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December 2018 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 33rd Edition

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS: TURNER AND UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HOST

SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COURSE

16-17

INSIDE

10

Three Tips to Land Big Tech Construction Contracts

18

5 technologies boosting productivity on the jobsite

20 M&M Liens: A Critical Safety Net in Construction Law

2 | December 2018

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MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR

As one of the nation’s largest commercial builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority- and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture. We are devoted to making sure the contributions that strengthen the local economy reflect the demographics of the community at large.

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Keith J. Davis, Sr. CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

The Subcontractors USA Texas Journal highlights opportunities and news relevant to the construction, energy, architecture, manufacturing, education, engineering, oil and gas, transportation and IT industries we serve.

We hope you find this issue not only informative, but inspiring and educational as well.

This month’s issue spotlights Turner Construction’s Advanced Construction Management Course. Turner partnered with University of Houston’s Historically Underutilized Business department to hold a construction management course for 25

Port of Houston

—Barack Obama

Metro

BEHIND THE JOURNAL

City of Houston

06

04 ARCHITECTURE 04 Blending art and science: How automated design saves AEC projects time and money 06 Understanding technology’s role in an uncertain construction economy

10 CONSTRUCTION 10 Three Tips to Land Big Tech Construction Contracts 12 5 Ways to Engage your Organization to Improve Win Rate

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown

12 ENERGY 12 States of Reduction: Powering Lower Emissions

PROJECT COORDINATORS Carly Hammack Lindsey Ford

16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 Opportunity Awaits: Turner and University of Houston Host Successful Construction Management Course

PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard

18 IT & TECHNOLOGY 18 5 technologies boosting productivity on the jobsite 20 How construction robots can amplify workers' expertise

DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Karalynn Cromeens Subcontractors USA News Provider

16-17

20 LEGAL 20 M&M Liens: A Critical Safety Net in Construction Law

ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa 20

22 PERMITS 22 Three Industry Trends and Impacts on Obtaining Permits in 2019

24 SAFETY 24 How to Create an OSHA-Compliant Safety Program 24 U.S. Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Crane Operator Certification Requirements 26 TRANSPORTATION 26 METRO Drives 10 million miles on CNG 26 Texas Central Railroad A “Game Changer”; Tops List of Most Important North American Infrastructure Projects

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PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd

“Now, as a nation, we don't promise equal outcomes, but we were founded on the idea everybody should have an equal opportunity to succeed. No matter who you are, what you look like, where you come from, you can make it.

That's an essential promise of America.

Where you start should not determine where you end up.”

students looking to strengthen their management skills and make useful business connections. The students were taught by subject matter experts and employees from Turner and University of Houston and were awarded a certificate of completion after finishing the three-day course.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Subcontractors USA Texas Journal. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

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ARCHITECTURE

BLENDING ART AND SCIENCE How automated design saves AEC projects time and money

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

F

rom Arup to SimpsonHaugh and Partners, architects are reaping the efficiencies of automated design. AIA partner Bentley Systems explores what’s happening and what’s to come.

As most designers know, architecture is a blend of art and science.

The architectural design process requires the designer to synthesize a lot of varied information and evaluate all possible ideas. Automated design helps evaluate these possibilities because the computer can look at more alternatives in less time. This ability allows architects to quickly seek an optimal end state of quality or value. It also helps mitigate risk because designers can see all the potential problems prior to real-world construction, saving time and money.

Architects around the world have been successfully implementing automated design for several years. For the iconic One Blackfriars building in London, SimpsonHaugh and Partners created a parametric design model to virtually explore solutions and options. Using applications that allow for automated design techniques helped SimpsonHaugh designers quickly calculate and produce visuals in just two days instead of over multiple weeks. The result was an outstanding tower design created with fewer people and errors in less time.

In 2013, Arup was tasked with designing the Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel. The team created a parametric model for automating the design process and accelerating the design iteration using Bentley applications. The parametric model set all the variables for the wheel geometry and discovered which dimensions drove the design, saving the client time and money.

Nothingto tofear fear Nothing While the benefits of automated design are significant, many architects have concerns. The most common is that computers will eventually replace architects, that computers will be able to recognize what people find aesthetically pleasing using machine learning, if fed the right parameters. However, while computers are very good at defined tasks—solving engineering calculations and making simple judgments on quality—these tasks are all based on patterns and not feelings or emotions.

When a human architect sits down and starts thinking about designing a building, they consider the five human senses. They think about how the light will stream through a grand window in the atrium or how the materials will stroke emotion in the people as they walk through. Computers cannot work at this sensory and emotional level, cannot understand a building’s poetry of emotion, like human architects can.

Another reason humans will not be going anywhere anytime soon is because computers can’t adequately replace the communication between architect and client. As most architects discuss design intent with their client and explain why they made certain decisions, they evaluate the client’s emotional and practical responses. If there appears to be hesitance or disapproval, the designer can sense this and begin discussing alternatives; if there appears to be excitement and approval, the conversation can continue.

What’s next? next?

What’s Right now, automated design focuses on the idea of BIM methodology, which simulates facilities and buildings. However, as these types of simulations advance, people will want more. To accommodate this demand, one way that automated design will advance is simulating businesses, with BIM processes as an input. Architects will evaluate if the space can adequately fit within what users want, and they’ll know a lot sooner whether they can deliver the building within budget while creating an immersive design and visualizing everything. This practice will also allow for more project components to be constructed off-site in a controlled environment to meet all the requirements, shipped to the site, and plugged into the building. By including automated design in the architectural workflow, designers can reap significant benefits and create designs that they never thought possible.

