$158Bn needed to fix America’s dams- and more

1) $158Bn needed to fix America’s dams

A report by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) has estimated that $158bn is needed to fix the US’ non-federal dams. Of these, $34Bn worth of repairs is considered the most critical.

2) NHAI plans 10,000Km high-tech highways by FY25

National Highways Authority of India is working towards creating a 10,000Km network of optic fiber cables infrastructure across the country FY2025. 1,367 km on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and 512 km on Hyderabad-Bangalore corridor have been identified as pilots for digital highway development.

3) German company builds house from construction and demolition waste.

German company Büscher R-Beton GmbH has built a complete house out of 75% recycled construction and demolition waste. Load-bearing and non-load-bearing interior walls were constructed out of 100% recycled material. The company plans to tackle external wall elements with this method next.?

4) AI system uses stop sign images to monitor flooding data

An AI-infused system by a professor from 美国德克萨斯A&M大学 captures flooding data in real time. The system uses crowd-sourced images of floods, to inform rescue and mitigation efforts. The system uses stop signs within the images as a common denominator.

5) Iraq sets date for launch of multi-billion rail network project

According to an official news agency, Iraq has set a launch date for its multi-billion-dollar rail network project that will link its southern Grand Faw Port with Turkey’s Port of Mersin. Estimated cost of the project is more than $19.7bn (AED72.3bn). The project will be completed by 2038.?

6) ‘Lack of vision’ holding back faster adoption of AI tools: RICS

According to RICS , a ‘Lack of vision’, inertia from construction bosses and caution over committing investments is holding back wider adoption of AI in the construction industry. The industry is too comfortable with status quo, says a RICS survey.

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7) ITC Mughal becomes world’s first hotel to earn LEED Zero Water Certification

ITC Mughal is the first hotel globally to win LEED’s Zero Water Certification by USGBC. All water requirements for ITC Mughal buildings and processes are met by capturing rainwater and treating it for appropriate consumption.?

8) UK steelworks contractor recruits 80% from oversees

A major steelworks contractor has revealed that despite the will to recruit locally, over 80% of new recruits are being found overseas. Despite college collaborations and training, finding welders and fabricators in UK is getting harder.

9) WSU researchers develop carbon-negative concrete

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a way to create carbon-negative concrete, which absorbs more CO2 during its production than it emits. The process involves using waste materials and carbon dioxide in the production of the concrete.

10) Chinese construction worker arrested in Pakistan on blasphemy charges

A Chinese national was arrested on blasphemy charges at Pakistan’s Dasu hydropower project under the accusation of making anti-Islamic remarks. The case highlights Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws and the risks foreign workers face in the country.

11) Sisk tests HP’s site printing robot on Wembley projects

John Sisk & Son Ltd is running a 10-week test of HP’s site printing robot on two residential projects in London. The robot, SitePrint, prints lines and complex objects accurately and with consistent repeatability, says HP. It is designed to be autonomous and can avoid obstacles.

12) India plans Geothermal plant on Chinese border

India is planning to build a geothermal plant in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China! China also plans to set up a geothermal plant on the other side of the border. This is another infrastructure project being launched in a effort to reinforce the volatile border.

13) Over $18 billion foreign investment deployed into Indian real estate sector from 2018-22

Foreign investors primarily from North America and Singapore deployed over $18 Billion worth of equity investments, garnering 58% of total equity investments in real estate in India over 2018-2022. North America has the largest share of investors with 41% equity.?

14) Los Angeles Mayor asks for $1.3B to buy hotels as housing

Los Angeles is facing a worsening housing crisis. The city’s Mayor wants to spend $1.3 billion to get unhoused people into shelters and treatment programs. The funds would also be used in part to buy hotels and motels that would be converted into housing.

15) Apple opens first flagship store, designed by Foster + Partners in India

苹果 has opened its first flagship store in the country in Mumbai, India. Designed by Foster + Partners , the store blurs lines between inside and outside with a 26-foot-tall glass fa?ade. The ceiling comprises of hand-crafted timber panels that extend beyond the glass fa?ade.

16) South Korea makes green building certification mandatory for new schools

South Korea is modifying green building rules to make it mandatory for all new public school buildings to be green building certified. The certification evaluates seven different areas including land use, energy use, environmental pollution and building’s effect on local ecological environment.

17) Residential building in Dubai catches fire, 16 dead, 9 injured

An apartment building in Al Ras area of Dubai caught fire on Saturday Afternoon, leading to the unfortunate demise of 16, with 9 others suffering injuries. A preliminary investigation shows negligence by the owner towards security and safety requirements.

18) India to become third largest construction market in 3 years

Union Minister of construction and Industry claims that India will become the world’s third-largest construction market in three years! The minister also said the Indian Real estate industry is a big driving engine for India’s growth.?

19) Saudi faces housing shortage as a result of expat influx

A mandate by Saudi Arabia requires foreign firms to open local headquarters by the end of 2023 to continue lucrative government contracts. The resulting influx of ex-pats is causing a shortage of suitable accommodations, causing concern among new and incoming residents.

20) NYC needs to catch up to its 2030 solar pledge

New York City has pledged to reach 1000 MW solar energy by 2030, enough energy to power 250,000 homes. Current stats show that the goal will fall short, come 2030. Building codes and installation costs are acting as major roadblocks in the city’s efforts.?

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