DECEMBER 2 0 2 0
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The New Energy Consumer
Architecting for the Future
EDITOR‘S NOTE
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he construction industry is the leading and largest industry in the global economy, accounting for a whopping 13% of the world’s GDP. It has brought about significant changes in our infrastructure and industrial structures, forming the foundation of our economies and becoming essential parts of our lives. However, in the past 20 years, it has shown underperformance with an annual productivity growth of only a third of total economy averages. The slowdown in innovation can be attributed to risk aversion and fragmentation, along with attracting digital talent. In fact, digitization is lower in construction than in any other industry. However, the COVID-19 crisis is expected to dramatically accelerate the changes in the industry that has already taken place in several of the other industries. In fact, a research done by US management consulting firm McKinsey and Company suggests that construction will be radically different in the next five to ten years as nine specific shifts happen to the industry. These shifts consist of product-based approach, specialization, value chain control and integration with industrial-grade supply chains, consolidation, customer-
Construction Industry: 2020 Review centricity and branding, investment in technology and facilities, investment in human resources, internationalization, and sustainability. The industry has already witnessed a handful of these shifts. For instance, spending in research and development among the top 2,500 construction companies across the globe has drastically increased by 77% since 2013. Permanent modular-construction market share in new real-estate construction projects in North America has also grown by 50% from 2015 to 2018. Many of the construction companies believe that the current crisis will most likely lead to an acceleration of the transformation, with 60% saying that these nine shifts will occur at scale in the next five years. However, before doing so, all players in the construction value chain need to develop strategies to deal with disruptions, so they can thrive and emerge victorious over the pandemic.
* For any inquiries, please contact Mr. Rohan Suares Address: LG Electronics Gulf, P.O Box 61445, Dubai, U.A.E, Tel. # +971 52 710 0999, Email: rohan.suares@lge.com
CON TENTS
8 REBUILDING 2021 WITH CBK HARDWARE TOOLS & MATERIALS
20 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 2020 HIGHS AND LOWS
36 2020 TRENDS IN CONSTRUCTION
52 THE LATEST IN CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY
68 WE NEED MORE WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
84 CONSTRUCTION SITE BEST SAFETY PRACTICES
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THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CONSTUCTION INDUSTRY
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5 WAYS THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC WILL AFFECT CONSTRUCTION
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AFTER COVID-19: POST PANDEMIC CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
148 COVID-19: IMPACT THE MINING INDUSTRY
164 SPECIAL COATINGS THAT KILLS VIRUSES AND BACTERIA
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IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN ASIA’S CONSTRUCTION
206 COVID-19 IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL CEMENT INDUSTRY
F E AT U R E S T O RY
Rebuilding 2021 with CBK Hardware Tools & Materials
T
he outbreak of the novel coronavirus across the globe has severely interrupted businesses in almost all of the industries. And while most companies are turning to short-term strategies to keep their operations running, they should also start to plan ahead and prepare their facilities with the right tools and materials.
Increase Productivity, Cleanliness, and Safety with Nilfisk Nilfisk offers a diverse range of solutions that directly supports your economic goals and secures value retention by shortening down cleaning times, reducing maintenance costs, and consistently increasing profits. Here are three of the most recommended Nilfisk cleaning equipment that boasts large debris trays and high quality air filters that will help in maintaining a healthy environment for your employees.
• LS160-EU 17-inch low speed polisher 1300w. Perfect for medium-duty to high-duty
applications, including indoor cleaning, and is simple, robust, and user-friendly. It automatically locks when handle is in 90-dregree vertical position.
• Scrubber BA 611 D. Has low noise level for daytime cleaning and provides OneTouch dashboard operation and detergent mixing system. • ATTIX 30-21 PC 230V 50HZ EU. Compact
but powerful wet and dry vacuum cleaning with an ergonomic design and low noise, perfect for workers on the go.
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Improving Ventilation in the Workplace with Deton As the largest manufacturer of ventilation equipment, Deton offers products with optimized design blade, firm structure, and a smooth running supply of soft and comfortable wind. Three of the many Deton products ideal for cooling factories, mining industries, garage, and any large spaces are listed below. • DF650TW26BLK Industrial Fan. A luxury-type wall fan with three speeds, an adjustable oscillating angle, pre-adjustable height, low-noise motor, and large air volume, suitable for heat-stroke prevention.
• DFK650T26BLK Industrial Fan. Stand Fan with streamlined blade design, firm structure, large air volume, low-noise motor, three speeds, and adjustable oscillation angle that makes it suitable for heat-stroke prevention. • FF60M24CHR Commercial Floor Fan Series. Features high-
quality silicon sheet and all-copper coil motor, adjustable blowing angle, and easy-to-move wheels, making it suitable for ventilation in factories, workshops, warehouse, and stores.
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Investing in Security Services against Theft With businesses avoiding physical contact, security guards are no longer checking people who enter the building, thus giving thieves the opportunity to steal from the business. Revamp your security with the following devices that will protect you against such criminals.
• Yale YDM3115. Premium RFID card digital door lock with multiple access, smart keypad and mechanical key override, break/ damage alarm, and emergency power. • Dormakaba DMITS96EN24S. Concealed cam action door closer
that is suitable for timber, hollow metal and aluminium doors up to 130kg.
• Chubbsafes Viper. Combined burglary and fire resistant safe that
uses the new revolutionary “V” bolt system and comes in sizes of 11 to 91-liter capacity.
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Continuing of the Business in Case of Emergency To keep your business running in the event of emergencies, you must have backup systems in store. The wide dynamic assortment of CBK products for such cases can increase productivity and give you a reliable back up plan for any tough situation. Some of the equipment you need to have on hand include the NVNDG8500CLE Navigator Generator, TOCBYIIIA/CYPH Toho Hydraulic Hand Pallet Truck, STSXWTDPC528 Hand Trucks, and Ridgid Ladder.
Achieving Cleaner, Healthier Facilities with a Clean Underground Drainage System Metro Manila often experiences congested and clogged sewage and drains that will take roughly 12 hours to clear. Thankfully, with Ridgid’s innovative underground technology, specifically the Ridgid FlexShaft™ Drain Cleaning Machines, SeeSnake® Cameras, and the K-5208 Sectional Machine, clogged pipes can be cleared in minutes. In partnership with Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc., Ridgid is safeguarding the state of the metropolis’ underground drainage system.
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Managing Health and Sanitation Facilities Businesses should not only focus on the workstations alone but the restroom facilities, as well. Delta Faucets and Dyson Technology with its Airblade Hand Dryers provide innovative commercial solutions that will help businesses with this matter. Some of the must-have equipment in the washroom are listed below.
