrete put through CarbonCure’s CO2 process. Built by contractor Whiting-Turner, the resort consists of a hotel, casino, dining, retail and entertainment facilities spread over one million square feet. Concrete producers and contractors aren’t the only ones who have started to recognize CarbonCure’s technology. In January, it was announced that a team led by CarbonCure were semifinalists in the $20 million NRG COSIA “Carbon XPrize”, an international competition to find ways to convert carbon dioxide into commercial products. XPrizes are awarded in various categories and sponsored by different companies. The sponsors of the Carbon XPrize are the Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA), an industry group and NRG, an American energy company. The winning team will be announced in 2020. On March 1, CarbonCure stated that it would be receiving up to $3 million from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) to enhance its technology in Alberta. ERA is a non-profit organization devoted to moving Alberta’s economy to lower carbon use. As for the future, CarbonCure officials want to grow their firm organically across North America and eventually into Europe and Asia. While another company could theoretically develop its own version of CarbonCure’s technology, Wagner says, “Our biggest competitor is the status quo. Concrete producers are very conservative. They are very careful when adopting new technologies and this is a new technology, so I think that’s a barrier moving forward. [We have to] continue to demonstrate that the technology has value and is proven and that will help us scale rapidly.”
Nate Hendley is a Toronto-based freelance writer and author. Send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.
“By recycling CO2 in five of its Atlanta metropolitan plants, Thomas Concrete is expecting to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately five million pounds every year. This is the equivalent to taking almost 500 passenger vehicles off the road each year.”
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RISK By David Bowcott
I
Future disruption and the race to collective intelligence
f ever there were an industry ripe for disruption, it is construction. Mega-trends like globalization, asset management, and new technology are beginning to turn this long unchanged industry inside out. So, how do industry players stay on the winning side of future disruptions? To avoid being run over by change, industry players need to identify what the disruption will be, and ultimately how to become an early adopter. Thus knowledge becomes gold in the future construction economy (in truth it has always been gold, but it will be the primary fuel of success in the future). If knowledge is the key defense against being disrupted, who in the construction economy is best positioned to collect knowledge? Going down that path, perhaps there is no better proxy measure for knowledge collection than a company’s annual turnover. The revenue a company books each year is its clearest measure of experience and knowledge. Who has the most knowledge within the global construction economy? On that front, I’ve decided to use the revenue from the top 280 global contractors as foundational data set to determine who has the best knowledge foundation. The following is a pie chart that displays those countries with the largest annual revenue base (to produce this chart I’ve taken the revenue from the top 10 contractors in each of the top construction economies as a proxy measure of a country’s knowledge footprint): China has a massive revenue footprint, and thus one could draw the conclusion that they have a massive knowledge footprint. Now, this chart gets even more conclusive if you consider that China’s entire construction supply chain, reports up to a single leadership group. Given this fact, we should consider the Chinese revenue base as a single construction entity that has the full capability to capture knowledge and share knowledge throughout not only its top 10 construction contractors, but its entire construction economy. None of the other countries referenced above has this unique attribute. Each of the
other countries referenced do not have a system/structure in place to share knowledge (potential exception is Japan with its collective capitalism model). Given the fact that the other countries cannot, or do not, share their knowledge (for the most part) the pie chart below needs to be re-designed if we are looking to get a picture of true knowledge footprint via company annual revenues. In the following pie chart I’ve taken the revenue from just the top contractor from each country and compared it to China and its collective revenue/knowledge base: The collective revenue of China is astoundingly large when compared to the revenue of the top contractor in each of the other top construction economies. Further, if we agree that revenue base is a strong proxy for knowledge, then one can see China, with its massive construction spends and its unique governmental structure, is poised to capture significant knowledge in comparison to the world’s largest construction contracting companies. Thus, one can draw the conclusion, as we sit poised on the brink of substantial disruption to our industry, that China is ideally positioned to take full advantage of the changes being driven through globalization, asset management and technology trends. If you agree there is change coming and you agree with the above knowledge assessment of the global construction economy, then you should be reformulating your future strategies . The question, you should be asking yourself is: “How do I rethink the way I do business in order to ensure my company has maximum access to the collective intelligence of the construction industry globally?” There are several potential answers to this question, and some could provide you with the strategic position you will need to survive the future disruptions this industry will face.
