Month: September 2021

Construction Services

Why Adopting a Data Strategy Gives Construction Businesses a Competitive Advantage – And Where to Start

Gerri Nielson

Projects are built on thousands of decisions. The quality of every decision depends on data: having accurate, timely and complete information that you can use when you need it.

But right now, data management is an area where many European construction companies are struggling.

We might be generating more information than ever before. But whether that’s producing actionable insights – and better outcomes for the business – is another question.

We’ve surveyed 1,115 construction professionals and interviewed four contractors across Europe to understand their challenges in using data, as well as where they see the biggest opportunities for the future.

It’s clear that using data can seem overwhelming. So how can companies overcome their data management hurdles – and start making better decisions?

Read the full report, Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction, from Autodesk and FMI.

Is more data always better?

Most construction professionals (82%) agree their organisations are collecting more data from construction technology today than three years ago.

There’s a clear resource implication, with 49% of project management and field supervision staff’s time spent collecting, managing and analysing project data each week.

However, 39% of professionals say that less than half of that data is usable. Worse still, 40% of the average organisation’s data is bad – meaning inaccurate, incomplete, inconsistent or untimely.

There seem to be challenges with the whole process, from knowing what data to collect (51%) to understanding how to manage project data effectively (52%), and firms are unsure how to fix the situation.

Bad data, bad decisions

Project managers have always been tasked with making decisions quickly. But with the Covid-19 pandemic disruption, there’s more pressure on schedules than ever before.

Professionals say that time constraints represent the single biggest risk to project decisions (38%).

Information is one of the best ways to manage risks, especially when decisions are needed at speed. But crucially, professionals often lack the data to make project decisions effectively. Only 9% always incorporate project data into their decision making – while 64% do this sometimes, rarely or never.

In fact, data that’s inaccurate, incomplete, inconsistent or untimely actually compromises decisions. On average, bad project data results in poor decisions 41% of the time.

Formal data strategies: the benefits and barriers

Many construction companies have measures in place to get more from their data – from a common data environment (37%) to creating a formal position to oversee their data (33%).

But European companies are divided when it comes to having a formal data strategy: a plan to collate insights from different projects and drive business-level improvements.

While 58% of organisations have a formal data plan in place, a third (33%) don’t. A further one in ten professionals (9%) don’t know either way – suggesting that if strategies do exist, they aren’t being well-communicated in the business.

Companies with a data strategy say the biggest benefits are fewer safety incidents, a reduction in change orders, fewer missed schedules and less rework.

But there are barriers to creating a data strategy. A lack of applicability (39%), cost and resources (37%) and not knowing where to start (35%) are the most common reasons for companies not to have a strategy in place.

Culture challenges

Success with data isn’t only about the digital tools; construction companies need the right company culture – and people who are comfortable and confident with technology.

Many businesses acknowledge the growing importance of digital skills; 36% of companies are providing formal training in data analysis, while 44% say data management and analysis skills will be important for project management staff to do their jobs effectively in the future.

However, there are signs that company culture could be a key hurdle. At 34% of companies, a lack of leadership and organisational support is the main reason there isn’t a formal data strategy.

Communication and leadership will be a crucial part of encouraging technology adoption, and making data strategies a success.

What’s next?

Using bad data can have far reaching consequences. A contractor performing €1 billion in work annually could avoid €7.1 million of waste could have been avoided by making decisions using accurate data, according to our research.

But every construction business can take incremental steps to improve their data management.

Start small and begin with data selection before data collection

Focus on the place where your organisation could most benefit from data-driven insights. Once you’ve refined your process and can show clear results, you can take lessons from this onto the next data management area.

Focus on buy-in to gain organisational support

Articulating why changes are happening, encouraging open discussion and providing continual reinforcement will help to achieve buy-in over time. Ensure that your team has ongoing support with using these new technologies and processes.

Poor data equals poor results, so put quality first

Define clear processes for capturing good data – and ensure that this is a foundation of your overall strategy. A common data environment and either a single technology platform or integrated technology platforms are needed to support the flow of data, and to form the basis for long-term data ambitions.

To find out more about creating a robust data strategy, read the full report: Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction: Why adopting a data strategy can give firms in Europe a competitive edge

The post Why Adopting a Data Strategy Gives Construction Businesses a Competitive Advantage – And Where to Start appeared first on Digital Builder.

Construction Blogs

Jetpack launched for hard-to-reach construction sites

Gerri Nielson

A new jetpack prototype has been launched in a bid to transform the way challenging maintenance and inspection work is carried-out on site.

Experts at Maverick Aviation believe their jetpack can replace costly helicopter operations and time-consuming traditional inspections on inaccessible sites.

The jetpack is the brainchild of Hollywood animatronics expert Matt Denton and Royal Navy Commander Antony Quinn.

It uses a unique Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) system and is designed to be operated hands-free, allowing people to make safer flights, and precision landings on structures that are difficult to access — from wind turbines to buildings and construction projects.

Advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and materials including aluminium, titanium and carbon fibre make the jetpack very light allowing it to travel at between 10mph and 30mph depending on the task.

The control system is extremely intuitive and the operator can switch on an in-built autopilot so they can multi-task while in flight if necessary.

Early work on the control system software was funded by a £97,000 grant from Innovate UK, secured by Maverick’s grant partner Catax.

The first manned test flight is scheduled for next summer and the company is about to start seeking further investment to take the jetpack to market. 

Co-founder Matt Denton is well regarded for his work on animatronics and control systems, having worked on numerous Star Wars movies that saw him develop the BB-8 droid from 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Antony Quinn, CEO and co-founder of Maverick Aviation, added: “The jetpack uses the same sort of jet engines that you see on a passenger plane, only ours are the size of a rugby ball. 


“What is unique about what we’re doing is the computer-controlled autopilot system that makes flying effortless and easy to control with precision. That’s how we have changed jetpacks from exciting to useful. 

“It’s so intuitive to fly that the cost of training is going to be low, so you’re going to have all sorts of professionals suddenly able to work in the most inaccessible environments safely and quickly.

“I realised that the growing onshore and offshore wind industry really needed a solution like this. Their engineers climb up ladders inside these structures for hours each day and, in an emergency situation, it’s almost impossible to get down quickly. Drones can be useful for inspections, but in many circumstances you need to get an engineer up there. 

“During tours of Afghanistan and Iraq, the number of possible use cases just kept on mounting and I realised how big the opportunity was. The potential is almost endless.