Where to Buy? For 100 years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware Inc. is the most trusted distributor of home improvement and hardware items in the Philippines. Let’s shop wisely. #StayAtHome and order online at your convenience. Visit us in the following sites and enjoy deals, discounts, and more! Website: https://www.cbkhardware. com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ cbkhardware/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ cbkhardware Join our Fast Growing Viber Community http://%20https//bit. ly/3ebeCXU
Co Ban Kiat Hardware, Inc.
• Dyson Airblade V Hand Dryer. A simple and
compact hand dryer with HEPA filters and an easy-mount backplate for simple, self-service installation. It is costs up to 86% less than other hand dryers to run, much less quieter, and can dry hands within 14 seconds. • Delta Faucets Grail Series. Faucets with sleek chrome finish, providing exceptional performance and stand up to the rigors of each application. Revamping your business after COVID-19 is easy with these quality and reliable industrial products that will streamline your business to achieve the highest standard of profitability and efficiency in the operations. For almost 100 years, Co Ban Kiat Hardware is true to its promise in bringing convenience to life in many aspects and to provide more years of world class hardware solutions. 16
Ground Floor, Cobankiat Building II, 231 Juan Luna St. Binondo Manila, Philippines. Phone +632 8243-1931 Phone +632 8243-5263 Phone +632 8894-6561 Email info@cobankiat.com.ph ; ind@cobankiat.com.ph
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About CBK Hardware For almost a hundred years, a family’s surname has become synonymous to the country’s biggest hardware supply company. Co Ban Kiat Hardware Incorporated, of the Cobankiat family has a regular client network of more than 1,500 industrial organizations; 1,600 traditional community hardware stores, and 584 home building specialty chain of stores across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise started by family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in 1920. Despite the ruins of World War II, the business goes back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront from the very same spot where it was known for three decades. This ever-growing conglomerate traces its humble roots to Manila Chinatown, as a pioneer enterprise started by family’s patriarch, Mr. Cobankiat in 1920. Despite the ruins of World War II, the business goes back to its feet in 1948, rebuilding a storefront from the very same spot where it was known for three decades.
While the Filipinos continue to rebuild their lives post war, CBK Hardware sees the opportunity to introduce the retail concept once unheard for in hardware industry. Cobankiat Hardware brought the first DIY business in the Asia. A do it on yourself concept that created Cobankiat hardware in the Philippines. The Hardware Workshop Store is the fruit if this endeavor. CBK Hardware further cemented its legendary distribution channel with the creation of Coby’ Design Center in Edsa Shangi La in 1996, a specialty store that caters to discriminating taste of modern Filipinos. In 1997, Mr. Johnny Cobankiat, the 4th generation Cobankiat leader, set another milestone for the company when he brings a franchise of Ace Hardware USA to the Philippines, and signs up CBK Hardware as one of its major suppliers. This further expanded into delivering quality world class products nearer to families of Filipino overseas workers in the countryside. A century’s excellence can quickly pass, and guided by the vision to be the largest network supplier of the biggest global brands in the hardware industry, CBK Hardware resolve to source the best products to supply its customers anytime and every time.
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s the globe experiences the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, the wider construction ecosystem, including the construction material suppliers, distributors, developers and owners, machinery, and software providers, will likely feel the same. To make it worse, the construction industry is already experiencing unprecedented disruptions even before the start of the pandemic. But emerging disruptions, such as industrialization and new materials, new entrants, and the digitalization of products and processes, will most likely shape the future dynamics of the construction industry.
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Sources of Disruption • Rising customer sophistication and total-cost-ofownership (TCO) pressure. Both customers and owners are becoming increasingly sophisticated and savvy. Client demands are starting to evolve when it comes to TCO, performance, and sustainability with smart buildings, flexibility and adaptability of structures, and energy and operational efficiency taking higher priorities. • Safety and sustainability regulations and possible standardization of building codes. In the wake of the pandemic, new health and safety standards have been put in place on top of the increasing requirements for sustainability and work-site safety. Add this to the pressure on the industry to decrease its carbon emissions in a bid to help mitigate climate change. • Industrialization. With off-site production automation, on-site assembly automation, and modularization, industrialization and an off-site, product-based approach will become a reality. This shift towards a more controlled environment will become a valuable asset as COVID-19 continues to threaten the globe. • New materials. To help reduce carbon footprints, innovations in traditional basic materials, such as cement, is needed. Emerging lighter-weight materials, including crosslaminated timber and light-gauge steel frames, also help in enabling a simpler factory production of modules, eventually changing the logistics equation and allowing longer-haul transport of materials. • Digitization of products and processes. Digital technologies encourage better collaboration, better value chain control, and a shift toward a decision making based on data. These innovations will create more efficient operations and business models, enabling performancebased and collaborative contracting. Digitization in the construction industry is accelerated by the pandemic as in the other industries. • New entrants. Current business models are disrupted by start-ups, new funding from venture capital and private equity, and incumbent players making new bets. We will also expect a rise in corporate restructuring and M&A activity as we experience the economic impact of the pandemic.
