Masonry Contractors
Construction Services

Masonry – A Cost-Effective Building Material

Masonry is non-combustible and provides a barrier to fire. It also helps regulate the temperature in buildings, saving energy costs. Masonry Charleston SC is durable and requires less maintenance. Brick, concrete block, and stone are commonly used in masonry construction. These materials are stacked together and held in place by mortar.

Masonry ContractorsMasonry is a building material that is durable and can stand up to many types of weather. It can be made from brick, concrete blocks, or stone and is held together with mortar. It can be used to build walls and support roofs. Masonry is non-combustible, which can help protect buildings from fire. It is also energy efficient, as it helps regulate the temperature inside buildings and reduces the need for heating and cooling systems. It is easy to maintain and can last for centuries. It is available in a variety of textures, colours and patterns, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of architectural styles.

Brick and concrete are commonly used materials in masonry construction. These materials are sourced from mined deposits of clay, sand, gravel and rock. The materials are then combined with water, crushed or ground to form a slurry that is poured into molds. These molds are arranged to form the desired shape of the masonry unit. The slurry is then dried, and the units are fired in a kiln to harden them. Masonry is a popular building method for both commercial and residential structures. It is a good choice for homes, as it can add a classic look and is affordable. Masonry is also a good option for commercial buildings, as it can increase the value of a property and attract potential buyers.

However, masonry is not suitable for all construction projects. It requires a stable foundation, which can be expensive and time-consuming to install. It is also prone to cracking and requires regular maintenance. It is important to choose a professional contractor for masonry construction.

In addition, masonry structures are heavier than wood frames and can be difficult to transport. Moreover, masonry is not well suited for earthquakes, as they rely on their weight to keep them in place rather than the strength of the individual bricks or concrete blocks. This can result in building collapses during an earthquake.

While masonry is durable, it can be damaged by fire and other natural disasters. Masonry is not as insulated as wood frame construction, so it can require more energy to heat and cool a house. However, it is a better choice for homes with children and pets, as it will not easily crack or warp.

It is affordable

Masonry is a cost-effective building material that can provide significant savings in the long run. Its durability, low maintenance needs and energy-saving benefits make it a popular choice for homeowners and contractors. It can also add value to your home by increasing its curb appeal.

However, masonry is not a suitable option for every project. It requires a high level of skill, especially when dealing with brick and stone. It can be costly to hire experts with specialized construction skills to complete masonry projects. Additionally, putting off masonry work can result in further damage to the structure and deteriorate it at a faster rate. It is important to do masonry projects as soon as possible to reduce costs.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, masonry is non-flammable and has superior fire safety features. This feature can help property owners save money on insurance premiums. It can also provide protection from other forms of damage, such as floods and tornadoes. Masonry is also resistant to rot, termites and mould.

Moreover, the retaining walls built with brick and stone are attractive and add value to properties. The walls can protect soil and keep out weeds. They are also great for separating garden areas and lawns. Masonry can also be used to create sidewalks and patios. It is important to consider the size and shape of a retaining wall before choosing a material. For instance, a large brick wall may take up more space than a smaller one.

The loadbearing masonry system is an affordable solution for many applications. It is less expensive than a steel frame and eliminates the need for a foundation. It can also be constructed in a variety of configurations, including circles and arches. Additionally, it offers more flexibility and design options than other systems.

The most obvious benefit of masonry is its thermal mass properties. Its slow rate of heat discharge keeps interior temperatures warm in winter and cool in summer, resulting in lower energy bills. This advantage is complemented by the fact that masonry materials are non-flammable and do not degrade or decay quickly, which makes them a greener alternative to other building materials.

It is easy to install

Masonry is a material made of bricks, blocks, or stones that are joined together by mortar. It’s durable, affordable, and a good choice for many different projects. It is also resistant to fire, and can help protect your property from termites. However, masonry requires proper installation to ensure that it is structurally sound and looks good. It’s important to use a mason who is licensed and insured.

Load-bearing masonry walls are built with bricks, concrete blocks, or stone and transfer loads directly to the foundation. They can be used as interior or exterior walls and are usually thicker than framed walls. They are less expensive than framed construction. However, they are not as insulating and can make buildings too cold in northern climates.

Most masonry structures are built on solid foundations, either soil that hasn’t been disturbed before or fill that has been mechanically compacted. The footings must be below the frost depth, which is the deepest that the ground is expected to freeze in winter. This is because masonry, especially brick, can crack if the foundations move.

A foundation should be laid with a full bed joint, and the mason should spread a thick layer of mortar over the entire surface to provide a stable base for the rest of the masonry construction. The thickness of the mortar should be a minimum of 3 in., but it can be up to 6 in. It is also a good idea to apply a water repellent coating to the wall.

It is common for masonry to require repairs over time. Some of these are minor, such as chipping or cracking in the surface of a brick. Other repair needs are more serious and can involve removing and replacing parts of the structure, such as the grout or mortar.

