Products ENR’s products section covers construction equipment, construction materials and new construction products.//www.pjbjkak.com/rss/452-products en-us Quantum Gravity Sensor Tests Point to Better Subsurface Mapping reina@btinternet.com (Peter Reina) By eliminating "noise" of unwanted readings, new sensor device developed at the University of Birmingham is more accurate and up to 10 times faster than current instruments, its developers claim. //www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53728 Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:19:00 -0500//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53728-quantum-gravity-sensor-tests-point-to-better-subsurface-mapping Bobcat Introduces All-Electric Compact Track Loader, Sees Future in EVs rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

The new T7X model eliminates the diesel engine and the entire hydraulics system, pointing the way toward a future of fully electrified heavy equipment.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53721 Fri, 04 Mar 2022 20:45:00 -0500//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53721-bobcat-introduces-all-electric-compact-track-loader-sees-future-in-evs
New Tariff on Japanese Steel Makes Key Change to Exclusions

Steel goods imported under the exclusion process will still count toward the quota.


//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53580 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 18:00:00 -0500//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53580-new-tariff-on-japanese-steel-makes-key-change-to-exclusions
Materials Supply Start-Up RenoRun Secures $142M in Series B Funding

Growing from 50 to 500 employees in three years, the building materials delivery service announced a significant financing increase from its latest funding round amid the company's continued expansion.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53548 Fri, 04 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0500//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53548-materials-supply-start-up-renorun-secures-142m-in-series-b-funding
Hilti Standardizes Cordless Tools on Nuron, Its New 22V Battery Platform rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

The 22V Nuron battery platform will be compatible with 70 new Hilti tools, from the lightest to the most-demanding applications.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53413 Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:36:00 -0500//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53413-hilti-standardizes-cordless-tools-on-nuron-its-new-22v-battery-platform HiltiNuronOpen.jpg Hilti's 22V Nuron battery is the new standard battery for the manufacturer's entire cordless lineup going forward. Photo by Jeff Rubenstone / ENR HiltiNuronLineup.jpg The refreshed, Nuron-compatible cordless tool lineup includes 70 tools, refreshing existing tool categories and even getting into some new building trades. Photo by Jeff Rubenstone / ENR HiltiNuronDrills.jpg Hilti Nuron batteries can be used in demanding applications, such as rotary hammers. The TE 6-22 SDS Plus rotary hammers and the SDS Max TE 30-22 and TE 60-22 combihammers will be available at launch. Some new Nuron-compatible tools, like the TE 4-22 rotary hammer seen here, will be available later this year. Photo by Jeff Rubenstone / ENR HiltiNuronHammer.jpg Nuron-powered tools can even tackle applications that normally required corded or pneumatic power, like the TE-2000-22 jackhammer seen here that can crack concrete on two Nuron batteries. Photo by Jeff Rubenstone / ENR HiltiNuronBattery.jpg The Nuron batteries use lithium-ion cells with a new design for heat management. They also feature electronic controls at the point of contact with the tool for power management, allowing the tools to draw up to 100 amps. Photo by Jeff Rubenstone / ENR
Deere Workers Vote to Approve New Contract, Ending Monthlong Strike rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

Thousands of Deere workers with the UAW voted on Nov. 17 to end the monthlong strike that had disrupted the equipment manufacturer's operations at over a dozen facilities.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53040 Wed, 17 Nov 2021 22:45:00 -0500//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53040-deere-workers-vote-to-approve-new-contract-ending-monthlong-strike
Hilti Acquires Startup Fieldwire in $300M Deal rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

The move broadly expands the tool manufacturer's presence in the construction software space.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/53015 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:20:00 -0500https://www.新利luckenr.com/articles/53015-hilti-acquires-startup-fieldwire-in-300m-deal FieldwireApp.jpg Fieldwire's app is designed with building trades in mind, making sure that the latest documents and task lists are provided to field workers as needed. Image Courtesy of Fieldwire
Deere Workers Vote Down Proposed Deal, Will Continue to Strike rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

