by Eidelman | Aug 29 2013 | Construction
New Report: No Bust in Condo Market Contrary to gloomy predictions, according to a new report by the mortgage insurance company Genworth Canada and the Conference Board of Canada, Vancouver’s condo market remains healthy. Citing market fundamentals such as first-time home buyers, aging downsizers, and city dwellers desiring shorter commutes, the report sees Vancouver as a buyers market in 2013 because of downward pressure on prices. Sales are expected to increase in 2014. You can learn more in this story from the CBC or, for a more critical review of the report, check out this article in the Vancouver...
by Eidelman | Jul 24 2013 | Construction
From Omer Haciomeroglu of Sweden’s Umeå Institute of Design comes ERO, a concrete recycling robot developed in partnership with Atlas Copco Rockdrills AB. The ERO, an IDSA 2013 International Design Excellence Award winner, brings together hydro-demolition, centrifugal decanter, and omni-directional track technologies, to demolish and sort reinforced concrete in place. ERO is designed to minimize water use and waste. The collected debris is recycled as pre-cast concrete. Personally, I think it’s just really cool to imagine a fleet of EROs gobbling up derelict buildings. I mean look at this image from Haciomerglu’s site! You can read more about the ERO and see photos on Haciomerglu’s site and in Dave Pinter’s piece at PSFK: Concrete Eating Robots Could Recylcle Entire Buildings....
by Eidelman | Jun 24 2013 | Construction
Powell Street Overpass Project to Ease Commuter Traffic Vancouver’s Powell Street, a popular dowtown connector used by some 30,000 commuters each day is being closed for a year to make way for a new overpass acommodating 4 vehicle lanes, a cycling lane, expanded sidewalks, and a new rail line. The $50 million project is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2014. The overpass joins the ranks of other major projects in the city including the recently announced $360 million Vancouver Trump Tower. For more on the project check out this article...
by Eidelman | Jun 2 2013 | Construction
Like asbestos, breathing silica dust can cause illness and death.Though not a carcinogen, repeated exposure to crystalline silica (silicon dioxide) causes silicosis, an irreversible condition with no cure. But unlike asbestos, which is no longer used in construction materials, silica is one of the most common compounds on earth and found in all concrete and related construction products. How Much is Too Much? British Columbia sets a 0.25 mg/m3 exposure limit for silica and, according to the WorkSafe BC site, employers must set up a silica exposure control plan (ECP) “when workers are or may be exposed to airborne silica dust in excess of 50% of the exposure limit.” Think about that for a minute: 0.125 mg of silica fibres in 1 square meter. That means that if you can see a cloud of concrete dust, you’re over the limit! Is it any wonder that a 2010 CAREX Canada study estimates that 48,000 BC workers are exposed to crystalline silica each year. This WorkSafe BC video explains the dangers of silica exposure in greater detail: Control the Dust Fortunately, silica exposure can be mitigated. First, identify materials containing silica (concrete, masonry, granite, tile, etc.), activities that cause silica dust (cutting, drilling, grinding, polishing, etc.), and workers who might be exposed. To control dust: Limit the need for cutting and grinding and/or choose non-silica materials at the design and planning stage Use dust-controls like ventilation, wetting, filters, and vacuuming Provide operators with appropriate protective clothing Keep unprotected workers out of affected work areas Schedule dust-producing work for times when other workers are absent Only choose fully-trained concrete cutting professionals who...
by Eidelman | May 22 2013 | Construction
A recent article in the Globe & Mail real estate section highlights the growing use of concrete in low-rise construction in Vancouver. Though more commonly built with wood frame construction, developers are beginning to choose concrete for its versatility, durability, and lower ownership costs. The article cites recent projects by the I4 Property Group and Cressey...