David Bowcott is Global Director – Growth, Innovation & Insight, Global Construction and Infrastructure Group at Aon Risk Solutions. Please send comments to editor@on-sitemag.com.
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April 2017
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CONTRACTORS & THE LAW By Robin Davis
D
Concurrent delay remains a thorny issue
espite the best intentions of all parties involved on a construction project, it should come as no surprise that delays occur. Where a delay can be clearly attributed to a single party, the appropriate remedy is relatively easy to determine. However, where two parties to a construction contract cause delays that occur at the same time and affect the completion date, determining responsibility for the costs of delay can be far more difficult, even if the parties attempted to address concurrent delays in their contract. The law in Canada with respect to concurrent delay is not clearly defined. Courts have assessed damages in cases where the acts of both the owner and contractor have each contributed to delays, but none of the Canadian decisions provide an in-depth analysis of the underlying principles. Further, the courts have offered no guidance in interpreting concurrent delay clauses. There is no generally-accepted definition of concurrent delay. Sometimes it is used to describe two periods of delay occurring at the same time. Sometimes it is used to describe events occurring at different times, but causing delay during an overlapping period of time. Whether both delays must be on the critical path to be “concurrent” is not clearly established. A classic problem: the owner has failed to provide the contractor with access to the site by the agreed start date. At the same time, the contractor is unable to start work because of a problem with its equipment. Who bears the consequences of this delay?
THE CANADIAN APPROACH Canadian courts generally apportion concurrent delay damages based on the parties’ respective contributions to the delay, with greater or lesser degree of precision depending on the evidence provided. There are no decisions in which a detailed critical path analysis was employed. In the above example, the delay would likely be apportioned between the parties. In some cases, the Court may divide responsibility equally, either because both parties equally contributed to the delay, or because it is not possible to determine each party’s contribution with any accuracy. It remains open to our courts to consider and embrace principles found in other jurisdictions.
concurrent delay. For instance, where an owner has delayed the project and the contractor subsequently does something that would have otherwise delayed the project, the Court will examine whether subsequent event in fact delayed the project. Because the project would have been delayed by the owner regardless of the subsequent contractor event, the contractor event has not caused any delay. This approach has been criticized because, of course, had the owner not delayed the project, the delay would nevertheless have occurred. However, it has the benefit of being easy to apply.
CONCURRENT DELAY CLAUSES Owners may seek to limit or exclude their liability for delay damages or time extensions in situations where the owner might otherwise have been liable under the common law. Exclusion clauses are generally enforceable when entered into between sophisticated commercial parties. However, they will be narrowly construed against their author. Further, the “prevention principle”, a doctrine whereby a person to whom an obligation is owed cannot insist upon the performance of that obligation if he has prevented the other party from performing it, may also factor into the interpretation of a concurrent delay clause where one party seeks to avoid liability. Parties drafting a concurrent delay clause should seek to define, as much as possible, what is meant by “concurrent delay”. Consider what types of concurrent delay might arise on your project, and how you would want them to be dealt with. Be specific. Otherwise, a court may limit or negate the application of a concurrent delay clause by finding that the type of delay incurred was outside the contemplation of the parties when drafting the clause. This is all to say that, despite attempts to address concurrent delay in the contract, the parties may not obtain the contractual protections or relief that they anticipate. Unfortunately, the law on concurrent delay in Canada remains murky, and the apportionment approach adopted to date could benefit from further clarification by the courts. In light of this uncertainty, owners and contractors alike are well advised to tread carefully when considering concurrent delay, as an element of their contract or otherwise.
CONCURRENT DELAY ABROAD In most American jurisdictions, delay will be apportioned between the multiple causes following a comparative fault or critical path analysis, unless there is insufficient evidence to apportion delays. In England, however, the entire delay will likely be attributed to the dominant or “first-in-time” cause, and recent English authority, has confirmed the courts’ very narrow definition of
This article is for information purposes only and may not be relied on for legal advice.Robin L.E. Davis is a lawyer at the law firm of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, practicing in the areas of construction, insurance and tort litigation. Send comments to editor@on-sitemag. com.
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