“Before, people would have used a £30m helicopter to perform some simple tasks, we can offer a more tailored solution at a fraction of the cost.”

 

Construction Services

Shepherd counts cost of construction exit six years on

Gerri Nielson

The family-owned Shepherd Group is still counting the cost of legacy construction arm activities six years after selling the construction business to Wates.

According to latest accounts for the Shepherd Group, which now primarily covers the activities of the Portakabin business, obligations on previously completed projects by Shepherd Construction are still costing the group dearly.

This rump of the group recorded a £31m loss last year relating to the completion of a retail and residential complex in Colindale, North London and significant additional provisions in relation to claims on completed contracts where there remains uncertainty about the outcome.

 

The firm said it had been notified of some latent defect claims, including significant claims relating to items arising on historic building design issues, particularly in relation to cladding design and other fore safety issues.

Shepherd Construction pre-tax losses202020192018201720162015*-£31.3m-£21.4m-£13.8m-£31.7m-£9.7m-£60.6m*Shepherd Construction sold on 30 September 2015 to Wates. Liabilities retained by group

The company no longer trades construction contracts and the accounts were not prepared on an ongoing concern basis.

Overall the group recorded a £49m profit, up from £45m on revenue slightly ahead at £348m.

During the year the modular and portable building arm increased profit by 27% to £81m.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=319

Construction Management

Cleveland Bridge to close as hunt for buyer fails

Gerri Nielson

Attempts have failed to find a buyer to run collapsed steelwork contractor Cleveland Bridge UK as a going concern.

Administrators from insolvency practice FRP have given up hope of salvaging the business and today announced they will now proceed with a property and assets sale leading to the liquidation of the historic bridge builder.

Redundancies will also now start among the remaining 133 staff as resumed production winds down altogether over two weeks.

FRP said 104 staff were currently working on site, while a further 29 employees were furloughed.

Administrators had always been hopeful of finding a buyer to save the business, which collpased on 22 July.

On 9 August, production was restarted after terms were agreed with customers, giving the remaining workforce a glimmer of hope that their jobs could be saved.

But despite talks with several interested parties from across the globe, seven weeks of searching and talks ultimately proved fruitless.

Martyn Pullin, Partner at FRP, said: “We have worked tirelessly in the hope of finding a buyer who would continue to operate Cleveland Bridge as a going concern, running a thorough and extensive sales process.

“However, with no current viable offers remaining to take the business on, we must now prepare for a property and asset sale.

“Regrettably, production will finally end on site later this month. Our specialist employment team will continue to work closely with the staff, their representatives, Unions and the council to support all the workers through what we know has been an extremely challenging time.”

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=303

Construction Services

Top 30 Construction Classes at Autodesk University 2021

Gerri Nielson

utodesk University starts October 5

If you haven’t heard, registration for Autodesk University 2021 (AU) is now open! The much-anticipated conference is fully digital, no cost to attendees, and kicks off on October 5 with hundreds of expert-led classes. This year’s virtual event rallies around one unforgettable theme:

Don’t wait for progress. Make it.

No matter where you’re at in your construction career, or what business goals you’re out to achieve, get ready for a set of construction classes designed to leave you with a long list of actionable takeaways. AU 2021 has been crafted to help you connect your processes, automate workflows, and unlock highly valuable insights—all of which give you significantly more confidence in decision-making.

With over 80 construction classes available this year, the question remains: what sessions should you attend? While dates and times are still being confirmed, we’ve put together a list of some of the most anticipated construction sessions at Autodesk University 2021. We recommend registering for AU 2021 to receive this year’s official schedule as soon as it’s released.

 

Jump to classes by process/topic

*Dates and times are still being confirmed

Leveraging data and connected constructionThe preconstruction processConstruction, jobsite, and built environmentsThe future of BIM and project managementIndustrialized construction Diversity and inclusionSustainable building

 

 

Leveraging data and connected construction

Construction projects are increasing in complexity. More people are involved, plus we’re collecting vast amounts of data. For this reason, AEC professionals must ensure that their data, processes, and teams are tightly integrated. These classes can help you do just that.

Register for Autodesk University >

Back to class topics >

 

1. Data in the AEC Lifecycle: Using Data to Better Connect AECO Stakeholders

Speaker:  Lauren Collier, SSOE Group

Calling all architects, engineers, contractors, and owners: This session is perfect for anyone who wants to better understand the value of collecting data across enterprise and connected cloud environments. Massive amounts of data are created from project inception to design, planning, building, closeout, operations and beyond. The challenge, however, is that construction professionals often struggle to leverage this information to make great strategic decisions—and confidently inform stakeholders.

You’ll hear from Lauren Collier at the SSOE Group as she shares:

How collecting and using data through the lifecycle of a project can help teams stay on schedule and maintain costsThe potential value in analyzing data and how you can use it to drive better decision-makingThe additional infrastructure needs or talent required to be successful in life-cycle data collection & analysisThe importance of aggregating data across a connected cloud environment

 

2. ERP Integrations for Autodesk Construction Cloud

Speakers: Josh Cheney, Senior Manager of Strategic Alliances at Autodesk – Michael Newland, Director of Product Management, hh2 Cloud Services – Sophat Sam, Integration Solutions Engineer for Autodesk Construction Cloud

Autodesk University 2021 will be full of plenty of exciting announcements including our new integrations between Autodesk Construction Cloud and Construction Accounting Applications. We’ll walk through hh2’s integration between Sage CRE 300 and Autodesk Build as well as Quickbooks Online, which integrates with Autodesk Build using ACC Connect.

The speakers will share what makes the integrations so useful, share their availability, and highlight which ERPs integrate into Autodesk Cost. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with some construction-accounting system integrators for deeper learning.

 

3. Importance and Effect of Standards in Construction

Speaker: Angela Yee, Senior Product Manager at Autodesk

Join Angela Yee, Senior Product Manager at Autodesk, for an informative discussion on prominent construction standards, such as ISO 19650, and how they’re being adhered to across the globe. You’ll learn how these standards can affect business practices and the ways teams are navigating these changes. 

This session will also share how construction technology can help teams adopt new workflows put in place by the changing standards. 

 


 

4. Successful Digital Transformation through a Product Management Organization

Speaker:  Anna Lee, Product Manager, McKinstry

In this upcoming AU session, McKinstry will share how it advanced its digital transformation by leveraging its Product Management Organization (PdMO) this past year. As Dace Campbell, Director of Project Management in Construction shares the McKinstry story, you’ll discover how other AEC firms can apply product management best practices to support their own digital transformation.