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The Nine Resulting Shifts in the Industry In response, the construction industry is expected to experience nine shifts that will fundamentally shape the sector’s future with the COVID-19 crisis accelerating the shifts. • Product-based approach. Structures and surrounding services will soon be delivered and marketed to consumers as standardized “products.” This will likely include developers who will promote branded offerings with standardized but customizable designs that will improve in the next generations. • Specialization. Construction companies will begin to specialize in target segments and niches, such as multi-story residential buildings, luxury singlefamily housing, and hospitals, where they can build competitive advantages. • Value chain control and integration with industrial-grade supply chains. Companies will move to own or control important activities along the value chain, namely supply-chain management, select-component manufacturing, design and engineering, and on-site assembly, among others. To achieve this goal, vertical integration or strategic alliances and partnerships are needed using more closely aligned incentives and collaborative contracting. • Consolidation. The construction industry will most probably experience a significant degree of consolidation within and across the value chain as product-based approaches with higher standardization and repeatability, thus increasing the importance of gaining scale. • Customer-centricity and branding. Similar to traditional consumer industries, a strong brand can help attach customers closer to the construction company’s products, eventually creating and maintaining relationships and attracting new customers. • Investment in technology and facilities. Investments in research and development will become an essential tool for companies, especially those which are specialized or more productized. This meant that companies will likely budget more funds to develop new and innovative products and technologies. • Investment in human resources. Focusing on innovation, digitalization, technology use, value-chain control, and specialization in end-use segments will most likely highlight the significance of having in-house expertise. To develop these necessary capabilities, companies will need to invest more in their human resources. • Internationalization. With greater standardization comes lower barriers in operating across geographies. However, the COVID-19 crisis will likely slow down this development. • Sustainability. To help achieve sustainability in the construction industry, companies should consider the environmental impact when sourcing materials. Supply chains should also be optimized for both sustainability and resilience. - End -
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As we close in on the year 2020, many individuals in the construction industry are conducting research and nigh endlessly studying about how they can improve their efficiency, work ethic, output, and overall morale. That having been said, here are their findings and gradually growing trends that are prospected to be realized next year. Despite wanting to enter 2020 on the brighter side, a number of emerging red flags suggest a cautious outlook. Investing on non-residential facilities is likely to grow by 4.4% in 2019, followed by healthy increases in the industrial and institutional 37
COVER STORY
building sectors. Coming into 2020, that growth is projected to decrease in rate to a staggering 2.4% with little to no increase in spending on commercial facilities. However, there will be gains in the 3% range in the industrial and institutional categories. Despite this, there are whispers of a broader economic downturn which may materialize over the next 1 to 2 years. These continual gains in construction in the short-term is the projection of the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel, composed of leading national construction forecasting firms. These individuals see the 2018 growth rate remaining essentially unchanged for this year, but is said to change significantly in 2020. The AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) has findings that are consistent with US architecture firms’ business conditions. Overall, the economy is performing well. While tension is a recurring and persistent feeling, there has been an uphill movement in GDP. It is estimated to be close to 3% for this past year. The jobs market continues to be very healthy as well—there has been over 2.6 million net new payroll careers in the last year, greatly surpassing the 2.2 million in 2017. Thus, the unemployment rate was at an all time low at 4%. Of course, there are also some weaknesses in certain key sectors of the economy. In spite of the overall economic strength, economic cracks are beginning to form in some of the leading sectors of the economy. A sample of those vulnerable to this change are major consumer purchases like homes, cars, as well as major business investments in plant and equipment. There is also international competition. Since it is established that the US economy is reliant on worldwide trade, holistic growth is becoming increasingly dependent on the global economy and its various statuses in different countries. The International Monetary Fund’s latest prognoses imply that global economic growth will be decelerating in the coming years. The slowdown is projected to be the greatest in advanced economies, such as those in the Eurozone as well as the UK, Japan, and Canada, among others. Additionally, a few emerging economies—one in particular being China—are expected to see slower growth in the forthcoming years. For the first time in some years, institutional construction activity growth is expected to exceed its commercial counterparts. The major commercial sectors are feeling the headwinds of a mollifying economy, while demographic forces are still driving the key institu 38
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Education facilities are the largest non-residential building sector, accounting for over 20% of overall spending.
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For the first time in some years, institutional construction activity growth is expected to exceed its commercial counterparts.
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tional sectors. The retail industry and its activities continue to experience blows from the advent and steadily growing trend of online shopping thanks in major part to the accessibility, convenience, and speed it brings to the experience. While only having about 10%of total sales, e-commerce has been moving nowhere but upward at about thrice the rate of traditional offline sales. Of course, without the need for offline stores and physical shops, construction endeavors have also slowed down. While millennials and the working members of Generation Z have also stopped buying traditional houses and lots, construction is still on the rise due to the youth’s inclination towards condominium and apartment living. Most construction manpower and resources are being allotted to the 48
renovation of existing buildings, rooms, facilities, etc. Office construction looks to be the strongest commercial sector, with 5 percent growth projected for this year and 1 percent in 2020. This sector has benefited from strong job growth, and the apparent bottoming out of the years-long decline in office space per employee. Much of the increase has come from the booming technology sector, so the outlook is dependent on continued growth in this industry sector. Education facilities are the largest non-residential building sector, accounting for over 20% of overall spending. Public and private schools, colleges, and whole university campuses are the bread and butter of the construction industry, which is a testament to the younger generation’s desire to learn and ac-
quire knowledge. While demographic trends are generally complimentary to the education construction outlook, fiscal developments are the real engine for growth. Healthcare building spending is benefiting from favourable demographics, but growth has been compromised by ambiguous operations and modifications to the federal Affordable Care Act. The outlook appears to be a bit brighter now and the panel is requesting for 4% growth this year and an additional 3.6% in the next. The non-residential building construction outlook may best be defined as advancing from tightknit contemporary conditions but tempered by upward uncertainty over the bigger picture of economic trends.
The fact that architecture firms and construction companies had a solid last year bodes well for healthy progression continuing in construction activity through this year. However, AIA recently surveyed architecture firms and construction companies about their expectations for revenue growth in 2019, which are more mitigated. With these trends, the studies and in-depth dives of 2017, 2018, 2019 construction and architectural projects, construction companies and architectural firms must make the right decisions in order to build effective facilities this year. -end-
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After the fireworks set the sky alight last January 1, it was finally time to move from the year 2019 to the year 2020. Aside from the festivities, food, friendship, and family, celebrating the new year is always a time for growth and improvement in whatever area. While it can be for personal reasons (whether one will commit to that diet or promise to be more productive), growth and improvement is also a direction for entire companies 52
and industries who serve the public with their products and services. For the construction industry, a new year means new innovations that can revolutionize their work style. Innovations such as the development of smart cities, infrastructure repair, and new concrete technology are expected to steadily grow the overall concrete market.
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COVER STORY
Concrete producers who wish to maximize their share of the ever-growing concrete market are required to continuously invest in the most recent improvements in concrete technology in order to help them help their clients, cities, and the cities which need their services. Investing in and building advanced concrete technology is paramount and a one-way ticket to success. Should concrete producers do this, they will surely stand out
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from other producers and contractors and thus help them win more repeat businesses. That being said, here is an extensive list of new products, processes, and technologies. First, there are three new types of concrete that had just been launched: electronically conductive (or heated) concrete which are greatly beneficial to different types of
roads, streets, and pedestrian sidewalks, especially during winter; ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) which takes strength and durability to a whole new level by integrating different fibers (like polyester, fiberglass, basalt and steel, etc.) to further strengthen it; and green concrete which is made using less resources and thus emits less carbon. Second, there are new and improved work processes as well. These are off-site production, which consists of quick deliveries of prefabricated elements to construction sites thus reducing the disruption to traffic and increasing worker safety at the site; and automation and the
usage of robotic concrete 3D printers to accelerate concrete production. The advent of off-site production and automation in the concrete industry has significantly reduced the number of laborers. Those remaining must be at the top of their game and be exceptionally skilled in this field. Third, there are more technologies than ever to aid those working in the construction industry alongside the concrete-producing robots. With nothing but a smartphone in one’s hand, they are now able to track the process of the production to the usage of the new types of 55
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Innovations such as the development of smart cities, infrastructure repair, and new concrete technology are expected to steadily grow the overall concrete market.
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Investing in and building advanced concrete technology is paramount and a one-way ticket to success.
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concrete with a simple app. GPS sensors installed on trucks and equipment deliver updates to foremen about concrete deliveries and pours and customers can be updated in-real time about the status of their forthcoming home or other facility. Other intelligent technologies include embeddable sensors on concrete mixers and equipment can monitor machines for maintenance issues and strength gauges that can be used to better monitor concrete for curing times. 2020 has seen countless worthwhile innovations in the concrete and construction industry, with developments ranging from better concrete products to the incorporation of advanced technology to create and deliver a better product more proficiently. Knowing and being updated about these latest inventions, improvements, and trends enables concrete producers, foremen, construction workers, distributors, and even customers and project managers to stay efficient in their field and competitive with one another, especially when it comes time to bid on contracts. This, ultimately, will help the economy circulate. Despite being in only the first quarter of the year, the experts and scientific minds beind these concrete innovations are already deciphering more helpful inventions and products that will be helpful come 2021. -end-
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It is no secret that the total of women in the construction industry is at an alarming number. In fact, the National Association of Women in Construction has noted the participation of only nine percent. This is backed up by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Surveys within the recent 2.5 years or so. The worse part about this percentage population is that this figure already includes women working in the administrative positions, along with executive and
office posts, which we already know are packed with female workers. This staggering statistics alone is enough for most recruiters to target women to join the industry, not only in the administrative section but also in the field itself. However, despite the efforts put in and the competitive salaries offered by companies, they are still apparently struggling to convince more females to join the team. 69
COVER STORY
Since 1996, the number of women in the construction sector has been noted at around nine to ten percent, with the current statistics saying it is at approximately 9.9%. Nonetheless, with the 8.3 million workers deployed in the field in both the extraction and construction industries, women represent an eyepopping 3.4% only. Among the jobs that are frequently filled by women
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in the field are helpers, which holds 5.6% of women, painters, which is currently at 7.2%, and building inspectors, which represents a whopping 14%. The other trade works, such as electricians, carpenters, and drywall hangers, have only around 1.9 to 3.7% of women. Out of all the 40 trades offered by mining and construction firms, no less than 50% have a staggering number of female
workers, not even enough to make a statistical impact. The sad part is that most of the less frequently filled jobs, in the likes of stucco masons, plasterers, solar panel installers, and iron and rebar workers, are those who are indemand today. On the bright side, the managerial positions had recently been open to women in the industry, growing to as much as 7.7% in 2018 from 5.9% back in 2003. The question now boils down to why most women keep away from the construction trades. One good reason is that the majority of the jobs offered were previously
held by men, making the work environment a little too intimidating for women. Add this to the growing number of inequality and harassment filed in recent years. Some of these maltreatments had even escalated to the point where women employees would sue their companies for apparently treating the female workforce with unfairness. They mentioned how companies would not provide the same opportunities for career advancement, including training and overtime, to their feminine employees. Most women in the field are also subject to discriminatory and derogatory comments, most of which are uncalled for. The worst inequality scenario is 71
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The National Association of Women in Construction has noted the participation of only nine percent.
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The NonTraditional Employment for Women (NEW) in New York City provides their graduates with a two-month apprenticeship training program that serves as the stepping stone to a position in the construction industry.
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when firms decide to replace women in the field with men. Another reason why the number of women in the field is statistically low may date back to the time before the Great Recession, where most women are already set on joining the trade. However, with the declining status of the industry back then, they decided to change careers in the last minute, thinking that the industry was already as good as dead. Today, the primary reason why most women graduates choose to go to a different field is that they know that construction jobs are too physically demanding. The National Association of Home Builders 2017 survey revealed that even males of today prefer less physical tasks. This is despite the current advancement in technology that will eventually create less taxing construction jobs in the future. Thankfully, in a call to increase the number of women joining the trade, the Non-Traditional Employment for Women (NEW) in New York City provides their graduates with a twomonth apprenticeship training program that serves as the stepping stone to a position in the construction industry. There are also several seminars on career advancement and pay opportunities in the field that the Northeast Center for Tradeswomen’s Equity in Boston are conducting in the past years. This and a whole lot of other efforts are seen to be a great help in convincing the female workers to sign up for a construction job. -end81
Safety must be the top priority in a construction site. But due to compelling reasons such as tight deadlines, lack of workforce, and meager funds, project managers sometimes lay safety on the hands of pure luck. Instead of double-checking the safety guidelines and compliance of a construction site, they just keep on working very hard. This trend resulted in the unfortunate fate of some. Based on a study conducted in 2016, one in every five fatal workplace accidents occurred in construction sites. Indeed, this is an alarming report. As a project manager, you must act now! Impose what is due and right to ensure safety in the construction site.
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C O V E R
S T O R Y
The following are some of the construction site safety best practices that you can benchmark to save more lives. 1. Indoctrinate Safety Procedures. The key to safety is to always abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Procedures (OHS). OHS is relative; thus, you need to review the updated OSHA- OHS procedures for construction sites. The widely accepted baseline for safety requirements is the OSHA 29 CFR 1926. All people must follow the OHS, much more the construction site safety managers. Safety managers must set an example for ordinary workers. They must follow the OHS procedures the moment they enter the perimeter of the construction site. But sometimes, relaying the message to all the workers is a difficult task. Some workers have personal motives that make them very hard to convince. If this is the case, it is better if the higher-ups take charge. The higher-level personnel will do the job of disseminating the OHS procedures to all the workers. 2. Set a Unified Goal. Construction workers must understand the goal of the construction company that they are working with. This will create a sense of responsibility to act competently 86
to realize the target goals. Highlight that safety is the utmost priority in the construction site. Inform the workers about the risks and consequences if they remain complacent in their work ethics. 3. Create a Subtle Plan. To prevent untoward incidences in the workplaces, you must have a perfect construction plan. A perfect constructed plan must be crafted ahead of time. Viability studies, including zoning, must be integrated into the plan. A well-studied plan also checks the availability of the stock and supplies in the long run. And of course, identify ahead of time the needed Personal Protected Equipment (PPE). You can also eliminate possible hazards that may compromise the safety of the workers if you craft a subtle plan.
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4. Maximize Technology. Another way to ensure the safety of construction workers is to utilize technology. There are lots of ways where you can use technology. One is using unmanned vehicles or drones for the preassessment of the construction site. You can also employ an early warning system for any untoward accidents that may occur in the workplace. Also, there are lots of third-party project management software that project managers can use to ensure seamless communication with the people working on the site. Wearing smart devices such as glasses and watches also contribute to the efficient management of a construction site. 5. Utilize Safety Tags and Jargons. Posting safety tags inside the construction site also helps a lot in keeping the safety of the workers. The safety tags will serve as constant reminders for the workers to think about safety as their top priority. To know the must-have safety signs and symbols for your construction site, you can refer to the ANSI and OSHA standards.
