CMTA LEADS LOUISVILLE AIRPORT PROJECT TO GREAT RESULTS CMTA Consulting Engineers THE STORY BEHIND THE STORIES Focus Media Group Celebrates 10 Years ADDING VALUE THROUGH DESIGN-BUILD & DESIGN- ASSIST SERVICES Enersolv Design & Build Ltd. CONSTRUCTIONINFOCUS.COM A PR IL 2 02 2EDITOR’S CORNER 3 Suite 300, 7071 Bayers Rd. | Halifax, NS | B3L 2C2 | Canada P: 1-647-479-2163 | E: EDITOR Jaime McKee DEPUTY EDITOR Tim Hocken COPY EDITORS Thora Smith | Allister Havercroft CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allison Dempsey | David Caldwell Jen Hocken | Margaret Eaton | Pauline Müller Robert Hoshowsky | William Young SENIOR CONTENT MANAGER Brad Mike TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER James Corbett CONTENT MANAGERS Scott Forbes | Wendy Hood-Morris Aaron Ferguson | Tom England | Dean Lucas SALES & MARKETING MANAGER Luke Simms SALES TEAM Pamela Taylor | Kayla Brown | Morgan Culpepper PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Chantal De Brouwer OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Julia MacQueen GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER Severina Gachparova GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Laura Pratt | Ashley Dowling Ebic Tristary | Yoana Ilcheva REGIONAL DIRECTOR Adam Cameron CONTROLLER Jen Hamilton PUBLISHER Jeff Hocken A dozen years after our first meeting, I vividly recall my first encounter with Publisher Jeff Hocken and his business partner at the time – both young, enthusiastic, and looking for someone to help struc- ture magazines on – of all things – construction and mining in Australia, an unusual request of a Canadian. During our conversation, it was clear they had done their homework about advertising but needed assistance with the editorial side. Over the course of a few days, the structure of Australian Construction Focus magazine was born. The first six months of the magazine were a challenge, espe- cially interviews, which were sometimes conducted at two or three in the morning Toronto-time to accommodate clients in Australia. Soon, more writers were hired, and the magazine kept growing, adding more stories and gaining additional readers. In time, FMG expanded its vision and markets and added more magazines to cover more sectors. Working with FMG has been a rewarding experience, both pro- fessionally and personally. In the past decade, I’ve interviewed countless business owners, experts in every discipline imag- inable, and manufacturers of all kinds. From companies who build massive stadiums seating 100,000 to off-the-grid mini homes powered by solar and wind, FMG has covered it all. If there is one thing all of these featured organizations have in common it is that they are all passionate about what they do, and want to share their stories. I look forward to future adven- tures with FMG, and learning something new with every story. Our editors Jaime McKee and Tim Hocken have put together a deeper look into FMG for its 10th anniversary in this issue’s feature, The Story Behind the Stories – Focus Media Group Celebrates 10 Years. Robert Hoshowsky Guest EditorCONSTRUCTION SERVICES INSIDE APRIL FOCUS ON: EARTH MONTH ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING 420 Implications for Architecture As I was researching how architects are integrating nature into the built environment, I recalled an interview I had done for my Art Talk newspaper column in 2015 with realist artist Angelica De Benedetti. She was exhibiting a collection of nature-themed oils and waterco- lour paintings entitled Nature’s Breath, and shared insights into how nature and even paintings of nature can induce feelings of well- being, which may have implications for architectural design and the positive effects it can have. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION 5 CONSTRUCTION IN FOCUS WORLD OF MODULAR 2022 25 – 28 April, San Antonio, TX and online Hosted annually by the Modular Building Institute, World of Modular is the definitive event to learn about opportunities where buildings – or parts of buildings – can be constructed off-site and transported to the jobsite for more affordable and more streamlined construction. Network, exchange ideas, learn from experts, discuss issues, promote new products, and receive well-deserved awards and industry recognition. World of Modular is an open forum for anyone interested in commercial modular construction. For more information WASTEEXPO 9 – 12 May, Las Vegas, NV WasteExpo delivers the latest innovations to the solid waste industry, from vehicles, to robotics, to recycling equipment and technology. Get insight into where the industry is going, learn from some of the smartest people in the business, meet with the next generation of movers and shakers, and do business with