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WORKING BYWORKING BYREMOTE CONTROLREMOTE CONTROLROBOTICROBOTICADVANTAGEADVANTAGEHEADHEADPROTECTION PROTECTION SELECTINGSELECTINGA HELMETA HELMETREBARREBARDETECTIONDETECTIONDRILLING INDRILLING INCONCRETECONCRETEBETTERBETTERBRIDGESBRIDGESCONCRETECONCRETEADMIXTURESADMIXTURESWWW.MCSMAG.COMFEBRUARY 2024

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WORKING BYWORKING BYREMOTE CONTROLREMOTE CONTROLROBOTICROBOTICADVANTAGEADVANTAGEHEADHEADPROTECTION PROTECTION SELECTINGSELECTINGA HELMETA HELMETREBARREBARDETECTIONDETECTIONDRILLING INDRILLING INCONCRETECONCRETEBETTERBETTERBRIDGESBRIDGESCONCRETECONCRETEADMIXTURESADMIXTURESWWW.MCSMAG.COMFEBRUARY 2024

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com4CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY 2024 OUTLOOKGuest Post by Nathan Patton HOW TO MAKE YOUR BUILDING A FORTRESS AGAINST CYBER ATTACKSGuest Post by Coleman WolfWHAT TO ASK WHEN RENTING A MACHINEGuest Post by National Flooring Equipment1638FEBRUARY 2024VOLUME 18 ISSUE 02Inside This Issue36special focusIN EVERY ISSUEIndustry News .............................. Modern Construction Products...... management solutionFINGERPRINT DRUG TESTINGstreamlined screening saves cost and hasslelegal solutionESCALATION CLAUSES A NECESSITYleave yourself a lifelineequipment solutionDROP PREVENTIONstop the drop for a safer site SAFETYproject profile BUILD BETTER BRIDGEShigh performance concrete delivers durable bridge in record timeON THE BLOGPETTIBONE TRAVERSEThe Pettibone Traverse T944X horizontal traversing boom being used on jobsite location.www.gopettibone.com30technology solutionREBAR SCANNINGsafe solution reduces damage24safety solutionTRENCH SAFETY stand up for stand downs18

PROJECT PROFILESDemolition Robots for Infrastructure Repair ...........Build Better Bridges .............................................EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONSDrop Prevention During Overhead Work .................D-Lock Tilt Coupler for Excavators ........................ SAFETY SOLUTIONSFacing the Pressure ............................................ Trench Safety Comes First ................................... Guidelines for Helmet Selection ........................... TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONRebar Scanning .................................................. SOFTWARE SOLUTIONCheat Code Streamlines RFI / Submittal Workflows .................................... LEGAL SOLUTIONEscalation Clauses a Continued Necessity ............ MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONFingerprint Drug Screening .................................. MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONChevron Rykon Heavy-Duty Grease ...................... www.mcsmag.com 3100 Lorna Rd, Ste 101Birmingham, AL 35216MATT WEBER Editormatt@mcsmag.com MIKE BARKER Publishermike@mcsmag.com RANDY MOON Media Consultantrandym@mcsmag.com KEVIN MCCLARAN Associate Publisherkevin@mcsmag.com GARY BARKER Associate Publishergary@mwsmag.com LISA AVERY Art Directorlisa@mcsmag.com SETH SAUNDERS Digital Media Specialist seth@mcsmag.com INGRID BERKY Office Manageringrid@mcsmag.comSUBSCRIPTIONS For all changes, go to:MCSMAG.COMClick the SUBSCRIPTIONS button in the main menuTIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentCHRIS GARMONCFOJ. CAMPBELL Vice President, EditorialNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the sta of Modern Contractor Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to donna@mcsmag.com.For reprint information, contact Chris Garmon at chris@mcsmag.com.Canada Post Publication Agreement #41578525. Undeliverables 355 Admiral Drive, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5T 2N1 Modern Contractor Solutions Magazine@mcsmagModern Contractor SolutionsGREETINGSHello. I’m new here. My name is Matt, and I’m now the editor of Modern Contractor Solutions magazine. I have many years of experience in both the publishing and construction industries, and I’m happy to be a part of the team. I look forward to bringing you news you can use for the foreseeable future. This month, we cover issues of jobsite safety and how technology can reduce risk in a variety of construction applications. Robotic demolition machines work on underground infrastructure while the operators control them from a safe, remote location. Metal scanners detect rebar in concrete so workers can avoid accidentally drilling into steel. Modern helmet designs protect the skull and brain better than standard hardhats. We cover the latest drop-prevention equipment that eliminates falling tools. We also explore the pressures of the jobsite and how lowering stress levels can help elevate safety.Do you have a newsworthy tip or a story idea you think we should cover? Please drop me a line. I look forward to hearing from you.Thanks for reading, Matt WeberMatt WeberEditorWORLD OF ASPHALT 2024 World of Asphalt is back in 2024 featuring 193,000 net square feet of equipment and more than 400 of the top manufacturers in the asphalt industry. Stay informed with industry trends and technologies at the leading asphalt trade show and conference in Nashville, Tennessee, March 25-27. For more, visit www.worldofasphalt.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com8industry newsCONSTRUCTION JOB OPENINGS REMAIN ELEVATEDThe construction industry had 449,000 job openings on the last day of December, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings decreased by 21,000 last month and are down by 39,000 from the same time last year.“The construction industry averaged 445,000 job openings per month in the fourth quarter of 2023,” says ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “That’s the highest quarterly level on record and a strong indication that the labor shortages that have long plagued the construction industry remain firmly in place. With more than half of contractors expecting to increase their staffing levels over the next six months, according to ABC’s Construction Confidence Index, the supply of workers is unlikely to meet demand for the first half of 2024.” For more, visit www.abc.org. BALANCE OF LABOR SUPPLY AND DEMAND HAS NEVER BEEN TIGHTERConstruction wages rose sharply in the past three years, and market indicators portend that labor will be a long-term constraint on the growth of the industry, according to a new report. Gordian, provider of data-driven solutions for all phases of the building lifecycle, collaborated with ConstructConnect to produce a construction labor outlook report, “The Great Adaptation: Navigating the New Construction Labor Pool.” “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction labor pool has experienced a seismic shift,” says Sam Giffin, Gordian’s director of data operations and co-author of the report. “Organizations now find themselves hiring a different group of laborers, with different expectations and different skill sets.”Key findings: • Construction wages rose an average of 20 percent from 2021 to 2023.• Two major changes in construction labor dynamics at the federal level will compound increasing cost structures in 2024 and beyond. • Construction trade wages in the continental U.S. have been rising at a much higher rate in traditionally low-cost areas.• As a result of the economy’s initial COVID shutdown in early 2020, over one million Baby Boomers, many with decades of work experience, permanently left the workforce. The report contains cutting-edge data, expert analysis, and provides five specific strategies for how businesses can adapt to these new construction labor dynamics. For more, visit www.gordian.com. 1-877-350-5584