It is also essential that safety managers use construction jargons from time to time. The frequent usage of technical jargons will prevent any misunderstanding that usually causes fatal construction site accidents. 6. Build Connection. If you want to hinder the occurrence of construction site accidents, you must establish a formidable connection with the construction workers. You need to communicate with the workers frequently and show empathy to them. Tell them to be very careful in doing their respective tasks because so much is at stake. Even if construction workers just committed a single mistake, this could result in severe injuries or even death. These are only some of the construction site safety best practices that you can also impose in your construction site. Some of these could mean extra expenses and additional steps to take. However, when it comes to safety, all your efforts are, indeed, worth it! -end-
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P R O V I D I N G
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M AY
2020
NEWS
WHO COVID-19 Buildings & Tents Screening Layout Standards
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C
OVID-19 or the coronavirus, is a recently discovered infectious disease that has resulted in a global mobilization against its spread through stringent government mandates such as enforced community quarantines, social distancing, and limited use of services and utilities. Despite the sound validity for the implementation of these laws, their effects on the economy, businesses, utilities, and industries have been detrimental and disadvantageous to say the least. As the coronavirus disease advances across the United States, various industries and nearly all aspects of the supply chain continue to be impacted, including the construction industry and by default, the skilled workers,
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electricians, engineers, and more staff members and laborers under its umbrella. Foreseeably, countless construction projects and renovations were temporarily halted by their project managers in order to comply with government mandates. The first to put a stop to these construction projects for the time being was Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. With the intention of slowing the spread of the virus and bending the curve, this direction from the mayor was commendable and valid despite any economic ramifications on his and his workers’ part. Other states and cities are following suit, choosing to prioritize safety over financial gain, which must be the case. This will inevitably result in construction decline in their areas. According to a March 19 report from Engineering News Record (ENR), all construction operations in the state of Pennsylvania were ordered to stop, which includes heavy/civil, building, institutional, residential, and specialty trade work. Only time will tell when these projects will be resumed, but what is important is for construction workers to practice social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Assuming some cities or states do not call for direct halts to 102
construction, the effects of coronavirus as a pandemic are farreaching. Not taking these precautions could result in disastrous happenings in the medical/healthcare field. According to a report from Construction Dive, Richard Branch, the Chief Economist for Dodge Data & Analytics, approximated that 30% of building products in the United States are imported from China, making it the nation’s largest single supplier. While China seems to be rebounding from the disease (having built 2 fullyfunctioning hospitals within the span of 10 days), its decreased manufacturing output is still expected to impact construction in the United States. Truly, the COVID-19 pandemic is hypothesized to bring several long-lasting and short-term negative consequences. AGC’s Chief Economist Ken Simonson said these will inevitably include disruptions to work or cancelled projects; potentially less demand for “non-essential” projects such as offices,
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The pandemic has encouraged the majority of people to muster up an innate kindness and willingness to help. 106
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One of the most crucial construction projects exempted from the project halt is the construction of medical facilities, disinfection centers, and other necessary facilities for those displaced by the coronavirus.
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entertainment, and sports facilities; reduced/ missed payments by owners; and a slow economic rebound across many industries, among other problems. Surprisingly, the lack of ongoing construction/ renovation projects as well as the construction workers being in homestay may have positive outcomes alongside the negative. On the positive side, Simonson cited selected new projects to respond to the crisis, like healthcare and lodging; substantial price reductions for commodities like fuel; and a slow rebound for commodity prices. Needless to say, one of the most crucial construction projects exempted from the project halt is the construction of medical facilities, disinfection centers, and other necessary facilities for those displaced by the coronavirus. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the distribution of certain construction personal protective equipment (PPEs) has also gained traction. The pandemic has encouraged the majority of people to muster up an innate
kindness and willingness to help. This has pushed the off-duty construction workers to donate N95 masks and protective full body suits to those who undoubtedly need it more: medical professionals, volunteers, security personnel, and other individuals at the forefront of the disease. As the current backbone of the society, these frontliners are doing everything in their power to salvage what is left of the working world, keeping it from totally collapsing. It is mightily reassuring that in spite of the many project cancellations nipping at the construction industry, project heads and leaders are still opting to erect medical facilities in order to help fight this fight. To this extent, the construction industry has become one of the most integral supporting industries aiding other industries take care of both frontliners, patients under investigation, those displaced from their homes, and all individuals affected by COVD-19. -end113
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JUNE
2020
NEWS
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27% of Construction Workers are Not Wearing a Hard Hat
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he coronavirus outbreak has yet to subside even after a month into the second quarter of the year. Save for a handful of countries, the majority of the planet’s population is still reeling from the adverse effects of the virus. The world is gradually adjusting to this viral outbreak with nothing but a sliver of a chance at full recovery. Industries and businesses are also dealing with the lack of a demand for any product or service due to government-mandated community quarantines and social distancing. There is no doubt that all companies in all industries are negatively affected one way or another. One of these industries greatly affected by the virus is the construction industry. It should come as no surprise, but countless construction projects and renovations were temporarily halted by their project managers in order to comply with government mandates.
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Contractors, however, are used to risk. From shortages in labor and tariff escalation to the upcoming presidential elections, the industry entered this year with the intent to overcome any construction-related challenge. The industry, however, had not accounted for mass panic and a viral outbreak to be one of those challenges. Experts have said that the fallout from the COVID-19 virus is one more factor poised to affect construction firms. In spite of the uncertainty, experts predict the pandemic will have six major consequences for several aspects of U.S. construction. These include:
1. Employee health and safety Companies in greatly affected countries have shared their concerns with employee well-being in light of viral transmission methods. While transmission outside the healthcare industry is low, one cannot be sure and safe enough. In addition to physical wellness, contractors are considering mental health as well. While one’s physical health is undeniably important, one cannot ignore their mental state. One of the top issues brought on by COVID-19 is the increasing anxiety experienced by a great deal of construction workers. This 118
number is steadily on the rise the longer the pandemic lasts. In an informal Construction Dive survey, 70% of respondents noted “employee anxiety� as their top concern, above material shortages and the prospect of government shutdowns.
2. Material delays Chinese government containment efforts and quarantines have slowed if not shut down factories in a number of Chinese cities and provinces, resulting in forecasts of a sharp falloff in production of various gadgets, according to the New York Times. For commercial builders that are dependent on Chinese-made goods and resources, this denotes a higher material costs and slower project completions, Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics, told Construction Dive. U.S. builders look to China for everything from steel and stone to millwork and plumbing fixtures. These material delays could be the result of the Chinese people prioritizing the eradication of the virus in their country.
