Tarmac Croxden sand and gravel quarry has reached new levels of efficiency and performance thanks to the installation of a cutting-edge washing and screening plant from Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies (QMS). This advancement marks a transformative step for the Staffordshire site, ensuring it can reliably meet growing demand for its
Sustainability on construction sites is a major talking point in the industry – and many businesses share a resolve to take measures that reduce carbon emissions and help protect the planet. However, it can also be a confusing and sometimes overwhelming space, especially for those just beginning the journey. Avril
Simply Certification, a leading certification body for the construction and decarbonisation industry, has announced that it has joined Normec, a specialist in the testing, inspection, certification and compliancy industry. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Jarrow, South Tyneside, Simply Certification provides certification for the construction industry across a range of
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is publicly backing the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, calling for increased awareness and education to save lives and reduce risk of fires, as it launches a vital safety initiative for the hire industry, targeting those handling lithium-ion batteries. The Lithium-ion Battery
Construction is one of the biggest industries around the world and for good reason. By throwing up new commercial buildings, homes, shops, freeways, and so much more, construction workers are the cornerstone of society. Unfortunately, construction accidents are extremely common and are often the foundation of a worker’s compensation claim
Smart cities are no longer just a futuristic concept—they are becoming a reality thanks to decentralized technologies like blockchain. With increasing urbanization, cities are under pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security. Traditional infrastructure often struggles with fragmented data, outdated processes, and inefficiencies, but blockchain offers a solution
As the global casino resorts continue to progress, developers seem to be stretching the limits of what can be done in terms of entertainment architecture. These ambitious projects, from the dazzling skyline of Las Vegas to the overpopulated shores of Macau, are changing the definition of luxury and innovation in
You really shouldn’t be surprised to learn Texas is home to more amusement parks than most people can keep track of. After all, this is the Lonestar State and everything is bigger here, including the number of rollercoasters. Since you can hop any number of rollercoasters just about anywhere in
Tarmac Croxden sand and gravel quarry has reached new levels of efficiency and performance thanks to the installation of a cutting-edge washing and screening plant from Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies (QMS). This advancement marks a transformative step for the Staffordshire site, ensuring it can reliably meet growing demand for its high quality products while delivering enhanced production capabilities. Tarmac’s Croxden Staffordshire sand and gravel quarry supplies a range of high-quality aggregate products to builders, contractors and landscapers working on small, medium and large sized projects in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. However, the Croxden quarry faced challenges with its existing plant, which was no longer capable of supporting the operation’s full potential. This led quarry management to seek a solution that would not only restore production but enhance productivity, accuracy and quality, cementing the quarry’s reputation for excellence. New 1.83m x 6m washing screen The Croxden quarry management team were already familiar with Coalville headquartered QMS, knowing of the support the company has provided to similar operations throughout the UK and Europe, delivering equipment, spare parts, aftermarket support and process advice. This gave the Tarmac team the confidence to contact QMS when seeking a solution. “We were pleased to be contacted and after assessing the situation we realised that we could not only rectify the situation, but also improve production and the quality of the end product,” explains QMS managing director Jonathan Beck, who adds, “We have expertise in the quarrying industry, and providing a washing screen for sand and gravel production is right up our street.” After site visits and finding out what exactly was required, the QMS team devised a solution for the quarry. “What we came up with incorporated what the quarry’s customers required from the sand and gravel produced there. We assessed the quarry and the logistics of the production process as well as what the end product would be used for. This resulted in us using one of our triple deck washing screens which is actually bigger in size than the one it replaced. Despite this, due to our engineers’ expertise and experience, it fitted precisely in with the existing plant and equipment. In fact, the new screen provides a 50% larger screening area,” adds Jonathan. High quality offering Screening accuracy and washing efficiency is now provided by the QMS 1.83m x 6m inclined triple deck screen (manufactured to BS EN 1009.-.2020), producing 20mm and 10mm concrete sand and building sand. Any oversize is recirculated for further crushing and then redirected into the screening/washing process. The screen is equipped with wet modular vibrating units, huck bolt fastened decks, along with full length stiffeners. Aiding production is a large feed box to help distribute material across the screen. The improved and renewed performance of the sand and gravel quarry should not come as a surprise to those familiar with the QMS offering and support. Since its foundation in the 1980s, QMS has developed a range of pre-designed modular plants designed to work with the most common crushing and screening applications in the quarrying, mining, demolition and recycling industries. The company has furthermore used its industry expertise to offer a bespoke design facility to meet customers’ exact requirements. All QMS’ offering is manufactured in the U.K. by QMS and have been designed to be mixed and matched interchangeably allowing hundreds of possible combinations. This concept provides a platform to not only meet current requirements but allows for upgrades in the