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Kattsafe

FIXFAST USA is now Kattsafe

We’ve been delivering high-quality products and innovation for over 40 years and we’ve partnered closely with Sayfa in Australia for over 10 years. It was a natural evolution for us to join forces as a single global brand for height access and fall protection systems.

Bringing everything we do under one new name makes it even simpler to work with us and use our products. And behind it all, we’re still the same team, quality products, and customer service that you’ve come to expect.

4 Trends Are Driving Construction Industry in 2016

Derek Tokarz • Certified in Safety Management Group's Training in Fall Protection

Categories: Industry News

With 2016 predicted to experience six percent growth and overall construction estimated to hit $712 billion, construction experts have reason to be optimistic. Those findings were announced in a Dodge Data & Analytics’ Construction Outlook report.

It should be an interesting year, with green initiatives and new technology leading innovations in the industry, according to construction leaders quoted in an article by Construction Dive. Calling this year “the good times,” Bud LaRosa, chief financial officer for Tocci Building Companies, said, “I don’t think I could be any more optimistic for 2016.”

4 trends construction experts say will impact construction in 2016 and beyond:

1. Offsite construction.

According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, off-site construction is defined as the planning, design, fabrication and assembly of building elements at a location other than the final site. It also is referred to as modular or prefabricated construction. This type of construction is believed to result in cost savings because of reduced construction time and less waste. Ron Antevy, president and CEO of e-Builder, called prefab an “up-and-coming” trend, one that will save costs and increase efficiencies.

2. Building Information Modeling.

Another trend that is gaining steam is Building Information Modeling, which is described by Industry Today as a form of digital fabrication system in which the real model for a building is constructed digitally — including specifications and standards. The report indicated that BIM is gaining prominence in construction technology because it enables engineers, contractors and architects to gain a clear picture of the building beforehand. The many features of BIM make it a game-changer in the construction industry, according to Industry Today. Jay Dacey, president of Integrated Builders, told Construction Dive that BIM has become a staple with bigger jobs.

3. Green initiatives will expand.

Of course, the adoption of green building initiatives will continue to gain traction in the commercial and residential sectors, experts predict. While commercial has been at the forefront of those trends — green construction initiatives are starting to pick up more in the residential sector, largely because of consumer demand. According to Dodge Data & Analytics, green building accounts for 26 to 33 percent of the total residential market.

4. Communicating via technology.

As with other industries, technology is changing the way those in the construction industry communicate and collaborate. Using tablets, for example, will allow construction employees to more effectively and quickly communicate with each other and access data such as contracts, drawings and other materials. This trend also is expected to result in increased efficiencies and cost savings.

With 2016 on track to be a year of growth for the construction industry, it is likely innovations will continue to emerge to shape trends in the commercial and residential sectors in foreseeable future.