This session is jam packed with insights into successful digital transformation; some of the key highlights include:

How PdMO offers agility and adaptability to meet the needs of an evolving market and converging industriesWays to develop and implement product roadmaps to prioritize and manage a portfolio of cross-enterprise initiativesHow PdMO ensures alignment between the technical roadmap and business needs, and measures the impact of technologyBest practices for change management to meet strategic and business goals

 

5. Implementing Autodesk Construction Cloud Across a £2 Billion Business

Speaker: Ivana Tudja, BIM and Digital Engineering Lead (Senior BIM Manager), Mace

Implementing a new solution is almost always challenging. Change is inevitable but not always well-received. This session shares actionable insights for leveraging innovation in the construction industry and getting your whole team on board. You’ll learn how to not only introduce and implement Autodesk Construction Cloud but also inspire your team to embrace the technology

Don’t miss this case study on the well-implemented use of Autodesk Construction Cloud. Ivana shares how Mace saved 50% of their time spent on coordination and reporting by using BIM 360 Document Management and Model Coordination. You’ll walk away from the class with an understanding of how to: 

Develop a strategy for implementing Autodesk Construction Cloud in your companyIdentify uses for different parts of Autodesk Construction Cloud and the Assemble platformUse the product to improve coordination and drive efficiencies on-sitePinpoint training requirements and deliver the right training for your users

 

Return to class topics >

 

 

The preconstruction process

Many factors that influence a project’s success are determined well before you enter the jobsite. How you approach the preconstruction phase—which involves ironing out your plans, designs, and documentation—can make or break the ease in which you move through a project. The following sessions will teach you how to improve your preconstruction processes for better outcomes.

Register for Autodesk University >

Back to class topics >

 

6. BIM Collaborate: Bringing the Distributed Team Together

Speaker: Matt Anderle, BIM Director at AECOM

Join Matt Anderle, BIM Director at AECOM, as he highlights the evolving possibilities provided by Autodesk BIM Collaborate & BIM Collaborate Pro. These cloud-based collaboration services enable teams to execute projects with unprecedented access and control for team integration. 

In this session, you’ll experience common project workflows and hear from experts on the best approach for migrating your next project to the cloud. As one of the leading consumers of Autodesk Construction Cloud services (with over 3,000 active projects) AECOM is ready to share successes and challenges their team has experienced along the way.

You can expect to walk away from this informative session with the following takeaways:

Insights into the enhanced capabilities of BIM Collaborate / BIM Collaborate ProHow to’s for leveraging permissions for document control and securityUnderstanding design collaboration workflows across a distributed teamBackground into integrated methodologies for tracking changes and model coordination review

 

7. Collaborative Estimating Workflows for Preconstruction and VDC Teams

Moderators: Rachel Trocchi, Technical Solutions Executive, Autodesk – Sarah Cunningham, Senior Product Manager at Autodesk

Panelists: Prashant Sharma, DPR Construction – Jacob Skrobarczyk, DPR Construction – Amr Raafat, Windover Construction

BIM and VDC managers, here’s one preconstruction session you can’t miss. Sarah Cunningham, Senior Product Manager at Autodesk, will lead this panel discussion with BIM/VDC managers from leading construction companies. You’ll learn the latest strategies and best practices for getting the most out of collaborative, 2D and 3D quantification workflows.

Participants will leave the session with an understanding of how:

Construction firms are leveraging advanced 3D quantification workflows How to overcome internal resistance around using 3D models for quantity takeoffAutodesk Takeoff and Assemble can be used in quantity takeoff workflows

 You’ll also hear bright ideas for helping teams successfully ease into new ways of performing quantity takeoff.

 


 

8. Conditioned BIM Data Powers Connected Construction

Moderator: Nathaniel Coombs, Senior Business Consultant, Autodesk

Panelists: Jourdan Trice, DPR Construction – Badri Sarangi, vConstruct Pvt. Ltd. – Matt Roberts, Gray – Tomislav Zigo, Clayco – Liang Gong, Clayco

BIM and VDC managers serve a pivotal role in empowering stakeholders across multiple disciplines and teams to fully leverage the BIM data stored in the model. Design models often lack construction data needed for downstream use, but a conditioned and structured model that has customized information added can result in a model that can be utilized from design to construction to handover. Currently, teams are faced with siloed solutions that force them to maintain multiple sources of truth for project documents at different project phases resulting in heightened confusion.

In this panel, we will cover how project teams can incorporate integrated workflows with Autodesk Assemble and facilitate collaboration between project members.

 

9. Leveraging BuildingConnected to Enhance Your Digital Bid Process

Speaker: Ariel Castillo, Strategic Process and VDC Specialist at Miller-Davis Company

Over the last year, the construction industry has completely restructured the way we do business in order to thrive. The preconstruction phase is no stranger to changes with restrictions on in-person bid openings forcing the industry to reevaluate how to conduct bids.

Ariel Castillo, Strategic Process and VDC Specialist at Miller-Davis Company, will share how tools like BuildingConnected are revolutionizing the way we conduct the bidding process and connect with subcontractors. During this session, you’ll uncover how construction firms can benefit from a digital-streamlined bidding process and a real-time construction directory. Ariel will share his tips and tricks for fostering relationships with all stakeholders and minimizing risks for future projects. 

If you want to learn more about navigating BuildingConnected’s user interface and how to leverage the largest real-time construction network, block out time on your calendar for this upcoming Autodesk University session. 

 

Return to class topics >

 

 

Construction, jobsite, and built environment processes

When it comes to the field, how do you ensure that your plans are executed without a hitch? The future of jobsites is here. The sessions below are designed to help you clear a path so you can complete projects on time and within budget

Register for Autodesk University >

Back to class topics >

 

10. Finish on Time Every Time: Optimize Work Planning and Master Scheduling

Speaker: Shani Sharif, Senior Product Manager, Autodesk 

Planning and scheduling are key when it comes to ensuring that projects are completed on time. However, there’s a bit of a disconnect between the master schedule of a project and the weekly work planning that happens in the field. While the former is created by scheduling experts, the latter is handled by the superintendent and the trades. 

In this talk, the team at Skanska will discuss how they leverage these schedules to find a balance between the two. They’ll share how they’re utilizing master schedules to gain a high-level view of time and resource requirements. They’ll also talk about how short-term work plans enable them to reduce waste with collaborative project planning and daily progress monitoring.