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com10industry newsYANMAR ROLLS FIRST COMPACT TRACK LOADERS OFF THE LINEYanmar Compact Equipment rolls its first compact track loader production models, the TL100VS, off the line for the North American market. This expansion to Yanmar’s equipment offering is the culmination of four years of extensive research and development following the company’s acquisition of a U.S. manufacturing facility and engineering team focused on compact track loaders. The new line leverages Yanmar’s more than 100 years of industry expertise and reliability standards. “It’s immensely satisfying to see these first machines roll off the line,” says Matt Deloglos, VP of Commercial, Yanmar Compact Equipment North America. “Our team has worked tirelessly toward this goal for the last four years with designing, testing, and manufacturing these machines as well as getting the plant and our team ready to launch these products.” The TL100VS is the first produced of Yanmar’s line of compact track loaders which also includes the TL65RS, TL75VS and TL80VS. The remaining three new Yanmar compact track loaders are set for production later in 2024. For more, visit www.yanmarce.com. TEMPORARY BRIDGE DETOURS TRAFFIC DURING CONSTRUCTIONA modular steel bridge from Acrow, a leading international bridge engineering company, has been installed to maintain traffic during construction on U.S. Route 75 in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. Situated between the towns of Pharoah and Waleetka, the project consists of replacing a structurally deficient bridge and widening and resurfacing the roadway to accommodate an increasing volume of traffic in the rural area.Acrow’s bridge was rented to project contractor Wyatt Contracting Inc./Central Bridge Company, a joint venture between the two Oklahoma firms. Prior successful projects with Acrow led the project team to submit a value-engineering proposal to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation demonstrating how the Acrow panel bridge would be economical, quickly constructed, and would allow for more water flow during a potential flood event.Construction of the detour bridge was finalized and opened to traffic in October 2023. The two-lane bridge is 80 feet long and has a curb-to-curb width of 30 feet. Designed to AASHTO HS20-44, it has a 2-in. thick asphalt overlay and was installed with a crane-assisted launch. For more, visit www.acrow.com. SNOWPLOW PREEMPTION TECHNOLOGYSnowplows present the latest example of how the equipment industry is evolving with the advent of artificial intelligence.Snow removal creates traffic congestion problems for many cities and residents. Municipalities are constantly seeking innovative solutions to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions. Utilizing LYT’s first-of-its-kind NextGen traffic-

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com12industry newssignal prioritization and intelligent transportation system technology, snowplows now can remove snow and ice quicker than before without the need to stop for red lights as they plow the streets.LYT’s advanced snowplow signal priority solution, LYT.snow, enables snowplows to travel through intersections safely and efficiently to clear snow quickly so travelers can continue to move through their community. Leveraging state-of-the-art algorithms and artificial intelligence, LYT’s traffic prioritization system is designed to alleviate traffic bottlenecks, reduce travel times, and enhance the overall driving experience to create safer, more livable cities.“Our technology is not just about managing traffic,” says Tim Menard, CEO and founder of LYT, “it's about creating smarter, more responsive transportation networks that benefit both cities and their residents.” For more, visit www.lyt.ai. ESFI UPDATES WORKPLACE SAFETY STATISTICSContact with or exposure to electricity continues to be a leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2022, there was a total of 1,322 workplace fatalities involving electricity. During this period, 70 percent of fatalities occurred in non-electrically related occupations. Each year, the Electrical Safety Foundation (ESFI) collects information on fatal occupational electrical injuries using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) Accident Investigation reports.Workplace Fatalities and Injuries: 2011 – 2022 • 70 percent of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in non-electrical occupations.• 30 percent of workplace electrical fatalities occurred in electrical occupations.• 6 percent of all fatalities were caused by contact with electricity.• There was a 1.5 percent average decrease in workplace electrical fatalities year over year.• The construction industry had the highest number of electrical fatalities.Occupations with the Most Electrical Fatalities • Electricians: 195 fatalities• Construction laborers: 119 fatalities• Laborers, except construction: 117 fatalities• Electrical power installers and repairers: 109 fatalities• Tree trimming occupations: 94 fatalities• HVAC and refrigeration mechanics: 42 fatalities• Electricians’ apprentices: 37 fatalities• Truck drivers, heavy: 35 fatalities• Roofers: 29 fatalities• Painters, construction and maintenance: 28 fatalities

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com14project profileMinneapolis, Minnesota, is home to a population of more than 425,000 citizens. The largest city in the state, Minneapolis is supported through extensive underground infrastructure—most of which is decades old. The most pressing concern when it comes to this infrastructure is the deterioration of the stormwater tunnels beneath the city. PCiRoads, a highway and heavy civil general contractor out of St. Michael, Minnesota, won the bid for the Central City Parallel Storm Tunnel Project to enlarge portions of the stormwater tunnel, construct a new parallel tunnel, and create new tunnel access in downtown Minneapolis. PCiRoads partnered with Brokk, a leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition robots, to rework more than 800 feet of stormwater tunnel underneath the heart of Minneapolis and mine 3,600 feet of new tunnel. THE OLD SYSTEMOriginally built in 1939, the tunneling system below Minneapolis was designed to address the drainage needs of the time. However, rapid population growth combined with a 30-percent increase in rainfall per hour over the last 50 years mean the tunnels can no longer keep up with demand. The strain of excessive water caused cracking, breaking, and concrete deterioration, resulting in an urgent need for repair.In 2021, the city of Minneapolis Public Works Department approved a $60 million overhaul of the stormwater tunnel system. The plan is to create a tunnel twice the size of the current system to move stormwater to the Mississippi River. “When the stormwater tunnels start to fail, we see dangerous flooding and other damages to underground infrastructure,” says Nap Scott, estimator and project manager for PCiRoads. “The repair of the current system and addition of the parallel stormwater tunnel will be a huge step forward in handling the increased demands.”TIGHT SPACESThe PCiRoads crew found several logistical challenges with the Central City Parallel Storm Tunnel Project. The tunnels were so small that Demolition Robots Demolition Robots for Infrastructure Repairfor Infrastructure Repairworking by remote controlBROKK USABy Katie GrubePCiRoads found that the power-to-weight ratio of a demolition robot gave the best hitting power for its size. A 6-ton Brokk 520D is 5.25 feet wide, with a vertical reach of 23.4 feet.The project required PCiRoads to carve a cathedral shape out of the sandstone using a predetermined template. Crews used green lasers to draw the template outline, then completed removal with the Brokk robot.

the equipment couldn’t pass one another. If a different piece of equipment was needed, the first piece would need to be removed from the tunnel and new equipment brought in, significantly slowing down progress. Another challenge was that workers and equipment needed to be lowered by crane 80 feet into the system. Traditional equipment, like 5- to 10-ton excavators, couldn’t get into such tight spaces or work safely without the risk of falling debris and pinch points. To complete the project, PCiRoads purchased two new Brokk 520D demolition robots and a used a Brokk 400 diesel model. They found that the power-to-weight ratio of these machines gave the best hitting power for the size. A 6-ton Brokk 520D is 5.25 feet wide, with a vertical reach of 23.4 feet. To get the same hitting power as a Brokk 520D, they would need to use a 10-ton excavator with a width of approximately 7 feet and a vertical reach of 8 feet. The lighter weight and smaller size of the robots made lowering them down the tunnel’s 80-foot shaft easier and safer than larger equipment. “The Brokk diesel models don’t need a generator, but that means we needed to make sure there was proper ventilation in the tunnels before we could start,” Scott says. “Once it was set up, the diesel models offered unparalleled versatility because we didn’t need to worry about generators or cords.” INCREASED VERSATILITY & SAFETYPCiRoads took advantage of the Brokk demolition robots’ versatility by using multiple attachments throughout the project. With remote-controlled operation featuring a range of more than 950 feet, the operator and crew were removed from the danger zone while the equipment worked. For mining the new tunnel, they used the breaker attachment with the Brokk 520Ds to break the sandstone and shale. The project required PCiRoads to carve a cathedral shape out of the sandstone. The tunnel comes to an arch at the top to provide additional support for the system. After realizing that the breaker wasn’t the best tool for precise shaping, the PCiRoads team chose the Brokk Drum Cutter 250 attachments with the Brokk 520Ds, which meticulously shaved away the sandstone and shale to create the arch shape. After removal of the sandstone and shale, PCiRoads moved on to breaking through bedrock at the riverbed. The crew rented an additional Brokk 300 with a breaker attachment to tackle the bedrock, and they intermittently stopped to install ground control. They used a TEI 80 Rockdrill to install rock bolts, which held mesh in place to catch loose rock and debris, protecting the crew against rock falls and tunnel collapse. Once PCiRoads completes this part of the project, new forms will be rolled out for the tunnel, concrete will be placed into those forms, and the new tunnel will be tied into the current system. www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202415for more informationFor more on PCiRoads, visit www.pciroads.com. For more on Brokk, visit www.brokk.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com16project profileConcrete admixtures from Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals played a critical role in the Delaware Memorial Bridge deck rehabilitation project, recently completed in November 2023. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a pair of twin suspension bridges that span the Delaware River, connecting Delaware and New Jersey. Opened in 1951 and 1968, these massive toll bridges, each two miles in length, are vital transportation links for the Northeastern region. After more than 60 years of service, it was determined that a major deck rehabilitation was needed on the northbound bridge to prolong the service life of the existing deck. The two-year, three-phase rehabilitation project kicked off in September 2022.CHALLENGESAs a vital toll bridge with over 80,000 vehicles crossing daily, there were immense challenges to executing a major rehabilitation. Most notable was the disruption to traffic and the impact it would have on the travelers and the toll collections. The construction work could only be performed during specific timeframes when traffic volumes were relatively lower. Within these tight time windows, a new durable, high-performing deck needed to be installed, without adding more weight to the structure. SOLUTIONThe Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA) considered several options to repair or replace the existing bridge deck. After a life-cycle cost analysis, the owner determined that the use of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) was the preferred repair solution for the project. UHPC is an exceptionally strong and durable concrete material which often includes a large amount of fiber reinforcement and super-plasticizing agents. The UHPC would be installed as a new overlay system along the length of the bridge to both protect and structurally strengthen the existing bridge deck. Additionally, this solution could be installed in much less time and at a significantly reduced cost compared to more significant repair techniques (e.g., full-depth deck replacement). Compared to a more traditional concrete overlay, a thinner layer of UHPC is needed, minimizing any additional Build Better BridgesBuild Better Bridgeshigh performance concrete delivers durable bridge in record timeSAINT-GOBAINBy Carrie N. Callahan The Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) overlay was installed extremely quickly, shaving two weeks from the 11-week P hase 3 bridge construction window.