Masonry work is a complex process that takes training and experience to learn. While it may be tempting to try DIY masonry work, it is often more cost-effective to hire a professional mason. They can use tools that are not typically found in a homeowner’s toolbox, and they can also save you money in the long run by saving you the cost of materials and equipment.

It is beautiful

Masonry is a beautiful construction method, and it can enhance the beauty of any home. It can also be used to create unique outdoor features, such as stone walls or pillars and patios with a fire pit or fireplace. Masonry can help reduce energy costs because bricks and stones are more insulating than wood. Masonry is also resistant to mold, rust, and insects. It is important to choose the right materials and tools for masonry work, as these will affect the durability of your finished project.

Masons have been creating stunning buildings for thousands of years, and their work has inspired architects throughout history. From the brownstones of Boston to The Pantheon in Rome, many of our world’s most iconic buildings are constructed with masonry. Masonry is a discipline that requires a great deal of skill and creativity, as well as a deep understanding of physics and engineering. Masonry is also a very versatile material, allowing builders to create vaulted arches that seem to stretch into the sky and beautifully ornamented doorways, alcoves, and niches.

While constructing properties using masonry materials may take longer than a standard building project, it can be made more efficient by planning ahead. Masonry is typically a labor-intensive process, and the time it takes to complete a building can be affected by weather conditions. Rain and cold temperatures can prolong the construction process by preventing masons from working on-site.

A masonry contractor can help you decide what type of masonry to use for your project and how to install it properly. They can also offer maintenance services, such as waterproofing and on-site repairs. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing one, a reputable Best Pick masonry company can help. They’ll work with you to design a custom solution that will last a lifetime.

Construction Services

Don’t Tell Anyone, But The Secrets You Need To Engage In Personal Development Are Here

 

A wonderful way to work on personal development is to help others. Nothing hits home harder than to help others that are needier than you. This is because you will probably see that things in your life are not nearly as bad as imagined and you will feel wonderful after assisting others.

 

Generalizations are the enemy of your self-improvement and success. Examine your thought processes to see what negative, general beliefs you hold about yourself. If you say in your mind that you “always fail,” etc., this is not accurate. Even if it was only one time, you have succeeded in the past! Remind yourself that the future is bright and self-improvement is possible.

 

A great self help tip is to not spend too much of your time watching television. Too much television isn’t healthy because it can greatly increase your stress levels. Watching too much television also promotes a sedentary lifestyle which isn’t healthy. Try limiting the amount of television you watch everyday.

 

If you are thinking about going down the path of self-help dealing with your anger problems, you must stay focused on your goal of being more relaxed. Often, events will happen that make you want to snap, but you need to stay focused and look past the brief enjoyment of anger.

 

Always try to present yourself in a positive light. While you should not worry so much about what someone thinks of you, if you need to promote yourself, you do have to be understood. Just do well to be yourself so that you don’t paint a false persona for people just to get their business.

 

Ways to help others are immense. Spending time with the elderly at a retirement home will fill the older folks with joy and appreciation for your time. Volunteering at an animal shelter will create a sense of importance and positivity. Even something as simple as donating non-perishable food to a drive is amazing because you are filling empty stomachs. Helping those who are less fortunate is a great way to work on yourself, while being an exceptional human being.

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Construction Services

Building collapses after foundation blunders

A building contractor has been prosecuted after carrying out unsafe excavation works which resulted in the partial collapse of a residential building.

Manchester Crown Court heard how on 14 August 2019, Iproject Cheshire Limited had been carrying out refurbishment works on a building in Didsbury.

Employees of the company undermined the foundations while digging out the ground around the building causing a partial collapse. There were no injuries or fatalities, but the collapse presented a risk to life.

An HSE investigation found that the company failed to properly plan or carry out the work safely. A risk assessment into the excavations had not been carried out. There was no safe system of work in place and the work had not been sufficiently supervised.

Iproject Cheshire Limited of Stockport pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined £31,500 and ordered to pay costs of £13,500.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector David Argument said: “This was a very serious incident, and it is fortunate that nobody was injured as a result of it.

“This incident could have been prevented if the company had carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment prior to commencing work on the excavations and by properly supervising the work.”

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Construction Services

M Group buys Babcock power lines arm for £50m

Infrastructure specialist contractor M Group Services has bought Babcock’s Overhead Line Power business for £50m.

Following the acquisition, the business will be rebranded to form part of Morrison Energy Services, sitting alongside and enhancing existing electricity, gas and green energy capabilities.

In latest accounts to March 2021, the power business reported total revenues of £70m and pre-tax profit around £7m before allocated overheads.

The overhead line electric transmission and distribution business counts among its clients including National Grid, Scottish Power Energy Networks and Western Power Distribution.

Jim Arnold, Chief Executive M Group Services, said: “It is important for us to deliver sustainable growth both organically and through acquisitions and we are pleased to strategically enhance our capabilities with this acquisition which provides the means to accelerate our growth by delivering a greater breadth of electricity transmission services to our clients.