Source: American Institute of Architects

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Internet of Things (IoT): What Is It — Really?

In today’s world, the terms IoT and “Internet of Things” are tossed around as often as a baseball at an Astros game, yet most of us don’t really know what those “Internet of Things” are or how they might impact our daily lives at home or in business.

So, let’s demystify these “Things” and talk about how they are used today both at home and at work.

By now, most of us have heard about, seen or even used a smart watch. Smart watches are some of those “things” that we talk about in the world of IoT. Wikipedia defines IoT as items that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors actuators AND connectivity, which enables the things to collect and exchange data. In the case of a smart watch, it has the ability to gather information about you, including your steps and your heart rate. The newest Apple™ watch will even come with the ability to do heart monitoring. As a consumer, you will begin seeing more and more home automation, personal products and elder care products and services that incorporate some form of IoT technology in them.

On the business side of the spectrum, there are numerous IoT products on the market today that will drive operational costs down and provide real-time, meaningful information designed to help you compete as well as operate more efficiently and cost effectively.

For example, there are 24/7 facility and property monitoring systems that, using a small sensor, will alert building owners and property managers when problems start, before significant damage occurs. These monitoring systems provide moisture detection, temperature and motion detection, open and close statuses and more.

Another use case for these IoT monitoring systems is rodent activity. It is far less expensive and easier to exterminate for rodents before there is a significant problem versus after the problem

becomes significant with rodent infestation. Restaurants, grocery and convenience store owners can receive real-time updates if/when a refrigerator, freezer or food bar gets off temperature versus manual, often-times forgotten and manual inspections. Hospitals and medical facilities alike can receive immediate notification, if a refrigerator with medication is off temperature, protecting patients and saving money.

Additionally, IT professionals can get real-time information to ensure adequate cooling and desired humidity levels for the server rooms and data centers, detecting humidity changes and water presence in time to avoid expensive equipment repairs.

These solutions are often low cost or even no cost upfront to implement and the bottom-line savings are huge. For example, one case of food poisoning at a restaurant has the potential for a law suit and negative publicity. One small and slow building leak can create a serious mold problem and be expensive to fix with the potential to interrupt your daily business. The bottom line? Take a look at your business. Which information is being collected manually? Is there a way to automate it or monitor the condition? What is your risk, if a problem arises in that area? What are the costs to fix the problem? Once you have your baseline, start looking for the solutions that will drive your costs down and your profits up!

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ARCHITECTURE

Understanding technology’s role in an uncertain construction economy

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

C

onstruction growth remains sluggish; for architects, embracing technology’s role in the numbers, as well as in design, can make a difference The economy continues to be strong overall, yet construction continues the two-steps-forward-one-step-back momentum it has seen for most of the recovery.

According to the latest data analyzed by ConstructConnect, the overall economy weakened in the first quarter of 2018, but economic fundamentals remain robust, with GDP still forecast to grow by 2.8 percent.

Business investment is likely to strengthen this year, underpinned by a strong external environment and significant reductions in corporate taxes. The outlook for households is also solid, driven by fiscal stimulus, rising wages, low unemployment, and high consumer confidence. Inflation is also expected to creep up, and as a result, we expect four interest rate rises through the course of the year.

And yet the construction sector continues to be inconsistent. “It should be a time when construction will start to pick up,” says Alex Carrick, chief economist for ConstructConnect. “Construction has been slow to recover after the downturn of 2009.”

Indeed, total US construction starts are forecast to grow by just 0.4 percent in 2018. The biggest shortfall is in the nonresidential building sector, which is forecast to decline by 6.1 percent this year. Residential starts are forecast to grow by 2.7 percent, although it masks sharp

forecast declines in the multifamily segment.

Civil engineering starts are the positive offset, with growth forecast at 8.9 percent. Over the medium-term, US construction remains primarily driven by the residential sector as pent-up demand for US housing powers new homebuilding. (Note: ConstructConnect collects and publishes out-front “starts” or groundbreaking information. The Census Bureau provides put-in-place numbers, which are equivalent to progress or work-in-process payments.)

For architects navigating this unique landscape, one area to pay attention to is how technology is shaping construction demand. For example, there was a time when 15-venue stadium-style movie theaters were going up everywhere—but now demand is less as potential customers find more entertainment options via streaming services and their phones. Hospitals are being impacted by the increasing use of wearables and online diagnoses.

Banks and tellers, once on every corner, are less and less needed as electronic money management proliferates.

Office space is changing as more people work from home.

And, of course, retail has shifted away from malls and traditional brick and mortar to online shopping.

That doesn’t mean it’s going away entirely, but we do need to adapt and evolve: While traditional malls are going away, airports have become shopping meccas.

Offices have shifted to open floor plans and flexible

work spaces that accommodate both more collaborative environments and workers who may be there only once or twice a week. Shopping has gone online—but in its place are massive distribution centers to support the fulfillment needs of companies like Amazon. And all that technology requires another form of facility: data centers.

“Architects have to understand that the marketplace is different,” Carrick says. “It used to be that thinking of the future meant looking at the size of the market—size, volume, etc. But now it’s half market volume forecast and the other half is understanding all the changes that are demanded in terms of technology.”

And while technology has been influencing product specification for years, from high-efficiency HVAC to camera-based security systems, its influence has spread to nearly every area of the building or even how the structure is built. Modular construction, while still a small percentage of the construction market here, is flourishing in other parts of the world, as are robotic technologies like bricklaying and even 3D printing.

Knowledge of those areas will be crucial for designers in the US in the coming decades.