companies that are leading the charge in innovative solutions for the waste industry. For more information CONTRACT AND RISK MANAGEMENT FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS AND CONSTRUCTION 10 – 12 May, Houston, TX and online This conference will deliver case studies and panel discussions on how owners and contractors have overcome material shortages, labour scarcity, and price fluctuations with contract negotiation, wording, and interpretation to mitigate and balance risk. Additionally, there will be sessions covering strategies related to scheduling, assessing the shift toward an increase in renewables, and how to optimally forecast what is to come in the future of the market. For more information GROUNDBREAKING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION (GWIC) 12 – 13 May, San Francisco, CA GWIC is much more than just a conference – it serves as a catalyst that helps women expand their presence, influence and career success in an ever shifting industry and share, learn, challenge and inspire in their organizations. It has also grown into the leading talent development and networking event for construction industry professionals. Develop leadership skills, realize career potential, and learn how to expand your influence in a very welcoming environment. For more information AIA CONFERENCE ON ARCHITECTURE 2022 22 – 25 June, Chicago, IL This year’s conference will explore architecture’s ability to drive new thinking. Experience, touch, see, and get technical specs for the newest high-tech materials and solutions to hit the market from 500 of the industry’s best building product manufacturers at the Expo, and earn your HSW, GBCI, RIBA & AIA LUs for the year. Enjoy seminars, Chicago architecture tours, practicums, and more. For more information visit: INDUSTRY EVENTS 6 Are you planning an event relating to North America’s growing Construction Industry? To get your event listed in Construction in Focus, please contact us at least six to eight weeks before the event takes place at or call 1-647-479-2163INDUSTRY NEWS STRONG CONSTRUCTION DEMAND FORECASTED TO CONTINUE According to a national industry-led organization, Canada’s construction and maintenance sectors are expected to keep growing through 2027. In its latest national forecast, 2022–2027 Construction and Maintenance Looking Forward, BuildForce Canada states the building sector’s rebound of 2021 is likely to continue for the coming years. In 2021, total year-over-year investment increased by about 11 percent, and shows no signs of slowing down. In Ontario, for example, increases in new housing construction and a five percent rise in non-residential investment “increased employment levels faster than the labour force,” according to BuildForce Canada. “Market challenges are likely to persist due to strong residential construction markets and a growing inventory of current and proposed major projects that are not expected to wane until 2026.” TURNING AIRCRAFT INTO AFFORDABLE SPACES If you’ve ever wanted to fly the friendly skies from the comfort of your own home – and help the environment at the same time – now’s your chance. Instead of sending retired jets to airplane graveyards, an Ireland-based company is transforming the fuselages from old, decommissioned aircraft into outdoor buildings. Instead of looking like what would expect, namely the inside of a jet, sections of fuselage are outfitted with walls, doors, insula- tion, flooring, electricity, lighting, heating and cooling units and more. The brainchild of Aeropods, these attractive new structures are being used for everything from much-needed home office space to playrooms for children. Durable and customizable, these unique buildings are attractive, functional, and can be moved from one place to another thanks to a built-in lifting system. “We create bespoke office and living extensions by upcycling high grade sections from discontinued commercial jets,” states Aeropods on its website. “Office space, Glamping units or just a really cool extension to your home and garden, our highly durable pods are both affordable and customisable to suit both budget and requirement.” Spending a mere $110 USD on advertising to date, the company is receiving plenty of orders for the sturdy aluminum structures. Units are priced from about $26,000 USD to $49,000 USD for highly customized models. With about 700 aircraft being decommissioned every year and more people working from home, it looks like Aeropods will take off in the coming months. 