New Year, New Trends in Construction

Posted by Steadfast Entities on December 28, 2021

2021 was full of growth for many construction companies, but it wasn’t always easy. Bottlenecks in production and delayed shipping increased material costs, and a shortage of labor slowed down projects. Necessity is the mother of invention, though, and these struggles have led to the creation of many new and creative solutions in the industry. The following trends are expected to become commonplace in 2022 as crews work toward faster build speeds, efficient use of quality materials, and finding ways to keep their crews happy and safe.

Digitalization. Last month we told you all about exosuits, wearables to keep workers injury free on the job site. They are just one example of technology that keeps projects running smoothly and workers safe. Technology like cloud-based collaboration software, drones, and robots are also becoming standard and will shape the industry through the coming years.

Happy Workers. You can have all the robots in the industry, but without enough people on your crew, your job will be at a standstill. The “great resignation” of 2021 has left a serious skills gap throughout the construction world, and companies are having to incentivise workers in new and thoughtful ways. These methods include better pay and benefits, regular training and opportunities for upward momentum, and innovative tools to maximize safety.

New Materials. Transparent aluminum. Self-healing concrete. These are just a few of the newly engineered materials on the market created to reduce construction costs. Many utilize recycled base components, which save money and reduce waste.

3D Printing. Similarly, 3D printing is quickly becoming a rising star in the industry. Whether printing a replacement part for a machine or creating a highly detailed construction model, 3D printing is becoming popular as a quick and efficient way to keep jobs on schedule.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Twins. Both built using IOT technology, BIM and Digital Twins allow better communication between workers, management and customers. BIM provides information throughout all the construction phases, including project schedule, cost, and materials. A Digital Twin is a virtual model of a building site or building. It captures thousands of data points that can then be viewed, monitored, and even changed in real time. This allows crews to text new ideas or try new designs, saving both time and materials.

We can’t wait to see all the ways you and your crew put modern tech to real use in your projects. In the meantime, have a safe and happy new year! We at Steadfast look forward to meeting all of your staffing and equipment needs in 2022.

Floor Load for Dummies

Posted by Steadfast Entities on September 14, 2021

Construction often requires complex maneuvering in tight spaces or over existing structures that can’t be damaged. In these cases, operators are responsible for effectively completing projects while using various pieces of heavy equipment, yet without damaging the surrounding floors, walls, or ceilings. Sounds impossible, but it’s no magic act – it’s structural engineering at work!

What is floor load?

Floor load is the maximum weight a floor can safely carry, if evenly distributed. It’s also called ground pressure. At its most basic level, the goal is to find the weight capacity of the floor and compare it to the weight of the heavy equipment, called “machine load.”

First, let’s look at the weight capacity of the floor itself.

Dead vs. Live

Dead load is the weight a floor must always support, like walls, wood-frame, carpeting, ceilings, and other permanent fixtures. Live loads are the variable, moving weights a floor must support, including people, machines, or furnishings.

Building codes tell us the minimum live loads a structure must support, and how much the floor may bend in order to absorb the weight. As with any material, there’s a maximum pressure the floor will be able to handle before it breaks.

Machine Load

Machine load is going to add to the live weight on a floor. That’s just how much the machine weighs, right? Not quite. According to For Construction Pros, this is how you get machine load:

(empty machine weight + max occupied platform capacity)
_____________________________________________
(chassis length x chassis width)

This math takes into account that the machine’s weight isn’t evenly distributed, so there’s more pressure in a smaller area. That tells us the true amount of weight the floor will have to support in that particular area. This is measured in pounds per square foot, or PSF.

Below you’ll see examples of machine load calculated based on different brands, provided by Hy-Brid Lifts.

Finding Floor Load

Once you have your true machine load weight and total floor load capacity, you can clearly see whether you’re able to use a machine in a space. Understanding these floor load basics is important to understanding the many components of safe and effective heavy equipment operation!

This information is meant as a general FYI, allowing operators to understand their equipment and the spaces within which they operate. If a project requires accurate floor load computations, please refer to a structural engineer who can account for joist load capacity and the structural properties of building materials.