Navigating the economic landscape requires architects to be conscious of how technology is shifting the market, Carrick says. “Architects are out in front. Being aware of all these product changes plays a crucial role.”

Source: American Institute of Architects

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Become a part of the premier leader in North Texas to connect Buying Entity Members (corporations and public sector agencies) with certified ethnic minority-owned businesses in order to deliver innovation, supply chain excellence, a competitive marketplace advantage and economic impact to our communities.

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4 Advance Diversity Programs Focused On Minority Inclusion

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CONSTRUCTION

Three Tips to Land Big Tech Construction Contracts

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he tech boom has influenced more than cell phones and ride sharing. Big tech brands are bringing out the best in construction companies with their desire for bigger, cooler and technologically advanced buildings. As innovative structures push the construction industry forward, contractors show how creative they can be. The latest example of structural innovation can be seen in the new headquarters Apple recently opened in Cupertino, California.

It is officially named Apple Park, but it is known, affectionately, as The Spaceship because of its circular shape and futuristic appearance. The building sits on 175 acres, stretches across 2.8 million square feet and houses roughly 12,000 Apple employees. Projects like this that push state of the art construction forward, present unique challenges to contractors and scaffolding teams.

But, before a contractor can land a job to work on an inventive project, they need to set themselves apart from the competition. The bidding process for technology companies like Google, Apple and Amazon can be more difficult than the average process. So, here are three things every contractor should consider before bidding on these increasingly common, boundary-pushing, tech projects.

HireWell Well Hire When tech tycoons come calling, contractors have to be ready to execute at the highest level and on a strict deadline. After all, tech industry leaders like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Google’s Sundar Pichai reach the pinnacle of their careers by creating an

environment that allows people to get the most out of their work. They want greatness from their company, and they will want greatness from their contractors.

Projects like Apple Park have strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), and they want to know the people on the job aren’t going to take advantage of their situation. So, be prepared by hiring quality workers to execute on these innovative construction projects. Deploying services like strict drug tests and thorough background checks can help staff companies with workers who have exceptional work profiles.

DifferentiateYour YourBid Bid Differentiate R i g ht now, money is flowing through the construction industry at a feverish pace.

Having the lowest price tag no longer puts a bid at the top of the pile. When working with large and sophisticated companies, price isn’t the only thing that will land you the contract.

Companies pay close attention to detail and want to know that they are dealing with the highest level of contractors and subcontractors. If contractors can prove that their business carries all necessary certifications with highly skilled and trained employees, cutting-edge companies will know they can put the future of their business in your hands. There are services that keep a company’s certifications, compliance, insurance, health safety and training information in a central location. This

ease of use and speed of this may make a company’s bid more attractive than one whose company must manually show proof of train, insurance and certifications.

HaveAAStrong StrongPartner Partner Have One more way to assure contractors can handle the demands of big tech firms is to align with a strong partner who can be a guide through daunting situations. Choosing an insurance partner should involve more than the price of the premium. They can add value to a business by giving a contractor access to a wealth of industry experience and information.

Insurance carriers, particularly specialty insurance companies, have intimate knowledge of the industries they serve and the companies they work with. While a contractor may not have been involved in sophisticated projects, chances are, a good insurance carrier was involved. They can help mitigate risk, keep contractors up-to-date on the industry’s latest trends and connect a contractor to others in the same industry who can share advice.

StayReady Ready Stay The construction industry is evolving, but not as fast as the tech sector. If contractors want to keep up with the construction demands, they need to hire well, differentiate and have a strong insurance partner. The size and scope of big tech projects is growing quickly, and jobs like this can bring notoriety to the companies involved. Contractors should make sure they can set themselves apart from the competition enabling them to be a part of construction innovation.

Source: Associated General Contractors

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our region to secure critical transportation funding at the local, state and federal levels.

for ALL modes of transportation to promote a healthy state of mobility.

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CONSTRUCTION

ENERGY

States of Reduction: Powering Lower Emissions

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

5 Ways to Engage your Organization to Improve Win Rate

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

A

s Business Development Leaders we are responsible for identifying and vetting opportunities that are good for our business. How we move and the steps we take after can be the difference between winning and losing. So where do you start?

You start with who and what you know. Tapping the employees within your organization and accessing the power you have across every business function will result in a more complete and well thought-out capture strategy. A complete capture strategy will set your proposal team up for success. This article offers ideas on ways to engage your business functions, and how to develop organizational momentum that will help you turn a qualified opportunity into a win. Successful capture of key pursuits involves multiple steps.

Here’saafew fewto toconsider: consider: Here’s Engage Early Prepare. Good preparation begins well before the RFP (or even Sources Sought/prequalification request) is released. Understanding RFP Requirements prior to its release puts you ahead of the curve. Get your hands on old RFPs from the same client; set meetings; have discussions with other friendly firms that are doing their own capture work.

Develop the profile of the winning team. Highlight the distinct strengths the ideal team has; match your company’s strengths to theirs and see how well your team stacks up.

Identify weaknesses. As weaknesses become apparent, engage with external teaming partners to offset those weaknesses.

Get buy-in from senior management Break it down. Avoid delivering a complete solution, and instead seek guidance as it will help you understand how senior management perceives the RFP requirements.

Drive commitment. Create ownership of the company approach up and down the organization.

Get buy-in. Buy-in helps drive the initiative down and through the organization.

Draw resources from your broader organization Assign leads early. Engage your estimating and proposal teams early to create a superficial understanding of the pursuit, at minimum. Their familiarity will grow as you drive the process forward.