This class will show you that the key to better project planning is effective connectivity and a smooth flow of data between short and long-term schedules. 

Attendees will also learn how to use Schedule and Work Plan in Autodesk Build to manage project-level schedules and weekly work plans on a unified platform. 

Don’t miss this class if you’re looking to:

Understand the benefits of data flow, connectivity, and improved communication around short and long-term schedulesDiscover best practices to determine the granularity in the master schedule vs. the detail needed at the work planning levelSee how teams leverage Work Plan in Autodesk Build for remote and in-person collaboration Learn how to empower project teams by sharing, communicating, and connecting the long term schedule in Autodesk Build

 

11. The Future of Visual Progress Tracking and Documentation in Construction

Speaker: Alix Cohen, Product Manager, Autodesk

Being able to consistently track the work done on a project is in everyone’s best interest. Not only does it provide visibility on the progress of a project, but it’s also necessary for subcontractors to get paid. 

However, tracking work progress in detail is easier said than done. Construction projects have plenty of moving parts, not to mention, several stakeholders involved. There isn’t always a straightforward process for logging data and tracking progress. 

This talk will show you how to address these issues with help of technology. Solutions like Photos and Progress Tracking workflows enable you to better monitor how projects are doing, so you always have an idea of the work that’s been completed and what needs to be done. 

When you attend this session, you’ll walk away with:

A solid understanding of why progress tracking matters and how it can keep your project on schedule and within budgetUse cases presented by industry leadersKnowledge on where to go to get started with progress tracking on your projects

 

 

12. How to Exceed Project Profit Margins by Leveraging Data & Workflows

Speaker: Dane Pemberton, US Group Construction Technology Manager at BL Harbert International LLC

Staying on budget is a top priority for construction teams. As such, construction managers and planners are often pressured to constantly maximize profitability. 

The good news: there are several ways to accomplish this. By streamlining your workflows, connecting your data, and leveraging project insights, you’ll be able to reduce waste, improve productivity, and widen your profit margins. 

This session will dive deep into how to do all of the above. Specifically, you’ll learn:

How to create processes to eliminate bottlenecksHow you can establish clear accountability across teamsHow to connect workflows and data to cost activitiesHow to analyze data to proactively mitigate risk

 

13. Structured Curiosity: The Keys to Unlocking Efficiency within Your Processes

Speaker: Hamzah Shanbari, Manager, Construction Technology & Innovation, The Haskell Company

James Cameron had a point when he said, “Curiosity is the most powerful thing you own.” Being curious keeps people open to new ideas and ways of doing things, which then paves the way for innovation. 

No one understands this better than the team at Haskell, a North American general contractor. In this session, Hamzah Shanbari, the company’s Manager, for Construction Technology & Innovation, discusses how they harness people’s curiosity into an agile process evaluation that allows them to gain actionable insight from their data. 

He’ll also discuss how they effectively communicate it to stakeholders and make strategic decisions that improve their projects.

Attend this class to get a closer look at their process and learn how the folks at Haskell:

Implement strategies to increase transparency and client satisfactionDeliver a higher quality turnover package and closeout experience to their clientsIncrease their chances of winning repeat business by understanding client needs

 

Return to class topics >

 

 

The future of BIM and project management

If you want to learn more about what’s next in the realm of Building Information Modeling (BIM), be sure to check out these classes. They offer helpful perspectives on BIM and give you a look at game-changing innovations happening within the space. 

Register for Autodesk University >

Back to class topics >

 

14. Panel: Conditioned BIM Data Powers Connected Construction

Moderator: Nathaniel Coombs, Senior Business Consultant, Autodesk

Panelists: Jourdan Trice, DPR Construction – Badri Sarangi, vConstruct Pvt. Ltd. – Matt Roberts, Gray – Tomislav Zigo, Clayco – Liang Gong, Clayco

BIM and VDC managers serve a pivotal role in empowering stakeholders across multiple disciplines and teams to fully leverage the BIM data stored in the model.  Design models often lack construction data needed for downstream use, but a conditioned and structured model that has customized information added can result in a model that can be utilized from design to construction to handover. Currently, teams are faced with siloed solutions that force them to maintain multiple sources of truth for project documents at different project phases resulting in heightened confusion.

In this panel, we will cover how project teams can incorporate integrated workflows with Assemble and facilitate collaboration between project members.

 

15. Construction Sequence Animations

Speaker: Ryan Taube, Director of Design Technology, Clayco

Construction sequence animations can be complex, but they don’t have to be. In this session, you’ll get a proper look at the steps involved in planning out an animation. You’ll also see which tools are best suited for the job and how to effectively divide the labor. 

Geared towards 3D modelers, animators, architects, and BIM/VDC managers, this class will walk participants through the process of effective construction sequence animations. You’ll learn what info to obtain from the client, how to review camera matching drone footage, and how to implement the workflow from Revit to 3ds Max.

Most importantly, you’ll discover how to manage the entire process and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal. Speaker Ryan Taube will diagram the entire process so you can see how everything flows. 

Some key takeaways from this session include:

Planing out a construction sequence animation and knowing what questions to ask before starting The basics of the Arnold renderer and how to effectively utilize itBuilding a quality material and model library Managing your team’s time with clear expectations and divisions of labor

 

 

16. Ten Points of Excellence for VDC MEP Coordination: A Subcontractor’s Lens

Speaker: Bryan Strecker, Senior VDC Engineer, VIATechnik, LLC

VDC is rapidly being adopted across the AEC field. We’re experiencing massive changes when it comes to MEP coordination, and industry players are still figuring out the best practices for efficiently utilizing BIM. This class looks at ten different strategies for improving the coordination process—but from the perspective of an MEP coordinator. 

It’s often believed that speed and efficiency in coordination are driven by the project coordinator. However, subcontractors also play a pivotal role and can add tremendous value. 

This is an excellent class for BIM/VDC managers, electrical detailers, and subcontractors. Not only will you learn about MEP coordination from the subcontractor’s perspective, you’ll also discover how to use Revit and Fabrication CADMEP to achieve a high level of detail in the coordination process.

This session will teach you:

Ten (10) effective strategies for enhancing the coordination processHow to utilize Revit for MEP Coordination, attaining LOD400How to influence the coordination process to better fit your needsHow to better understand the subcontractor’s role and how they can consistently add value to the project

 

17. The Benefits of Automated Model Checking in the Cloud

Speaker: Brendan Dillon, Manager of Digital Facilities & Infrastructure, Denver International Airport

Want to find out more about automated model checking? Then mark your calendar for this panel discussion. We’ve brought together building owners and design firms to share how they’re benefiting from automated model checking. 

