Construction

Learn more about the rating system for buildings that determines how fire-resistant a structure is.

All trenches are excavations, but not all excavations are trenches. Read on to learn about what trenching is and how it’s used in construction.

Our construction risk management guide details the steps you’ll need to take to control hazards in your projects.

Earthquakes cause billions in damages and thousands of deaths a year. Here are the materials and technology used to design earthquake-proof buildings.

Learn more about how modular buildings can help reduce waste and emissions in the construction industry.

If you’re building in a fire zone, it’s important to take precautions. We’ll explain fire-resistant materials to use and how to create a defensible space.

With suicide rates continuing to increase, more companies need to make an effort to increase awareness and decrease the stigma around mental health in the construction industry.

How are bridges built to transport people and vehicles on an everyday basis? Special engineering techniques and steps are required to design a functional bridge – here's how they are constructed.

Stormwater best management practices, called BMPs, are useful for reducing the spread of pollutants caused by stormwater runoff. This runoff poses a threat to the environment because it can collect pollutants from impervious surfaces, such as city streets and parking lots, and flow into nearby waterways.

Plaster and drywall are the most popular options when choosing an interior wall finish. They’re commonly found in both residential and commercial buildings, and they each have distinct features that set them apart.

If you’re looking to start a career in construction, you’ll appreciate our round-up of 12 of the best cities for construction jobs in 2021.

Although they make up only 10% of the construction workforce, women are steadily rising through the ranks and becoming leaders in the industry. Learn about the current state of women in construction and the women who are breaking glass ceilings.

Different kinds of mold can create different kinds of health hazards, which is why it’s important to keep your buildings mold-free. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can do so, ranging from moisture control to the kind of materials you employ in construction and maintenance projects.

The construction industry is full of specialized guidelines and procedures. Everything from determining milestones to transferring funds must be defined in a construction contract. Contracts provide the fundamental legal and financial framework of a project. In most projects, this framework governs the speed of completion. Retainage is one of the terms that can determine how and when a project is completed.

Whether you’re looking for a basic introduction to the industry or need something new to tune into on the job site, our list of the best construction podcasts for 2022 is a great place to find new content. The following podcasts feature working professionals and industry experts to help listeners navigate the latest challenges, technological advancements and opportunities the construction industry has to offer.

As the industry evolves, it's important to stay ahead. We cover eleven important construction industry trends to help your business stay competitive in 2022.

Top-rated authors in the industry cover everything from basic construction fundamentals to position-specific tools and resources. To help you find the right construction book for you, we’ve broken down our list of favorites into six categories based on industry, experience level and job type.

As cities continue to search for new ways to expand urban landscapes with sustainability in mind, there are some already in development today. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most futuristic buildings are already underway.

Buildings made entirely from wood are a rare find in modern cities, but engineers and environmental advocates are looking to change that with mass timber, a modern framing system that has transformed what we know about wooden buildings.

Substantial completion is a contractual obligation that refers to the point at which a building or structure is suitable to be used.

The Proctor test measures soil compaction to determine the point at which soils can most efficiently be compacted using construction equipment, based on their optimal moisture content and maximum dry weight.

There are a number of ways to address the problem, from screens to etched or fritted windows to minimizing lighting that can distract and confuse migrating birds. These are just a couple of characteristics of some bird-safe buildings, but the true definition is more detailed than that. So, before we go any further, it would behoove us to define exactly what a bird-safe, or bird-friendly building is.

When you think of acoustics, you probably think of concert halls. But musicians aren’t the only ones who benefit from good acoustics. Architectural acoustics are essential in ensuring sounds are transmitted clearly and effectively. They matter when it comes to keeping things quiet in places like libraries or museums, or in making sure loud noises aren’t too loud, in places like casinos.

There are two primary concrete block categories: hollow and solid. Both of these concrete block types are typically used during the construction of walls, but can be used for other purposes as well.

Business owners might choose to hire general contractors, independent contractors, and subcontractors for a variety of different construction projects. However, deciding which type of contractor is the best fit for a project requires understanding the key differences between each type.