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One of the top issues brought on by COVID-19 is the increasing anxiety experienced by a great deal of construction workers. 122
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One very real and perhaps one of the most devastating effects of the virus could be more mental rather than physical: it spooks clients and lenders, especially firms that work in highly impacted segments like hospitality.
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3. Spooks clients One very real and perhaps one of the most devastating effects of the virus could be more mental rather than physical: it spooks clients and lenders, especially firms that work in highly impacted segments like hospitality. Because of this reason, it is absolutely valid and understandable for clients and project managers to withdraw from previously discussed construction projects. She added that there are other possible avenues for coverage such as workers compensation for outbreak of sickness or disease, trade disruption insurance for contractors with international supply chains and travel insurance to protect firms whose employees travel frequently for business.
4. Quarantines and travel bans To help prevent the spread of the virus, the governments of the world have issued a mass shutdown of many schools, colleges, and businesses. While detrimental to the whole economy, this is also a WHO-approved way of bending the viral curve. Construction companies across the world are considering how they will react to an outbreak near one of their job sites or offices. These shutdowns 128
and bans mean that companies will need to turn to teleworking and other technologies to keep business running smoothly while employees are at home.
5. Global uncertainty Recent historic levels of volatility in the stock market and oil disputes in the Middle East have amplified the level of anxiety among Americans, who see their retirement and pension benefits shrinking by the day. “There’s a level of hysteria out there,” Joe Natarelli, national construction industry leader at accounting services firm Marcum said. “People are freaking out.” In fact, the virus and its impact have scared the markets so much, a number of analysts believe they cannot predict the remainder of 2020. Truly, the COVID-19 has obscured the outlook for 2020. With these 5 effects in mind, the construction company should do whatever it can to buttress themselves amidst this growing pandemic and its effects to the industry, as well as prepare for the new world in the aftermath of it all. -end129
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A few months have passed since the initial coronavirus outbreak spread across the world and caused the countries to implement extreme albeit completely valid rulesets such as community quarantines, nationwide lockdowns, mass testing operations, medical frontline endeavors, and much, much more. Needless to say, these happenings have forced many industries to adjust to the “new normal�. There were dire changes in each individual citizen’s lifestyle, societal systems that were at play, and most evident of all, the economy.
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Last week, the IMF’s managing director disclosed that recent economic data for many countries was coming in below the fund’s already downbeat prediction for a 3% contraction in 2020. This should come with little surprise since most western countries such as Italy and the UK risk GDP losses of 9.5% and 14% respectively for the year. In the IMF’s report, the US economy was forecasted to shrink by 5.9% this year. This information is affecting multiple industries all over the world. One such industry that faced multiple consequences thanks to COVID-19 is the construction industry. After the months that have passed, one question still remains: what’s next for the construction and subsequent construction technology industries after COVID-19?
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Back in April, data on the global construction industry revealed that, because of a slowdown in China, the sector’s growth rate would decrease to 0.5% this year. Some regions are much worse off––for example, according to ANCE (the Italian construction industry association) production could contract by 10% in the best-case scenario, with the worst-case scenario coming in at a gut-wrenching -28%. But what about the second-biggest market after China? According to an executives survey conducted in April by McKinsey, US construction output growth in 2020 could range between a disappointing 0 and -8% depending on the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. A recent study by the Associated General Contractors of America and Procore portrays a bleak picture, showing the countries’ quarantine statuses will have lasting effects in the states where construction activity was most disrupted, such as New York which saw an unfortunate 80% decline in worker hours. Small firms are even more affected than large ones and, additionally, of the 800 firms surveyed two-thirds of currently active firms are experiencing delays and disruptions to projects due to shortage. Needless to say, this will negatively impact every individual in the firm and project.
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Another Procore survey by US and Canadian senior executives in the construction owner and developer space, suggests otherwise. These officials have seen a shutdown in construction sites, with 37% of ground-up and 46% of capital improvement projects currently experiencing delays. 138
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90% of organizations have survived thanks to their employees working from home, so perhaps it is unsurprising that 75% of respondents believe that from now on there will be increased use of collaboration technology.
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c i t s a l o Is Latex additive to impart elasticity to cement based adhesives
Isolastic is a synthetic polymer to be mixed with Kerabond, Kerabond T, Kerafloor or Adesilex P10 to improve their performances and deformability to meet the requirements of class C2 (improved cementitious adhesive for Kerabond T and Kerafloor) or C2E (improved cementitious adhesive with extended open time for Kerabond) according to EN 12004 and those of class S1 (deformable adhesive) or S2 (highly deformable adhesive) according to EN 12002, dependent on whether it is used neat or diluted with water. WHERE TO USE ISOLASTIC + KERABOND or KERABOND T For interior and exterior bonding of: • ceramic tiles of every type (double fired, single fired, grès, klinker, glass mosaic, porcelain tiles etc.); • stone material and large-size tiles (over 30x30 cm). Some application examples • Ceramic tiles over underfloor heating installations; • ceramic tiles and stone material for exteriors (façades, swimming pools, balconies, terraces); • ceramic tiles on prefabricated concrete walls (load bearing panels, prefabricated bathrooms; • ceramic tiles on old flooring (ceramic, marble, terrazzo, wood etc.); • ceramic tiles on asphalt screeds or substrates; • ceramic tiles on deformable substrates (gypsum-board panels, reinforced concrete, fibre-cement board, etc.); ISOLASTIC+KERAFLOOR For interior and exterior bonding of: • large-size ceramic tiles (over 30x30 cm); • ribbed klinker tiles, cotto toscano, stone slabs etc. needing layers of adhesive thicker than 5 mm; • ceramic tiles on substrates with irregularities up to 15 mm.
