Productivity remains one of the most persistent challenges facing the construction industry worldwide. Despite commanding 13 percent of global GDP, the sector has experienced productivity growth of only about one percent annually over the past two decades, according to research by McKinsey. With the global construction industry projected to reach an estimated $10.5 trillion by […]
As infrastructure investment proposals drive increased demand for asphalt production, pump systems that can handle extreme temperatures reliably have become essential for construction operations. The principles of thermal management in industrial pumping share foundations with broader building systems; understanding Heat Pump Systems for Commercial Buildings Technology Applications provides useful context for how heat transfer engineering
The demand for reliable asphalt pump systems continues to grow as infrastructure investment drives increased production across the United States. With approximately 3,500 asphalt mix production sites generating about 350 million tons of pavement material annually, the engineering behind hot oil and water pumps has never been more critical. These systems must move large quantities
Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is America’s most recycled product, with millions of tons reclaimed and returned to service each year. Yet the industry continues to face a persistent challenge: how to use more RAP without compromising pavement performance. The oxidized binder in aged asphalt stiffens new mixes, and beyond certain thresholds that stiffness leads to
Asphalt producers and contractors looking to strengthen their competitive position in today’s infrastructure market are turning to reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a strategic resource. The numbers tell a compelling story: the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) estimates that RAP used in asphalt mixtures during the 2018 construction season reached 82.2 million tons, a 7.9%
For construction companies, December has traditionally been the month when equipment purchasing activity peaks. The reason is Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment bought and placed into service by December 31. But changing market conditions mean that waiting until the last minute
What Is a Prime Coat in Asphalt Pavement Construction? A prime coat is an application of asphalt cutback or emulsified asphalt applied to a prepared base before the main asphalt pavement layer is placed. The base can be either a subgrade or a granular base rock layer. Despite common misconceptions, the primary function of a
For construction firms of all sizes, buying used heavy equipment is often a financially sound decision. A well-maintained backhoe, excavator, or dump truck from a previous owner can deliver years of reliable service at a fraction of the cost of new machinery. However, the savings come with real risks that go beyond simple wear and
The financial reporting landscape for construction companies shifted when the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) implemented new lease accounting rules under ASC 842. Effective for public companies in 2019 and private companies in 2020, these rules require virtually every lease arrangement to appear on the balance sheet as both an asset and a liability. For
The commercial trucking and construction fleet landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as vehicle connectivity expands beyond basic GPS tracking into comprehensive fleet management ecosystems. Ford Motor Company has been at the forefront of this shift, continuously expanding its connected capabilities to help fleet operators improve uptime, monitor driver behavior, and reduce operational costs. With