“The culture, capabilities and reputation that have become synonymous with this business make it a perfect fit for us. We are delighted to welcome David Maddocks and his team to M Group Services.”

David Maddocks, Director of Babcock Power, added: “I am extremely excited to be joining M Group Services. Our overhead line capability compliments the existing range of services and provides a solid platform to grow in a market that has great opportunity for expansion.”

This acquisition takes the total number of strategic acquisitions made by M Group Services to 15 since December 2016.

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Construction Services

2021 in Review: Europe and the Middle East’s Year in Construction

As the end of 2021 fast approaches, we have begun to look back on another challenging – but exciting – 12 months in construction.

At the end of the most disruptive year on record – 2020- we knew there would be challenges and changes ahead. The lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continued to make its mark on the world over, but the news and rollout of vaccination programmes brought us much needed hope. And with the continuing impacts of Brexit, climate change and skills and labour shortages, there is no doubt that construction firms were keeping their resiliency plans firmly at the front of their minds.

However, it’s safe to say that we again couldn’t have predicted the long-term impact of Covid-19 on our sector with further lockdowns across much of Europe as we entered 2021 which not only halted productivity and project progress but also contributed to a global materials shortages.

As ever, many businesses, technology has remained mission-critical but the way in which companies are adopting to this is bringing back some clear competitive differences across the market.  We’ve brought together experts from our Autodesk Construction Solutions (ACS) team in Europe and the Middle East to share their thoughts on the year we’ve had and what we’ve learned.

 

Digital plans evolving from survival mode to long-term business strategies

For many construction companies in 2020, digital ways of working were forced upon them to keep afloat. Investment in solutions to keep operations moving in such uncertainty become a necessity and companies with long-term digital strategies were able to keep focused and in places, accelerate their goals.

District Manager for DACH, France and Spain Marvin Theissen reflects; “A Common data environment is always key in effective collaboration when it comes to remote working, and many companies recognised this in 2021. Despite this, 2021 also demonstrated that layering product and solutions on top of each other without a clear strategy can lead to systems fatigue for end-users.”

But as Nordics District Manager Nicholas Klokholm explains, “Companies are becoming more sophisticated in their needs and their employees expect this. Project teams want to work more holistically rather than using point solutions, and this will enable them to capture and use their data for better insights

 

New ways of working creating competitive advantages

When it comes to the marketplace, owners and main contractors also expect to experience a more streamlined digital experience when it comes to viewing and collaborating on their projects. Data that is captured in one place and used to provide richer insights can help decision-makers on projects.

Sander Lijbers, District Manager at Autodesk for Benelux says, “2021 was the year for refining and improving the use of technology. Companies that did this and could demonstrate it had a competitive edge when it came to bidding for work in our industry. Having a central source of truth shows project owners that risk and uncertainty are being addressed and reduced which is some of their biggest concerns

Shortages in materials and labour leading to skills in demand

The materials shortages that plagued the industry for much of 2021 is unfortunately here to stay. As cost of materials skyrocket and delays seep into schedules, a focus on skills in the industry  emerged. For Europe, the major effects of Brexit are starting to impact the labour market. Demand for construction workers across the UK steadily increased throughout 2021 as migration over Europe changed in light of new Brexit legislation.

According to Account Executive for UK & Ireland Brian Roche, the demand on skills led to project pressures and more competition within the market. “Employees expect to work more flexibly in line with other industries. The rise of remote working in 2020 showed us that collaboration can continue regardless of your geographical location with the right tools to support you, and this will be a decision-making factor as skilled workers look for roles within the industry.” Firms working with paper-based and manual processes run the risk of being left behind when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent.

Senior Customer Success Manager in the Middle East, Mohammad Abou Assali recognises that now more than ever, the workforce is looking closely at the mission and values of companies ensuring they align to their own. “In both 2020 and 2021, key issues in the world really came to the forefront. And the time to respond and make change is now. The construction workforce is increasingly aware of their own priorities and want to see more from the industry when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, so companies need to show their own commitment and advancements towards changing for the better. If they don’t, they risk losing out

People remain at the heart of the construction industry

Despite great progress in digitising and modernising the construction industry for the better, people will forever remain at the heart of the industry. Regardless of the technology being deployed or workflows established, people and their experience must be placed at the centre of any change. As District Manager Nicholas Klokholm says, “Change is difficult, and it doesn’t just happen. Data needs to be the enabler for all that we do in this industry and it is the driver for change.” For Sander Lijbers, District Manager for Benelux, 2021 was the year for preparing for the future; “Getting your own organisation in order was a key priority in 2021 and if you didn’t do that then 2022 is the time to do it – this way you’ll be ready for what is to come next

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Construction Services

Autodesk to Acquire Cloud Based Estimating Company ProEst

ProEst will join Autodesk to strengthen its preconstruction offering and connect the project cost lifecycle within Autodesk Construction Cloud

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 16, 2021 – Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today announced that it is acquiring ProEst, a cloud-based estimating solution that enables construction teams to create estimates, perform digital takeoffs, generate detailed reports and proposals and manage bid-day processes. Autodesk plans to integrate ProEst with Autodesk Construction Cloud, a comprehensive construction management platform connecting teams, data and workflows across the entire building lifecycle. The acquisition will strengthen Autodesk Construction Cloud’s preconstruction offerings and empower construction teams to manage all their critical preconstruction and construction workflows on one platform.