Hit the ground running. Engage in an early means and methods discussion, and draw in senior operations personnel.

Reach out broadly. Tap into different functions if / when it makes sense – Proposals, IT, HR – depending on the anticipated needs.

Activate junior resources. Use these folks to help organize information and perform deep dives into public documents like Permits, Environmental Impact Statements, and Feasibility Studies to free up your time.

This will enable you to focus on teaming discussions to solve your Client‘s biggest problems.

Be specific Take note. Assign actionable requests to the team members championing ideas.

Codify priorities. Prioritize and drive engagement through follow up messages and meetings.

Create a schedule. Develop expectations and drive productivity with deadlines.

Be aware. Identify the individuals who are supporting your mission and create reasonable requests; especially if they have other deliverables on their plate.

Be persistent. Recap priority items and keep in regular contact to maximize results.

Make progress down multiple paths Begin your proposal early. A good place to start is with known elements like Past Experience and Resumes.

Differentiate. Work specifically on items that will help differentiate your offering.

Work smart. Avoid spending time on items that are fluid and unknown prior to RFP release.

Raise visibility. Seek ways to prove your value to the client in the Pre-RFP stage through any possible touchpoints.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of working in a silo. You can give yourself a competitive edge by leveraging the power of your entire organization. This helps avoid pitfalls such as overloading one individual, and it accesses the strengths of the people around you who offer different perspectives and solutions strengthening your offering. Delegate, follow up, and take the lead in driving the process forward.

N

atural gas has become the No. 1 fuel source for electricity generation in the U.S. As a result, increased use of natural gas and other lowercarbon energy sources is driving down overall emissions.

Specifically, from 2005 to 2016, the U.S. has reduced its CO2 emissions from power plants by 24 percent while increasing its power generation by 1 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In fact, despite c on s u m i n g significantly more energy, power plants now emit lower le v e l s of CO2than the transportation sector.

Indeed, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are at levels comparable to the 1990s, thanks in part to responsible production operations and fuel transitions by utility companies. And as the industry continues to move toward more environmentally sustainable feedstocks, the potential to reduce emissions continues to grow.

Take a look at which states are driving the greatest reductions in emissions: • Ohio • New York • Pennsylvania • North Carolina • Georgia • Alabama • Texas • Illinois • Indiana • Michigan

Source: ExxonMobil

Source: Associated General Contractors

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Construction C

Turner and U of H Collaborative Con with construction management, including:

By Carly Hammack Staff Writer

T

urner Construction Company and the University of Houston’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) department hosted their first collaborative Turner Advanced School of Construction Management program on October 23-25. The three-day course was based on the foundation of the Project Management Professionals Certification tailored specifically to construction. The course was hosted by James A. Brownrigg from Turner Construction, Maya P. Thornton from University of Houston HUB and Mr. D-MARS with the help of the main facilitators, Turner Construction’s Tung D. Nguyen and LaToshia Norwood from L’Renee and Associates.

Each day focused on different topics dealing James Brownrigg

• Project Management • Cost • Safety • Sales • Risks • Procurement • Estimating • Quality • Scheduling • Communication

Each topic was taught with thoroughly developed course material and further supplemented with presentations by subject matter experts from various companies specializing in these select topics. The subject matter experts each performed one-hour, interactive sessions focused on their subject of expertise and shared lessons and answered questions on real-world issues they’ve experienced and handled. In doing this, participants received the most accurate and valuable information on each topic.

In addition to receiving valuable, first-hand information, the students also had the opportunity to network with senior-level HUB subcontractors and employees from the University of Houston and Turner. The participants came to learn about construction and also to grow their

relationship with the University and Turner in the hopes of creating future business connections and opportunities.

Maya P. Thornton, director of University of Houston’s HUB program, said that one of the University’s hopes for this course is that these students take their skills and what they learned in the class and utilize them with big companies or owners like the University of Houston.

One of the biggest challenges facing the Houston construction market is the large number of HUB firms that do not have the capacity to keep up with all the opportunities, especially when competing with larger companies. Equipping these students with great information and giving them the chance to make important connections in their field is a step towards bridging the capacity gap and helping HUBs grow.

Graduates

Fernando Vivas Vivas Contractors, Inc. Yvette Matchette P2MG

Lonny Rodriguez Muniz Concrete and Contracting, Inc.

Edward McGee Aureliano Nigoche Austin Constructors, LLC

Samantha Leos Trinity Steel Fabricators, Inc.

Lamont Sampson Mandalay Construction

Kirk Donovan KHR Construction LLC

Sanjet Kennedy Kennedy Demolition Contractors, Inc.

Michael Huerta Advanced Wireless Solutions Communications

Jayson Casallo Casallo Healthcare Construction Consulting

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Joseph Nerie Nerie Construction, LLC

Jason Medlock Glennlock Construction, Inc

Juan Munoz

December 2018 | 17

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Connections:

H’s Successful nstruction Class This course was attended by 25 students, all representing different companies. The students’ professions ranged from general contractors and employees of general contractors to equipment suppliers.

After completing the three-day course, the students had a graduation ceremony where they each received completion certificates. These certificates al-

Rogelio Pombrol Emerald Standard Services, Inc.

Gylenda Robertson G.U.R Services

low the students to show they were able to complete an advanced construction management course with Turner Construction and the University of Houston, both well-known and highly reputable organizations.

Tung D. Nguyen, Project Executive at Turner Construction and one of the facilitators for this course, said he believed this course was a great success and the students gained a great deal of valuable information to help grow their careers.