A strike by over 10,000 workers at John Deere manufacturing facilities has entered its fourth week as workers reject a proposed deal with management by a 55% to 45% margin in a Nov. 2 vote.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52892 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 23:27:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52892-deere-workers-vote-down-proposed-deal-will-continue-to-strike DeereAgLift.jpg A John Deere compact loader performs a lift.Photo Courtesy Deere & Co.
Brain-Protecting Construction Safety Helmet Now Available in US rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone) < p > PPE制造商Ergodyne现在提供头盔智慧h the MIPS system designed to isolate the brain from shocks associated with falls and collisions.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52767 Thu, 21 Oct 2021 18:23:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52767-brain-protecting-construction-safety-helmet-now-available-in-us MIPSErgodyne.jpg The MIPS-equipped Ergodyne helmet is designed to reduce the chance of traumatic brain injury from falls and collisions. Photo Courtesy of Ergodyne
More Than 10,000 UAW Workers Strike at 14 Deere Equipment Plants rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

With negotiations at impasse over raises and pension benefits in a new contract, employees at the construction equipment manufacturer's U.S. facilities went on strike at midnight on Oct. 14.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52726 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 16:38:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52726-more-than-10000-uaw-workers-strike-at-14-deere-equipment-plants DeereAgLift.jpg A John Deere compact loader performs a lift.Photo Courtesy Deere & Co.
Nerves of Steel Needed as Firms Face Volatile Prices, Broken Contracts and Price-Gouging Owners and contractors engage in guessing game over delivery dates and future prices. //www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52596 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 13:04:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52596-nerves-of-steel-needed-as-firms-face-volatile-prices-broken-contracts-and-price-gouging Drill Rig Collapses at Chicago Transit Authority Red/Purple Line Site, No Injuries Reported yodersj@enr.com (Jeff Yoders)

A 100-ton hydraulic drill rig tipped over onto the street at the site of the Chicago Transit Authority's $2.1-billion Red/Purple line project. No injuries were reported and the cause of the incident is being investigated.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52604 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52604-drill-rig-collapses-at-chicago-transit-authority-redpurple-line-site-no-injuries-reported Collapsed Drill Rig Walsh-Fluor personnel investigate a collapsed drill rig on the CTA Red/Purple line modernization site near the Bryn Mawr elevated train stop on Oct. 6, 2021. Image courtesy of the Chicago Fire Dept.
Nucor Launches Line of Greener Steel Products postn@enr.com (Nadine M. Post)

The steelmaker's line of products for construction are more sustainable because they will be made with renewable energy.  

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52598 Wed, 06 Oct 2021 16:07:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52598-nucor-launches-line-of-greener-steel-products
Reflective Coatings Deployed to Cool the Built Environment

In an effort to combat heat gain in urban areas and mitigate the effects of climate change, researchers in Arizona are evaluating reflective coatings for roadways.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52547 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:27:03 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52547-reflective-coatings-deployed-to-cool-the-built-environment neighborhood streets The City of Phoenix Street Transportation Dept. applied a light-colored, reflective coating to roads in eight neighborhoods across the city to study its cooling effects.Photo courtesy of the City of Phoenix
Construction Tech Startup Versatile Secures $80M in Series B Funding Round rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

Crane-mounted sensor and jobsite intelligence startup Versatile announced on Sept. 14 that it has secured $80 million in Series B funding. This comes on the heels of a $20 million Series A funding round secured in December 2020.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52430 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 15:33:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52430-construction-tech-startup-versatile-secures-80m-in-series-b-funding-round ENR0421Gilbane2.jpg The CraneView sensor hangs below the hook and features a load cell and camera. It wirelessly reports crane pick data back to the cloud, where data analytics provide regular updates on crane utilization. Photo Courtesy of Gilbane Building Co.
Deere Ends 33-Year US Equipment JV With Hitachi in $275M Deal rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

U.S. firm will acquire factories and intellectual property from Japan-based company in dissolving a joint venture to manufacture and sell its construction equipment in the Americas under the Deere brand.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52283 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 15:26:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52283-deere-ends-33-year-us-equipment-jv-with-hitachi-in-275m-deal DeereHitachiJV.jpg Photo Courtesy Deere
MTA Aims to Bring Subway Tunnel Robotic Drill Rig to Bid rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

