Is that what you think of BIM? More correctly known as Building Information Modeling, BIM has lots of people pushing for its adoption. But one of the biggest problems seems to be the lack of a standardized data format. A recent article in Architect magazine (published by Hanley Wood, which also publishes Concrete Construction, and written by Gideon Fink Shapiro who coined the term Bureaucratic Insipid Mumbo Jumbo) describes the efforts to create a standard format that all software developers would follow. BIM could help reverse construction’s dismal productivity, which has decreased by 15% since 1964 while manufacturing productivity has increased 150%. But there may be other barriers to adoption. In response to my recent blog on this topic, Evan Adams wrote that “the issue with BIM is it also needs to talk to CSI specs. Until the BIM tells me that the Division 3 concrete curing compound will not work with the Division 9 flooring adhesive it is incomplete technology.”

Executive Leadership Forum

ASCC’s Concrete Executive Leadership Forum is right around the corner (July 17 to 19 in Santa Fe, N.M.). One speaker I’m looking forward to hearing at the Forum is Ben Sasse, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, who will explain why, with the Medicare trust fund projected to be 13 years from insolvency, Washington needs to act now. But, he writes, it’s not clear that Congress is up to the task. You’ll learn about the options, what is likely, and the economic and political implications. Check out the other speakers by going here or just send me an e-mail and I’ll reply with the brochure.

Prepackaged Powdered Materials

Have you had problems with prepackaged concrete and mortar mixes? Last September the Strategic Development Council held a workshop to explore perceived quality issues with these materials. An article in Concrete International reviewed the workshop results and concluded that issues exist. But suppliers of these materials have objected, stating that the problem is not nearly as widespread nor as serious as the article implies. The SDC is forming a working group to explore any issues with prepackaged dry materials. This issue is not going away so let us know if you have feelings on it one way or the other.

Stand Down for Falls

“Falls account for more than a third of all deaths in (the construction) industry,” said Dr. David Michaels, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. “We’re working with employers, workers, industry groups, and state OSHA plans to host safety stand-downs that focus on recognizing hazards and preventing falls. We are getting the message out to America’s employers that safety pays and falls cost.” The National Fall Prevention Stand-Down, June 2 to 6, will raise awareness of preventing fall hazards in construction. There were 269 fatalities caused by falls from elevation in 2012 out of 775 construction fatalities. Those deaths were preventable. For more, visit here.