More About Mass Timber

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If you go back through Steadfast’s blogs, you’ll find a lot of information about new, sustainable building materials. Whether it’s concrete strengthened with algae, buildings built with recycled steel, or solar roof shingles, we’re thrilled to see the construction industry moving towards a more sustainable future. That’s why we’re excited to see the Mass Timber industry booming in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond.

What is Mass Timber?

Put simply, mass timber is made up of several solid wood panels held together by nails, glue or dowels. The compressed wooden layers are stacked either at 90 degrees or parallel, making these panels incredibly strong and a comparable alternative to steel and concrete. They are strong enough to withstand earthquakes, high winds, and other forces that previously prevented wood from being used as the main building component in large, multistory buildings.

Is it Sustainable?

Mass Timber is more sustainable with fewer embodied carbons, and requires less water and energy to produce than concrete or steel. Wood also stores carbon in its structure, meaning that Mass Timber buildings actually remove excess carbon from their environment. For example, an 18 story Mass Timber building has an annual negative carbon imprint the same as taking 2,350 cars off the road. 

Forestry has also become more sustainable as the need for lumber has grown. Current practices mean alternating trees are cut down during harvest, allowing the remaining trees to grow taller without competing for sunlight, water, and other resources. Forest growth is also maintained by planting two saplings for every tree harvested, making sure that there will be plenty of timber available in the future. 

Is it Fire Safe?

When most people think of wood buildings, their first concern is fire safety. Fortunately, Mass Timber generally exceeds current fire codes. In one study, a panel was exposed to 1,800+ degrees Fahrenheit for two hours and six minutes, longer than current code requires. The panels don’t only sustain the heat without a problem, but the outside layer of Mass Timber will char, insulating and protecting the inner layer. This means cleanup and building rehabilitation is often easier and faster.

Is it Cost Effective? 

Yes, especially in comparison to concrete. Because Mast Timber panels come preassembled, they can cut down on construction traffic by 90%. Buildings are also constructed about 25% faster than those made predominantly from concrete. Because of this, projects can cost less with fewer safety risks to workers. While the panels themselves are usually more expensive than concrete, the overall cost to both the crew and the buyer is much less.

With all these benefits, we expect to see continued increases in Mass Timber construction. Steadfast, LLC has the modern tools and skilled staff you’re looking for to get your next Mass Timber (or any other type) project off the ground. Contact us today to see how we can help! 

Super Bowl Construction Facts

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On Sunday, over 99 million viewers sat down with friends and family to eat tasty snacks and  watch Philadelphia take on Kansas City in the 57th Super Bowl. Whether you were rooting for the Eagles, the Chiefs, or Rihanna, it was hard not to be impressed by the incredible State Farm Stadium. 

In fact, it made the construction enthusiast in me wonder how much time, energy, and money goes into building these Super Bowl stadiums. Here’s what I found out about stadiums across the NFL:

Most Expensive: SoFi Stadium

Home of the LA Rams and LA Chargers, it took almost four years and $5.5 billion to build this stadium in Inglewood, CA. One of the most expensive parts of building this stadium was making it earthquake proof. The field is sunk down into the ground, keeping it from interrupting the flight patterns of nearby LAX and to protect it from seismic damage. It has 70,240 seats for average game days, but can expand to 100,240 for major events like the Super Bowl. 

Biggest: MetLife Stadium

This stadium, which opened in 2010, boasts 82,500 seats in East Rutherford, NJ. Home of both the New York Giants and the New York Jets, it cost $1.6 billion to construct and was built in a little under 3 years. Beyond being the largest stadium in the NFL, MetLife Stadium was voted the “Greenest Stadium” by the EPA. The stadium is built with environmentally friendly materials; uses compostable plates, cups, and utensils throughout its restaurants; and has multiple strategies for reducing air pollution and conserving water. 

Oldest: Soldier Field

Home of the Chicago Bears, this stadium originally opened in 1924. It is also the smallest NFL stadium, with seating for 61,500 people. The original structure cost $13 million and took over two years to construct. Soldier Field also holds the unusual record of having 24,000 seats removed in 36 hours in 2002, when renovations began the same night they lost the playoffs to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2003, with tailgators still in the parking lot. The renovations were completed in 2003 for $632 million. 