Environmentally Friendly Construction: It’s Easier Than You Think

Posted by Steadfast Entities on August 31, 2021

When you think of a construction project, you don’t always picture green trees and eco-friendly landscapes. Yet construction plays a big part in how we interact with the world and the impact we have on it. Construction projects develop the infrastructure of the future.

As technology improves and more countries buy into environmentally-friendly industry, construction gains new opportunities for better results and safer worksites. From biophilic designs to research into more sustainable (and more effective!) construction materials, construction leaders have the opportunity to make big, positive changes in their projects – and their bottom line!

AGC Report

Recently, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) released a 16-page report on the government’s incentives and investment into modernized infrastructure projects that incorporate key sustainability elements, like reducing waste, water usage, and energy consumption. The report discussed the many tax incentives and ways that modernized construction will be supported as we move into the future.

The AGC also shared several green strategy ideas in the report, including:

Solar-powered trailers
Energy-efficient lighting
Carpooling
Anti-idling policies
Hybrid vehicles
Engine retrofits
Jobsite recycling
Water conservation
Paperless administration
Renewable energy credits
Green-certified office spaces

While these sustainability enhancements might seem like more trouble or money than they’re worth, streamlining operations and improving materials can actually save money and dramatically improve a company’s long-term viability.

One notable example is a company that instituted an anti-idling policy “to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, noise pollution and needless engine wear and tear.” By instituting this simple policy, the company saved more than $800,000 on just one project.

You Can Make an Impact

Whether you’re a CEO, a project manager, or an operating engineer, there are ways you can improve your impact on the environment at work. Some easy ways to get started include:

Source sustainable and/or prefabricated materials
Go paperless whenever possible
Recycle materials when safe to do so
Get the latest in energy-efficient equipment
Track utilities and energy consumption
Promote ridesharing, hybrid vehicles, and anti-idling policies

You can also share this article on your social media, tell your team about some of the ideas, or start brainstorming ideas that would work best for you. Together we can set up a better tomorrow for us all!

Steadfast is committed to sourcing modern, environmentally-friendly equipment and operators trained in sustainable operation. Give us a call to rent equipment or staff your next job: 1-855-449-0777.

Construction Technology to Look Out for in 2021

Posted by Steadfast Entities on February 22, 2021

For many in the construction and labor industries, there’s a certain skepticism surrounding technology. Automation and robots often strike fear into hard-working men and women who are worried their jobs will be eliminated.

Though change is always daunting, technology doesn’t pose quite the threat many believe. It can instead be a huge asset to both management and the average worker through safety improvements, increased visibility and coordination, and better communication among teams. As technology improves the safety, efficiency, and cost of projects, this opens up a world of clients and workers that might not otherwise be able to start something new.

Technology creates opportunities and deepens the skillset of an already massive industry, and here at Steadfast Enterprises, we’re excited to share these opportunities with you.

Let’s see some of the technologies on the horizon in 2021!

Chemistry

Millions every year are invested in our infrastructure, so there’s a whole science dedicated to improving the materials we use every day. One exciting new advancement is self-healing concrete. This revolutionary discovery would save countless taxpayer dollars while improving safety and the longevity of roads and buildings. Dutch scientists discovered a special bacteria that creates limestone when wet, so concrete with this bacteria is able to essentially fill in its own cracks as the bacteria do their work.

Another such chemistry-based achievement is transparent aluminum. This Star Trek idea is no longer just scifi! Soldiers, aquariums, NASA, and construction will all immensely benefit from this bullet-proof material that is four times as strong as glass but just as transparent.

Robotics

We’ve all heard about drones. While this technology isn’t the latest on the scene, it’s one that has far-reaching and ongoing benefits for the construction world. Drones are ideal for site inspections/surveys, architectural modeling, project management, and accessing hard-to-reach places. Drones not only make workers’ jobs easier, they make them safer.

Drones are nothing compared to swarm construction technologies that combine robotics with the building techniques of termites. These small robotics work together to build an array of items, similar to robotic brick layers that are programmed to build structures alongside skilled masons, reducing the need for heavy lifting.

Automation & AI

Of course, there are countless AI, analytics, and automated technologies that have changed the way we create and build. From 3D printed houses to predictive analytics, modern methods of managing construction sites streamline operations, reduce hazards, navigate safety concerns, and increase productivity.