future. All QMS plants, such as found at the Tarmac Croxden sand and gravel quarry, include all the required walkways, stairs, handrails and guarding and are pre-wired and tested prior to leaving the factory, therefore saving valuable installation time on site. The equipment can be erected on site in minimal time using basic tools and features an integrated plug and play PLC control system, operated by touch screen, allowing the plant to be up and running in a matter of hours. All equipment is supported by QMS’ aftersales service, with QMS engineers being experts in the installation, commissioning and servicing of all types of quarrying equipment. “QMS personal liaised with us many a time during design period and fabrication. This process gave QMS a good insight and understanding as to site requirements. This benefitted the site and Tarmac as a whole. The new screen QMS designed and installed has delivered in all aspects as build quality is good. The washing and the production of accurately sized material, efficiently and reliably, enables us keep supplying quality products to our customers. Aftermarket support is very good with QMS always being proactive, extremely helpful and professional in all aspects of their work. We look forward to continuing to work with them at Croxden on other areas of plant as well dealing with our requirements,” explains Jason Cotton, unit manager, Tarmac Croxden Quarry. “The sand and gravel quarry was a tricky problem, but the QMS team rose to the challenge. We proactively sought to understand the quarry’s real requirements, what the problems were, and what the customers required. This enabled our engineers to use their industry expertise to come up with the solution that is meeting production and quality targets. The plant’s efficiency is further enhanced as we also provide full aftermarket care including quality inspections, spare parts and servicing,” concludes Quarry Manufacturing & Supplies managing director Jonathan Beck. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sustainability on construction sites is a major talking point in the industry – and many businesses share a resolve to take measures that reduce carbon emissions and help protect the planet. However, it can also be a confusing and sometimes overwhelming space, especially for those just beginning the journey. Avril Coleman, Business Administration Director at SafeSite Facilities, a UK leader in site safety and security, outlines the ‘quick wins’ that can get you started. 1 Look for opportunities to encourage ‘circularity’ – including hiring instead of buying Circularity, a sustainable model which focuses on re-use and the elimination of waste, should be a key focus for businesses starting their sustainability journey. One solution for construction sites is to consider hiring equipment rather than buying it outright. This might apply to CCTV but also to safety barriers – in fact anything which is not required permanently. 2 Look for suppliers that offer buy-back on products For businesses that prefer to buy, choosing a supply partner that offers buy-back options when the products are no longer required is an alternative way to support circularity, Extending the lifecycle of products is particularly relevant to construction sites, because when a job is complete the temptation is to simply send unwanted products to landfill. At SafeSite Facilities, we offer to buy back products that are still intact, such as fence sets and barriers, to extend the life cycle of these products. It’s something that suppliers in other industries could look at, too. Equipment that is bought back is either re-sold or sent to scrap metal experts who re-use it. Plastic materials often go back to the manufacturer to be re-used or turned into new products. It’s about extending the lifecycle of a product. 3 Choose recyclable products made from natural materials Products that are recyclable, or made from recycled material, create a circular economy. This might include aluminium, which is 100 per cent recyclable, steel, bamboo, wood and cork. Plastics, including plastic barriers, still have an important part to play in the market, too, but look out for plastics that are recyclable. 4 Make the switch to electric vehicles wherever possible Removing petrol and diesel vehicles from a company fleet is a long-term ambition for many businesses in the construction sector. There are still some significant challenges in this arena as we wait for technology to catch up. Electric delivery vehicles, for instance, remain a challenge because of range anxiety and inefficient charging stations. But switching to electric cars for executives and the sales team is more achievable in the short term. 5 Choose suppliers that calculate optimal routes for delivery drivers One way to reduce emissions in a petrol or diesel fleet is to work harder to reduce journey times. AI software is now available that can calculate route planning to deliver more efficient journeys. Upgrading vehicles, putting limiters on vehicles so they can’t go above a certain speed can also have an impact. That’s important because transport is such a huge contributor to the scope of any business’ carbon footprint. 6 Work with other businesses that hold recognised environmental and sustainability certification It’s always good to work with suppliers and partners who share your values, especially when it comes to sustainability. There are a range of environmental and sustainability certifications to look out for, including ISO 14001. This is a global standard that provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an Environmental Management System, created by the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO). 