Loudest: Arrowhead Stadium

One of the oldest on this list, Arrowhead Stadium broke ground in 1968, and was built in a little over four years for $43 million. Home of the Kansas City Chiefs, It has been renovated multiple times, with the most recent addition of retrofitted high definition video displays and digital ribbon board technology being added in 2010. In a game on September 29th, 2014, against the New England Patriots, the crowd hit 142.2 decibels, breaking the record for the loudest stadium. We’ll see if it happens again in a few years, as Arrowhead Stadium has been selected as one of the hosts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Cheapest: Lambeau Field

Known as the ‘Frozen Tundra’, Lambeau Field was initially opened in 1957 after a year and $960,000 in construction costs. Home of the Green Bay Packers, it was the first stadium built specifically for an NFL franchise (previously, facilities were either shared with major league baseball teams or in other shared facilities). It underwent major renovations in 2003, which increased available seating to 81,441 seats. However, even with increased seating, Green Bay tickets are a hot commodity and the Packers have sold out every single game since 1960. 

No matter what team you root for, we hope you had the opportunity to spend the day watching the Super Bowl with your friends and family. And remember, whether you’re building a football stadium or renovating your backyard so you can play catch with the kids, Steadfast, LLC is here for all of your equipment rental and staffing needs. 

Fun Times and Fungi in Construction

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Mycoremediation (my-co-re-media-tion) may sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s actually just the name of a process that nature has been doing since the beginning of time: using mushrooms to break down natural materials. 

Nature’s Garbage Disposal

Mycoremediation is a fairly straightforward process. Fungi release enzymes that break down organic matter into simple sugars, and then use those sugars as fuel. So the scientists working with Australian-based contractor Lendlease had a great idea: why not use this process to help reduce construction waste? 

From Construction to Compost

According to the EPA, the building industry in the US alone generates more than 600 million tons of construction debris every year, including 11 to 13 million tons of asphalt shingles. Most of those shingles end up in landfills, with only 5-10% being recycled or reused. 

With this in mind, Lendlease created their first mycoremediation pilot program. They used three different types of fungi to break down the roof shingles from 214 houses in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While they did not state the exact amount of time they expect before the shingles have completely decomposed, it is expected to be substantially faster than the 300 years it would normally take for asphalt shingles to break down on their own. Once decomposed, the shingles can be reused as compost for growing food.

Great for the Planet and Your Wallet

Mycoremediation is proving to not only benefit the environment but also the economy. Lendlease believes their building-debris-to-compost plan could be a profitable income stream, and plans to expand their mycoremediation to include other building materials like drywall. 

Eventually, they hope to sell the compost and make more money than would be spent to get rid of the waste at a landfill. In the words of Sarah Neff, the head of sustainability at Lendlease: 

“Taking a product that is no longer viable and combining it with a natural renewable source that results in a new product, is a phenomenal outcome that is both beneficial to the environment and bolsters the economy.”

As more and more companies consider their environmental impact, we expect to see mycoremediation and other sustainable practices being used more and more throughout construction. 

Interested in talking more about resource-friendly construction and heavy equipment? Contact Steadfast today!

Construction Drones

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Flying Across Industries

Over the last fews years, drones have become a common tool throughout many industries. 

Real estate and vacation agencies regularly use them to take photos and videos of their available properties. They’re making a splash in the entertainment industry by capturing footage for documentaries, sporting events, and high-action scenes. 

Just this year, Amazon started using drones to deliver packages lighter than 5lbs as part of their Prime Air service. With the increased commercial use of drones, it’s no surprise that they are becoming more prevalent in the construction industry as well.

Construction Drones

The construction industry as a whole has experienced a 239% growth in drone use since 2018. Their ability to easily and safely collect large quantities of data quickly has made them an integral part of many projects, from the initial planning stages all the way to completion. With their speed and efficiency, they save contractors both time and money.

Fixed Wing vs. Rotary Drones

There are two different types of drones commonly used in construction. 