Panelists will talk about how they’re reviewing their Revit models in BIM 360, the steps they take to generate reports on fidelity issues, and how they’re utilizing that data in dashboards.

The panel is composed of a diverse group of experts — including a building owner (Denver International Airport), as well as large and small design firms. You’ll also hear from the team responsible for the Model Checker on Revit and the Model Checker on Forge (CADD Microsystems).

Facilitated by an architect on the Autodesk team, this panel will inform you about the benefits and results that different project stakeholders can achieve by implementing automated model checking.

Catch this panel discussion to:

Understand how automated model checking is being used in the industryHear how building owners with modeling requirements are benefitting from working with their consultantsSee the advantages that large consulting firms get from working with building owners and their modeling requirements Discover how small/medium consulting firms can benefit from automated model checking

 

Return to class topics >

 

 

Industrialized Construction

Industrialized construction (IC) methods have proven to be efficient and cost-effective. If you’re planning to implement IC in your projects, the sessions below will give you more information on how to do it right. 

Register for Autodesk University >

Back to class topics >

 

18. Bridge the Construction/Manufacturing Gap with Inventor Product Templates

Speaker: Andy Akenson, Software Architect, Autodesk

A lot of time and resources are wasted doing the repetitive work required in creating mechanical product templates for consumption by design and construction.

Fortunately, there’s a better way. By shifting from a “creating projects” mindset to one that’s focused on “creating products,” you can use business logic and fabrication rules to improve the construction process. 

This session will shed light on how to do this successfully through best practice tips and real-world examples. An actual Autodesk customer will take the stage to share their experiences in their journey towards smarter, more scalable, repeatable processes.

Recommended for architects, BIM/VDC managers, engineers, and fabricators, this session will show you:

How to create a more collaborative working relationship between designers and manufacturersHow to successfully start looking at prefabrication as a product and not a projectHow to build product templates that you can reuse on relevant projectsThe entire process in action, so you can learn Autodesk’s best practices for template building

 

19. Leveraging Data & Strategic Partnerships to Drive Prefabrication

Speaker: Brandon Johnson, Director of Electrical Engineering, KLH Engineers

The word “data” gets thrown around a lot, but how do we actually use it to unlock quality and efficiency gains in construction? The answer lies in having strong strategic partnerships that are centered on leveraging data. 

With the right partners, you can better utilize data to reduce overwhelm, solve problems, and drive better outcomes. 

This session will show you the advantages of developing data-centric partnerships with like-minded organizations. You’ll see how custom software development within the Revit API can streamline data flow and solve age-old industry frustrations. Plus, you’ll learn how information can be fed from the design phase into prefabrication.

The session will also cover case studies illustrating these tactics so you can see the results generated by having strong partnerships. 

Don’t miss your chance to learn:

How to identify situations where leveraging data can have significant benefits on project quality and efficiency How to seek out and collaborate with like-minded partners to drive change How to leverage design data in the prefabrication process How to utilize the Revit API to streamline data flow between partners and design/prefabrication phases

 

20. Optimizing Your Business Around Industrialized Construction

Speaker: Ryan Mcmahon, Director of Product, Industrialized Construction, Autodesk

The construction industry is facing massive changes and challenges. Between labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and massive population growth, AEC professionals need to come up with new ways to design and build. 

Accomplishing that starts by going from a “project” mindset to a “product” mindset. This shift will streamline the architectural design process, allow subcontractors to start fabrication faster, and enable teams to standardize and scale their overall ability to produce predictable work.

In this session, Autodesk’s top thought leaders in Industrialized Construction—along with their most innovative customers—will spend time discussing how to successfully shift a business to align with these new developing industry trends.

Be sure to attend this class in order to:

See how industrialized construction makes the architectural design process more efficientFind out how to start fabrication faster and respond to bids soonerLearn how IC will save you time, reduce material waste, and improve safety

 

21. Digital Transformation in the Construction Site

Speaker: Takaaki Miyauchi, Managing Director, Daiwa House Industry Co.Ltd.

In this class, Takaaki Miyauchi will discuss how the teams at Daiwa House Industry Co. Ltd digitized their manual and paper-based processes. In their journey towards digital transformation, the team had to deal with issues like inefficiencies, as well as siloed software and processes.

Find out how they solved these challenges using a common data environment (CDE) and other digital tools.

This session will teach you all about:

Identifying key factors in digitalization of construction siteDefining how information should be linked between CDE and the construction site Applying various use-cases of PlanGrid to many on-site tasks other than inspection

 

Return to class topics >

 

 

Sustainable building

Building materials are finite, so the construction industry will inevitably lean on smarter and more sustainable solutions. Here are several sessions, from AEC leaders, who are using technology to aid in sustainable design, navigating the impact of climate change on construction, and finding creative ways to reduce carbon footprints. 

Register for Autodesk University >

Back to class topics >

 

22. BIM 360: The EC3 Plug-in Helping Teams Save Time and Cut Carbon Impact

Speaker: Myrrh Caplan, Sustainability Director, Skanska USA

Sustainability continues to be at the forefront of people’s minds, particularly in the construction industry. As the corporate world grows ever more conscious of its impact on the planet, AEC firms are putting more focus on reducing their carbon footprints. 

One tool that can help you do just that is Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3). Developed by Skanska with Autodesk, Microsoft, and the Carbon Leadership Forum, EC3 empowers preconstruction teams to compare emissions and embodied carbon levels for proposed project materials.

When used together with Autodesk and other tools, EC3 can weigh embodied carbon impacts with schedule, budget, and constructability simultaneously. Teams can use the EC3 tool to collaborate with owners and design teams when selecting materials with lower embodied carbon, often at no additional cost. 

In this class, our team will demonstrate how to import and analyze data using EC3, ultimately building with a lower carbon footprint.

Attend this session to learn all about:

Implementing the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) tool and its recent updates to lower carbon footprintsMaking EC3 more efficient through the BIM 360 interfaceNavigating the EC3 plug-in interfaceHow to communicate with others in your organization or externally on the ability to upload into EC3 from BIM 360

 

23. How Building Engineers Can Lead on Climate Change Reduction Actions

Speaker: Tony Saracino, Senior Sustainability Success Manager, Autodesk

The United Nations predicts that the population will increase from 7.5 billion today to nearly 10 billion by 2050. This means that we need to construct an average of 13,000+ commercial buildings daily in order to keep up with the population growth. 