7 Go paperless Removing paper from your operation, and choosing suppliers who have done the same, is an important early step. Long gone are the days when deliveries required a pile of paperwork. Most transactions and documents can now be handled on a screen. There are plenty of software options available now which can facilitate this. 8 Train your team in sustainable practices For a business to be truly sustainable it needs buy-in from all its people. Everyone can play a part. The best way to create a culture of sustainability is to train your people and make reducing emissions part of everyday business. There’s no point in having environmental and sustainability policies if nobody in the company actions them. 9 Consider products that use solar power Reducing energy usage on site is a challenge, but solar power can help. CCTV cameras and lighting can now be powered effectively by solar panels, for instance, and technology is improving all the time. 10 Take measures on site that support and protect wildlife There’s more to sustainability than using less energy and reducing waste. Protecting wildlife should also be a consideration for construction sites, especially those in rural areas. SafeSite Facilities offers a range of newt and reptile wildlife fencing, designed for protected species mitigation projects and managing wildlife movement. These are perfect for applications such as construction sites, power stations, highways, rail networks, utility pipelines, and ecologically sensitive areas. They serve as an effective barrier to keep newts and other amphibians out of your site as well as conforming to the guidelines laid out in the Great Crested Newts Guidelines. There are even fences available to protect snakes. By embracing all ten of these tips, construction sites can make a positive start on the journey towards a more sustainable industry in which carbon emissions are reduced. About the author: Avril Coleman has worked at SafeSite Facilities for nearly a decade and is passionate about creating environments where people feel valued and empowered in the construction industry and beyond. As Business Administration Director, she leads on administrative functions and sustainability at SafeSite Facilities, which sells and hires non-mechanical safety and security products to construction sites, major highways projects, events and festivals nationwide. Avril was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction for 2024 as a Local Hero for the South East, by the National Federation of Builders, for her continued commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion within the construction industry in the UK. Building, Design &
Simply Certification, a leading certification body for the construction and decarbonisation industry, has announced that it has joined Normec, a specialist in the testing, inspection, certification and compliancy industry. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Jarrow, South Tyneside, Simply Certification provides certification for the construction industry across a range of standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and ISO 45001. The business has also expanded its offering to include PAS2030, MCS and Flexi-Orb, supporting the industry to retrofit 24 million houses before the 2050 carbon net zero deadline laid out by the Government. This deal marks a significant milestone in Simply Certification’s 4-year journey and sets the stage for strengthening its market position, whilst enabling Normec to expand its built environment certification and compliance arm. Commenting on the deal, Alexandra Stobbs, Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have secured this deal with Normec. They have a great reputation across the globe, and this will allow us to further consolidate our market position as a leading certification body in the UK, whilst giving them the opportunity to enter the market and grow the team and business here. Simply Certification has enjoyed rapid growth, due in part to the burgeoning need for retrofit installations ahead of carbon net zero. But it’s our commitment to customer service that we believe has given us the advantage in a traditional marketplace. This deal will allow us to continue to expand at an accelerated rate and provide huge growth potential for Normec.” Mariska van Schaik, Managing Director of Normec’s Sustainability division, added: “Simply Certification has very quickly secured an enviable position in the UK market by focusing on customers, technology and ways to improve the certification process. It has an experienced team, robust trading and a strong market presence. Under the umbrella of Normec, we look forward to growing operations in the UK.” The deal completed in January 2025 and Alexandra Stobbs (previously Gates), Managing Director of Simply Certification will continue to lead the business under the current brand. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Hire Association Europe & Event Hire Association (HAE EHA) is publicly backing the Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, calling for increased awareness and education to save lives and reduce risk of fires, as it launches a vital safety initiative for the hire industry, targeting those handling lithium-ion batteries. The Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill aims to make provision regarding the safe storage, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. It was introduced in July 2024 and is currently at Committee Stage in the House of Lords. HAE EHA will be sharing best practice videos and infographics on its website and social media to educate users on how to store and use these batteries correctly, as well as what to do should a fire break out. HAE EHA members will also be able to access a more detailed resource pack as part of their membership. Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of rechargeable battery provided for use in power tools and equipment, for example; cordless drills, grinders, saws, garden tools etc, as well as e-bikes and scooters, and mobile phones. These batteries have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a small volume and support high power demands. Though generally safe, lithium-ion batteries can become fire risks due to improper use or damage, and enter a state called ‘thermal runaway’ where the battery enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state which can lead to a fire. It has been reported that UK fire services attended 921 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023, a 46 per cent increase on 2022’s figures, with almost three fires a day involving these batteries[1]. HAE EHA is an industry-leading trade association for the plant, tool, equipment and event hire sectors with membership representing businesses from new startups to some of Europe’s largest hire companies. It has over 700 member companies based in the UK, Europe and across other parts of the world. Carl Bartlett, director of certification services at HAE EHA, said: “We don’t want any more people to be hurt as a result of poor use or poor storage of lithium-ion batteries. There are too many avoidable instances where we believe better education about how to