Fixed wing drones are modeled after airplanes and built for distance. They are typically used for mapping and scanning larger areas. However, due to the fixed status of their wings they can only go forward, so tight areas with obstacles are not a good fit. 

For those tighter areas, most companies use rotary drones. These typically have a dual rotor design that allows these machines to hover up, down, and in place. They are used for photography, surveillance, aerial inspections, and structural scans. 

High Level View

For large-scale construction projects, drones are also commonly used for land surveys and topographical mapping. They can typically survey vast swaths of land in 15-20 minutes to create highly accurate topographical maps. Teams can then combine these maps together to form 3D models, which are used for analysis and project planning. 

The best part? By easily spotting terrain challenges and design flaws early in the planning process, crews can change design plans ahead of time instead of trying to fix them in the moment. This saves both time and money and ends up being 20 times less expensive than traditional surveillance and mapping processes.

Security from the Sky

Similarly, drones can be used to quickly and easily monitor equipment on a large job site, making sure it is where it needs to be, when it needs to be there. If it’s a rented piece of equipment that should no longer be on site, you’ll be able to identify and return it quickly, avoiding additional charges. They can also be used for safety, ensuring secure equipment, and preventing unauthorized access on the jobsite. 

Improved Communications

Drones are also being used to help improve communications, both with clients and other members of the construction team. By providing aerial views of projects, clients get a real-time view of what you are doing and how far along you are on the project. And by sending collected data to connected software, owners, engineers, design teams and workers are updated in real time. This provides a paper trail for future use, allowing the whole team to work together to catch any potential mistakes or design flaws quickly. 

Safety Watch

Drones are also contributing to increased safety on job sites. They can be used to make hard-to-reach measurements without the need for unsteady platforms. This reduces the fall risk for workers, who can operate drones from the safety of the ground. 

Similarly, many companies have started using them for building and property inspection. Instead of using a team of surveyors, heavy machinery and scaffolding, drones are flown around the building or job site to take high resolution images that are later analyzed. They also have thermal sensors that can detect electrical issues, cold spots and heat leaks before they become a problem.

While drone technology is still developing, the increased safety, efficiency, and monetary benefits for workers, project managers and clients are very compelling. We can’t wait to see how this technology will continue to revolutionize the construction industry!

Smart Roads

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With rising gas prices and increased concerns about climate change, many are turning to electric vehicles to protect their wallets and the planet. However, scientists and construction engineers have been working hard on another part of the transportation equation: smart roads. 

While the technology is still being refined by scientists and construction engineers around the world, the smart road concept uses digital technology, IoT, and fiber optic connectivity within their foundation. Using wifi, 5G, the cloud, and in-road sensors, smart roads will allow for a multitude of improvements for all drivers, whether their cars use electricity or gas. Benefits include:

1. Less Traffic and Congestion 

smart roads will be able to collect and analyze data in almost real time. When used in conjunction with smart stop lights, they could adjust lights based on current traffic conditions, decreasing slow downs and bumper-to-bumper traffic.

2. Increased Safety 

Pedestrian deaths have increased by 46% over the last ten years. Using image processing, AI, and object recognition software, smart roads can broadcast information to vehicles on both roads that make up an intersection, allowing drivers increased awareness of pedestrians, bicyclists, and others who may be in danger of being in a turning driver’s blind spot. 

3. Increased Connectivity 

With smart roads constantly connecting data, drivers will be able to get updated information on the best routes to avoid traffic and slowdowns. Smart parking apps could also show drivers where spaces are available, ending the time spent fruitlessly circling city blocks looking for a spot.

4. Decreased Emergency Response Times 

By monitoring traffic and slow downs, emergency responders could know when and where an accident occured, and synchronized traffic lights with emergency vehicles would decrease response times by 20-35%. 

5. Energy Harvesting 

Developing smart road technology would allow energy to be harnessed from the vibrations of passing cars or sunlight. This energy would then be returned to the electric power grid and used to power traffic lights, signs, and street lights.

6. No Weigh Stations 

The development of high speed, weigh-in motion technology would allow for trucks and other large vehicles to be weighed while they are on the move. They would also provide weight enforcement screenings for toll roads, bridge loads, and traffic control data. 

7. EV Charging 

For drivers of electric and hybrid cars, smart roads could also allow charging while driving. This would also increase the availability of public transportation, as electric buses could run all the time without having to stop. Smart pavement, created by incorporating metal coils in pads of concrete, could charge EVs wirelessly as drivers go about their day. 

One of the biggest challenges to the creation of smart roads is the ability to process large amounts of data from multiple sources in real time, but many of these technologies are already in testing and are expected to be released to cities worldwide in the next few coming years. 

As more cities convert to this exciting technology, more workers will be needed to build the roads and other elements of smart cities. When that time comes, Steadfast Entities, LLC will be ready with the latest products, trained staff, and equipment rentals to meet all of your construction needs.

Concrete Made from Algae

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When most people think of algae, they think of cleaning out fish tanks or the floating stuff on ponds. The scientists at Prometheus Materials aren’t most people, though, and they have found a different use for algae: as the key component of their newly developed, zero-carbon cement mixture. 

Hard Impact

Cement is one of the most widely used building materials in the world, but comes with a large carbon footprint that contributes to environmental disasters. The chemical reaction that creates cement releases carbon into the atmosphere, accounting for about 8% of carbon emissions worldwide. It’s also responsible for using 10% of the world’s industrial water, and using large quantities of an ever-dwindling sand supply. 

Concrete Reinvented

Fortunately, Prometheus’s new algae mixture may solve this growing sustainability issue. The mixture, first developed at the University of Colorado Boulder, looked at the natural world for inspiration. Similar to the base material that allows oysters to build their shells and corals to grow their reefs, the process combines microalgae (a microscopic form of algae) with water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide. Instead of the chemical reactions that release carbon into the atmosphere, the algae is dehydrated, causing it to bind without any release of carbon. The product is currently listed as carbon-neutral, but lead scientists believe that with fine-tuning it could be made carbon-negative.

Funding for the creation of the sustainable concrete first came from a grant from the Department of Defense, but other groups quickly took notice of the product. While it has been championed by Prometheus, other investors include Sofinnova Partners, Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Amazon, who are working to build their newest Headquarters with low-carbon concrete.

Sustainable Structures

While exact cost is not yet available, in their most recent press release Prometheus described their new cement as “an affordable, strong and durable zero-carbon alternative.” 

Some pilot projects are already underway, and they plan to extend their decarbonized alternatives over the next two years to include precast biocomposite elements (ie, roofing tiles, wall panels, sound barriers, and more) and a ready-mix biocomposite. It is their hope that this new ‘bio-cement’ will transform the construction industry, and will lead the way in making sustainable products that can mirror and even exceed the capabilities of available, high carbon products. 

At Steadfast Enterprises, LLC, we are passionate about both sustainability and quality, and we are excited to see new innovations like the Prometheus bio-cement appearing throughout the construction industry. We will always be dedicated to providing our clients with modern, efficient, and sustainable solutions to their construction needs. Contact us today to get started on your next project.

Robots on the Rise

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Amazon’s Innovation

Amazon broke new ground last month when they introduced the first-ever fully autonomous mobile robot at several of their facilities. The robots, named Proteus, were developed to move heavy, wheeled transports called GoCarts around their fulfillment and sorting centers. Amazon has been working on this technology since 2012 and, according to their company blog, hopes that Proteus will “help reduce the need for people to manually move heavy objects through our facility and instead let them focus on more rewarding work”. 

Robots on the Rise

While Proteus is the first robot of its kind that can move around actively working employees, the use of robots in construction, warehouses, and many other sectors isn’t new. In fact, 2021 was a banner year for industrial robot orders, with companies around the country ordering 39,708 units (up 14% from the previous high in 2017). Those numbers are expected to continue to climb, as many industries are using robotics in the face of worker shortages to complete repetitive tasks that their human counterparts don’t want to do.

Robots in Construction

Along with solving labor shortage issues, robotic technology is helping combat the housing crisis. Automation has allowed increased flexibility, productivity, and efficiency in manufacturing, which can clearly be seen in the construction of manufactured homes. Many of the building components for these homes are now built off-site, allowing them to be mass produced. On site, automated welding is making the process faster and completed with fewer errors. In some cases, 3D printers are now used to build both customized building components and the buildings themselves. 

As industry standards change and builders are facing increased environmental regulation, robots have the added benefit of making worksites more sustainable. Studies show that up to 25% of materials brought to a jobsite ends up wasted. The use of robotics improves consistency and quality, reducing that waste. With the ever-increasing cost of supplies, this sustainability is good for both the planet and the pocket as it saves companies money, from reduced material costs, and time, from faster operations. 

Robots are also making job sites safer. About 108,000 worksite fatalities occur every year worldwide, and construction workers are 4x more likely to have a fatal accident than other industries. 

As shown by Amazon’s Proteus, one way robots can help prevent worker injury is by carrying heavy loads. They can also get into spaces that are unsafe for human workers, and can be used for repetitive tasks that commonly lead to worker injuries over time. Industry leaders are hopeful that this increased safety will entice young people to consider careers in construction, as many are hesitant to go into such a dangerous field.

A Robotic Future

Urbanization, climate change, and a shortage of workers have made the integration of robotics into the construction industry essential. In a May 2021 study, 81% of company leaders said they would invest in robotics and other automation within the next 10 years. 

At Steadfast Enterprises, LLC, you can be sure that we’ll continue to use the most efficient, up-to-date equipment, and continue our focus on sustainability and quality. Learn more about our technology-forward equipment rental and sales here.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

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Increasing Demand

By 2050, the global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion. 

That’s 9.7 billion people needing places to live, work, shop, play, and do all the things that make up human existence. While the construction industry is recovering from the pandemic and building projects are once again on the rise, operational efficiency is needed more than ever. 

One streamlined approach to improved processes is Building Information Modeling (BIM). One of the newest intersections of technology and construction, BIM is rapidly changing the industry. 

What is Building Improvement Management?

Using the cloud, BIM allows companies to collect data from multiple sources, then uses that data to create and manage information throughout the various stages of a build, from planning and design all the way to construction and operations. It allows builders to create (and, when needed, recreate) detailed digital reconstructions of projects, without the cost or time required of physical models. Plus, since it is cloud based, people from across disciplines and regions can collaborate in real time, improving communication between partners and providing immediate feedback to builders.

Every Step Improved

In planning stages, BIM focuses on real-world data capture to create complex models. During preconstruction, this data is used to inform scheduling and logistics. Fabrication starts using BIM specifications, which are then shared with investors, contractors, and partners in the project. This continues throughout the build as BIM is used in operations, maintenance, future renovation and, if needed, deconstruction. The increased availability of information to all those working on the project greatly increases efficiency, safety, cost reduction, and better decision making. 

Beyond efficiency and improved communication, Building Information Modeling also increases resilience and sustainability. The data collected and shared through the cloud can help builders choose the best materials for their projects, based on what has worked (or failed) for other builders. Less material waste not only improves sustainability, but also decreases costs. This makes for happier clients and crews that are ready to move onto the next job faster than ever before. 

New Future Opportunities

As Building Improvement Management becomes more common, the availability of software and apps are increasing. A number of BIM startups have been funded by venture capitalists over the last few years, and many construction tech companies are expanding into the world of BIM. With the increased accessibility, improved communication between disciplines, and improved workflows, it’s no wonder that BIM is picking up speed in the construction industry.

Steadfast Enterprises, LLC is dedicated to streamlining workflows and improving our efficiency and sustainability. We’re thrilled to see all the ways BIM is helping improve the industry, and can’t wait to see how it will continue to improve and grow as more data continues to be collected! 

Virtual Reality

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When most people think of virtual reality, they think of big, bulky headsets and video games, yet virtual reality (VR) is fast becoming a useful new tool for many in construction, and we can expect to see it used more and more throughout the industry. 