“This course was attended by the full spectrum of construction employees,” Nguyen said. “And I think they were each able to gain some information that will greatly benefit their careers. We’re already looking forward to hosting our next construction management course.”

Kevin Polasek Texas State Services, LLC

Mary Scaggs Houston Chem Safe, Inc.

Leonard Saizan Murphy Business Sales

Garibaldis Ramirez Charles Nyarku Pearlorm Construction, LLC

Manuel Gallegos Muñiz Concrete and Contracting ,Inc

Larry Williams D. Samuels & Associates, LLC

Veronica Reyna Impact Stone Design

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Maria Valledares Occupation Safety Training Across Texas

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

5 technologies

boosting productivity on the jobsite

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

W

hen McKinsey released a report in February 2017 about construction’s productivity gap, much attention was given to the industry's abysmal 1% annual productivity growth rate, which is less than half of the 2.8% global construction growth rate. However, McKinsey’s report said U.S. contractors could increase productivity in part by “infusing digital technology, new materials and advanced automation.”

Construction Dive has been hearing a lot from industry leaders and tech companies about how technology is improving productivity and accuracy, so we asked readers, through a short survey and interviews, about the hardware they find most effective in the field. Here are the top devices contractors praised.

Tabletsand andmobile mobiledevices devices 1.1.Tablets Nearly 93% of contractors use smartphones on the jobsite and about 65% use tablets, according to the 2018 JBKnowledge ConTech report. The survey indicated these items enable easy access to mobile applications that help streamline business, such as daily reporting and photo documentation apps.

Construction firms that responded to a recent Construction Dive survey shared myriad benefits of iPads: • mobility and flexibility • going paperless • easier print reading • easy access to drawings, daily reports, quality control inspections, safety audits, email

3. Headsets Whether they be augmented reality, virtual reality or mixed reality devices, headsets are proving to be invaluable tools for the industry. Skanska USA told Construction Dive it uses Microsoft HoloLens for design verification, quality assurance and quality control.

Jennifer Suerth, vice president of technical services at Chicago-based Pepper Construction, recently shared the value the HoloLens has brought to Pepper in the field. The firm has a division that pours concrete and prior to each pour, field technicians put on HoloLens headsets and walk the site to see a model of where elements are. “[The technician] doesn’t need to look at drawings or specs or even have to measure,” she said. “He’s just seeing it. He can quickly inspect the slab in a way faster and higher quality time than he would have in the past.”

Laserscanning scanning 4.4.Laser

Drones 2.2.Drones The JBKnowledge ConTech survey also said about 57% of general contractor respondents use drones on the jobsites. Structr Advisors, a construction consulting firm in Richmond, Virginia, noted it uses a drone to record spatial location, distances, temperature, ambient and material humidity, as well as capture digital photos.

“For a relatively low cost, we can fly a drone over a site, compile a database of pictures and process those pictures to create a 3D site model,” said Jordan Olson, virtual design coordinator for Brasfield & Gorrie, based in Birmingham, Alabama. “We can then use that site model for a variety of purposes, such as project rendering, cut/fill analysis or simple owner communication.”

Referencing the company’s concrete pouring division again, Suerth explained how laser scanning expedites and improves operations. A pre-pour scan captures rebar and other elements while a post-pour scan allows workers to look at deflections to see the pour does not deviate from the design. In addition to improving the work quality, Suerth also said it gives the group an opportunity to leverage collected data downstream.

Boston-based Suffolk Construction told Construction Dive this month that it has introduced 3D laser scanners on jobsites in South Florida to flag any discrepancies between the design model and the reality onsite, in order to prevent construction errors and rework. An HVAC subcontractor for a Miami-area high-rise project, according to the company, was able

to use the scans to ensure his diffusers would fit the tower design's curving angles.

5.5.Wearables Wearables Although they have yet to make significant inroads in the industry — a Dodge Data & Analytics SmartMarket report last December found only 13% of firms use wearables — the contractors that adopt wearables by and large find them to be worth the investment. The same study found that of the 13% using the technology, 82% of those firms said wearables have had a positive impact with regard to improving safety in the field.

SangHyun Lee, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, is also studying how wearables can increase construction worker safety. A device as simple as a wristband can measure biometric figures like skin temperature, heart rate and electrical activity on skin to keep tabs on workers' statuses and hopefully prevent accidents.

There are many possibilities for wearable technologies beyond wristbands, though. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is developing a Safety++ suite of internet of things-enabled devices, including jackets that alert workers to harmful toxins and decibel levels and shoes that can sense if the wearer is carrying a dangerously heavy load.

Jack Moran, BIM services manager at Consigli Construction in the Boston area, told Construction Dive that his firm recently purchased exoskeleton suits. Those suits will take weight off workers in the field, he said, which will increase their safety and enable them to do a better job because they will experience less muscle fatigue.

Source: Construction Dive

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

How construction robots can amplify workers' expertise

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

C

onstruction jobsites will one day be bustling with “terminator-type,” humanoid robots, according to Scott Peters, president and cofounder of Construction Robotics, but that future may be a long ways off for the industry.

For now, the Victor, New York-based company recognizes that human workers have unique expertise and problem-solving skills to offer, and that to increase productivity on jobsites, robots should first be used to augment those capabilities.

“Humans have this amazing ability to take a challenging situation, think in real time and then be able to adjust to it,” he said in a recent webinar titled Robotic Construction: How Much, How Soon and What’s First. “How do we take that unique human capacity and leverage that in the best way that we can?” he questioned.

Over the past several decades, the manufacturing industry has seen employment stagnancy and declines the likes of which the con-

struction industry experienced after the Great Recession.