ProEst, whose customers include Geisinger, O’Brien Construction, Vantis and Oswald, translates project scope quickly and easily, turning drawings, specifications and models into material, labor and equipment costs. As a result, teams are not only able to supercharge the estimation process and build stronger bids, but also minimize project risks and heighten their chances of winning work. With ProEst’s cloud-based solution, customers can also access estimating information from anywhere, at any time, and import third-party cost databases to streamline estimation workflows. The acquisition of ProEst will complement Autodesk Construction Cloud’s best-in-class cost management capabilities and allow teams to track costs against estimates and provide greater visibility to increase the probability of project success.

“We pride ourselves on delivering quality projects safely, within budget and in a timely manner,” said Luis Berumen, vice president of innovation and technology, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors. “Autodesk Construction Cloud helps us manage our projects by enhancing collaboration across various phases and workflows and adding ProEst’s cloud-based estimating capabilities to the mix will further our ability to deliver quality projects efficiently.”

“ProEst enables us to produce estimates faster, consistently and more accurately throughout the design process and in collaboration with our partners, thereby improving overall efficiency” said Manny Innamorato, chief information officer, New York City School Construction Authority. “As a public entity, our mission is to build and modernize New York City’s schools in a responsible, cost-effective manner while still achieving the highest standards of excellence in safety, quality and integrity. With Autodesk Construction Cloud and ProEst now joining forces, we look forward to connecting our estimation data more seamlessly with our downstream construction workflows so we can stay on track and deliver on our mission in a more streamlined manner.”

ProEst will join Autodesk Construction Cloud’s existing portfolio of solutions, further enabling teams to reduce rework, improve productivity, increase automation and accelerate project delivery. Autodesk Construction Cloud solutions include:

Autodesk Takeoff: empowers estimators to perform 2D and 3D quantification workflows.Autodesk BIM Collaborate: enables project teams to align on and execute design intent by managing design collaboration and coordination workflows from a single solution.Autodesk Build: connects project, cost, quality, safety and field collaboration workflows in a solution that is easy to deploy, adopt and use.BuildingConnected: centralizes and streamlines the bidding process to help teams discover trade partners, identify the right subcontractors and solicit and compare bids. BuildingConnected is Autodesk Construction Cloud’s builders network, featuring over one million construction professionals. The solution also encompasses TradeTapp, which uses machine learning and AI technology to qualify contractors and mitigate project risk.

“Estimation significantly impacts downstream construction workflows, but is often a disconnected and manual process, which creates room for errors that can lead to cost and schedule issues later in a project lifecycle,” said Jim Lynch, senior vice president and general manager of Autodesk Construction Solutions. “Our acquisition of ProEst will allow construction teams to connect accurate estimates with the rest of their project data to minimize the risk of cost and schedule overruns and drive successful project outcomes. ProEst shares our vision for digital transformation in construction and we look forward to bringing their leading estimating solution to Autodesk Construction Cloud.”

“Our goal has always been to reimagine the construction estimating process and offer the most advanced functionality possible,” said Jeff Gerardi, ProEst founder and CEO. “We have enabled teams to move away from paper documents and spreadsheets and, thanks to our cloud-based platform, break down on-premise software silos with seamless integration. Autodesk’s vision of connecting construction from end to end is one we fully believe in, and we’re excited to join an outstanding preconstruction offering to deliver on that vision.”

In recent years, Autodesk has made significant investments in construction technology innovations, including Aurigo Software’s capital planning tools and Bridgit’s workforce allocation and resource planning solution. Autodesk also acquired Assemble, BuildingConnected, PlanGrid and Pype in acquisitions totaling more than $1.1 billion.

Business Outlook

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during Autodesk’s fourth quarter of fiscal 2022, ending January 31, 2022. The acquisition will have no material impact on Autodesk’s fourth quarter and fiscal year 2022 guidance presented on November 23, 2021.

About Autodesk 

Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Our technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products to more mesmerizing blockbusters, Autodesk software helps our customers to design and make a better world for all. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

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We may make statements regarding planned or future development efforts for our existing or new products and services. These statements are not intended to be a promise or guarantee of future delivery of products, services or features but merely reflect our current plans, which may change. Purchasing decisions should not be made based upon reliance on these statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist or change after the date on which they were made.

Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, Autodesk BIM Collaborate, Autodesk Build, Autodesk Construction Cloud and, BuildingConnected are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document. © 2021 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Construction Services

ANZ Infrastructure Industry Well-Positioned to Meet 2030 Benchmarks and Achieve Net Zero by 2050

In a first-time collaboration Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK), Australian Constructors AssociationConsult Australia and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council have released a joint report to support industry in accelerating a net zero future through the design and construction of the infrastructure pipeline.

The report,A net-zero future delivered through our infrastructure pipeline signals that a whole-of-business, systems-based approach across asset lifecycles is required to accelerate the journey to net zero. This includes pulling key levers such as procurement, materials, methodologies, technology and people capability.

Jon Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Constructors Association said, “The record investment in infrastructure creates opportunities for the construction industry to be part of the solution to net zero.

“We all have a role to play, and it must be performed in partnership. The report sets out the options and enablers for government and industry to use in mapping the path to low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure,” said Mr Davies.   

Although the industry has a significant footprint it has already started to demonstrate the influence it can have on the reduction of emissions said Ainsley Simpson, CEO, Infrastructure Sustainability Council.

“The 24 As-Built Projects certified over the last four years by the Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme reduced their whole of lifecyle emissions by 26.5 million tonnes of CO2e, which is equivalent to the 26 CO2e saved by the whole Australian economy in 2020,” said Ms Simpson.

There are many tools identified in the reportwhich also map key enabling levers against asset lifecycle phase, as well as a net-zero delivery model to prompt and guide decision-making – from rethinking and redefining problems and solutions through to reducing carbon intensive materials and ensuring regenerative approaches are integrated in asset design and construction.

The report also presents real-world case studies to inspire project teams to utilise, adapt, scale and accelerate further innovation.  Technology is also identified as a key enabler of decarbonisation.

Andy Cunningham, ANZ Regional Director, Autodesk, said technology supports the infrastructure industry with the tools they need to unlock insights, make better decisions, and achieve superior outcomes. 

“Software helps automate complex processes and transform data into actionable insights that empower innovators to improve the impact of everything they design, make, own, and operate. Cloud solutions and connected data environments fuel innovation—across technology, processes, supply chains, and industries. This opportunity is only accelerating,” said Mr Cunningham.

The release of the framework follows the COP26 climate talks which called for accelerated decarbonisation before 2030 to keep global temperature within 2-degree limits, and preferably to 1.5 degrees.

“Strong leadership and collaboration across the industry is going to be required to achieve accelerated net zero and keep our sector globally competitive,’’ said Nicola Grayson, CEO of Consult Australia. 

“Net zero is a shared responsibility. Through the collective members of the Australian Constructors Association, Consult Australia and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, in collaboration with Autodesk, we are committed to working with industry and government stakeholders to drive the continuous improvement required to achieve this shared outcome. We look forward to working together to take action at scale and at pace,’’ concluded Ms Grayson.

The report is available for download here.

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Construction Services

30+ Construction Industry Statistics for EMEA

Construction industry statistics and data are increasingly important as they help accelerate decision-making on and off the construction site.

Seventy-five percent of global construction industry stakeholders agree or strongly agree that the need for real-time decision-making is increasing at the project level. Data is the secret sauce to making those decisions quickly and strategically. It provides contextual information needed to move projects forward in the short term while offering a competitive advantage long-term.

And while project data is ideal for decisions in the present, relevant industry statistics can light a path in the dark for future decisions. Industry trends, both near and farsighted, are likely to impact your approach to preconstruction, technology investments, sustainability, risk analysis, workforce planning, budgeting, operational efficiency, and the list goes on. Add to that the compounding effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has served as both a significant challenge and powerful catalyst for growth in digital collaboration.

With these factors in mind, we’ve compiled a list of essential EMEA construction industry stats to help you better understand the landscape. These data points portray the current state of affairs while also forecasting what’s to come. We cover a several major themes, and if you’d like to dive deeper, we’ve also included to each of our sources so you can explore further.

These construction industry stats provide insight into:

The current state of the industry at the global and EMEA-specific levelsThe fastest-growing sectors and areas of demandCurrent supply chain constraints, sustainability efforts, and workforce outlooksHow a formal data strategy fits into addressing the listed challenges and opportunities

 

See statistics by topic:

General Outlook

State of the industryGrowth opportunities

Operational Challenges

Supply chainMaterial costs

Sustainability Efforts

Commitments and challengesImpact of technology on sustainability

Workforce Statistics

Labor shortages and the impact of Brexit New approaches create new jobs

Rise of Technology

The growing market for digitalisationData strategy brings a competitive edge

 

State of the industry

€11.6/£9.9* trillion estimated in global construction output by 2025. [Oxford Economics]Spending on construction accounted for 13% of the global GDP in 2020; it’s expected to reach over 13.5% in 2030. [Oxford Economics]The European Union’s (EU) total investment in construction in 2020 was €1.4 trillion or 10.7% of the EU’s GDP (€13.2 trillion). [FIEC]The European construction industry is expected to record a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.8% to reach €2.4/£2* trillion by 2024. [Cision]The United Kingdom (UK) is predicted to overtake Germany in 2023 in global output. The UK will remain the sixth-largest market after being overtaken by Indonesia in 2024.  [Oxford Economics]