Expand the Vision

One of the many pros of virtual reality is its ability to be used throughout all of the phases of construction. Often, the first step of a project is finding stakeholders to invest in your vision, and VR can be a key tool in helping investors truly “see” a final product. Virtual reality changes presentations by allowing stakeholders to truly understand the vision of the designers and architects, and allowing walkthroughs that would previously be limited to only models, drawings, or words.

Save Time

We all know time is money, and virtual reality dramatically shortens the time required to get through the design process. Instead of creating 3D models based on existing structures, architects and other designers can create changes digitally and build from cloud based models. They no longer have to visit the build site, where it can often take weeks to make the necessary changes to get the necessary level of detail. With virtual reality, the model is interactive, meaning designers can “walk through” the space and “see” the details in life-size proportions. If they don’t like something, revisions can be done quickly and with no required visits to the site. 

Cut Costs

Similarly, VR saves job sites money through reducing material costs. With digital models, crews are able to better estimate the materials needed for a job before they buy them. In some instances, site managers can review calculations digitally, instead of sending out operators and heavy equipment to take measurements. Crews can also use virtual reality to identify potential weaknesses in the structure before the building begins, keeping both labor and supply costs down. This is not only great for keeping costs down, but is also more sustainable as less product is wasted. Because they are able to see potential obstacles, crews can adapt in real time, allowing jobs to stick more closely to the desired timeline. As the cost of building materials continues to skyrocket and the labor shortage remains, this type of planning and coordination is becoming essential to projects all across the country.

Improve Safety

Besides reducing labor costs, virtual reality also keeps workers safe. Instead of walking employees through safety training that doesn’t offer realistic scenarios, you can use in-depth VR simulations that carry no risk of physical danger to the workers. Staff can interact with the exact equipment and features of their workplace and see how a situation would play out. Plus, VR is more engaging than a boring training talk, so workers end up with a lasting, visual memory.

Steadfast prides itself on efficiency and sustainability, and we hope to see more technologies like virtual reality throughout the industry. Tools like VR improve workflow, keep workers safe, and save both builders and their clients money!

Construction Cyber Defense

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Cybersecurity in Construction

When most people think of hackers, they usually think about crashing computers and stolen personal information. 

In the construction industry, though, hackers also have the potential to jeopardize job safety, steal personal data, and corrupt the structural integrity of building materials. As many construction firms move their business online and turn to Contech to make their job sites safer and more efficient, cybersecurity is becoming a top priority. 

Life or Death Vulnerabilities

Automation is more and more common, and is often used when creating building materials (like when mixing concrete or measuring chemicals in a manufacturing process), and post manufacturing (load testing, structural integrity tests, and surface hardness inspections). Most of the data collected and used in this automation process is stored on cloud and internet based technologies, which are the most vulnerable to hacking. 

For example, say hackers target a bridge building project. If they attacked the automated system that accounts for the bridge’s structural integrity and the company didn’t catch the change in numbers, the project could completely collapse – figuratively and literally – putting lives and the company’s reputation at risk. 

Growing Defenses

To prevent such scenarios, companies are starting to increase their defenses against these attacks. Many Contech companies are growing their cybersecurity teams while construction firms both large and small are investing in cyber protection software. Cybersecurity in construction even caught national attention in March 2022, when the Biden administration called together over 100 different sectors to warn them of the potential of a Russian cyber attack in response to recent U.S. sanctions. 

Where to Start

So what can construction companies do to protect themselves? 

  • Start by improving awareness and regularly training staff to look for suspicious emails, links, and online activities, and make sure they know how to report these to your IT team immediately. 
  • Protect your data with multi-factor authentication when possible. If something is only password protected, use passphrases instead of passwords (making it much harder for hackers to infiltrate your systems), adding spaces, numbers, and symbols to maximize protection. 
  • Make sure that any programs you’re using to store and send data have comprehensive security measures in place.
  • And finally, consider investing in cyber insurance, which tends to be relatively inexpensive and will cover you in the case of a data breach. 

As the construction industry moves towards more technology in the worksite, there is no doubt that we will face more and more threats from hacking. However, if we all work together, we can protect our projects, our workers, and our livelihoods from cyber attacks.