AI can identify safety hazards in photos, analyze past data to create ideal project schedules, assess risk on an ongoing project (and make decisions or changes as needed), and much more.

Change is inevitable and if you’re ready for it, it can be exciting, offering new heights and depths to the construction industry.

Steadfast Entities is already providing technology to the construction world through labor-saving tools. What do you think about technology in construction? What will the future bring? Leave a comment below!

The Right Equipment At the Right Time

Posted by Steadfast Entities on November 10, 2020

Choosing the right equipment for your job is no small feat. If you identify the right fit for your project, you’ll maximize efficiency, safety, performance, and revenue. Cutting costs with a smaller machine could hurt your productivity, require more parts, and be a waste of money if the machine proves to be ineffective. Buying too big, though, may create unnecessary expenses, difficulty operating, potential safety hazards, and inability to work in smaller spaces.

Consider these 4 areas before deciding on your heavy equipment:

1. Work Type & Scope

Of course, the first place to start is considering what needs to be done. What type of work will your heavy equipment perform? Hauling, demolishing, digging, grading, landscaping? How long will the job take and how many different functions are required?

Whether buying or renting, longer or more complex projects require equipment that’s multi-functional, with versatility in different situations, tight spaces, or job needs. Compact or modern equipment is designed to be more effective at smaller sizes, so it’s worthwhile to consider the latest heavy equipment technology and how it applies to your project. Below are some examples:

Modern skid steers offer versatility and maneuverability.
Some compact excavators have side-to-side boom, allowing offset digging
The new Cat D9 bulldozer lowers maintenance costs

2. Ease of Operators

In addition to the scope of work, you have to consider your operators. Equipment should be straightforward and safe to use. If you have your own operators, make sure they’re knowledgeable and comfortable operating the equipment you selected – otherwise you could have accidents, injuries, or disgruntled employees to deal with. With bigger or more diverse projects, consider hiring specialized operators who can ensure the job is done effectively and safely. Last but not least, consider the weather your operators are working in. Upstate New York in February? That enclosed cab is looking pretty good!

3. Built to Last & Easy to Maintain

The third aspect of equipment selection is considering the manufacture and available parts of your machine. Where was the machine made? International brands may have to ship parts from overseas, delaying your work. If your machine is too highly technical or modern, it may require a specialist to repair. Consider your repair plan and pick higher quality machines so you’ll be prepared for the inevitable project obstacles.

4. Benefits of Renting

The final consideration when choosing your job’s heavy equipment is deciding to buy or rent. Of course, buying is a large investment and risk. It may be worth it if you know exactly what you need and have the available capital to invest in long-term ownership. For most growing companies, however, renting presents several benefits with a fraction of the risk. Renting new or used equipment…

Offers a wider range of equipment and operators, ensuring the perfect fit for any project
Accesses expert recommendations and equipment sourcing
Lowers the project cost, even with bigger or more modern machinery
Eliminates maintenance, parts, or specialist concerns
Gets your equipment delivered to your job site when you need it

Whether renting or buying, if you take into account these 4 important considerations, you’ll be in a great position to maintain productivity, safety, and income on your next project.

Steadfast Entities is passionate about heavy equipment that’s right for any job. For expert recommendations, operator staffing, or a wide range of heavy equipment rental, email us today at info@steadfastentities.com!

The Future of Augmented Reality

Posted by Steadfast Entities on October 29, 2020 with 9 Comments

What is it?

Augmented Reality or AR is an interactive digital experience overlaid onto a surrounding real-world environment. The physical surroundings are enhanced by computer-generated imagery or information. While this technology has been in use for decades in video games (for example, Pokémon GO), AR has left the entertainment sphere behind over the past 15 years! Recent predictions showed the AR global market was expected to grow $90 billion by 2020.

AR is an especially exciting new construction technology trend thanks to the multitude of streamlined applications it presents. Engineers, project managers, contractors, and more can benefit from using this advanced camera and sensor technology.

So how does it work?

“This amazing technology increases accuracy and efficiency by reducing errors related to managing time, money, and resources,” says eSub Construction Software.

One example is Building Information Modeling (BIM), an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the resources to more efficiently and effectively design, construct, and manage infrastructure. Various other versions of this and other AR construction technology apply to almost every facet of design, construction, and site management:

Augmented reality gear and wearables like smart glasses and Microsoft’s Halolens can measure a space’s physical elements, including depth, height, and width without the need for measuring equipment, ladders, or lifts.
Morpholio is an app used by architects to more accurately design a project.
Mixed reality applications can also show underground construction, preventing expensive and dangerous work accidents or delays.
Safety and inspections are more accurate with AR.

How does it affect me?

If you’re a project manager or executive, augmented reality construction technology could help streamline and improve almost every stage of your job, from design and coordination to implementation and ongoing project oversight. Plan with accurate measurements, predict and account for obstacles, improve efficiency, reduce wasted labor and materials, and stack up incredible long-term cost savings.

There are countless benefits for the individual contractors as well. Augmented technology could lead to better health and safety outcomes on the job site, faster yet more effective training, and the tools needed for better on-the-job performance.

Building the Future

There’s no doubt that the future of construction technology includes extensive use of augmented reality software. From contractors to executives, it’s a no-brainer to adopt more modernized operations. It will be exciting to see where construction technology takes us next!

Follow our blog to get the latest industry updates and news or connect with Steadfast on LinkedIn.

Constructing During COVID-19

Posted by Steadfast Entities on October 15, 2020 with 1 Comment

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the construction industry have had an interesting relationship this year. Some construction projects are essential and others aren’t. Even though many construction workers continued their jobs as the virus raged on, PPE and social distancing measures weren’t as universally applicable. This has caused some confusion as different states take different approaches.

So, what are the best practices for people working in the construction industry today? How do we keep our teams safe while still generating revenue?

Read the below tips on keeping your workforce healthy with reasonable precautions suggested by the CDC, OSHA, and others.

Masks

OSHA and the CDC recommend wearing a face covering whenever possible, but especially when social distancing from others is not possible.

Given the varying environments workers may find themselves in on work sites, it may not be realistic for employees to cover their faces if they…

Work alone or significantly distanced from others
Work outdoors and/or in the extreme heat
Get their face covering soiled, wet, or dirty during their shift
Must already wear a face covering, mask, or face shield for their work

However, if a team of workers spend a shift together, indoors, working on a project that requires them to be within 6 feet of each other at times, then masks are highly recommended.

Social Distancing

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides this guideline chart regarding COVID-19 risk on construction work sites:

Lower Risk (Caution)	Medium Risk	High Risk	Very High Risk
Tasks that allow employees to remain at least 6 feet apart and involve little contact with the public, visitors, or customers. *No special precautions.*	Tasks that require workers to be within 6 feet of one another. Tasks that require workers to be in close contact (within 6 feet) with customers, visitors, or members of the public. *Masks should be worn.*	Entering an indoor work site occupied by people such as other workers, customers, or residents suspected of having or known to have COVID-19, including when an occupant of the site reports signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. *Consider delaying this work.*	Category not applicable for most anticipated work tasks. Note: Most construction work tasks are associated with no more than high exposure risk; see the work tasks associated with lower, medium, or high risk on this chart. *Unlikely to occur in construction.*

Like in the previous example of workers together indoors for a full shift, any work site falling in the Medium column should require face coverings. When your project has a High Risk due to possible COVID exposure, the project should be delayed if possible.

Sick Time & Administrative Controls

Every project manager should also consider administrative controls as additional precautionary measures. The following steps could effectively prevent an outbreak among your staff and demonstrate to your team and clients that you’re taking their health seriously:

Stagger shift start/end times and reduce traffic in high-congestion areas to promote social distancing (ex: open additional break rooms)
Adopt flexible sick time policies that encourage workers to stay home when sick
Introduce thermal scanning or screening questions when entering buildings
Increase sanitation practices
Reduce in-person meetings

The Future

It’s not just construction. Numerous industries are balancing the tightrope of maintaining operations and keeping employees and clients safe.

Fortunately, we live in a time when technology and available resources can meet the demands of a “new normal.” As long as project managers continue to assess safety, follow safety guidelines, and explore new options, sites will be safe and we’ll keep building.

Keep an eye out for next week’s blog post on one technology that’s taking construction by storm! In the meantime, connect with Steadfast on LinkedIn.

Tag: heavy equipment