Some application examples • Ceramic tiles and stone material for exteriors (façades, swimming pools, balconies, terraces), also on deformable substrates; • large-size ceramic floor tiles laid on underfloor heating installations. ISOLASTIC DILUTED WITH WATER AT A RATIO OF 1:1 + ADESILEX P10 Bonding on internal and external floors or vertical surfaces of glass or ceramic mosaic on paper or mesh backings, even heavy ones. Some application examples • Laying glass or ceramic mosaic on non-absorbent surfaces (Mapelastic, Mapegum WPS, existing tiles, tiles, etc.). • Laying glass or ceramic mosaic in swimming pools, storage tanks, etc., or even on absorbent surfaces. • Laying glass or ceramic mosaic on flexible surfaces (plasterboard panels, reinforced cement, cement fibre, wood or derived materials, provided they are well fastened). TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Isolastic is a very fluid, pinkish-white liquid composed of a water dispersion of an extremely elastic polymer which, when mixed with cement based adhesives, improves adhesion to all substrates, deformability and impermeability, once hydration has taken place. RECOMMENDATIONS Kerabond, Kerabond T, Kerafloor or Adesilex P10 mixed with Isolastic must never be used for: • installing stone slabs subject to moisture movement; • installing marble or natural stone subject to efflorescence or staining from moisture;
So, is it all doom and gloom? Another Procore survey by US and Canadian senior executives in the construction owner and developer space, suggests otherwise. These officials have seen a shutdown in construction sites, with 37% of ground-up and 46% of capital improvement projects currently experiencing delays. Because of the goings-on, they will be validly reducing their investments this year by an average of 32% compared to their initial 2020 plans. The majority expect their capital spend in 2021 to be less than that last year, so as of yet, the reduction is here to stay. Though most also expect to see project delays, supply chain disruption, and funding source tightening, 81% perhaps optimistically expect an economic rebound before the end of the year.
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Economic rebound or not, the survey does show one clear sliver of hope. Tech is the up and coming winner in terms of the longterm changes to the construction processes that will emerge from this outbreak. 90% of organizations have survived thanks to their employees working from home, so perhaps it is unsurprising that 75% of respondents believe that from now on there will be increased use of collaboration technology. “The technology enhancements we made three years ago made it easy for us to transition right away from working in the office to working remotely. Our selection process to partner with a SaaS provider is vital in attaining and achieving our continued growth and goals.� Jonathan Santamaria, Senior Vice President at Promark Partners said. While at home, 80% used the time to develop new safety procedures for their projects. This is a proactive way of getting back on one’s feet during this whole coronavirus catastrophe. Truly, COVID-19 is bad for the construction sector, though it is by no means the worst event to disrupt the industry because as the studies show, the industry is slowly but surely getting back on its feet. -end145
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Drug-resistant superbugs cause thousands, if not millions, of death and illnesses every year in the United States alone, many of which can be traced back to surface-transmitted pathogens. The recently discovered novel coronavirus is believed to be one of these infections that can be contracted through getting in contact with infected surfaces. This is where special microbe-killing surface coating comes into play.
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Engineers and researchers from the North Carolina State University have conducted a study that has developed a relatively new kind of surface coating, proven to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens effectively. When applied to various products, the coating can easily get rid of harmful drug-resistant microbes. The researchers who produced the special coating added photosensitizer molecules to polymers to create the microbe-killing effect. The said biocidal molecules acquire energy coming from visible light and make use of this energy to convert oxygen into “singlet� oxygen. This, in turn, generates photodegradation and creates holes in the bacteria and viruses on the materials, eventually destroying said microbes. Having the same oxidizing capability as beach, 166
these special molecules are highly effective in sterilizing surfaces unlike antibiotics. The latter typically target specific functionalities of the microorganism, while the photosensitizer molecules take out its various aspects all at the same time, making it impossible for the microorganism to create a defense. However, despite the effectiveness of the photosensitizer approach, Reza Ghiladi, associate professor of chemistry at the said university and co-corresponding author of the study, discovered that grafting anti-infective photosensitizers to cellulose surfaces is not enough. After some time, the surface becomes worn out through contact and friction, ultimately removing the special molecules. 167
ls o o t for e! ful l r d p e e o n Pe Pow l u desig f er w o P
Engineers and researchers from the North Carolina State University have conducted a study that has developed a relatively new kind of surface coating, proven to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens effectively.
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Thanks to this film of photosensitizer molecules, surfaces are effectively sterilized, reducing the risk of contracting any virus and bacteria living in the said surface. 173
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So to ensure that the special coating in the materials continue their pathogen-killing function for the entirety of the lifetime of the product, co-author of the study, Richard Spontak, a materials science and engineering professor from the same university, and his team studied how to disperse the photosensitizer molecules in the polymers, specifically into thermoplastic elastomer materials. These materials are mechanically resilient, waterproof, and rubbery, making them useful in various products, such as IVs and tubing in hospitals, athletic shoes, and child drink bottles, to name a few. The goal of Spontak’s team is to learn how to effectively spread the photosensitizer molecules across a large surface area to expose them to more oxygen and light that produces the microbe-killing effect. Bharadwaja Peddinti, a postdoc at the North Carolina State University and a co-author of the study, is tasked to work out the process of dispersing the molecules through elastomer polymers. As a first step, the elastomer is dissolved in a solvent. The photosensitizer molecules are then added before the solvent is left to evaporate, leaving a film. Next is the creation of a sheet by hot-pressing the polymer at temperatures beyond its melting point. The sheets are then cut, stacked, and hot-pressed repeatedly.
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Spontak describes this process as similar to what a baker does to get the best distribution of flour when creating a paste. As the process is repeated several times, the photosensitizer is evenly dispersed throughout the whole film. With this, even if surface is damaged or worn off over time, a fresh surface of photosensitizer underneath is readily available to kill the microbes. Thanks to this film of photosensitizer molecules, surfaces are effectively sterilized, reducing the risk of contracting any virus and bacteria living in the said surface. With this new approach, scientists can produce consumer and health care products featuring more reliable and effective pathogen-killing surfaces. The approach also has its advantages over the use of titanium dioxide, an antibacterial agent that, while effective against bacteria, is inadequate for removing viruses. On top of this, UV radiation is used to activate a titanium dioxide, causing a detrimental effect on healthy cells. Nanoparticles are also believed to be potential human health hazards. The biocidal photosensitizers developed by Spontak and his co-authors prove be useful in killing both bacteria and viruses. Although the team is yet to overcome the challenge of physically integrating the photosensitizers into harder materials, the approach is already useful for a wide range of soft materials, such as linens, screens, and other textiles, used in the healthcare setting. With this, many lives can easily be saved against deadly bacteria and viruses. - End -
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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has visibly interrupted the operations of every sector across the globe, and the infrastructure construction industry is no exception. As reported, there has been major delays in infrastructure projects, primarily brought about by disruptions in the supply chain and low manpower mobility.
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To top it off, most governments are devoting more funds to combat the spreading disease, putting infrastructure projects at a temporarily standstill. This is in addition to the rising uncertainties in terms of the completion of the project, its financing status, and future pipelines. However, in the face of these short-term challenges, an analysis by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) suggests that the construction sector is actually thriving and remaining resilient.