This can have dire effects on the environment. It’s estimated that construction projects contribute 40% of the waste in landfills. What’s more, buildings produce one-third of the global greenhouse emissions and use 40% of global energy. 

Suffice it to say that these figures aren’t sustainable, which is why the AEC industry must rethink how it designs, constructs, and operates buildings. 

If you’re looking for ways to improve sustainability in your construction projects, be sure to join this lively panel discussion. Experts and key industry leaders will explore how the structural and MEP engineering industries can help address the climate crisis and build a better future for everyone. 

In this interactive session you will:

See how building engineering can help reach net-zero carbon for new buildings using existing, proven technologiesExplore how engineering can support the circular economy by emphasizing renovation and refurbishment over new construction Talk about how digital transformation at your firm can accelerate carbon reduction Join the conversation about how industrialized construction can assist in reaching climate change reduction goals

 

24. Mass Timber and Modular MEP: A Case Study for Integrated Project Delivery

Speaker: Anders Carpenter, Senior Associate, Perkins & Will

Mass timber structures, modular MEP, and façade systems are becoming more prevalent, and for good reason: they help you design beautiful and sustainable buildings on time and within budget.

Attend this session to learn how a mid-rise housing project utilizes mass timber and modular MEP / facade systems to reduce its carbon footprint and costs, compared to a traditional concrete structure. This case study offers a roadmap for how integrated delivery can decrease operational and embodied carbon by 60% and reduce costs by 10%. 

Panelists will discuss how owners can influence integrated delivery adoption and the best practices you should implement to facilitate a smooth process.

Some key learnings include:

Identifying design and sustainability benefits of mass timber and modular MEP / façade systems Comparing the impact mass timber / modular MEP with traditional concrete structuresAssessing what is needed for this type of integrated project delivery collaboration Identifying the value of shared data sets and models between the design team, fabricators, contractors, and owners

 

 

25. Leveraging BIM360 Beyond Construction to Develop Paperless Operations

Speaker: Elsie Kiema, Design Engineer, Sanergy Inc.

Cities are growing faster than ever and urban population growth is dramatically outpacing access to basic services. Because of this, municipalities must find more efficient sanitation and waste management solutions.

To that end, Sanergy has developed an innovative model to treat and convert sanitation and organic waste into animal feed, using insect rearing technology.

Here to talk about how they did it is Elsie Kiema, Design Engineer at Sanergy. She’ll share how they built the largest (and first of its kind) organic waste recycling facility to solve Nairobi’s waste management crisis and scale the production of insect-based animal feed.

As Sanergy enters the next phase of its growth, the company plans to replicate the solution in other cities using BIM360 for the design, construction and operation of new factories. 

This talk will take you through the successes and challenges of the facility’s equipment handover process and how BIM360 played a key role in the transition to operations. The session will also touch on how Sanergy intends to use Autodesk products in the next factory design cycle in 2021.

A must-attend for CAD/CAM professionals, industrial designers, and quality managers, this class will teach you how to:

Leverage BIM360 to streamline equipment commissioning and handover activities Track design functionality and specifications after handover for the replication of improved designs Adopt BIM360 as an on-site asset management tool Build a complete design and construction project cycle within BIM360

 

26. A Digital Revolution in Resilient Housing, Build Change and Autodesk

Speaker: Juan Caballero, VP of Programs – Latin America and The Caribbean, Build Change

Build Change has been using Autodesk products for nearly two decades. From designing retrofits in AutoCAD to automating Revit with Dynamo, and now implementing Forge, the company strives to revolutionize resilient infrastructure, particularly in the housing sector. With the help of Autodesk tools, Build Change has been making home retrofits safe and possible in the COVID-19 era.

Needless to say, the company has gone through a lot over the last several years. In this session, Juan Caballero will walk you through Build Change’s 17-year history of using Autodesk. Discover how they’ve managed to impact 600,000 lives across 24 countries by providing an integrated solution for improving the resiliency of infrastructure. They are also empowering communities and to mitigate disasters and improve their essential functions.

Key takeaways from this session include:

Understanding how ADSK products can impact infrastructure resilience, particularly in housing in emerging marketsImplementing digital solutions for infrastructure resilienceSolving bottlenecks in the construction value chain using digital tools

 

27. Using Technology and Software to Create More Sustainable Designs

Speaker: May Winfield, Global Director of Commercial, Legal and Digital Risks, Buro Happold

Sustainability in construction is a complex topic and there are many questions on how to actually implement it. Technologies like Autodesk’s AEC Collection and Construction Cloud are key pieces that can help you solve the sustainability puzzle. Here to talk more about this topic is May Winfield from Buro Happold.

Known for its technology-forward thinking, Buro Happold has long been working towards an equitable and green recovery to mitigate climate change and the biodiversity crisis. The firm envisions a future wherein a regenerative ecosystem provides suitable habitats for humans and non-humans alike.

In this class, you’ll discover how implementing processes, documentation, and software can help support more sustainable and environmentally-friendly design. May will share some of the lessons that the company has learned when it comes to effectively using technology to achieve its sustainability goals.

Specifically, she’ll discuss:

How to identify what contract terms or documentation will support and require more sustainable design, processes, and practices How to implement technology and improved processes to meet your sustainability objectivesHow to implement internal processes and documentation to improve sustainability in working practices How to successfully implement a more sustainability-focused ethos and design process

 

Return to class topics >

 

 

Diversity & Inclusion

Creating an open and accessible work environment should be understood as a contributor to your success. In the sessions below, you’ll learn concrete ways to implement better initiatives around diversity, inclusion, and equity.  

Register for Autodesk University >

Back to class topics >

 

28. Creating Equity Through Technology in AEC

Moderator: Lainie Ransom, Industry Marketing Manager at Autodesk

Panelists: Cheris Martin, Project Manager, BL Harbert International – Jacqueline Rohrmann, Senior Design Manager, Tesla – Yurfa Glenny, Southeast Water Business Line Leader, Gannett Fleming

Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021 – 8:00 am – 8:45 am PST

Adversity often leads to opportunity. Over the past two years, we’ve experienced our share of economic, climate, and social challenges, all while enduring an ongoing global pandemic. The world is ripe with opportunities for those of us who design, make, and operate the built world. In this panel, we’ll discuss technology’s role in uncovering these opportunities as well as the acceleration of digital transformation across the AEC industry. We’ll seek to answer how, if at all, technology helps create more equity in our built world, societies, industries, and as professionals.

