improving the quality of life
Lean production management has caused a revolution in manufacturing design, supply and assembly, eliminating waste throughout the production process to improve overall customer value. Today, many building contractors are applying these same lean concepts – maximize value and minimize waste – to improve the delivery of capital facilities. When contractors incorporate lean principles, it changes […]
While pre-engineered metal buildings are commonly touted for their speed of construction and low initial cost, concrete tilt-up offers economical and cost-efficient options to building owners seeking investment grade properties. Tilt-up delivers distinct advantages related to durability and energy efficiency, which translates into long-term cost savings for the life of a building. When evaluating a […]
While there are many similarities between precast concrete construction and tilt-up concrete construction, there are also many pointed differences. Both methods provide the inherent strength and durability of concrete construction, but tilt-up delivers distinct advantages related to design, construction and life-cycle cost. When evaluating a new building, consider the following. Tilt-Up Delivers… Advantage Load-bearing panels […]
At a recent forum with contractors, architects, and developers, someone asked the question: “How small can a building be and still be economically viable with tilt-up?” This is a common question, since tilt-up construction has historically been known as a solution for only big box warehouses. But, as design and construction techniques evolve, contractors are […]
Although the building industry tends to focus heavily on initial costs of construction, those costs actually become insignificant in the grand scheme of long-term building ownership. Studies conducted by national research organizations have proven that the initial capital cost is only 10-15% of the total cost of building ownership. Energy, maintenance and alterations each have […]
As a kid, playing with glow-in-the-dark toys was far from sophisticated. The “magic” of seeing something transform in the dark was surprising and unexplainable. Today, the same concept is being applied to concrete to create unique and sustainable architectural features. Companies in Germany and Australia are introducing new technologies that capture energy from the sun […]
In recent years, outpatient facility construction has grown significantly and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. A recent article in Building Design + Construction, “5 Radical Trends in Outpatient Facility Design,” takes a closer look at the changing dynamic of building for the healthcare market. Delivering “affordable elegance” is one trend that I was […]
At the beginning of this week, FEMA and NOAA launched the second annual National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. With Superstorm Sandy, the Joplin, Missouri, tornado, and other weather events fresh in everyone’s minds, FEMA is encouraging families and communities to develop emergency plans and put together emergency supply kits. But, how much thought do we […]
This year’s World of Concrete convention has come to an end, sparking ideas and generating excitement at LJB. Our team had the opportunity to visit with clients and partners, meet new potential partners, and learn what to expect in the year to come. Several things resonated with me from this year’s event: Increased attendance – […]
The “Big Box” is Back
It’s no secret that e-commerce has drastically changed how goods and services are exchanged. The move to e-commerce has affected pricing, product availability, and consumer behavior around the world. Now, we can add construction to the list of changes, because e-commerce has created a resurgence in the need for “big box” warehouses. Many e-commerce companies […]