But unlike construction, manufacturing has pulled off a productivity boom, Peters said, in large part thanks to automation of repetitive tasks and amplification of the work that humans are doing.

Construction Robotics adopted this strategy with its semi-automated mason, or SAM, which is three to five times more productive than a human mason due to its ability to lay 250 to 400 bricks per hour compared to a typical mason’s 300 to 500 bricks per day, the company says. Still, it’s designed to work alongside other workers who can verify quality and own the finished product, Peters noted.

Where can robotics make inroads?

In its research and development, Construction Robotics targets similarly repetitive tasks on the jobsite, asking the question: "Where is someone doing the same thing over and over again where we can apply a robot to assist that

person and either take the physical strain out of their work or increase the speed at which they're able to work?"

The company released in January its Material Unit Lift Enhancer, or MULE, which takes on the weight of a large block while leaving it in the hands of a worker who can skillfully maneuver and place it without the strain.

“We can take an up to 135-pound unit, whether that’s a block, a stone panel, a veneer panel, […] and we can make it weightless with infinite dexterity and control,” Peters said. “As we take the weight off their shoulders, the weight off their back, we reduce injuries, we reduce fatigue and that allows other aspects of the work to be more successful.”

In one case, according to Peters, a company using the MULE said it was able to grout three times faster than without the robot, because workers had plenty of energy to spare once the blocks were laid. The MULE has versatile uses because it can be set on the ground, a scaffold or to a freestanding height of 20 feet, Peters said.

Still, robots are not a magic bullet and won’t eliminate challenges overnight, Peters noted. As is the case with any emerging technology, construction companies can't expect to work it into their routine without some adjustments. "You need to take time, you need to properly invest and you need to really embrace that technology as a way of life because it is going to change our industry," he said.

Source: Construction Dive

LEGAL

M&M Liens: A Critical Safety Net in Construction Law

By Karalynn Cromeens Contributing Writer

T

he mechanic’s and materialmen’s lien, more commonly known as the M&M lien, protects contractors and subcontractors in the event of a dispute regarding labor or services performed.

An M&M lien is a way to recoup loss of payment by attaching a lien to a property, making it more difficult to sell or forcing a foreclosure to pay the debt. Simply stated, the M&M lien allows a variety of laborers and service providers the opportunity to reduce, or even eliminate, financial losses if an owner or contractor claims their work was insufficiently performed.

Gaining a proper understanding of the law requires expert guidance and navigation through the murky M&M lien waters.

WhoisisCovered?

Covered?

Who The Texas Constitution states, “mechanics artisans, and material men, of every class, shall have a lien upon the building and articles made or repaired by them for the

value of labor, or materials furnished; and the legislature shall provide by law for the speedy and efficient recovery of said liens.”

This means that an original contractor who is contracting directly with the owner is protected under this constitutional lien.

However, it also allows for coverage of subcontractors and other similar parties.

Under the Property Code, any person who labors and specially fabricates material for construction or repair is entitled to a lien.

In the end, the State of Texas wants businesses of all sizes to be protected so they may succeed and continue to contribute to the financial success of the State. The M&M lien is designed to accomplish this.

How does one file an M&M lien? And, more importantly, when should one file an M&M lien?

Confronting the the Complications: Complications: Confronting It’s about Time It’s about Time Filing an M&M lien in a timely manner is imperative for a claimant to achieve a successful outcome. If a claimant does not follow the requisite rules necessary to legally secure his or her interests in the property, then there may be no way to avoid the financial losses.

Improper notice, untimely notice, untimely filing of the lien, and other incorrect procedures in relation to filing a lien affidavit can hinder a contractor or subcontractor’s legitimate interest in the property.

The procedure for perfecting a lien depends on the type of contractor filing a claim. However, it should be noted that all liens should be filed in the county where the property is located.

An attorney experienced in construction law and, more specifically, M&M liens will be able to tell you exactly when you must file.

Protected Protected Against Against the the Unexpected Unexpected While the M&M lien has the propensity to create a convoluted mess, it can be a viable tool for those who may need it.

Being able to define the M&M lien, understanding who is covered by these liens, knowing how to and when to file, and protecting one’s

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liabilities from the complications that may arise are critical for the protection of one’s assets and financial health. The State of Texas has a system in place to ensure contractors and subcontractors are protected from the unexpected.

Putthe theBest BestPlayers Players Put on Your on Your Team Team Attorneys at The Cromeens Law Firm are here to guide claimants through the process of filing an M&M lien. Contact one of our experienced attorneys today by calling 713-715-7334 or contact us online to discuss your options and ensure that your assets are covered.

This article is intended as a general educational overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be a comprehensive survey of recent jurisprudence, nor a substitute for legal advice for a specific legal matter. If you have a legal issue, please consult an attorney.

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Mutually beneficial relationships and forward-thinking approaches offered by quality, diverse suppliers are integral to CenterPoint Energy’s vision to lead the nation in delivering energy, service and value. This is why we welcome and are committed to including diverse suppliers in competitive bid opportunities. Our beacon shines brightly as we guide diverse suppliers to the shores of business opportunity.

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PERMITS

Three Industry Trends and Impacts on Obtaining Permits in 2019

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

O

n December 3, 2018, I attended the first annual Asian | Turkish | Indo-American Chambers of Commerce Real Estate and Construction Summit in Houston, Texas. There were three industry panels that provided a treasure trove of industry insights and data along with two powerful keynote speakers including State of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hager.

Beloware arethree threekey key takeaways takeaways on industry Below industry for Real Estate and trends fortrends Real Estate and Construction in Construction in 2019 in Houston.