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Despite the fact that the pandemic is dramatically interrupting infrastructure activity, construction is likely to catch up in Asian countries as they are beginning to craft post-COVID-19 plans. One of the early signs of recovery in the industry is the resumption of economic activity weeks after China’s lockdown. With this came the rebounding of the infrastructure construction, and it is expected that the release of
local government bonds will partially offset the temporary pause in the country’s building activities, eventually boosting the infrastructure project development. Keeping this in mind, the construction sector is anticipated to grow at 5% at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2015 and 2024. Specifically, the activity in infrastructure construction will likely record a CAGR of 6.4% between 2015 and 2024. Although these forecasts are slightly hindered by the current crisis, the medium-term outlook for the industry remains robust. These numbers are not too far-fetched, as well, since many countries are expected to increase infrastructure activities after the pandemic to kick start their economies. In addition, the 24 major engineering, procurement, and construction 183
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Keeping this in mind, the construction sector is anticipated to grow at 5% at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% between 2015 and 2024.
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The 24 EPCs issued a total bond worth USD2.1 billion, which is 35% higher as compared to the first quarter of 2019
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(EPC) contractors actively involved in Asian infrastructure projects and participated in the AIIB study recorded a total revenue of over USD700 billion, with USD10 billion serving as the median. This total revenue has experienced over 5% annual growth from 2017 to 2019. Of the 24 EPCs, a majority also possessed either sound financial ratios, significant cash reserves, or both. Eighteen of these firms featured cumulative cash and cash equivalent balance of USD128billion for the first quarter of the year alone. The bulk of such balance belongs to the Chinese EPC contractors whose cash in hand amounts to USD91 billion. Furthermore, while the 14 non-Chinese firms are not in similar financial situations, they still feature strong current ratios. High revenues might not always imply future growth, but stock prices are a good indication. Stock prices have recently hopped on an increasing growth trend and are showing some recovery. This might have been thanks to the continuous government efforts to prioritize construction projects even during lockdown. Under normal conditions, contractors usually face credit crunch and high borrowing costs but this has become less frequent during the global financial crisis. In the first quarter of 2020, the
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24 EPCs issued a total bond worth USD2.1 billion, which is 35% higher as compared to the first quarter of 2019. As for the second quarter of 2020, bond issuance is already at around USD3 billion. This proves as no surprise as over time, borrowing costs for contractors have significantly decreased. In fact, the average yield to maturity for the current year is expected to be 2.75%. Given that firms can easily raise money at such low rates, they are less likely to face liquidity problems in the following years. Although the infrastructure activities across the globe will hopefully bounce back soon, the sector is still facing uncertainties. The trajectory of the pandemic will be the deciding factor for the future, and it is but expected that with more infections and lockdowns, the economy will worsen. When this happens, EPC contractors could face massive challenges in terms of nonpayments, liquidity crunch, and contract cancellations. There is already an indication of pick-up in infrastructure construction activities in most Asian markets, all thanks to the continuous pipeline infrastructure projects. Infrastructure EPC firms are boasting strong positions in the form of stock price recovery, sound financials, strong revenues, and healthy access to liquidity. But while these are all good standings, we should still be wary of the uncertainties. - END -
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Research at the Schulich School of Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
NOVEMBER 2 0 2 0
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ement/concrete takes the second spot in the most utilized product in the world, right next to potable water. Apart from being a multiplier on jobs and Growth Domestic Product (GDP), the product is deemed critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. It is the primary building block fairports, and other infrastructure necessary for economic development, as well as schools, hospitals, and dams, which all contribute to the wellbeing, health, and education of society.
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Around the world, there are over 1,000 cement producers operating more than 2,300 integrated cement plants and 600 grinding stations, but only five countries contribute roughly three-quarters of the global cement production. China tops the list with a share of 57%, followed by India, Vietnam, US, and Indonesia.
Challenges in the Cement Industry Over the past decade, global demand has significantly stagnated, with the average utilization to be about 70%. This eventually led to regional overcapacity. Another challenge the cement companies are facing is the intensive capital investment required, putting pressure on the firms to generate returns larger than their investment. On top of this, cement companies are expected to achieve carbon neutrality soon. To date, the cement industry still accounts for seven to eight percent of global carbon emissions even after the reduction of greenhouse gas and improvement of energy efficiency over the past several decades. The majority of these emissions can be traced back to the production of clinker, during which clay, lime, and other raw materials are heated in massive kilns. Because of the growing environment concerns among governments, investors, and society, firms should begin planning to reduce their carbon footprint further. Fortunately, some industry leaders have committed to carbon neutrality in cement by 2050.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Sector It is currently hard to predict the full effect of the pandemic on the cement sector, mainly since the long-term impact of the pandemic on the global economy still remains uncertain. The short-term impacts, however, is becoming clearer for the sector.
Effect on Product Demand The global cement demand for 2020 is expected to drop to three percent year-on-year with China included and 6.4 percent year-on-year when excluding China. Overall, the outbreak’s impact is likely unevenly distributed as some countries prove to be more resilient than others.
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Around the world, there are over 1,000 cement producers operating more than 2,300 integrated cement plants and 600 grinding stations, but only five countries contribute roughly three-quarters of the global cement production.
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companies have continued their operations amid the pandemic and protected their financial health while simultaneously focusing on their compliance to health and safety measures.
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Effect on Utilization Rate Even before the pandemic began, the cement industry has not operated at full capacity and saw a global utilization rate of 70% over the past five years. This was further slowed down by the global economic crisis, so plants will likely see significant declines in utilization rates, which can fall to as low as 60% for 2020 according to projections. Although companies will surely finish committed expansions for the year, it will depend on the pace of the economic recovery whether they will take on new projects beyond 2021.
Effect on Stock Prices and Foreign Exchange
Over the course of the past 12 months, share prices of major cement producers have wavered by an average of 47% between their 52-week high and 52-week low. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations have also further limited profit margins of cement firms in a handful of emerging markets and multiplied energy costs and the cost of paying debts in hard currencies.
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COVID-19 Response Since the cement industry has been considered as one of the essential businesses in most countries, companies have continued their operations amid the pandemic and protected their financial health while simultaneously focusing on their compliance to health and safety measures.
Short-term Response To strengthen their financial position and protect cash flow despite the slow demand, companies are taking the following steps: a. Minimize non-essential expenses and reduce labor costs to achieve cost savings b. Postpone current projects whenever possible and restrict maintenance to cut capital expenditures c.Adjust inventory levels to market conditions to preserve the working capital d. Withdraw credit line and suspend dividend payments to boost liquidity
Compliance to Health and Safety Regulations Before operating, companies made sure that plants are compliant with the new health and safety protocols set by the government to combat the spread of the disease. Generally, this proves as no issue for cement companies because of the low personnel density and the tightly controlled work environment. - End -
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