 

Growth opportunities

The fastest-growing sector between 2020 and 2025 is forecasted to be infrastructure. The annual growth is expected to be 5.1% due to unprecedented levels of government stimulus driving medium-term growth. [Oxford Economics]Excess household savings (due to the pandemic) have led to an EU GDP expansion by an 8.5% annualized rate. [Oxford Economics]The demand for residential property is strong in Germany as a result of lowered mortgage interest rates due to COVID-19. As of Q2 2021, German banks have seen sales growth up to 30% compared to 2019. [ConsTrack360]The residential sector is the largest subsector driving short-term growth. It accounted for 44% of total global construction in 2020. [Oxford Economics]

 

Supply chain constraints and disruptions

Top Construction Industry Statistics for EMEA

Fifteen percent of EU contractors indicate lower production due to a lack or delayed delivery of building materials. [ING]As of 12 November 2021, the average cost of shipping a 40-ft container across major trade routes year-to-date (04/11/21) is €6,373/ £5,436* per 40-ft container. This figure is €4,108/£3504* higher than the five-year average of €2,265/£1,932* per 40-ft container. Peak costs exceeded €8,738/£7,454* per 40-ft container (as of November 2021).  [Drewry]Forty-four percent of construction companies in Germany reported problems procuring materials on time, up from less than 6% in March (as surveyed by the Ifo Institute in May). [Financial Times]Production in the German construction industry fell 4.3% in April from the previous month, despite companies in the sector reporting a record order backlog of €62 billion in March. [Financial Times]

 

Material costs

In Q1 2021, the cost of construction materials in Europe rose by the fastest rate since 2004. In July 2021, 40% of concrete, cement, and brick suppliers said they expected to raise their prices even higher. [ING]Concrete rebar (59% higher than a year ago), fabricated steel (65% higher), and imported plywood (82% higher) show the strongest price growth in September 2021 compared to 12 months prior. [BEIS via Euroconstruct]

 

Sustainability commitments and challenges

Top Construction Industry Statistics for EMEA

ESG-related capital growth in 2020 was 28%, largely due to a flow of fundraising into sustainability-related strategies. [Oxford Economics]Construction and demolition waste (CDW) produced in Europe accounts for 850 million tonnes. This is equivalent to approximately 60% of the total waste produced by Europe. [Oxford Economics]The built environment is responsible for around 40% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. [Oxford Economics]The European Commission announced in July 2021 that it will commit to a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) from 1990 levels by 2030. [Oxford Economics]

 

Impact of technology on sustainability

European construction businesses plan to invest an average of €900,000 in the next five years to become more sustainable, with seven out of 10 investing in construction. [Autodesk]Building Information Modeling (BIM) software offers possibilities to optimize the design phase and to deliver up to 15% less CDW. [Chalmers]BIM is one of the most common tools used in sustainability initiatives (36%), enabling owners and project teams to make more data-driven decisions. [Autodesk]Fifty-three percent of construction professionals say prefabrication has the greatest potential to reduce the industry’s carbon emissions. [Autodesk]

 

Labor shortages and the impact of Brexit

Top Construction Industry Statistics for EMEA

Fourteen percent: the increase in average pay packet for UK construction workers compared to the first half of 2020. [Construction News]In 2021, 26% of EU contractors reported problems with labor shortages. [ING]Employment in the UK construction sector fell from 2.3 million in 2017 to 2.1 million at the end of 2020. This represents a 4% fall in UK-born workers and a 42% fall in EU workers. [Office for National Statistics]More than 500,000 UK-born construction workers are expected to retire in the next 10 to 15 years.  [Financial Times]Official data from the Office for National Statistics reports that UK construction vacancies hit a 20-year high in August. [Construction News]

 

New approaches create new jobs

100,000: the number of direct jobs the commercial drones market growth is projected to create in the next 20 years. [ECSO]

 

The growing market for digitalisation

Top Construction Industry Statistics for EMEA

€1 trillion: potential EU industry savings from a full-scale digitalisation in non-residential construction. [ESCO]In 2019, it was expected that the European BIM market would grow by 13% from 2016 to 2023, accounting for €2.1 billion of spend. [ESCO]

 

Data strategy brings a competitive edge

Eighty-two percent: the percentage of European construction professionals collecting more data from construction technology today than three years ago. Still, 39% say that less than half of that data is usable. [FMI + Autodesk]Only 9% of businesses always incorporate project data into their decision making while 64% do this sometimes, rarely, or never. [FMI + Autodesk]On average, bad project data results in poor decisions 41% of the time. [FMI + Autodesk]€7.1 million: the amount of waste a €1 billion contractor could avoid by making decisions using accurate data [FMI + Autodesk]*currency conversions provided by Morningstar via Google on 12 November, 2021

 

Get more insights into the industry

As these 30+ statistics have demonstrated, the industry will continue to experience big changes and developments. It’s the perfect time for construction firms to tap into that momentum and reap the benefits of taking a more strategic approach to data. To begin, benchmark your current construction process with our free assessment.