2019 in Houston.

• Labor shortages • Increased demand for Investors returns on projects • Tariffs increasing material costs

Let’s dissect each one of the trends and assess their impact on permitting.

Labor shortages

It is no secret for several years the construction industry has been experiencing a shortage of labor. From licensed trades to concrete to general labor, most construction companies are grappling with where to find labor to start and finish projects according to schedule.

This trend will continue, especially when factoring in many young folks are pursuing other careers, and it is taking longer and longer to obtain work visas for foreign workers. As a result of labor dynamics, when

subcontractors are subbing to other contractors that then sub to labor brokers, the responsibility of pulling a building permit is moved around and then missed all together. Permitting Tip: Plan ahead in pulling permits and if not marked off on construction punch list then stop the job until appropriate permits are obtained.

Increased demand for Investors returns on projects:

International and domestic investors see Texas, specifically Houston, as safe havens to place their money for good financial returns with low risks.

And depending on the investor, such as pension funds, etc., pressure to generate the highest returns possible can create an environment to complete projects as quickly as possible and cut corners. This scenario may result in contractors failing to pull a permit just to save a nickel. Permitting Tip: It is always to your advantage to pull proper building permits to comply with jurisdictional ordinances and for building safe structures.

Tariffs increasing material costs:

At this time, there is a reprieve between the U.S. and China that has placed a hold on further tariffs against one another. With this pause, the construction industry has taken a slight sigh of relief since the reality is this uncertainty creates situations where many firms hedge their position and buy materials way in advance, and some suppliers wanting to avoid impact on their inventories are pushing out materials before any increases in material pricing occurs. This increase in demand for materials causes prices to rise which results in contractors figuring out where costs can be cut or eliminated. Permitting Tip: Pull the necessary permits and refrain from

On December 3, 2018, I attended the first annual Asian | Turkish | Indo-American Chambers of Commerce Real Estate and Construction Summit in Houston, Texas.

There were three industry panels that provided a treasure trove of industry insights and data along with two powerful keynote speakers including State of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hager.

buckling from the pressure to avoid pulling permits due to countering rising material prices.

In conclusion, while the noted industry trends will affect the construction industry in 2019 and beyond, the good news is that the Houston area, the state of Texas and other parts of the nation will continue to see solid growth in construction market. To position your company for long term success, stay abreast of jurisdictional changes in building ordinances, and plan early to pull proper permits.

For assistance with permitting, visit www.permitusnow.com.

Build Safe.

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Monthly Procurement Forum Breakfast The Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBPF) was established in 1991 to be a world class Forum uniquely designed to provide advocates an opportunity to promote and enhance the success of “Economically and Socially Disadvantaged Businesses”.

The Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum is an opportunity and convenient way for small business owners and operators to acquire contracts, information, and assistance from government agencies and large businesses. Small businesses network with each other and connect with larger businesses and agencies in the community.

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Various Public and Private Sector Entities and their representatives will discuss the prospects for doing business and outline business opportunities for Small and Minority owned businesses with their respective Institutions.

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SAFETY

How to Create an OSHA-Compliant Safety Program

BY PAUL BROWN Associated General Contractors

R

egardless of the type of construction you perform, OSHA essentially requires that a safety program be developed and taught to any employee or crew member. Having a safety program written for and taught to employees should be standard practice for commercial contractors. Unfortunately, not having a safety program that is compliant with OSHA standards in place if an inspection is done can have serious consequences.

Creating an OSHA-compliant safety program doesn’t have to be an extremely tedious, time-intensive undertaking. In fact, OSHA has many resources directly on their website on how to create a safety program for a variety of different industries. You may even be lucky enough to find a sample safety program which you can use as a template for creating your own.

As a contractor and the owner of your company, it can’t be stressed enough that your personal knowledge of OSHA safety requirements will be a key factor in designing a safety program. The ever-popular OSHA 30-Hour Training Course is highly recommend for contractors, including company owners as well as any supervisors or managers. While the 10-Hour Training Course is useful for crew members, the 30-Hour Course should really be considered mandatory for anyone managing a construction site.

It is also worth mentioning that if you are in more of a management position and do not actually perform contract work on jobsites, it may be worthwhile to invest in training for a dedicated safety supervisor employee.

FoundationOfOfDeveloping Developing Foundation SafetyProgram Program AASafety The exact type of safety program you create will have a lot to do with your personal business and the type of contracting work you do. For example, a contractor that installs siding likely won’t have as greater concern over safety at heights like a roofing contractor.

Similarly, the materials you work with can also have an effect on safety. Anything considered hazardous in nature will need much more stringent and specific safety rules in place.

With that being said, here is a rundown of the basics needed for a safety program.

• Thoroughly Analyze Your Worksite for Hazards The very first thing you should do is analyze your worksite, or an example of a typical worksite, for any potential hazards that can be found. This includes risks of falling, electric shock, dangerous use of chemicals, injury from power tools and more. Essentially, if something could harm a worker it needs to be addressed and its prevention be taught to anyone on the worksite. The OSHA 30-Hour Course will address essentially any hazard you could think of.

• Write a Company Safety Policy Once hazards have been discovered it is time to write an official company safety policy. This should be a detailed document that not only covers all basic worker safety as explained by OSHA, but also specific hazards found on your worksites and how to avoid them. This policy should be reviewed with every employee when they begin working for your company.

• Develop a List of Work Rules and Safety Practice It is also recommended that, aside from your company safety policy, you also provide a smaller document that lists worksite safety rules and practices. It is ideal to provide a handbook for crew members to keep and review. This document doesn’t need to go into as much detail as the official safety policy.

