Tesla inched closer to selecting a site outside of Reno, Nev., for its $4 to $5 billion factory to produce lithium batteries for electric vehicles on Thursday, confirming a 600-acre site has undergone some pre-construction work, but fell short of committing to the site over unidentified candidates in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas.In a conference call with shareholders Thursday, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk said the same type of work that has been completed at the recently-paused site 17 miles east of Sparks, Nev., will be duplicated at other sites before a final decision is made. The completed factory
University researchers have unveiled a new concrete bridge bent system that they say reduces earthquake damage while speeding construction. The new rocking design uses octagonal, prefabricated, pretensioned concrete columns for added elasticity and a recentering effect that minimizes seismic-related structural damage and displacement. The structural support system’s critical components are created under factory conditions for improved quality and reduced erection time. The state transportation departments of California, Washington and Nevada have expressed early interest in adopting the bridge bent system, whose only size limitations stem from transportation logistics of precast columns and beams. Image courtesy of University of Washington, Seattle/Network
The Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise announced Tuesday that it has selected a construction team for the long-embattled, $400 million, 1.2 million-sq-ft West Valley Resort and Casino which prompted U.S. Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake to introduce a companion bill to an earlier House-passed measure that would prohibit the construction of any new Indian gaming operation on unincorporated land in the metro Phoenix area that is not contiguous to an existing Indian reservation. Courtesy Tohono O'odham Rendering of the proposed West Valley Resort and Casino. According to a press release issued by Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, Hunt Construction Group and
John Tran has joined the Phoenix office of SmithGroupJJR as design principal and part of the leadership team for the firm's practice in Arizona and the Southwest. Before joining SmithGroupJJR, Tran was vice president and project designer at HKS Architects in Phoenix. Courtesy Smith- GroupJJR John Tran has joined the Phoenix office of Smith- GroupJJR as design principal and part of the leadership team for the firms practice in Arizona and the Southwest. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record Michael Malloy has been named Southwest regional director of transportation in the Albuquerque office of WHPacific. Malloy was recently president
In April, available construction jobs edged up in Nevada, while construction jobs were off by 2,200 in Arizona and 1,100 in New Mexico. Nevertheless, there seems to be general optimism among construction professionals about the job market among the southwestern states.In April, Nevada’s construction jobs edged up to 62,600, reflecting a 9.4% increase year-over-year on the month. The state’s overall unemployment rate was down to 8% in April, and its civilian labor force was down to 1,376,000 in April. In March, the labor force was up from about 1,373,400 in February to 1,380,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Arizona State University Athletic Director Ray Anderson revealed some new details about renovations to Sun Devil Stadium at the Tempe Historical Museum in mid-April, including that previous renderings had been withdrawn as the university seeks to make the new facility a 365-day a year attraction. By Jason Fifield Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., under construction in Mid-April. “We believe that a refurbished renewed facility will be a shining light,” Anderson says.Anderson says the university is in the process of selecting a design firm and getting feedback but from all stakeholders to determine exactly what attractions will be added while
The world’s tallest observation wheel took its inaugural spin on March 31 on the Las Vegas Strip. By John Guzzon The Linq observation wheel is now open in Las Vegas. The 550-ft-tall, 28-cabin “Las Vegas High Roller” anchors Caesar Entertainment’s recently opened $550-million, 200,000-sq-ft. Linq entertainment complex. The 520-ft-dia., 1,120-passenger wheel is taller than the London Eye and 9-ft. higher than the former record holder, Singapore Flyer. American Bridge Co., Coraopolis, Penn., was the general contractor, with the San Francisco office of Arup as engineer-of-record.However, an observation wheel planned for the northeast side of Staten Island could soon wrest title
Alvin C. Dominguez has joined Wilson and Co., where he will be responsible for developing and sustaining client relationships in southern New Mexico. Dominguez is a Native American with 28 years of engineering leadership experience. He was formerly a technical support engineer for the New Mexico Dept. of Transportation and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record Lawrence Pobuda has been hired as senior vice president and general manager of Opus Development Co. in Phoenix. The firm works in such sectors as office, industrial and residential real estate. Pobuda had
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed SB 1307 Tuesday night in an attempt to counter a 2012 bill and prevent the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from asserting its federal oversight role over all industries in Arizona — including residential and commercial construction — but only time will tell whether it will be enough. Mark Minter, executive director of the Arizona Builders Alliance says SB 1307 is a “conditional repeal” action of SB 1441, passed in 2012, that will only go into effect if OSHA follows through on a “show cause” letter delivered to the Industrial Commission of Arizona in March.
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