After a successful trial of a railcar-mounted robot to drill holes for tunnel cable racks, the MTA is putting together an open bidding process for vendors to further develop a robot drill rig for use in New York City’s subway tunnels.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52123 Tue, 20 Jul 2021 14:54:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52123-mta-aims-to-bring-subway-tunnel-robotic-drill-rig-to-bid MTASubwayRobot.png The prototype robot drills holes for cable trays in the rehabilitation of an NYC subway tunnel. Photo Courtesy of MTA MTARobotcab.png Crews can monitor the robotic drill rig at work from an adjacent subway car. Photo Courtesy of MTA
Fla. Collapse Prompts Interest in Non-Destructive Testing rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone) When news came of the collapse of the Champlain Towers residential high-rise in Surfside, Fla., Pouria Ghods thought back to another fatal collapse, almost exactly nine years earlier at the Algo Centre Mall in Elliot Lake, Ontario. //www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52099 Thu, 15 Jul 2021 13:56:57 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52099-fla-collapse-prompts-interest-in-non-destructive-testing non-destructive testing Giatec Scientific’s iCor system can electromagnetically detect corroded rebar without drilling.Image courtesy Giatec Scientific 2021 2Q Cost Report: Supply Issues Persist Even as Lumber, Other Prices Stabilize yodersj@enr.com (Jeff Yoders) While price increases in softwood lumber have pushed new home costs higher due to homebuilders’ extensive use of the material, estimators for all other building types have felt the pinch as well. //www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52031 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 09:51:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/52031-2021-2q-cost-report-supply-issues-persist-even-as-lumber-other-prices-stabilize lumber yard Even as mills ramp up production to meet wood demand, contractors are still having a difficult time sourcing the material for concrete framing, roofing and several other non-residential construction uses.Photo courtesy of Getty Images House Made of 3D-Printed Concrete Goes Up in Arizona rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone) Using a gantry-mounted printer and a specialized concrete admixture, the project is the first to use the PERI 3D printing system in the U.S. //www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51972 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:04:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51972-house-made-of-3d-printed-concrete-goes-up-in-arizona home built using gantry-mounted 3D printer The Tempe home’s walls were built on site using PERI’s gantry-mounted 3D printer. Photo courtesy of PERI 3D-printed walls of the home The 3D-printed walls of the home are capable of holding static and dynamic loads. Photo courtesy of PERI ENR FutureTech 2021 Opens With a Look at Construction Robotics and Startup Partnerships rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

New advances in automation, data collection and the perils of too many pilot projects were the top line ideas at the first day of the 2021 ENR FutureTech conference. 

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51893 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 12:35:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51893-enr-futuretech-2021-opens-with-a-look-at-construction-robotics-and-startup-partnerships FutureTechSpotAcciona.jpg FutureTech 2021 opened with a lively keynote from Acciona roboticist Carlos Crespo on how technologists need to get out of the office and lab and be willing to get dirty on the jobsite with their innovations. Seen here is the Boston Dynamics Spot quadruped robot, deployed by Crespo's team to autonomously perform lidar scans of recently excavated tunnels. Photos Courtesy of Acciona
Katerra Files for Bankruptcy, Seeks to Reorganize US Operations rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

The company cites project losses among the causes of its financial trouble. 

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51869 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:35:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51869-katerra-files-for-bankruptcy-seeks-to-reorganize-us-operations CatalystKaterraMassTimber.jpg Katerra was an advocate of building technologies such as mass timber construction, seen here on its Catalyst project in Spokane Wash., which was completed in 2020. Photo Courtesy of Katerra
As Katerra Reportedly Shuts Down, Scramble Ensues Among Team Members, Clients rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

The vertically integrated construction startup that sought to bring the myriad aspects of design, manufacturing and construction under one roof, is set to stop operations, according to media reports.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51850 Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:25:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51850-as-katerra-reportedly-shuts-down-scramble-ensues-among-team-members-clients KaterraCatalyst.jpg The Catalyst Building in Spokane, Wash., was one green building project that Katerra and its subsidiary company Michael Green Architecture worked on. Many Katerra-related projects still underway are now in limbo. Photo Courtesy of Katerra
Triax Adds Features to Proximity Tracing Wearables, Looks Beyond Social Distancing rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone) Safety tracking tag also has geofencing and hazard warning features, as well as those that can be used for access control at gates and tracking worker equipment certifications //www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51808 Wed, 26 May 2021 17:20:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51808-triax-adds-features-to-proximity-tracing-wearables-looks-beyond-social-distancing Triax Proximity Trace A firmware update is bringing new features to the Proximity Trace worker tags, including setting up warning beacons for a geofenced "digital caution tape." Photo Courtesy of Triax Technologies Roadwork Robot Autonomously Digs Out, Repairs Buried Utility Lines rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