7INDUSTRY NEWS FUEL THEFT ON THE RISE Gas prices are skyrocketing worldwide, and the United Kingdom is no exception. Even in the months before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, gas prices increased in the UK by 335 percent, making everything from home heating to driving vehicles more expensive. Recently, thieves made off with 15,000 liters (3,962 gallons) of diesel fuel worth about £24,000 ($31,580 USD) from a storage tank in Newcastle. This massive theft, along with several others, prompted police in North Wales to issue warnings about the growing number of diesel fuel thefts from con- struction sites and farmyards. “Thieves can syphon fuel from tanks within minutes and tanks that are not properly protected are very easy targets,” said a North Wales Police spokesperson in a statement. The increase in fuel thefts comes when the UK’s rebate on red diesel is set to expire. MAKING WOOD CONSTRUCTION FIRE-RESISTANT One of the most popular building materials for thousands of years, wood has its pros and cons. Readily available and lighter than other materials like steel, it is still prone to damage from insects, water, and fire. Researchers recently made a presentation about a new, envi- ronmentally friendly flame-retardant coating which helps curb the spread of fire. The paper – presented at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) – discussed the revolutionary coating, which could also be applied to other flammable materials like polyurethane foam, textiles, and even 3D-printed parts. Although smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems go a long way in helping to prevent damage and death, scientists believe more can be done. “This type of treatment, which could be deposited via dipping, spraying or pressure treatment, could make homes much safer,” says Thomas Kolibaba, Ph.D in a media statement. “The coating could reduce flame spread and smoke production, which could limit damage and give people more time to evacuate.” In laboratory flame tests, the treated wood lowered the amount of heat while burning, forming a charred surface layer protecting the underlying wood, which could limit fire spread and damage. “It also reduced smoke production by 56 percent, an unusually large degree,” added Kolibaba. A video of the research is available at 8INDUSTRY NEWS WAR ON UKRAINE HIKING PRICES For weeks, Russia’s attacks on Ukraine have caused economic chaos, affecting prices for everything from gasoline at the pumps to food and fertilizer, and the building sector is not exempt. Worldwide, the ripple effect is being felt by construction companies and their clients. Prices for freight and energy are soaring, with some industry experts stating the price of steel alone has increased 30 percent since the start of the war on February 24. Uncertainty over availability of supply and remaining COVID-related logistics issues have led to some steel being unable to guarantee prices in advance. In recent weeks, shipping and supply issues have also led to increases in the cost of other building materials, such as aluminum coil and accessories, iron and glass, and additional surcharges on even smaller items, like nuts and bolts. MAMMOTH OF A FIND Were it not for his sons’ love of dinosaurs, an Iowa construction worker might have mistaken a once-in-a-lifetime discovery for a rock or rotting chunk of wood. Instead, Justin Blauwet uncovered a rare tooth from a woolly mammoth thousands of years old. While working on the site of a community college, Blauwet found a massive molar from the extinct creature, weighing over 11 pounds (about 5 kg) and measuring 11 inches (28 cm) by seven inches (18 cm) by four inches (10 cm). It is believed the tooth — likely the third right upper molar — has been buried for over 20,000 years, since the last ice age. The reason the con- struction worker was able to discern his rare find was because of his children and learning from their fascination with fossils. Found on a building site owned by Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) in Sheldon, the tooth is the property of NCC, who intends to donate it to the Sheldon Prairie Museum for display and housing. Although the discovery of woolly mammoth remains is not unusual in the state, what makes this tooth unique is that it is intact, and in good condition. “NCC already has many connections with its communities forged throughout the past half-century,” said NCC President Dr. John Hartog in a media statement. “When Blauwet discov- ered this woolly mammoth tooth, it uncovered an even deeper connection — one that now ties our campus property way back to the prehistoric era of the retreating glaciers.” First appearing in Africa during the early Pliocene Epoch about five million years ago, North American mammoths migrated across the Bering Strait from Asia into Alaska some two million years ago. It is believed most mammoths died out near the end of the Pleistocene Epoch 11,000 years ago. The first intact frozen mammoth was discovered in Siberia in 1806. 9Next >