Research + Tech

ASTM International hosts educational events during roadshow

ASTM International conducted codes and standards outreach and hosted educational events in Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago during its "Caribbean Roadshow" June 4-8.

The roadshow's purpose was to highlight how ASTM International standards and International Code Council (ICC) codes are the foundation for quality and safety in construction projects. Industry workshops and meetings with high-profile groups were held June 4-5 in Kingston, Jamaica; June 6 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; and June 7-8 in Georgetown, Guyana. Speakers included Mark Johnson, ICC's executive vice president, and R. Christopher Mathis, an ASTM International board member. In addition, student forums were held for local students to learn about ASTM International's academic offerings, and laboratory roundtables were held for ASTM International staff to present information about ASTM International's laboratory services.

"This partnership involves unprecedented outreach and networking aimed at finding solutions to sustainable construction challenges," says James Olshefsky, ASTM International's director of external relations.

Before the roadshow, ASTM International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, the regional standards body for a bloc of Caribbean countries including Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. MOUs encourage global participation of technical experts in the standards development process and broaden the global acceptance of ASTM International standards. Additional information about ASTM International's MOU program is available by clicking here.

ICC welcomes vice president of federal relations

The International Code Council (ICC) has named Gabe Maser vice president of federal relations.

Maser

Maser gained extensive experience in government relations and federal policy while serving as the director of federal-state relations for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a legislative assistant for a member of Congress. Most recently, he served as a regional director for market expansion and policy for San Diego-based Renovate America, a home improvement financing provider.

In his new position, Maser will direct ICC's federal policy and legislative priorities agenda and maintain and enhance ICC's advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., to help ensure policymakers understand the importance of regularly updated building safety codes.

"We're excited to welcome Gabe to the ICC family," says Sara Yerkes, ICC's senior vice president of government relations. "His background and experience will help us strengthen our relationships with key decision-makers in the executive and legislative branches and provide a strong voice in Washington, D.C., for our members."

Dodge study finds mobile technology improves data collection

Results from a study conducted by Dodge Data & Analytics in partnership with B2W Software reveal mobile technology significantly improves contractors' ability to collect and distribute timely, accurate data from job sites, according to www.constructiondive.com. Nearly half of the 153 construction companies surveyed said mobile technology increases the amount of quality data they can obtain at job sites.

Improved access to project data trends was the top benefit of job-site mobile connectivity reported by survey respondents. Eighty-four percent said mobile technology improves communications between the field and office, and 74 percent said it increases access to data for those who need it. Many respondents also reported mobile technology helps them complete projects within budget and on schedule. In addition, 64 percent of respondents said mobile technology helps them manage fleet equipment, maintenance, efficiency and uptime, and 59 percent said it increases field staff productivity by collecting logging and inspection data.

Most contractors surveyed—89 percent—said they use mobile devices, and iPhones and iPads were reported as the most popular mobile devices used on job sites.