Looking to speed their ongoing overhaul of the U.K.’s second largest gas distribution network, gas utility SGN has been investing in the development of the autonomous RRES roadworks robot from ULC Technologies. 

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51656 Tue, 27 Apr 2021 08:29:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51656-roadwork-robot-autonomously-digs-out-repairs-buried-utility-lines ENR0427rres1.jpg The RRES robot from ULC Technologies uses interchangeable tools on robotic arm to perform all of the tasks necessary to excavate gas lines from beneath roadways, perform work on the line, and then rebury it. It is seen here with the ground-penetrating radar attachment its uses during its initial site assessment. Photo Courtesy of ULC Technologies ENR0427rres2.jpg In order to cut a keyhole in the roadbed, the RRES uses a custom electric chainsaw. Water to reduce dust is supplied via an external house. The chainsaw is powered by the robot's onboard lithium-ion batteries. Photo Courtesy of ULC Technologies ENR0427rres3.jpg The RRES prototype works on a test pavement during a demonstration for the industry press. Operators are mostly hands off during the process, but are needed to change out the attachments on robot's tool cart. While the demonstration was performed in a tent, ULC Technologies representatives say the robot is capable of working in all weather, a requirement that U.K. gas utility SGN had set during development. Video Still Courtesy of ULC Technologies ENR0427rres4.jpg The RRES removes the pavement core using a pneumatic vacuum system. The robot can lift the core up to 3 meters (approx. 9.8 ft) above the its base, provided the core weighs less than 225 kg (approx. 496 lb). ENR0427rres5.jpg 地下公用事业工作完成后,the RRES can compact the soil back down layer-by-layer, as human operators shovel it in the hole. Video Still Courtesy of ULC Technologies
Product Snapshot: Aerial Boom Lift and Electric Buggy

Recently launched in the North American market, the 450AJ HC3 boom lift has a maximum platform height of 45 ft, with a horizontal outreach of 25 ft.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51628 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 13:28:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51628-product-snapshot-aerial-boom-lift-and-electric-buggy 450AJ HC3 boom lift Recently launched in the North American market, the 450AJ HC3 boom lift has a maximum platform height of 45 ft, with a horizontal outreach of 25 ft. Makita Makita is getting into the 40V max market with the recently launched XGT System. AW16-B wheel buggy The AW16-B wheel buggy is the first buggy powered by an electric motor from the manufacturer. Deere’s grade control technology 在第一个设备紧凑,迪尔的毕业生e control technology, SmartGrade, will be fully integrated into its 333G compact track loader.
Indoor Air Quality Expert: Many Air Cleaner Technologies Are Still Unproven rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

A member of ASHRAE’s epidemic task force has launched an initiative to set up independent, peer-reviewed testing of indoor air-treatment systems for their efficacy against viruses and for any negative impacts on indoor air quality.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51621 Wed, 21 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51621-indoor-air-quality-expert-many-air-cleaner-technologies-are-still-unproven
Virus Zapper’s HVAC-System Retrofit Coming Soon

Integrated Viral Protection reports it has sold $15 million worth of the standalone version of the patent-pending Biodefense Indoor Air Protection System since the virus-killing air filter’s launch last August.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51558 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:28:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51558-virus-zappers-hvac-system-retrofit-coming-soon
Developer's Novel Virus-killing Air Filter Ups Standard for Indoor Air Quality postn@enr.com (Nadine M. Post)

Real-estate mogul Monzer Hourani wins 2021 ENR Award of Excellence for setting a presto tempo to develop technology that mitigates transmission of COVID-19 in buildings.