weight to the structure, and provides better long-term durability lasting 50 years or more.In September 2023, the final phase of the project began, which consisted of removing two to three inches of deteriorated concrete from the existing deck surface of the Northbound two right lanes on the New Jersey side, and then replacing it with an equivalent thickness of UHPC. To conquer the time constraints and make sure the new bridge deck will withstand the test of time, Ductal’s fiber-reinforced UHPC and Chryso & GCP’s admixture technologies were selected as the solution providers. In partnership with UHPC Solutions (the General Contractor) and Ductal (the UHPC material supplier), the Chryso & GCP technical team helped identify the best admixtures for the application. The inclusion of the admixtures, such as high-range water reducers, allows for less batch water to be used in the UHPC mixture, producing a concrete that achieves >18,000 psi compressive strength, more than three times stronger than traditional bridge deck concrete. Additionally, the admixtures facilitated a concrete consistency that the contractor could pave in a downhill direction, which is not typically done in concrete paving. This allowed the contractor to condense their construction schedule, saving them both time and money. More than 5,000 cubic yards of UHPC was installed on this project, which was placed using a specialty paver designed by the contractor and later diamond-ground and grooved to ensure a smooth riding surface. RESULTSThe combination of Ductal’s concrete formulation expertise with Chryso & GCP’s admixture technologies, as well as the contractor’s optimized processes and equipment, overcame all challenges. The admixtures met all concrete rheology, strengths, finishability, and durability needs. The UHPC overlay was installed extremely quickly, shaving two weeks from the 11-week Phase 3 construction window. In addition, the enhanced performance of the new UHPC equates to less overall concrete used, which further reduces the project’s CO2 impact. Thanks to the innovations, expertise and collaboration, the bridge deck is now more durable and resilient with a low financial impact.“The future of UHPC in construction is bright,” says Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals North America President Steve Williams. “The greater strength with less material needed and longer service life of more than 50 years makes UHPC a key component in the sustainability goals of the construction industry.”UHPC North America Director Gil Brindley notes, “This project is the first of its kind in the United States. It is the first suspension bridge to have a UHPC overlay, the largest UHPC project in the U.S., and broke records for UHPC placed in a single day.” www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202417for more informationFor more on Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals, visit www.saint-gobain.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com18equipment solutionWhat goes up, must come down, and that includes tools and equipment. When performing construction work at height, fall prevention is critical, but so is dropped-object prevention. Accidentally dropped tools or supplies can cause serious injury as well as damage to property, which is why fall-restraint companies develop innovative safety solutions. Ensuring the safety of employees and equipment is paramount for health, productivity, and regulatory compliance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), anyone is at risk from falling objects when standing beneath cranes, scaffolds, etc., or wherever overhead work is being performed. Injuries can range from minor abrasions to concussions, blindness, or death.According to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards, employers must provide a fall protection system and falling object protection.To prevent injury, OSHA advises: • Secure tools and materials to prevent them from falling on people below.• Barricade hazard areas and post warning signs.• Use toe-boards, screens, or guardrails on scaffolds to prevent falling objects, or,• Use debris nets, catch platforms, or canopies to catch or deflect falling objects. To address the concerns of securing tools during commercial construction, Guardian Fall focused on its dropped-object prevention products at this year’s World of Concrete.Shelbi Bryant, product manager, says, “I am excited to showcase Guardian’s full line of dropped object prevention products here at World of Concrete 2024. We proudly offer a variety of solutions to fit any need and work closely with our customers to ensure proper usage and comprehensive training.”Drop Prevention Drop Prevention During Overhead Work During Overhead Work stop the drop for a safer siteFALLING OBJECTSBy Tom Matthews