handle these batteries could save lives and livelihoods. “Companies in the hire industry hiring out these devices need to be able to properly inform their customers and teams about how to safely use, transport, store and report any issues about their lithium-ion batteries. If these new resources can help avoid even one fire, their job has been done.” HAE EHA’s advice for the safe handling of lithium-ion batteries includes: For full advice and best practice guidance, members can download resources via the HAE EHA member platform: https://www.hae.org.uk/members/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction is one of the biggest industries around the world and for good reason. By throwing up new commercial buildings, homes, shops, freeways, and so much more, construction workers are the cornerstone of society. Unfortunately, construction accidents are extremely common and are often the foundation of a worker’s compensation claim due to this prevalence. Proactive safety measures and legal awareness are both required in order to make construction sites safer for all workers. An injured workforce is a nonproductive workforce and, on top of this, you certainly don’t want your business to have the reputation of one where workers suffer injuries. Learn the most common causes of construction accidents so that you can take the proper precautions to prevent them. Falls from Heights: The Leading Cause of Construction Injuries Without a doubt, falls from large heights are one of the most commonly seen construction accidents. With scaffolding, unprotected roofs, ladders, and other surfaces which require climbing being seen are construction sites, it only makes sense. Being severely injured from a fall doesn’t even require that much height either. In fact, just over 11% of fall fatalities in recent years occurred from heights between six to ten feet. Preventing a fall at a construction site is all about taking the proper steps to protect workers. This includes using fall protection systems such as harnesses and guardrails properly, while also conducting regular training for your employees on working at heights. You also need to properly inspect and maintain all equipment regularly to ensure things are in working condition. Struck-by Objects: A Persistent Hazard on Construction Sites Another major cause of injury on construction sites is objects, typically falling from above, striking workers. Falling tools, equipment, or materials in general are all examples of hazards that can lead to head or general bodily injury. This most often happens when other workers accidentally drop items or when machines such as cranes aren’t secured properly when being loaded and allow items to slip off. The best way to prevent your workers from being injured is to ensure they wear their protective gear when necessary. It’s also important to secure all tools and materials, which may involve using safety netting or barriers to contain those objects. Be aware that failing to secure your sites can result in fines from organizations such as OSHA. Caught-in or Between Accidents: Crushing and Entrapment Risks A particularly gruesome source of injury is caught-in or between incidents. With heavy machinery often being used at work sites, workers can accidentally get caught between equipment pieces leading to serious injury or death. Trench collapses, getting squished between machinery, or being slammed by collapsing walls are all examples. Preventing this issue is more challenging than some of the others, but can usually be done. Ensure that your construction sites all use proper shoring and excavation methods to secure walls and flooring. Additionally, all your machinery and equipment need to be maintained regularly and have safety checks performed on them. Your workers are also the first line of defense to injuries, so train them to recognize hazards so they can respond accordingly. Electrical Accidents: The Dangers of Live Wires and Faulty Equipment The fourth most common source of accidents on construction sites are electrical incidents. Live wires and faulty equipment lead to dangerous injuries stemming from electric shock, which makes this a particularly potent source of injury. Improper grounding of wiring or a failure to de-energize equipment are the two sub-issues that most commonly result in this problem. As mentioned before, and serving as the general theme, training your workers will be pivotal. Educate them on electrical safety and ensure that lockout and tagout procedures are used within your sites. Never miss a regular inspection of your electrical tools or an installation as well as both of these situations can lead to mistakes that cause injury. Hazardous Materials Exposure: The Silent Danger in Construction The source of injury that is perhaps most overlooked in the construction industry is exposure to hazardous materials. Asbestos, lead paint, and general toxic fumes are all common culprits of long-term respiratory injuries and disease in workers. Any unsafe handling or inadequate protection can lead to exposure, sometimes unknowingly, which is what makes this so dangerous. Conduct regular hazard assessments and provide appropriate PPE to your workers to avoid this. In addition to training your workers on how to handle any hazardous substances they come into contact with, you should also ensure there is proper ventilation of all work areas and that materials are disposed of safely. Hazardous materials are the silent danger in construction for a reason, so never hesitate to bring in professionals who can identify if there have been gaps in your protection. Building a culture of safety in construction At the end of the day, comprehensive safety measures, worker training, and consistent equipment inspections will catch most of the issues outlined above. Considering the importance of construction companies and the projects they work on, the last thing needed is a slowdown in production. With that said, worker safety always needs to be at the top of mind above all else. A culture of safety extends beyond surface-level injuries and requires you to implement sweeping policies that protect your employees at all levels. To keep your workers safe and comfortable, identify any and all risk factors at your work sites and strive to mitigate that risk. Doing so will allow your workers to perform to the best of their ability while also giving you peace of mind that there is a reduced chance of injury.