MEASURE NOW

 

 

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Construction Services

How to Build a Business Case for a Better Data Strategy

Fewer cost overruns, fewer missed schedules, fewer safety incidents – the benefits of using quality data to inform decisions in construction projects are many.

“We are using project data to alert us to things before a problem arises,” one BIM coordinator surveyed for Autodesk Construction Cloud’s recently released global report Harnessing The Data Advantage In Construction told us.

“For example, we can track the number of encountered defects. We know once they exceed a certain number the schedule is going to be delayed. Having these insights allows us to address things when we can still do something about them.”

Our research found the construction industry is collecting more data than ever before but many are struggling to translate raw data into actionable insight.

In many cases, what is missing is the clear overarching data strategy, encompassing how data is collected, analysed and acted on.

Bad data has clear costs – our research found it caused 40% of the average construction firm’s poor decisions. Despite this, many of the more than 3,900 construction industry professionals we interviewed listed multiple roadblocks to establishing a formal data strategy.

Of those without one, the chief reasons why were:

Not knowing where to startLack of leadership and organisational supportThe cost and resources required.

So, how can the motivation and momentum needed to  better harness data be built?

Opening the black box

As useful as knowing where your destination is, it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t also know where you currently are. That’s why a good place to start is with a software audit. 

When we speak with potential clients and ask what they’re doing with their current software and why, they often don’t know. It’s a ‘black box’, they tell us. 

It’s difficult to compare what benefits a new approach would bring if it’s not clear how the current approach is functioning.

A basic software audit can give decision makers a better understanding of where they are at right now including what their systems are capable of doing, and how they’re being used. That, in itself, can be a revelation to many organisations as they start to map a smarter way forward.

Once an audit has been completed, processes can be benchmarked and compared against the concrete benefits of making a switch.

 

Engage the right stakeholders

Next, a broad and diverse group of people from within and around the organisation should be convened to help guide the process. This group should represent all stakeholders and potential data users – including major suppliers and contractors.

Their first job is to come together with decision makers to discuss how they currently make decisions and where their frustrations lie.

Where can manual, repetitive and time-consuming tasks be automated?What is it that slows decision-making down?Where are each department’s blind spots in terms of data?Where is data held and who can see it?What should be defined as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ data?In what situations are people relying on ‘experience’ and ‘know-how’ rather than accurate, real-time data to make decisions or implement changes?This can be an eye-opening process as there are always frustrations. Staff have been using technology in their private lives for long enough to know when the systems they’re using at work are inefficient.

It’s important to consider even the little things that can introduce errors. One CIO, during the research for the Harnessing The Data Advantage In Construction report, told us, “When we started to review the quality of our data, we encountered no fewer than 20 different spellings for the same supplier.” 

All of this gets in the way of developing data you can trust and base important decisions on.

At this stage, the group is in a discovery period, learning from each other the benefits to be had from a smart data strategy. 

The outcome here should be a clear understanding and prioritisation of the data categories and data capabilities that could alleviate the issues identified.

 

Imagine the future

It’s normal for a project manager to understand where a specific project is at. But it’s rare for a business executive to have the confidence to say they know for sure that a specific project is on schedule, on budget, has particular challenges that need to be solved, etc.

Executives in businesses that have smart data strategies can say this, and much more.

Data-driven systems offer such powerful insights that it can be quite a mental leap to imagine their business uses. Many organisations continue to discover new and exciting use cases for their data years after the system has been implemented.

First and foremost, it’s vital to develop buy-in. This means teams and individuals at all levels should be able to fully appreciate how a data strategy will make their jobs better, and make them better at their jobs.

“You have to take a human-centric approach,” a Senior Digital Delivery Manager told us. “You have to show them that you are reducing the amount of time wasted for them personally.

“If you are cutting down on their work by reducing time spent on administrative tasks, people are more likely to make the transformation.” 

 

Take small steps

Building a wall begins with putting a single brick in place, not placing all the bricks in a single movement. The same principle applies to instituting a successful data strategy. A successful pilot project will demonstrate the benefits better than any PowerPoint deck. 

By focusing on the project data that you know can bring the most value to the business, you will be able to demonstrate results and return on investment quickly. And good data platforms are modular and easy to integrate, meaning elements can be introduced one at a time. 

Best practice is not to change anything mid-project. Start with a new project and compare results with another project that is still using traditional methods. The more clearly you can quantify the benefits, the smoother the introduction of a full data strategy will be.

 

Ready for what comes next

It is vital for the future of many organisations that a strong business case is created. 