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51556 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:28:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51556-developers-novel-virus-killing-air-filter-ups-standard-for-indoor-air-quality Monzer Hourani A lover of classical music, Hourani recharges his mind, heart and soul by listening to music and conducting from memory—with or without an orchestra— indoors or out. PHOTO BY SCOTT BLAIR/ENR Monzer Hourani Hourani stands behind protege Peel, leaning on a mobile unit. PHOTO BY AL TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY Monzer Hourani Yu, Ren and Hourani in the lab. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TEXAS CENTER FOR SUPERCONDUCTIVITY Monzer Hourani Hunton Group staff fine-tuning HVAC-system retrofit filter at Hunton’s headquarters. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HUNTON GROUP Filter model 过滤模型与hyper-heated镍mes发红h that zaps airborne viruses and many other germs. IMAGE COURTESY OF IVP Guest conductor Hourani Guest conductor Hourani has outfitted several Houston concert venues with IVP filters. PHOTO SCREENSHOT OF VIDEO COURTESY OF MOORES SCHOOL ORCHESTRA Monzer Hourani Hourani, at his Texas A&M site, is proud of Medistar’s projects, especially in view of the pandemic’s economic challenges. PHOTO BY AL TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY Monzer Hourani Mixed-use Central Station, a transit-oriented development in downtown Phoenix, may break ground this year. RENDERING © CITY OF PHOENIX Monzer Hourani Texas A&M development will have student housing and a biomedical-life sciences building. RENDERING COURTESY OF MEDISTAR CORPORATION Monzer Hourani Hourani deployed mobile filters to schools first, to facilitate safer in-person learning for staff and students. PHOTO BY AL TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY Monzer Hourani Thank you cards to Hourani, from schoolchildren grateful to have filter units in their building, are music to his ears. PHOTO BY AL TORRES PHOTOGRAPHY
Air-Filtration Industry Steps Up to Combat COVID rubenstonej@enr.com (Jeff Rubenstone)

After a long year, makers of air filtration and treatment systems see real progress in combating the spread of COVID-19

//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51545 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:19:00 -0400//www.pjbjkak.com/articles/51545-air-filtration-industry-steps-up-to-combat-covid COVID-19 particles The challenge of cleaning indoor spaces of aerosolized COVID-19 particles has prompted a range of approaches. Plasma-based systems, hydrogen peroxide generators, superheated nickel and even souped-up HEPA filters are all being deployed to help scrub the air. APJET COVID-19 particles The challenge of cleaning indoor spaces of aerosolized COVID-19 particles has prompted a range of approaches. Plasma-based systems, hydrogen peroxide generators, superheated nickel and even souped-up HEPA filters are all being deployed to help scrub the air. JOHNSON CONTROLS COVID-19 particles The challenge of cleaning indoor spaces of aerosolized COVID-19 particles has prompted a range of approaches. Plasma-based systems, hydrogen peroxide generators, superheated nickel and even souped-up HEPA filters are all being deployed to help scrub the air. RGF COVID-19 particles The challenge of cleaning indoor spaces of aerosolized COVID-19 particles has prompted a range of approaches. Plasma-based systems, hydrogen peroxide generators, superheated nickel and even souped-up HEPA filters are all being deployed to help scrub the air. MANN+HUMMEL COVID-19 particles The challenge of cleaning indoor spaces of aerosolized COVID-19 particles has prompted a range of approaches. Plasma-based systems, hydrogen peroxide generators, superheated nickel and even souped-up HEPA filters are all being deployed to help scrub the air. INTEGRATED VIRAL PROTECTION COVID-19 particles The challenge of cleaning indoor spaces of aerosolized COVID-19 particles has prompted a range of approaches. Plasma-based systems, hydrogen peroxide generators, superheated nickel and even souped-up HEPA filters are all being deployed to help scrub the air. RGF COVID-19 particles Many air-treatment systems blend several technologies, such as APJeT’s system that uses plasma and HEPA filters. RGF Environmental Technologies’ units Air-treatment systems such as RGF Environmental Technologies’ units are designed to be installed directly in the supply side of HVAC systems, with minimal disruption to building operations. PHOTO COURTESY OF RGF ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP RGF Environmental Technologies’ units Air-treatment systems such as RGF Environmental Technologies’ units are designed to be installed directly in the supply side of HVAC systems, with minimal disruption to building operations. PHOTO COURTESY OF RGF ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP