MCA releases metal composite material white paper
The Metal Construction Association has published a white paper, “Definitions for the Supply and Installation of MCM,” intended to clarify terms commonly used in relation to metal composite material systems.
Metal composite material is a factory-manufactured panel consisting of two metal skins bonded to both faces of an extruded plastic core. Tension is applied to the skins to maintain flatness during manufacturing, and metal composite material is lighter and more flexible than solid metal of similar thickness.
Many of the terms defined in the white paper identify important responsibilities in the use of metal composite material systems, and a proper understanding of the terms can save time and costs related to the purchase, fabrication and installation of metal composite material systems.
In addition to common terminology, the white paper can help designers understand the roles of metal composite material manufacturers, distributors, fabricators, installers and agencies that approve the listing and labeling of metal composite material according to code.
“Designers must make sure that each element of the process, from materials to installation, is acceptable and meets the project requirements for quality and performance,” says Karl Hielscher, MCA’s executive director.
“Definitions for the Supply and Installation of MCM” is available for download at www.metalconstruction.org/index.php/education.
Construction industry can benefit from wearable technology
A GlobalData report has revealed ways wearable technology can improve safety and efficiency in the construction industry, according to forconstructionpros.com.
The wearable technology industry was worth nearly $23 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $54 billion by 2023, according to GlobalData. Growth in the industry is being driven by younger generations entering the workforce and general interest in technology that can assist workers during strenuous tasks. The report found construction worker safety also can be enhanced by innovations such as gyroscopes, emergency alerts and tracking devices, and efficiency can be improved with GPS-enabled wearable devices and artificial intelligence.
Recent wearable devices capable of benefiting the construction industry include smart helmets that measure workers’ fatigue levels and detect micro-sleeps; hybrid air vehicles piloted through smartwatches; and geotagging belt clips and safety jackets that convey information to job-site managers. In addition, smartwatches and hearables remain popular choices for technology used on job sites.
“Despite wearables’ difficulty launching in the consumer market, its commercial applications have proven valuable,” says Danny Richards, lead economist at GlobalData. “As the benefits of wearable tech becomes clearer to construction companies, uptake is likely to increase.”
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