Up against challenges such as the labour shortage, ever more aggressive schedules, greater quality assurance expectations, more competitive bidding processes, sustainability pressures and more, the insight offered by a strong data strategy is a powerful driver of performance.

To learn more about how your competitors are making use of data, download the Autodesk/FMI Harnessing The Data Advantage In Construction report

The post How to Build a Business Case for a Better Data Strategy appeared first on Digital Builder.

Construction Services

Sustainability initiatives gather pace in ANZ: key to 66% of corporate businesses’ strategies


Sustainability is a key part of 66% of ANZ strategies, in comparison with 53% of company strategies across APAC92% of APAC companies are embracing sustainability due to regulation and market forcesDigital adoption is a critical enabler for sustainability, but is significantly underleveraged

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND, November 24, 2021 — Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today launches its newest research report in collaboration with Frost & Sullivan, Enabling a Sustainable Future through Digitalisation: Trends driving the Design & Manufacturing and Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industries in APACThe report surveys companies across architecture, engineering, construction, design and manufacturing (AEC and D&M) industries to determine current factors driving sustainability across Asia Pacific.

Across the region, more than half (53%) of companies surveyed indicated sustainability was an important part or cornerstone of their business strategy. In Australia and New Zealand the market is more mature, with 66% of companies surveyed mentioning sustainability is an important part of the strategy or even a cornerstone. The findings also show sustainability initiatives are gathering pace in the region, with the key drivers being regulation and market forces (92%), investor relations (87%), and competitive advantage (80%).

APAC is a significant contributor to climate change

The massive impact on climate change, driven by the increasing consumption in energy and materials, is accelerating the demand for sustainability across the AEC and D&M sectors. APAC now contributes 53% of global GHG emissions, producing 18.3 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2020 – more than the cumulative emissions from the rest of the world. Manufacturing and construction, and the building industry account for 17% and 4% GHG emissions in APAC respectively. According to research released at the recent COP26 climate summit, Australia leads the world in GHG emissions from coal per capita. In addition, about 28% of electricity production in Australia in 2020 was from renewable energy sources, far below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s average of 40%. For the world to progress towards the net zero goal, it is necessary for these sectors in APAC to change how they approach sustainability.

Governments across the region are pledging to contribute to sustainability while balancing the imperative of economic growth. Initiatives such as the Green Building Council of Australia’s voluntary sustainability rating system for green buildings in Australian fit-outs and communities is also a growing trend. In Australia, waste products like construction debris, slag from steel plants, etc. are being utilised for building roads. Australia’s waste policy 2018 has been developed for managing trends across states and territories. However, progress has been uneven with the region struggling to suppress the increase of GHG emissions driven by high economic growth.

Digital adoption is a critical enabler for sustainability

Increasing requirements for compliance with mandates and regulations related to energy consumption and emissions reductions requires increased monitoring, measuring, reporting and verification – which data can provide.

According to Andy Cunningham, Regional Director, Autodesk Australia & New Zealand, efficient and structured management of data is important to achieving sustainability goals, highlighting the need for increased digital adoption. Technology can support businesses to reduce GHG emissions and waste, and accelerate the design and make of safer, healthier and more resilient products and places.

“Digital technologies are providing a bridge to approach sustainability challenges in a new way. For example, key environmental issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental protection are being addressed through digital solutions such as digital twin and lean construction – major trends that are driving sustainability in Australia and New Zealand.”

“Two major challenges organisations face in their journey towards sustainability is the lack of skills and resources, which are being compounded by the ageing of assets. Digital adoption is the key to overcoming these challenges and is a critical enabler for sustainability, but it is still massively underleveraged,” said Mr Cunningham.

According to Mr Cunningham, APAC presents a massive growth potential but is also the region with the least technology adoption. “In order to sustain the growth and the scale, it is now imperative for the public and the private sector in the region to be more aggressive in adopting technologies to capitalise on the potential and also achieve the common sustainability goals,” he said.

Large economies in the region have already committed more than US$250 billion in investment towards sustainability, and indicated timelines to become carbon neutral. Yet, only two countries from the region appear in the top 25 in the Global Sustainability Index 2021.

According to Ravi Krishnaswamy, Senior Vice President, Energy & Environment, Industrial, APAC, Frost & Sullivan, “With increasing focus on adopting sustainable development goals and gaining a competitive advantage, digital technologies are driving the convergence necessary for achieving a balanced growth between business and environment. Digitalisation has emerged as one of the top strategy agendas for many corporations worldwide.

“As a result companies are increasingly adopting digital solutions for compliance related data measurement and reporting, easy collaboration with supply-chain partners, data on low-carbon materials, and machine-learning and artificial-intelligence capabilities for improving their sustainability quotient.”

Action must now be taken to embrace digitalisation as an enabling pillar and increase the commitment towards sustainability, contributing to the global cause while upholding often divergent stakeholder interests. To learn more about Autodesk’s commitment to sustainability, visit www.autodesk.com/impactreport

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