Construction spending is rising, per Census data

Artificial intelligence can't replace human judgment on construction sites - but can it free up time on other tasks? Today we look into AI adoption in construction and where it's headed in the next few years. Plus: Check out this crane that Hurricane Milton toppled in West Florida, effectively halting a huge residential project. 

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Here's a peek at today's issue:
// A report on AI adoption in construction
// LIDAR & BIM for laboratory construction
// Construction spending data from the Census Bureau
// Early voting in your state - are you ready?

Business Briefing: Report explores industry's use of AI

A new report from ABC takes a deep dive into advanced technology, exploring applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

"AI is a technology, and it can be best understood through the lens of two critical questions," Brianne Stewart, group product manager for Milwaukee Tool noted in the report. "What problem are we solving by applying this technology? And how can we focus on our people to understand the stakeholders critical to adopting this transformational technology?"

The ABC 2024 AI Tech Report answers those questions to help construction leaders understand possible uses and implications. It includes a guide to these technologies, a case study highlighting an AI adoption, issue papers and additional resources.

Why it matters: "AI is going to have an enormous impact on how businesses attract and educate their top talent and win and deliver their work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work," wrote Matt Abeles, the ABC's vice president of construction technology and innovation, in the report's introduction. (ABC)

>> Hurricane Milton rips Florida just 13 days after Hurricane Helene

>> Is the sunk-cost fallacy holding your business back?

>> 17 projects recognized for outstanding achievement by the CMAA 

>> Civil engineering salaries grow across all experience levels

>> Everything you need to know about drones for construction

Tech Talk: LIDAR and BIM improve lab projects

“Laboratory buildings are among the most complex buildings to design, plan, and document,” noted Javier Garcia, a BIM specialist with CDM Smith, in a column for BDCNetwork. Traditionally, photographs, hand drawings, and notes were used to document buildings and equipment – a complex, time-consuming, and error-prone process that often requires multiple site visits. LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology combined with BIM technology makes the process faster and more accurate. It creates a model of existing conditions and equipment during expansion or renovation. “Digital twins can help an organization simulate real situations and their outcomes, ultimately allowing it to make better decisions.”

Why it matters: “All of that work required in the past to digitally model from notes, photographs, existing building plans, etc., has been condensed to the import and refinement of the point cloud data into the modeling environment.” (BDCNetwork)

Spending Spurt: Growth in some sectors

Construction spending has been generally rising across all sectors since 2018. The August 2024 numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show that overall spending continues to grow on the strength of public spending, particularly highway construction. The data indicates that August 2024 spending was 4.1% above August 2023. The improvement through the first eight months of 2024 was even more dramatic, clocking in at 7.6% over the same period last year. Private construction dipped less than 1% in August, with small declines charted for both residential and nonresidential sectors.

Why it matters: Spending across all sectors will likely increase in the fourth quarter as government entities and private enterprises build back infrastructure and buildings lost to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
(Census.gov) 

• Success Stories: AWCI's A Different Path Webinar Series - Hear three women discuss their careers in construction, specifically in the wall and ceiling industry.
• ACA Actions: HealthCare.gov resources - Discover what you need to know ahead of Open Enrollment.
• Site Safety: OSHA online construction site safety courses - Instruction includes fall prevention, cranes and rigging, confined space entry, and scaffold and ladder safety.

Ballot Basics: Early voting makes casting ballots easier 

Most states have instituted early voting. Encourage your employees to cast their ballots early to avoid missing work or getting stuck in long lines. Voting ahead of Election Day (November 5) also gives voters time to fix issues with their registration or identification. Find your state's early voting options at vote.org.

Thank you for reading The Level. See you next week!
Written by: Margot Lester Edited by: Katie Parsons