Join the dialogue with compelling industry change agents who are leveraging technology to drive impactful changes — improving sustainability, accelerating digital transformation, and increasing diversity in leadership – with their teams, clients, and project teams globally.

29. Becoming a True JEDI – Allyship for Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion

Speaker: Purvi Irwin, Practice Manager, Architecture, CADD Microsystems

Allyship is a cornerstone of Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI). But how exactly can you be an Ally? This is the question that panelists will answer during this session. You’ll hear from speakers’ experiences about how being an Ally promotes inclusion and how it’s mutually beneficial for team collaboration, diversity of ideas, and inclusivity through leadership. 

In this class, you’ll learn the importance of being an Ally in the AEC industry, and you’ll walk away with specific action steps on how to do it. 

Business owners, education administrators, and all other construction pros are encouraged to attend. You will:

Understand the qualities of an AllyLearn how to become an Ally in the AEC spaceRecognize when an Ally is needed and the appropriate actions to takeUnderstand the importance of Allies in our industry 

 

 

 

30. Transformational Change Through Diversity and Inclusion

Speaker: Clifton Cole, VDC Director, The PENTA Building Group

In this panel, industry experts in the fields of technology, design, and construction will share their personal journeys as minorities, to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). 

Our panelists will also talk about how leaders can better cultivate these values in their organizations. Learn how you can implement DE&I strategies and what to do if you encounter resistance to change. The panel will present a potential roadmap towards DE&I excellence, and they’ll weigh in on what the future of the AEC industry looks like with a more inclusive culture. 

Attendees will learn:

How to build an inclusive workplace How to implement strategies to develop a roadmap for DE&I excellence How to create opportunities for diversity in leadership roles How DE&I can bring transformational change to our industry

 

31. Diversity and Belonging in a Changing World

Moderator: Rita Giacalone, VP of Diversity & Belonging at Autodesk

How can we design greater equity into the world we build around us? Join Rita Giacalone, VP of Diversity & Belonging at Autodesk, along with Autodesk employees and customers, to explore how diverse viewpoints can be a design tool to create a more equitable world, and learn how you can engage the diversity within your company through workshops, employee resource groups, and other innovative practices.

 

Return to class topics >

 

Register Now for Autodesk University

Of course, the only way to access all of this exclusive content is by registering for Autodesk University 2021. We can’t stress how important it is to save your seat ahead of time. Register now to ensure you have access to all the great live and on-demand sessions. 

Register Today

The post Top 30 Construction Classes at Autodesk University 2021 appeared first on Digital Builder.

stucco finish
Stucco

Commercial and Residential Stucco Finishes

James Charlie

Stucco is a mixture of ground limestone and lime, sand, and water. This mixture has been formed by metering the ingredients of limestone and lime, and when they become wet, this hard rock/ aggregate gets hardened into a hard material known as stucco. Residential Stucco is used for many different projects in the home to provide a decorative and waterproofing surface. Stucco can be mixed with other cement materials such as mortar to create a fine mixture that is very durable and weather resistant.stucco finish

Commercial Stucco Jacksonville FL is used to repair damage in concrete structures to prevent further corrosion. It can also be used to create waterproofing and aesthetic enhancements to buildings. Some residential stucco repairs include repairing cracked windows, mildew in bathrooms and kitchens, and repairing leakages in roofs and pipes. Commercial stucco contractors use a wide range of specialist equipment to perform most residential and commercial stucco repairs.

Residential Stucco consists of Portland cement, sand, and natural lime which are mixed together. The end result is a high-quality, highly dense, resilient product that is highly absorbent. The traditional stucco used is a fine powder made up of Portland cement, sand and water and mixed by either hand or a machine.

Residential Stucco systems are typically built on homes and businesses as small patchwork projects. A single coat stucco repair is done to a single wall in a house or building. Most residential repair work includes interior stucco work as well as exterior stucco work. There is no limit to what may be repaired using a single coat stucco system. This type of repair is not as expensive as other types of repair work and is a much faster process.

Stucco can be applied to any exterior finish and surface. Home and business owners who seek the appearance of stucco but with an additional layer of protection can choose this option. Contractors also work with an interlocking textured coating which provides a smooth, seamless finish for any part of the house or business. The coating is made up of Portland cement, sand, and lime all mixed together. In addition to the smooth exterior finish, the contractors may also provide a fine-textured look to the finish as well.

For the house’s siding, the contractor may use standard Portland cement stucco or a special precast deteriorated iron Portland cement stucco mixture. When applying the Portland cement stucco, the contractor will often use a staining brush to ensure the edges of the house are even. Once the house is painted, the final color will be ensured by adding a fine coating of decorative lime stucco to the siding. The final result is an exquisite and long-lasting finish.

If there is water damage in the house in the process of fixing stucco damage can be sped up by using an ultraviolet (UV) light. This method is considered safe because the UV light damages only damaged cells, unlike the traditional hammering that occurs when moisture seeps into the structure of the wood. The stucco has a higher tolerance to UV than traditional hardwoods, so once the damage has been repaired, it can last for many years. Once the UV light has been removed, the stucco can simply be cleaned and protected from further damage.

The beauty of the Portland cement Stucco Finish is that it provides a great base to work with. If the contractor has a superior quality raw material, the final product will provide a smooth and beautiful finish. As the stucco cures and hardens, it will provide a durable seal that will help keep the moisture out of the house. The sealer is very sturdy and does not allow the rain or moisture to get through. In fact, the sealer can sometimes even make the rainwater runoff instead of pooling on the roof.

Construction Management

J S Wright lands £6m Soho Wharf package

Gerri Nielson

Building services provider J S Wright has secured a £6m contract to help turn a derelict canal-side site in Birmingham into a quality residential-led development.

The mechanical and electrical specialist, which is based Aston and has an office in London, will install the mechanical infrastructure services and fit out all 650 apartments at the 117-acre Soho Wharf scheme at Soho Loop on the city’s Main Line Canal, opposite Birmingham City Hospital.

The £165m regeneration project is being driven by joint venture partners Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital with the aim of transforming the former industrial site to attractive new apartments and townhouses, commercial space, and parks and gardens.

J S Wright will install a boosted cold-water plantroom with distribution pipework to all six blocks on the development, which will range from six to 14 storeys including retail and parking space.

In addition, the shell and core works involve installing soil and wastewater services, internal rainwater services, and dry risers for firefighting.

The company will also fit out all the one and two-bedroom apartments on the scheme with hot and cold-water services as well as soil and waste services.

The contract package for the apartments also includes installing domestic sprinklers and both heat recovery and extract ventilation systems.

Work has already commenced on the project with completion scheduled for summer 2023

Phil Leech, Managing Director of J S Wright, said: “With Birmingham undergoing a similar regeneration to London, it is a testament to our expertise that we have been appointed yet again to help deliver many more quality apartments in our home city.”

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=297

Construction Management

World’s first graphene highways resurfacing trials starts

Gerri Nielson

National Highways will be live testing the use of wonder material graphene for road surfacing to see if it prolongs the lifespan of busy roads.

Engineers believe using the one atom thick product could see the operational life of key road features extended by several years, reducing the frequency of roadworks and making journeys for road users smoother and more reliable.

The revolutionary resurfacing will take place along three miles of the northbound carriageway between Newton on the Moor and West Cawledge, south of Alnwick, from Sunday 19 September to Monday 1 November.

National Highways Asset Needs Manager Graeme Watt said: “Laboratory trials have been a success and the on-site trials in Northumberland will be a world-first use of graphene in road production.

“Graphene’s benefits are industry-changing. It’s stronger than steel and adding it to other materials can turn them into super materials. From what we’ve seen so far, it could make some of our assets last significantly longer.”

National Highways is carrying out the trials with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at The University of Manchester and Pavement Testing Services (PTS).

 

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=294

Construction Blogs

Homes England names 66 firms as preferred partners – list

Gerri Nielson

Homes England has selected a mix of 66 contractors, house builders and housing associations for its new Delivery Partner dynamic purchasing system.

This new system replaces the Delivery Partner Panel 3, transforming the way Homes England procures house builders and disposes of land.

Switching to a dynamic purchasing system means that house builders and contractors can now apply to join the agency’s list of preferred developers at any time, rather than having to wait until the list is renewed once every four years.

It marks the biggest DPS of its kind, and, valued at £20bn, and is Homes England’s largest procurement exercise to date.

Previous delivery panel partners including national contractors like Kier, Laing O’Rourke and Mace have dropped out, although they could now apply for inclusion at any time.

The new line-up includes 24 SMEs far more small firm’s than the previous delivery panel.

Homes England delivery partner DPSBDW  TradingJohn Graham ConstructionRowlinson ConstructionsBellway HomesKeepmoat HomesRP Tyson ConstructionBromford Housing GroupKingswood HomesSanctuary Housing AssociationBugler DevelopmentsLindum GroupSeddon ConstructionCastle Green HomesLioncourt HomesSigma HomesClaritas PSP ConsortiaLondon Square PartnersSt Modwen DevelopmentsCountryside PropertiesLonghurst GroupStewart Milne HomesCrest NicholsonLovell PartnershipsStonewood PartnershipsCrossfield LivingMcDermott HomesStory HomesDeeley GroupMcLaren ConstructionStrata HomesDevonshire HomesMercer Building SolutionsTaylor French DevelopmentsDurkanMidas ConstructionTaylor WimpeyEDAROTHMorris HomesTermrim ConstructionEG Carter & CoMulalley & CompanyThirteenENGIE RegenerationMulberry HomesTilia HomesEric Wright GroupMuse DevelopmentsTolent ConstructionEsh ConstructionNorthstone DevelopmentUnited Living (South)Feltham ConstructionOptivoVistry PartnershipsHighwood GroupPersimmon HomesWates ConstructionHill HoldingsPlaces for People GroupWestridge ConstructionJ. Harper & SonsPlatform Housing GroupWiggett ConstructionJessupRobert WoodheadWillmott Dixon Construction

The Delivery Partner DPS will also be available to Homes England’s public sector partners to help them procure a developer or contractor to build homes on sites they own.

Stephen Kinsella, Chief Land and Development Officer at Homes England, said: “This marks a significant step forward in the way we work with developers to build homes.

“We’ve also simplified the application process, so whether you’re a large, nationwide housebuilder, or a small local developer, it will be easier for you to access land you want to build on.

We encourage all housebuilders interested in working with us to monitor our recently updated Land Hub, and apply to join the DPS when they see a site of interest.”

The application process is proportionate, and depends on the size of the sites that a developer wishes to bid for, making it more accessible for smaller developers.

In addition, during the application process house builders can express interest in the locations and types of sites they want to develop.

Homes England has a number of sites that it is planning to issue expressions of interest for via the DPS in the coming months.

This includes a 14-acre site on Homes England’s Northern Arc scheme in Burgess Hill, which will support around 350 homes, 30% of which will be affordable homes. The site will be divided into two or three sub plots, making it particularly suited to SME developers.

Click here for more

Another site soon to be marketed via the DPS is in Cradley Heath, Dudley. Over the last couple of years Homes England has cleared disused industrial buildings from the site, and it now has outline planning permission for 89 homes.

 

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=285

Construction Blogs

Married directors banned for shafting subcontractors

Gerri Nielson

A married couple of construction directors from Telford have been banned for nine years each after diverting over £124,000 away from creditors.

Jane Thornton, 54, and Norman Thornton, 65, were both directors of the construction company Norjan (Properties) Limited, which went into liquidation in July 2020 with liabilities of over £411,000.

The Liquidator discovered that Norjan had informed its major client to direct payments into a new bank account from January 2020. This account belonged to a third party and over £124,000 was paid into it between February 2020 and April 2020.

The subsequent Insolvency Service investigation also established that the company had been trading while insolvent from at least 31 July 2017, and had an outstanding County Court Judgement of nearly £34,500.

Both Jane and Norman Thornton accepted that by diverting funds to the new account, they left the business unable to repay its creditors.

The Secretary of State accepted signed undertakings from both directors on 19 August 2021. Their disqualifications are effective from 9 September 2021 and last for 9 years each.

The pair cannot, directly or indirectly, be involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company without the permission of the court.

Nina Cassar, Chief Investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “In December 2019, Mr Thornton told bailiffs that Norjan (Properties) Limited didn’t have any funds to pay its debts. Then, with knowledge of the financial position, over £124,000 was placed out of the reach of creditors.

“This ban should serve as a warning to other directors that you have a duty to your creditors. If you neglect this duty, you could be investigated by the Insolvency Service and lose the privilege of limited liability trading.”

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=281