Marc-André Langevin and Kevin To | J.S. Held What Is Mass Timber? Mass timber is gaining popularity in multi-storey construction projects across both Canada and the United States. The benefits of mass timber in terms of efficient construction and reduced staffing requirements for erection are well established; however, current regulatory limitations remain, often based on outdated assumptions… Continue reading Mass Timber Fire Resistance: Sustainability, Code Compliance, and Fire Safety in Tall Buildings
Tag: construction
Design-Build Project: Delivery Benefits, Risk Allocation, and Role of Geotechnical Characterization
Gangjin Li | HKA Introduction The design-build (DB) model represents a contemporary approach to project delivery wherein a single contractual entity—the design-builder—is responsible for both design and construction. Unlike traditional models such as design-bid-build (DBB) or construction manager at risk (CMAR), the DB model integrates design and construction under a unified contract, facilitating greater coordination and efficiency.[1][2] Advantages of DB contracts One of the principal benefits of the DB contract is single-point responsibility, which… Continue reading Design-Build Project: Delivery Benefits, Risk Allocation, and Role of Geotechnical Characterization
Developer Liable to Contractor for Misrepresentations Regarding Project Funding
John Mark Goodman and W. Hunter Webb | BuildSmart The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a jury verdict finding that a developer and its founder defrauded a contractor by misrepresenting the availability of construction funding. See Selective Ins. Co. of Am. v. Heritage Const. Cos. et al, Case No. 24-2333, 2026 WL 263591 (D.… Continue reading Developer Liable to Contractor for Misrepresentations Regarding Project Funding
California’s Retention Reform on Private Construction Projects
Michael T. McKeeman | The Construction Seyt Retention has long been a contentious issue in California construction. Traditionally, owners withheld retention of 10% from each progress payment until completion, arguing it was necessary to ensure performance, quality and timely delivery. Contractors and subcontractors, however, often struggled with cash flow, payroll, and material costs while waiting… Continue reading California’s Retention Reform on Private Construction Projects
Using AI to Improve Safety: Managing the Legal Risks Alongside the Benefits
Brandon Brigham, Kaiser Chowdhry, Thomas Cullen Wallace and Mitchell Knafo | Morgan Lewis Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a powerful tool in workplace safety programs—but its use also raises complex legal and governance questions. This Insight examines how employers can integrate AI into safety decision-making while preserving human judgment, meeting regulatory obligations, and managing enforcement… Continue reading Using AI to Improve Safety: Managing the Legal Risks Alongside the Benefits