• Train and Maintain Employee Safety Knowledge Employee training is the key to reducing the chances of injury and should involve training for both OSHA safety standards, as well as any specific training required for your particular company. If it is within budget it is an exceptional idea to send employees to OSHA training courses, but at minimum any employees that perform as managers should get certified.

You should also take the time to ensure your employees are knowledgeable about your specific field of work. For example, if you’re a roofer that specializes in installing a specific type of architectural shingle from a manufacturer, any new employees should go through a brief training process provided by yourself to ensure they understand the basics.

• Continue with Safety Education as Changes to OSHA are Made It goes without saying that on a semi-annual basis your safety program should be reviewed to ensure all safety protocols are still effective.

OSHA doesn’t often make serious changes to safety standards, but it isn’t worth the risk either way.

The right safety program will keep you and your workers safer while ensuring that in the event of an inspection, your business will not be in danger.

Source: OSHA

SAFETY

U.S. Department of Labor Issues Final Rule on Crane Operator Certification Requirements

BY PAUL BROWN Associated General Contractors

T

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a final rule today that clarifies certification requirements for crane operators, and maintains the employer’s duty to ensure that crane operators can safely operate the equipment. The final rule will maintain safety and health protections for workers while reducing compliance burdens.

Under the final rule, employers are required to train operators as needed to perform assigned crane activities, evaluate them, and document successful completion of the evaluations. Employers who have evaluated operators prior to December 9, 2018, will not have to conduct those evaluations again, but will only have to document when those evaluations were completed.

The rule also requires crane operators to be certified or licensed, and receive ongoing training as necessary to operate new equipment. Operators can be certified based on the crane’s type and capacity, or type only, which ensures that more accredited testing organizations are eligible to meet OSHA’s certification program requirements. The final rule revises a 2010 requirement that crane operator certification must specify the rated lifting capacity of cranes for which the operator is certified. Compliant certifications that were already issued by type and capacity are still acceptable under this final rule.

The final rule, with the exception of the evaluation and documentation requirements, will become effective on Dec. 9, 2018. The evaluation and documentation requirements will become effective on February 7, 2019.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

Source: OSHA

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METRO TRANSPORTATION

Drives 10 million miles on CNG

METRO's 10 million mile achievement was announced during the NGV America Road Rally by Jim Robinson, First Vice-Chair of the METRO Board at the North Houston Freedom CNG station on Tuesday, October 30th. The road rally made 15 stops across the country promoting the use of natural gas as transportation fuel and educating the public about clean burning alternative fuels. The message is clear, natural gas is proven, powerful and productive.

Freedom CNG is helping to improve Houston's air quality by reducing NOx emissions through the promotion of alternative fuels, like CNG. Freedom encourages the adoption of clean and affordable CNG through education, training, workshops and grant writing support for those willing to choose CNG as a cleaner fuel choice.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

S

ince 2016, Houston METRO has traveled 10 million miles with their fleet of compressed natural gas buses. The CNG fleet currently has 50 buses and will have 20 more by the end of 2018. Natural gas buses are leading the alternative fuels charge against outdated diesel and gasoline fuels.

Houston is ranked 11th on the American Lung Association's list of worst polluted cities by ozone.

The high road traffic in Houston contributes to the high concentration of nitrogen oxide (NOx), the harmful pollutant that creates ozone above the metro area. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reported that 67% of all NOx emissions come from a mobile source, particularly heavy-duty trucks that run throughout the city.

In the past two years METRO has used more than 3 million gallons of compressed natural gas, reducing more than 3,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from entering the air. By adopting clean burning fuels, like CNG, METRO has greatly reduced the amount of harmful pollutants in Houston's air. Replacing dirty fuels with CNG is the safest and most affordable method for improving air quality.

SOURCE: Freedom CNG

TRANSPORTATION

Texas Central Railroad A “Game Changer”; Tops List of Most Important North American Infrastructure Projects

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

T

he Texas Central high-speed railroad project was identified as a top infrastructure project in North America last week by the infrastructure advocacy group CG/LA in its annual “Strategic North American Infrastructure Report,” which identifies the “most imaginative and transforma-

tive” American infrastructure projects.

The annual industry report is a product of a rigorous, six-month research and analysis effort by CG/LA, in which, industry professionals identify projects across the continent that represent longterm strategic value.

The Strategic 100 report called the Texas Central high-speed train project “a game changer… crucial in advancing public and business interests,” a nd “the r e g i o n’s most dy-

namic and innovative change agent,” generating $36 billion in direct economic impact over 25 years, creating 10,000 jobs each year of construction and 1,500 permanent jobs. The report went on to mention the importance of the project to additional local job creation, business development, long-term investing and more.

Norman Anderson, president and CEO of CG/LA, further lauded the project, saying “[The Texas train] offers top-flight engineering, ground-breaking uses for cutting-edge technology and financial/policy innovation, serving as a symbol for who we are and what we can be.”

Texas is a land of Big Ideas, and this project is the latest example of an inno-

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vative, forward-thinking approach that will benefit generations of Americans.

This high-speed railroad is planting the seed of a new industry in Texas that will grow technology and jobs in America.

Already utilizing the world’s safest technology, the recent additions of global construction and engineering firm Salini Impregilo as the lead of the civil construction consortium and Spanish company Renfe (along with Adif ) to serve as the train’s operating partner, are just the latest examples of how this project is attracting the world’s best talent and experience to #buildthistrain Source: Texas Central

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