Guardian’s full lineup of drop-prevention equipment includes cold shrink tool attachments, which conform tightly to the handle shape of the tool, as well as traditional tool tethers, and the Quick-Switch system. The patented Quick-Switch is a hands-free tool tether system that streamlines the secure transfer of tools when working at heights without the need to disconnect the tool from an anchor. Workers remain in full control of the tool with the 100-percent Tie-Off, the mechanical lock fitting multiple tools so they can switch each tool’s connection from belts to wrists and between hands.This system offers a range of customizable accessories that enable workers to adjust their safety gear according to what works best for their applications. To secure fasteners, small tools, and other supplies, workers can utilize a tethered bag, bolt pouch, or tool bucket. To secure individual tools, choose from a variety of connection solutions, from the cold-strap handle wraps to D-rings or loops that attach to the handle ends, which keep the strap away from the tools’ grip area. PPE tethers are available for hard hats and gloves, and retractable tethers are handy for strap management. Werner Co., one of the industry’s leading ladder manufacturers, also offers a line of drop safety equipment featuring a variety of tool tethers. Among the Werner innovations are a tape-measure jacket, a drill jacket, and even a smartphone jacket, all of which can be attached to a harness to help protect equipment, property, and the workers below by providing a secure connection between the tools and the workers at height.Construction contractors with an eye on safety should explore the full suite of drop-prevention offerings available to accommodate the diverse tools used on construction jobsites. www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202419for more informationFor more on Guardian Fall, visit www.guardianfall.com. For more on Werner Co., visit www.wernerco.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com20equipment solutionD-Lock Tilt Coupler D-Lock Tilt Coupler for Excavatorsfor Excavatorsenhance productivity and jobsite safetyWERK-BRAU By Jim WahlThe D-Lock Tilt Coupler allows operators to simply tilt all attachments rather than having to move the entire machine, improving productivity and versatility.The D-Lock Tilt Coupler from Werk-Brau allows an operator to tilt the attachment instead of repositioning the excavator for enhanced productivity and versatility on each jobsite. The coupler’s compact narrow body allows better visibility and performance, while the triple-sealed power actuator allows trouble-free operation which is virtually maintenance-free. With up to 180-degrees of tilt, the D-Lock Tilt Coupler increases profitability by accomplishing tasks quicker with fewer excavator moves. A multi pin center picks up all attachments in the same weight class with the same pin diameter. Four hydraulic lines are required for installation, with no greasing or lubrication needed. These performance-boosting couplers are ideal for mini/compact excavators to 5-ton, and for full-size excavators to 35 MT. The unique design of the D-Lock Tilt Coupler includes safety features such as automatic front lock, dual pin locking, and a patented slide-lock design. The Automatic Front Lock feature locks the front pin in the event the rear pin is not secured. Each unit includes a highly visible front lock indicator. The Dual Pin Locking (DPL) safety system of every D-Lock Coupler locks both the front and rear pins in case of loss of engagement force, ensuring that attachments cannot swing on the front pin. The simple yet safe unlock procedure ensures that the unit releases only when intended, in a safe and controlled manner which prevents accidental release. The sliding jaw primary lock allows for multi pin centers to be accepted and is operated by a unique double-skinned, double-acting hydraulic cylinder utilizing full system pressure. No head feed tube or pressure reducer is required. The D-Lock Coupler fully complies to AS4772-2008 and EN474 Standard and the expected forthcoming ISO international standards. A new three-button coupler switch simplifies coupler safety and operation. The logic and sequence built into the switch ensures there will be no inadvertent activation. A two-tone alarm (intermittent buzzer for activation and solid buzzer for disengagement) and a light system alert the operator that he has sent a signal to the coupler cylinder to disengage. This allows simple, safe activation. A 5-second window allows the operator to complete the sequence or switch resets. The compact D-Lock Coupler complements Werk-Brau buckets and thumbs of all sizes and types. The company also manufactures tilt couplers in other styles including Manual Pin Grab, Pull-Pin/Half Hitch, Kubota Bantam, and the John Deere Wedge Tilt Couplers to suit a wide range of machinery and preferences. for more informationWerk-Brau manufactures a complete line of OEM and replacement attachments for excavators, backhoes, loaders, and skid steers. For more, visit www.werk-brau.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com22safety solutionsafety solutionAs I think back to my days working on construction sites, I am reminded of the significant number of people involved in these projects. For instance, on some of the larger projects I have been a part of, there might have been 5,000 people working there every day. Ensuring that all 5,000 individuals returned home safely at the end of each day was the highest priority for the site teams. I started my career in construction working for a consulting firm, fresh out of college as an industrial engineer. At that time, I was not completely convinced that the construction industry was for me; I hadn’t majored in anything related to construction, so the attraction wasn’t overly strong. Nevertheless, my life consisted of traveling around the country collecting data and interviewing project personnel. Then, I would head back to the corporate office to sit in solitude, analyzing project data to figure out how projects went over budget, were delayed, and came off the rails. While I might not have been on-site every day, my background in industrial engineering had me locked in. Suddenly, I was merging construction, solving problems, adding efficiencies, and optimizing processes. Through this experience, I began to notice something very interesting. STRESSFUL REALITYUnlike any other industry, construction carries a unique set of challenges and stresses. I observed that this tension was present both within the office and on-site. The overall atmosphere seemed to be filled with stress, and it affected everyone involved, from the C-suite to the on-site teams. Curiosity led me to question my boss one day when tensions reached a breaking point, and his response struck a chord with me: “I wasn’t this way before I worked in construction.”From then on, things started to make more sense. This interaction helped me realize that prolonged exposure to the construction environment can lead to increased stress levels among workers. The immense pressure and historically unspoken stress in the industry have contributed to a higher prevalence of mental health concerns and stress compared to other sectors. (In fact, the industry is saddled with a suicide rate four times greater than the national average.) Just as there are multiple reasons for this reality, there are undoubtedly numerous opportunities for improvement that can be explored, albeit requiring time and effort. STRESS PREVALENCEFirst and foremost, construction is complicated. It has many moving parts, especially when working with larger projects or a high volume of them. All these moving parts always need to come together. Those in construction attempt to manage large projects with different things happening all around them (i.e., items coming in from all over the world or daily project changes). Adding to this chaos, some contracts nail down prices and schedules, bringing a competitive nature to the site before ground is even broken. Pulling together teams and trying to deliver something of value in a world disrupted by all the moving parts is challenging. On top of that, we, as humans, have a planning fallacy. So, when building out a construction plan, most people are wired to think of the best-case scenario. For instance, a construction team may assume they can complete drywall installation on one floor within a specific timeframe and then seamlessly transition to the next floor. However, this optimism often neglects the inherent challenges and obstacles that may arise, leading to unrealistic expectations and added pressure. The competitive nature of the industry further exacerbates these issues, as contractors strive to win projects by offering overly optimistic schedules and aggressive budgets that may not align with reality. PRESENCE OF RISKThe stress in construction is further amplified by the presence of risk. Financial risks such as budget overruns and project delays are prevalent: the vast majority (85 percent) of construction projects completed in 20 countries over the course of a 70-year period experienced a cost overrun. This is just the Facing the PressureFacing the Pressurelowering stress helps elevate safety UTMOST PRIORITYBy Michael A. Pink

www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202423financial risk; the other, more important risks related to physical and mental well-being layer on top and arise from it.When projects face delays or cost overruns, disputes can arise, negatively impacting profitability and straining stakeholder relationships. Whenever a contract is signed, general contractors agree to deliver on a timeline, but when activities don’t happen in the planned timeframe, the various trades get stacked, inefficiencies rise, and lives are literally put at risk. In addition, studies show that adverse working conditions and poorly developed management practices are significant causes of work-related stress—practices such as unrealistic expectations, lack of appreciation, lack of transparency, and poor communication. Because these issues affect all project stakeholders, the rise of construction technology might not be helping as much as originally promised. ADDED STRESSORWhile the construction industry has traditionally been reticent to embrace new technology related to project planning and management, that trend is changing. In fact, the industry is experiencing a fever pitch for technology. According to Tracxn, there are over 6,200 construction tech startups, all promising to help execute construction projects. How does this contribute to the madness? Everyone at a given construction company hears about a different technology: why it is valuable, how it will solve problems, etc. But it all boils down to efficiency gains. If an organization rolls out 20 to 30 new technologies, the people in the field will be inundated. They must learn new processes while trying to finish the job. In my mind, the industry needs to develop an understanding of how different technologies can work together to alleviate this frustration. Technology overload is resulting in even more distractions for construction workers, preventing them from actually building. While the ability of cloud technology to connect site teams to the home office is a huge benefit, it is going to take time for it to really take hold. CLOSING THOUGHTFor the industry to change, the problems of low profit margins, as well as the all-too-common delays and overruns, need to be addressed. After all, more people are leaving the industry than entering it; as a result, lowering stress to elevate mental health is an even higher priority for most firms. And, while technology might offer many solutions, the process of implementation needs to be aligned with your processes. It needs to make the lives of those who risk their lives on-site easier, better and, of course, safer. about the authorMichael A. Pink is the CEO of SmartPM Technologies, which offers a leading platform for construction data analysis, allowing users to keep projects on time and on budget. Michael can be reached at mpink@smartpmtech.com. For more, visit www.smartpmtech.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com24safety solutionTrench Safety Month is scheduled for June of 2024, and in preparation National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) is spreading the word of best safety practices, including the importance of conducting Trench Safety Stand Downs. NUCA is the leading trade association working solely for the utility construction and excavation industry in the United States. NUCA’s core purpose is to improve the proficiency and financial performance of its member companies by providing services that focus on shared industry issues, such as safety compliance.WHAT IS A SAFETY STAND DOWN?A Safety Stand Down presents the opportunity for employers to talk directly to employees and others about safety. These particular Stand Downs will focus on trench and excavation hazards and reinforce the importance of using trench protective systems and protecting workers from trenching hazards. HOW TO CONDUCT A TRENCH SAFETY STAND DOWNCompanies will conduct a Trench Safety Stand Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity to draw attention to the specific hazards related to working in and around trenches/excavations.OSHA offers guidelines on essential safety techniques for reducing trenching and excavation hazards. Trench collapses, or cave-ins, pose the greatest risk to workers' lives. To prevent cave-ins: • Slope or bench the trench walls.• Shore the trench walls with supports, or• Shield the trench walls with trench boxes.Trench Safety Comes FirstTrench Safety Comes Firststand up for stand downsNATIONAL UTILITY CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATIONBy Tom MatthewsTRENCH SAFETY GUIDELINESWorking in a trench is one of the most hazardous jobs in construction, and hundreds of people die each year due to cave-ins. Soil weighs between 90 and 140 pounds per cubic foot. Therefore, one cubic yard (3 ft. by 3 ft. by 3 ft.) can weigh as much as a small pickup truck. If a person is buried, there is little chance of survival.Many factors can affect soil stability, such as the type of soil, water, and vibration. Soils saturated with water and previously disturbed soils are very dangerous to work in or around. However, even hard soil and rock that appears stable can cave in.Before entering a trench, the competent person at the jobsite must inspect the trench and the protection system to ensure that the trench is safe to enter. There are recorded incidents of people buried and killed in trenches 3- to 4-ft. deep, so even shallow trenches must be inspected by a competent person before entering.

CUTTING EDGE IMPALEMENT PROTECTIONCARNIE CAP is the most effective way to cap exposed rebar while keeping your workers safe and on the job.National OSHA Compliant • CAL-OSHA ApprovedPatent #5826398, 6073415ORDER TODAY!(888) 743-7725 www.carniecap.comWORKS IN HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL & INCLINATIONAPPLICATIONS✓ ASSEMBLE WITH 2X4 OR 2X6 LUMBER ALREADY ON SITE✓ SAFELY DISTRIBUTES WEIGHT ACROSS ENTIRE SYSTEM✓ NO MORE CAPPING EVERYREBAR!✓ Employers should also ensure there is a safe way to enter and exit the trench. All materials should be kept away from the edge of the trench. Look for standing water or atmospheric hazards. Workers should never enter a trench unless it has been properly inspected. Applicable OSHA standards are 29 CFR 1926.650, 29 CFR 1926.651, and 29 CFR 1926.652.To facilitate safety training, NUCA is asking that member companies provide to NUCA feedback about their Stand Down during Trench Safety Week, June 17-23, 2024, such as when it was held, how many workers participated, how you shared information with employees. NUCA will collect the information, publicize the overall total number of participants, and publish the names of the companies that held a Trench Safety Stand Down. Anyone who wants to prevent trenching and excavation hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand Down. NUCA encourages participation from construction, utility, residential, highway construction, plumbers, military, unions, and more. SAFETY FUNDAMENTALS:• Locate all underground utilities before digging.• Enter only trenches that have been sloped at the proper angle, shored, or shielded.• Never go outside the area that has been sloped, shored, or shielded, not even for a moment.• Eliminate or control water accumulation before entering the trench.• Stay alert when working in or near previously disturbed soil conditions.• Do not permit vehicles near the edge of the trench.• Check regularly for hazardous materials and oxygen levels in the trench.• Never allow machines to run unattended.• Use a ladder or ramp to get in and out of the trench. Place the ladder inside the protective system.• Never climb on shoring or shields. Never ride in equipment buckets or on crane hooks.• Wear hard hats when working in or around trenches.• Stay out from under raised loads.• About half of the people killed each year in trenches die trying to rescue someone else who has been buried by a cave-in. Call 911 for help. Do not attempt a rescue unless you have been properly trained in trench-rescue techniques. www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202425for more informationThe National Utility Contractors Association’s Toolbox Talks safety information is available free to the public at www.nuca.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com26safety solutionChoosing the right helmet can be a daunting task. Helmets differ in style, price point, compliance with standards, and manufacturer’s claims of improved protection. Selecting the best helmet is further complicated by the scarcity of test data that provide evidence-based guidance. This article provides guidance on three aspects critical for selection of helmets that deliver superior head protection, namely brain protection, lateral protection (Type II), and helmet retention.BRAIN PROTECTIONBrain protection has been the blind-spot in helmet design. A September 2023 article in Occupational Health & Safety, titled “Addressing an Overlooked Danger”, stated that current helmet standards must be updated to account for rotational motion, which is the key cause of concussions on construction jobsites. There are two types of head injuries, namely skull fracture and brain injury. Fracture of the hard but brittle skull is caused by a straight impact, similar to the impact induced to crack a brittle eggshell. A rigid helmet shell combined with an impact-absorbing liner or suspension greatly reduces the skull fracture risk by decreasing the force of a straight impact to the skull.Conversely, brain injury is mainly caused by head rotation in response to an impact. Head impacts typically cause a short but forceful head spin that twists the brain and shears the soft brain tissue. Similar to severing nerves of the spinal cord, shearing of brain tissue causes irreversible damage that may lead to life-long suffering with staggering financial implications. Brain injuries can range from a mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injuries, whereby the cost associated with a single work-related traumatic brain injury typically exceeds $1 million. Over 60 percent of work-related brain injuries are caused by simple slips, trips, and same-level falls. More than 90 percent of such brain injuries occur in absence of a skull fracture, which confirms that the soft brain is injured by a different mechanism than the hard skull. However, this vulnerability of brain to rotational forces is neither considered in standardized helmet tests nor accounted for in traditional helmet designs. Sports helmets have adopted technologies to shield the brain from rotational force. One technology, called MIPS, is a plastic sheet that reduces transmission of rotational force by slipping during impact. These MIPS slip liners can be retrofitted into existing helmet designs and are available in a wide range of bike and snow helmets. In contrast to this two-dimensional slip sheet, WaveCel technology employs a dome formed of a cellular structure that was designed to fold, crush, and glide during impact. Compared to standard helmets, it reduces transmission of rotational forces by up to 57 percent and reduces the risk of sustaining a concussion by 73 to 98 percent. These new rotation-damping technologies offer better protection than helmets equipped with an EPS foam core. LATERAL PROTECTIONThe strap suspension of traditional helmets is a directional design intended to absorb crown impacts but was found “practically useless against side, front and rear impacts” in a 1987 study. The authors of that study concluded that a new design was necessary, since most impacts are lateral, while only 15 percent of impacts occur to the helmet crown. The US ANSI standard Z89.1 recognized this shortcoming and added a Type II designation, whereby Type II certified helmets are also tested for their ability to absorb lateral impacts. However, most helmets from leading brands still only delivered Type I “crown only” protection. Guidelines for Guidelines for Helmet SelectionHelmet Selectionmake the safest choicesWAVECELBy Michael Bottlang, PhDWaveCel’s rotation-mitigation technology utilizes a cellular dome structure inside the helmet.

This shortcoming was noted for hardhat style helmets as well as for “climbing-style” safety helmets. Many safety helmets employ a foam liner in addition or in place of a strap suspension, but this liner might be too thin or not extend far enough to the sides to pass Type II testing, as shown in a recent publication titled “Climbing style safety helmets do not improve impact protection over type II hard hats.” Selecting an ANSI Type II helmet is therefore important to provide protection for the most frequent lateral impacts. HELMET RETENTIONA helmet only provides protection if it stays on the head during a fall, and chin straps can prevent a helmet from falling off. The US standard ANSI Z89.1 does not require chin straps but requires retention testing of chins straps if they are supplied with the helmet. In contrast, the European standard EN 12492, titled “Helmets for Mountaineers” requires chin straps. This standard is often used for “climbing style” helmets since it requires chin straps as well as lateral impact testing. However, lateral impact testing is far less stringent in EN 12492 than in the US standard ANSI Z89.1, because it utilizes a 20 percent lower impact energy, a flat rather than a focal impactor, and since the test area does not extend as far down to the brim as in the US standard. For best head protection, choose helmets with chin straps. While an EN 12492 certification will ensure the presence of a chin strap, this standard is no substitute for meeting ANSI Z89.1 Type II performance. CONCLUSIONWhen choosing a helmet based on available evidence of performance, consider the following three aspects: 1. Choose a helmet with rotation-mitigating technology to reduce the risk of brain injury. 2. Choose a helmet that is ANSI Type II rated to provide protection from lateral impacts. 3. Choose a helmet with chin straps to ensure the helmet remains on the head during impact. Factors pertaining to user satisfaction are also important for helmet adoption, including comfort, weight, heat, and style, but helmets should be selected based on performance, independent of a particular helmet style. www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202427about the authorMichael Bottlang is the founder and director of the Legacy Biomechanics Laboratory in Portland, Oregon. His research has been funded by the National Institute of Health and he has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Bottlang is also a founder of WaveCel LLC. He can be reached at mbottlan@lhs.org.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com28

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com30technology solutiontechnology solutionConcrete is used virtually everywhere in commercial, residential, and industrial construction. Rebar reinforcement is used to add structural integrity to concrete to keep it from breaking due to fluctuations in tension, compression, temperature, earthquakes, and other stresses.After a concrete structure has been built, it may be necessary to drill or saw into it to incorporate changes. The trouble is that some construction applications require a significant amount of rebar, which can be set in grid patterns, rows, columns, or even randomly. This creates a situation where it seems impossible to find an appropriate location to drill or cut without hitting metal. Guessing may result in unnecessary holes, equipment damage, and even safety concerns. To mitigate these risks, construction workers require trustworthy metal-scanning tools. RISKS OF DRILLING REBARA construction site is not a place to take safety risks, but safety is what you risk when you indiscriminately cut or drill into a maze of rebar. When blades or bits hit metal, they can shatter into flying fragments or grab and bind in the material, causing kickback that can result in severe hand and wrist injuries, if not worse. Worker injuries of this nature can lead to project delays and costly workers’ comp claims. Damaged concrete, drill bits, or saw blades additionally lead to downtime and unnecessary replacement costs. It is crucial to identify where rebar is located before drilling or cutting into a concrete structure. One technique is ground penetrating radar (GPR), which can locate metallic and non-metallic objects by sending a small electromagnetic pulse into the concrete and analyzing the echoes that result from subsurface objects. Although GPR is quite effective at locating rebar deep within a concrete structure, the equipment requires extensive training and can be expensive. BETTER TOOL OPTIONFortunately, handheld metal detectors have been around for decades and are very easy to use at a lower cost and with fewer headaches than GPR. Zircon, a leading manufacturer of sensor technologies, offers several models that can detect rebar in concrete at different depths, so the end user can select the best device to fit their needs.Zircon handheld scanning devices include the MetalliScanner MT 7 and the MetalliScanner MT X metal locators.The MetalliScanner MT 7 metal detector can be used to locate rebar, pipes, and other metal before sawing or drilling. The scanner can locate half-inch rebar up to 6 inches deep. It offers users two scanning Advanced handheld metal detectors from Zircon detect rebar and other metal within concrete to increase worker safety and reduce costs on replacement bits and blades.The Zircon MetalliScanner MT X metal detector can locate rebar up to 4 inches deep in DeepScan mode.Handheld metal detectors are easy, cost-effective alternatives to costly ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate rebar in existing structures before drilling. Rebar ScanningRebar Scanningsafe solution reduces equipment damage By Del WilliamsZIRCON TOOLS

modes—Standard and DeepScan modes—with position accuracy to within ± half-inch for No. 4 rebar, which is often used as a strengthening material in slabs, piers, columns, and walls.The MetalliScanner MT X metal detector is designed to address the difficult task of locating the spaces between rebar in tight grid patterns. In DeepScan mode, the MT X can locate rebar or metal pipes up to 4 inches deep.DEVIL’S SLIDE PROJECTA Zircon metal scanner was put to the test during the construction of northbound and southbound tunnels for a project along California’s highly trafficked Highway 1, which runs along the cliffs on the Pacific Coast. The area is known as Devil’s Slide, due to mudslides from the steep terrain above the highway that often close sections of the road for months at a time. The two tunnels are each approximately 4,200 feet long and are connected by ten mechanical rooms. In one of the first phases of the project, the construction crew was tasked with installing a ventilation system in one of the mechanical rooms. However, due to the extensive amount of rebar, the company’s MetalliScanner MT 6 metal detector (the precursor to its new MT 7) was indicating metal “everywhere.” The tunnel’s construction in earthquake country had required an extraordinary amount of rebar. One observer described the Devil’s Slide Tunnel as, “less like concrete with steel reinforcement and more like a steel wall with concrete filler.” Given the challenge, the crew contacted a Zircon representative, who visited the jobsite to help troubleshoot the problem. He suggested that instead of focusing the MT 6 on finding metal, the crew should instead focus on the weakest signals to find the gaps in the rebar. The team used the Zircon MT 6 to scan the remaining nine mechanical rooms in this manner and avoided hitting rebar when drilling 99 percent of the time—a vast improvement. The next phase of the project involved installing Jet Fans, which required the crew to drill into concrete while suspended high in a bucket. The lightweight MT 6 allowed for quick overhead scans to determine the ideal locations for the 4.5-in. concrete fasteners. At the project’s completion, the crew advised Zircon that it would be beneficial to add a wrist strap to future metallic scanners to facilitate overhead scanning. This feature has been incorporated in the company’s current model, the MT 7, along with a pivot handle attachment and optional extension pole. CLOSING THOUGHTIt is crucial to understand where rebar is located before attempting to cut or drill. Handheld rebar detection tools are the easiest and most cost-effective way to avoid the maze of rebar in an existing structure before a drill or saw ever touches the concrete. www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202431for more information For more about Zircon and its wide range of products, visit www.zircon.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com32sotware solutionCheat Code Cheat Code Streamlines RFI / Streamlines RFI / Submittal WorkflowsSubmittal Workflowsintegrating sotware platformsPROCOREAvid video game players often experiment with cheat codes, most of which you’ve probably heard of, even if you don’t play: godmode, unlimited ammo, warp to any level, etc. One of the coolest cheats is “no-clip” mode, which tells a video game not to enforce the boundaries within the environment (walls, floors, ceilings, etc.), allowing the player to walk through them at will. The player must still traverse the virtual distance to get to their goal in the game environment, but it’s a great way to zip past challenges by reducing barriers. But this is Modern Construction Solutions, and construction administration isn’t a video game: What possible commonality is there between video game cheats and Requests-for-Information (RFI) / submittal workflows?Using the right coordination platform can eliminate the barriers to progress that cause your RFIs and submittal workflows to slow down, effectively letting you “no-clip” your way past the tedious parts of those workflows. TYPICAL RFI / SUBMITTAL WORKFLOWBefore we get into how a coordination platform reduces barriers in your contract administration, let’s first establish what most firms go through when using a Construction Project Management System (CPMS) for their RFI and submittal workflows.A CPMS platform is software which serves as the central collaboration hub for owners, general contractors, specialty contractors, and other stakeholders across the entire project lifecycle. A CPMS like Procore, for example, lets GCs manage RFIs and submittals, and keeps its users updated on their progress as they go through the workflow.Other stakeholder teams, such as the design team or project managers, may be using entirely different platforms, such as authoring or clash-detection tools. However, without a unifying Information Management platform, the follow-up is a nightmare and data can get lost as each team works in its own environment.The RFI and submittal workflow is a long process without a unified Information Management platform, and it looks like this: 1. The general contractor creates a submittal or RFI in the CPMS.2. The general contractor creates an email with all the information from the submittal or RFI and sends it to the design team.3. The design team creates an RFI or submittal in their system.4. The design team reviews the submittal or RFI using their own system.5. The design team submits an official response by email and attaches any relevant files.6. The general contractor then downloads their response, including any essential files, and saves it in the CPMS.7. The general contractor then reviews the design team’s answer. Should there be any additional queries from the general contractor, they can re-open the RFI or submittal and begin this process anew.That’s a seven-step workflow! It depends on multiple specialists to weigh in, changes hands numerous times, and doesn’t even account for the time it takes to fill out the requisite forms. Typical projects have hundreds, if not thousands, of these to process. Any delay for review and response can be costly, impacting deadlines, rework, and budgets. Among the most frequent culprits of the delays are the manual efforts to upload and download submittal and RFI information between construction management systems: typing out the requisite information, and the high number of clicks to attach relevant files and send them off.By Seth Norris

ADDING A COORDINATION PLATFORMProject Information Management platforms like Newforma Konekt provide a central location for all your project records. This streamlines communication between you and your stakeholders and increases efficiency in your project.An effective coordination platform uses a tailored integration approach to work within your existing tech stack, so you don’t have to change or abandon the tools you like to use. As a master aggregator of the Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Operations (AECO) software ecosystem, Newforma Konekt integrates with your collaborator’s software even if it’s different from yours, to tie together all project information. This eliminates data silos, makes working with other firms easier, and mitigates risks by connecting scattered project information into a secure, centralized system, ensuring that if the information exists, you can find it.Newforma Konekt’s Procore Workflow Connector is an integration that allows Newforma Konekt’s Submittals and RFI features to automate and connect workflows, which significantly improve response times. What does this mean for project managers? For starters, it lets you: • Stay on top of overdue items and upcoming items, and track ball-in-court with the submittals and RFI dashboard.• Keep all information required to respond to a submittal or RFI in one central place, including all email responses and project files.• Avoid double data entry. Automatically transfer submittal and RFI information between connected Procore construction management applications.• Optimize the management of your review process with consultants.THE WORKFLOW CONNECTOR CHEAT CODEBy using a coordination platform that can connect with the leading CPMS to aid in its workflow, you can “no-clip” your way through barriers that slow down your RFI and submittals procedures. Remember that seven-step workflow?Instead, this is what the process could look like:1. General contractor creates a submittal or RFI in CPMS, and the connector to the coordination platform automatically adds it as a pending RFI or submittal.2. The design team reviews the submittal or RFI in the coordination platform.3. The design team submits an official response with any relevant files; automatically transferring it to the CPMS.4. The general contractor then logs into Procore and reviews the design team’s answer. Cutting these steps from seven to four saves lots of time and money. www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202433xxxxxxx www.xxx.com. for more informationFor more, visit www.procore.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com36legal solutionEscalation Clauses Escalation Clauses a Continued Necessitya Continued Necessityleave yourself a lifelineCONSTRUCTION CONTRACTSBy William S. ThomasAs we embark on another year, we are buffeted by industry analysts’ trend reports assessing years past and providing forward-looking advice. Universally, these experts point to continued risk of economic fluctuations and financial uncertainty as the major risk factor in the construction industry. Facing rising material costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and unpredictable market dynamics, financial stability of construction projects is increasingly under threat. Adrift amongst these challenges, cost and price escalation clauses in construction contracts provide construction professionals a lifeline and remain an essential risk-mitigating tool. Properly designed and implemented, these clauses help buoy risks associated with unexpected increases in project costs, safeguarding the interests of all parties involved.THE RISK THAT KEEPS ON GIVINGHistorically, the construction industry has grappled with how to best handle financial unpredictability, with recent economic trends only exacerbating this issue. Analysts predict that while claims are most likely to result from scope changes, incorrect or incomplete design, or workmanship issues, underlying these currents are the ever-present threat of cost escalation due to extended project timelines or delays. These trends may have the simple effect of significantly and artificially increasing bids to hedge against inevitable unpredictability. Most contracts are silent, prohibit claims for cost escalation, or fail to properly address price escalation issues, which cannot be rectified as easily after-the-fact once issues arise. Owners who fight contractors and suppliers on these costs risk the project’s success, as it may create downward pressures to perform in the absence of payment, leading to further delays, insolvency or even greater expense, or significantly higher bids to protect suppliers. Cost and price escalation clauses are designed to address these cost variability and unpredictability issues during the lifetime of a project. They allow for adjustments to the contract price based on volatile changes in material, labor, and other direct costs. The primary aim is to allocate risk of cost fluctuations between the contracting parties in a fair and predictable manner. Given the sea change we have seen in the world economy, the language of these clauses will inevitably come under scrutiny. Critics argue that standard clauses are often too vague or overly broad, leading to disputes and room for interpretation and potential conflict. Reform efforts are focused on creating more precise and equitable language. This includes clearly defining the threshold for cost increases, specifying the indices or benchmarks to be used (such as specific construction cost indices or inflation rates), and outlining a transparent process for calculating adjustments. Some have urged for the inclusion of “de-escalation” clauses should prices significantly decline. CRAFTING EFFECTIVE ESCALATION CLAUSESCreating effective escalation clauses in construction contracts is a nuanced process that requires careful consideration of various factors, and it should involve your legal counsel. These clauses must be robust enough to protect parties from significant financial risks while being fair and transparent. They should be specific, and clearly define what constitutes a cost increase. They should specify the types of costs covered, such as materials, labor, or regulatory changes. They should have some triggering event and clear criteria for when the clause is activated. This could be tied to specific indices, such as the U.S. Producer Price Index, or some commodity specific index, or a set percentage increase in costs. The clauses should have a detailed calculation method, and outline a clear, agreed-upon formula for calculating cost adjustments. These clauses could employ a “cap and collar” approach, which imposes cap (maximum) and collar (minimum) limits on adjustments to protect both parties from extreme fluctuations. Regular review periods

built in for adjusting costs ensure timely responses to market changes. Finally, there should be dispute resolution mechanisms for resolving disagreements over cost adjustments to maintain project continuity.STRIKING A BALANCE – SEEKING FAIRNESSThe negotiation and implementation of cost-escalation clauses require a delicate balance of transparency, fairness, and foresight. These clauses are not just about protecting financial interests; they are also about fostering a mutual understanding and trust between the contracting parties. To do so, the process must begin with an open dialogue. Discussing potential risks of cost fluctuations on certain elements of the job or components at the outset can only promote this trust. Both parties should express their concerns and objectives, and seek a balanced agreement, perhaps with escalation/de-escalation language. Current market data can be used to inform the negotiation. Understanding recent trends in material and labor costs can provide a realistic foundation for the clause. Detailed records should always be kept of the negotiations and the agreed-upon terms.Given trends in global economics, escalation clauses are expected to become more common, and endure. They may also grow more complex, incorporating a wider range of variables and more sophisticated adjustment mechanisms. With the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI), future escalation clauses might leverage advanced data analytics and real-time market indices. This could lead to more dynamic and accurate adjustments, eliminating disputes over cost changes entirely.Most likely there will be a shift towards drafting clauses that are more equitable for all parties involved. This could involve shared risk models where cost increases or decreases are more evenly distributed between the contractor and owner. Escalation clauses are likely to be viewed not just as contractual necessities but as integral parts of broader risk-management strategies in construction projects. Better to be surfing through than drowning in an ocean of added cost claims. Strategic incorporation of cost and price escalation clauses has become an immutable necessity. These clauses should become a standard part of your contract checklist. Staying abreast of market trends and economic indicators can inform more accurate and fair clauses. www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202437about the authorWilliam Thomas is a principal at Gausnell, O’Keefe & Thomas, LLC in St. Louis, where he focuses his practice on construction claims and loss prevention. He is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, serving on its Construction Law Committee, an AAA Panel Arbitrator, and Fellow with the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He also is a member of the ABA Forum on Construction, AIA, and ASCE. He can be reached at wthomas@gotlawstl.com.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com38management solutionFingerprint Drug TestingFingerprint Drug Testingstreamlined screening saves cost and hassleINTELLIGENT BIO SOLUTIONSIndustry professionals in critical sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics are reporting substantial advantages after implementing a Fingerprinting Drug Screening System.Intelligent Bio Solutions Inc. is a medical technology company delivering intelligent, rapid, non-invasive testing solutions. The company believes that its Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System will replace portable testing through fingerprint sweat analysis, which has the potential for broader applications in additional fields. Designed as a hygienic and cost-effective system, the test screens for recent use of drugs commonly found in the workplace, including opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis. With sample collection in seconds and results in under ten minutes, this technology would be a valuable tool for employers in safety-critical industries.Customers across an array of industry sectors are reporting substantial advantages post-implementation of the system, including: • enhanced control over drug screening processes by transitioning to in-house• improvements in workplace productivity• streamlined project compliance and• significant cost savingsWith this system, employers can identify current impairment rather than past use with a detection window of only 16 hours. Conduct screening at any time and location using a compact and portable system. Prevent foul play and maintain sample integrity through administrator-supervised testing and self-locking sample seals. Preserve employee dignity with quick, non-invasive, and hygienic analysis of fingertip sweat. Intelligent Bio Solutions has seen a shift in preference toward fingerprint sweat-based drug screening, with many organizations seeking alternatives to traditional methods such as urine and oral fluid testing.“We’re seeing an increasing need for drug and alcohol testing across major construction and manufacturing projects. Modern HSEQ and HR teams are recognizing that conventional drug testing approaches simply are not meeting the growing demands for improved operational efficiencies,” explains Harry Simeonidis, president and chief executive officer at Intelligent Bio Solutions. “This realization is driving rapid customer adoption of our Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System, which not only offers a non-invasive, quick and easy solution but also improves efficiencies and unlocks significant productivity savings.”Recent examples include:• Auctus Management Group, based in the U.K., has implemented a streamlined induction process utilizing the Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System at its core. This approach allows for a comprehensive screening process, including collecting fingerprint sweat samples, alcohol breath analysis and biometric data collection, all within an 11-minute timeframe per candidate. According to Auctus: “We simply could not deliver this project at scale using urine or saliva drug tests.”• Construction technology specialist firm DGP Plc has around 450 employees and contractors working on customer project sites at any time. DGP has effectively minimized on-site disruption caused by half-day absences required for urine-based testing by switching to quick, on-site fingerprint sweat-based drug screening in minutes.• Independent chemical manufacturer Robinson Brothers found that replacing its external urine-based drug testing service with the Intelligent Fingerprinting Drug Screening System meant it could conduct the same volume of workplace drug screening at around half the cost. By Cheryl Billsonfor more informationNote that this article contains forward-looking statements. For more, visit www.ibs.inc.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com40maintenance solutionOn February 1, 2024, Chevron announced the introduction of Rykon, a new calcium sulfonate complex-based grease. Designed for heavy-duty and extreme pressure applications, Rykon high-performance grease increases uptime and helps enhance durability for the next generation of equipment. This new grease also provides an alternative option to lithium-based thickeners, which have become expensive due to rising global demand.“We are offering a new solution for high-pressure applications and ensuring customers have a high-performance grease when they need it,” says Zach Sutton, Chevron Lubricants industrial sector specialist. “As demand for raw materials grows, we remain committed to finding solutions like Rykon that will exceed the demands of machinery and equipment today and tomorrow.”Rykon is designed to help increase equipment longevity, extend lubrication intervals, and reduce the total cost of equipment ownership. The overbased calcium sulfonate complex grease delivers outstanding oxidation and thermal stability with superior water performance to protect equipment from failures and downtime. Rykon also meets the demands of high pressure and shock loads, providing excellent wear protection under heavy loads and in high ambient temperatures. Rykon HD is used in demanding applications in wet environments, featuring a heavy viscosity that can provide better protection for higher loads and slower speeds in applications such as:• Off-Road Construction - These greases display outstanding water washout and spray-off resistance properties in wet, off-road environments and offer excellent shock-load extreme pressure (EP) protection. The unique additive technology makes them tenacious at adhering to the metal surfaces found in this industry while protecting vital components from rust and corrosion. Applications for the Rykon HD product include most types of heavy-duty earthmoving machinery, including tractors (dozers), excavators, backhoes, shovels, high lifts, articulated loaders, haul trucks, tri-axle dumps and more. Rykon greases are excellent for heavily loaded machine implement pins and bushings, and other applications operating in severe, high shock-load environments where metal-to-metal contact wear often occurs. Since Rykon greases are offered in 5-percent moly containing versions, they are also able to meet wide off-road OEM application ranges using one common product line, thus reducing field inventory.• Heavy Duty On/Off-Highway Road Construction and Maintenance Vehicles - These products are well suited for greasing on/off-road, heavy-duty tri-axle dump trucks and cement mixers that also find their way off road as much as on. Rykon HD greases are an excellent choice for king pins, bushing and bucket pins, 5th wheels and other severe-duty applications found on these types of vehicles. They also meet Caterpillar recommendations for greases containing 5-percent molybdenum disulfide.• Light Duty Off-Road Vehicles - Whether the application is in logging, agriculture or utilities, these greases will perform. Use them in tractors, cherry pickers or any of a number of light-duty, off-road vehicles. Rykon greases are approved for the NLGI Certification Mark GC-LB. Additional industries that stand to benefit from the new Rykon grease formulations include Farming and Agriculture; Paper and Forest Products; and Surface and Underground Mining and Quarry. Chevron Chevron Rykon Heavy-Duty GreaseRykon Heavy-Duty Greasedesigned for heavy loads and extreme pressureNEW LUBRICANTBy Emily Shulerfor more informationChevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. For more, visit www.chevron.com.Rykon high-performance grease increases uptime and helps enhance durability for the next generation of equipment.

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com42

FEBRUARY 2024 www.mcsmag.com44modern construction productsUltraShore aluminum excavation shielding has a lightweight, robust design, which streamlines installation and provides excellent lateral pres-sure resistance, protecting workers in excavations 12 feet deep. UltraShore's modular pin-together design facilitates quick and simple modifications to accommodate many jobsite situations. The system's efficient assembly, disas-sembly, and reconfiguration contribute to substantial time savings for meeting tight construction schedules. Acces-sories include wheel kits for effortless maneuvering, legs to hold the shield off the trench bottom, spring-operated end panels to shield up to four sides, stack-ing panels to increase shield height, and custom-built panels and struts to accommodate special applications. For more, visit www.ntsafety.com. NATIONAL TRENCH SAFETYUltraShore ShieldThe Edco Diamond Drum completes projects three to four times faster than a standard carbide drum when using an Edco Crete-Planer. It is designed to plow off high-build epoxy and cemen-titious/epoxy materials and leave a perfect profile for recoating or polish-ing. The polycrystalline diamond (PCD) on the drum is the hardest artificial substance in the world and has excel-lent wear resistance. When used on resurfacing projects, these drums leave a much smoother finish in one step, resulting in a CSP profile of a 1-2 in a single pass. The Diamond Drum is also much more durable than typical carbide drum, lasting 15 times longer. For more, visit www.edcoinc.com. EDCODiamond Drum for Crete-PlanerJCB introduces two new tandem roller compactors, the CT160 and CT260, to the North American market. At 3,770 to 6,041 lbs., these machines are easy to trailer. The CT160 offers either a 31.5-in. or a 39.3-in. drum. The CT260 comes with a 47.2-in. drum. On both machines, the responsive directional drive lever enables smooth fore and aft movements. From a bird’s eye view, the CT160 and CT260 have an hourglass profile, giving operators clear sight of the drum edges. On the control panels, work modes are easy to understand, and the switches create positive tactile feedback even with gloved hands. An-ti-vibration mounts reduce operator fa-tigue, and both machines feature three simple vibration settings. For more, visit www.jcb.com. JCB CT and CT CompactorsThe new Infinity X1 5000 Lumen Flash-light comes with two power cores, one rechargeable and one that runs off AA batteries. Low, medium, or high beam modes can be adjusted from a focused narrow spotlight beam to a wide flood beam by twisting the head. The light has a beam distance of up to 180 meters and a run time of up to five hours. A patent-pending safety heat lock turns the flashlight off when the lens is covered, preserving battery life, and ensuring the flashlight does not power on and overheat. It also operates as a power bank for charging devices such as a cellphone. For more, visit www.infinityx1.com. INFINITY X  Lumen FlashlightThe Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt Tripod Light (model UB18DGQ4) is a versatile lighting solution with four different light settings and a rotating head. With the 66 LED (white) lights, the tripod produces 1,000-4,000 lumens with a run time from 4 hours to 16.8 hours, depending on the setting. At less than 18 pounds, this cordless tripod light has a side-mounted carrying handle and can extend from 39 to 84 inches within seconds. The three lights pivot 230 degrees horizontally and 215 degrees vertically. The Tripod Site Light is a part of the MultiVolt System of 18V and 36V power tools that offer cord-less or corded power. For more, visit www.metabo-hpt.com.METABO HPT MultiVolt Cordless Tripod LightThe MX Fuel Rocket Tower Light/Char-ger is the most portable 10-foot light for inside or outside use. Delivering 27,000 lumens of task and area light-ing, the light can be set up in seconds, features outriggers for leveling, and withstands harsh jobsite environments. Built with all-terrain 8-in. wheels, the MX Fuel Rocket Tower Light/Charger requires little effort to move across uneven ground, whether it is rolled across rough terrain during early phase construction or across pan decking for concrete pours. The telescopic tower can be set up in seconds to a maximum height of 10 ft. with a motorized mast and collapses back down to 44 in. for easy transportation and storage. For more, visit www.milwaukeetool.com. MILWAUKEEMX Fuel Rocket Tower