A faster cladding connection is finally here.

Install cladding and curtain-wall connections with the new Edge-Tie™ system from Simpson Strong-Tie. This innovative solution utilizes bolts that allow installers to easily position and adjust anchors along a continuous slot. A reusable guardrail also can be bolted to the beam while it’s still on the ground. By eliminating field welding, the Edge-Tie system saves time and labor costs while increasing safety at the jobsite. It’s simply a smarter, faster way to get the job done.

Put all of our structural steel solutions to work on your next project. To learn more, visit go.strongtie.com/edgetiesystem or call (800) 999-5099

Keeping Track of Tools

“Tracking small tools—whether in repair status, on location or with employees and the associated costs—is one of the most ineffective parts of accounting and internal controls in a construction company,” said Maria Lumke, CFO of Waterline Industries, a New Hampshire-based civil general contractor. “We have tried many things, including inventorying vans, assigning tools to employees and to jobs – to no avail,” she adds.

A new solution integrates Hilti ON!Track asset management with Trimble Viewpoint Vista, an ERP solution in the Trimble Construction Onesuite.

“Our research shows that each jobsite loses on average one day per month of productivity due to workers searching for tools. In addition, the contractors end up spending up to 90 hours per month tracking tools: in essence, productivity loss for both workers and contractors,” said Michael McGowan, region head and CEO of

Construction Automation

On July 13, 2022, D.T. Read Steel Co., Inc., a rebar contractor in Virginia, and English Construction, a general contractor, set an all-time rod tying record on the Rt. 29 Ward Road bridge project in Lynchburg, Va. Using TyBOT by Advanced Construction Robotics, 17,155 ties were completed during one shift.

TyBOT is a rebar tying robot that self-navigates, self-ties, and does not require programming or BIM plan input from the crew. TyBOT utilizes artificial intelligence to see, think, and self-adapt to unique jobsite designs. It represents the latest class of construction equipment that works alongside existing crews to ensure project timelines are safely met.

The all-time record on the Rt. 29 Ward Road bridge overcomes the previous record of 16,000 ties in a single shift set in February