Smart cities are no longer just a futuristic concept—they are becoming a reality thanks to decentralized technologies like blockchain. With increasing urbanization, cities are under pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance security. Traditional infrastructure often struggles with fragmented data, outdated processes, and inefficiencies, but blockchain offers a solution by simplifying urban management, increasing transparency, and automating complex processes. Decentralized Tech: The Backbone of Smart Cities From energy grids to transportation systems, blockchain is already shaping the future of digital infrastructure. And it’s not just in construction or finance—even sectors like online entertainment and digital transactions are leveraging decentralized systems to enhance security and improve user experience. For instance, some platforms operating outside traditional regulatory frameworks provide alternative digital experiences for users, such as Curacao casinos exempt from GamStop.These platforms are regulated in Curacao and leverage blockchain to offer provably fair gaming, instant payouts, and enhanced security, ensuring that players have full control over their funds without reliance on centralized authorities. Additionally, blockchain reduces transaction costs and speeds up withdrawals, making digital gaming more accessible and efficient. Just as blockchain enhances security and efficiency in digital transactions, its potential in smart city infrastructure is equally transformative. From automating urban services to securing public data, decentralized systems offer a more resilient and transparent framework for managing modern cities. A smart city integrates multiple digital systems to improve efficiency and sustainability. Blockchain plays a key role by ensuring that data is immutable, decentralized, and transparent, which reduces fraud and enhances trust in urban operations. One of blockchain’s most significant advantages in city planning is eliminating intermediaries. For instance, smart contracts—self-executing contracts with terms encoded into blockchain—can automate transactions and reduce delays in infrastructure projects. This removes bureaucratic bottlenecks and allows faster execution of public projects without unnecessary red tape. Another area where blockchain is making a difference is in construction and property management. Traditionally, real estate transactions and infrastructure projects involve multiple layers of verification, leading to high costs and inefficiencies. By tokenizing real estate assets and using blockchain-powered digital records, cities can streamline approvals, enhance property security, and eliminate fraud Energy Infrastructure: Smarter, Greener, More Efficient One example is the decentralized energy market, where blockchain enables peer-to-peer energy trading. Instead of relying solely on major utility companies, residents can sell excess solar energy directly to their neighbors, automating transactions with smart contracts. This reduces dependency on centralized grids and encourages sustainable energy consumption. Cities consume about 75% of the world’s energy, and managing energy resources efficiently is crucial for sustainability. Blockchain technology enhances energy grids by improving efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting renewable energy initiatives. Blockchain also improves energy consumption tracking. Using decentralized ledgers, residents and businesses can monitor their carbon footprint in real time, allowing them to optimize usage and reduce costs. For example, a blockchain-based microgrid system has been shown to increase profitability by 1.68% while reducing environmental impact by 0.97%. Water Management: A Blockchain-Powered Solution Water scarcity is a growing global challenge, and cities must innovate to manage water resources effectively. Blockchain plays a critical role in tracking water usage, monitoring pollution, and managing tradeable water rights. One of blockchain’s most promising applications in water management is real-time pollution tracking. By integrating IoT sensors with blockchain, cities can monitor water quality, detect pollution sources, and enforce regulations more effectively. Additionally, blockchain can facilitate fair water distribution through smart contracts for water trading. Countries like Australia and the U.S. have already begun experimenting with blockchain-powered water rights exchanges, ensuring that water resources are allocated more efficiently (Lambert, 2020). Transportation and Smart Mobility Traffic congestion costs cities billions each year in lost productivity and increased emissions. Blockchain technology can optimize urban mobility through intelligent traffic systems and autonomous vehicle networks. For example, in a blockchain-powered smart transportation system, vehicles communicate with traffic signals, parking systems, and other vehicles to reduce congestion and improve safety. By using decentralized ledgers, transportation networks can securely share real-time traffic data, enabling AI-driven solutions to optimize routes and reduce delays. Blockchain is also reshaping car ownership models. The rise of peer-to-peer (P2P) car-sharing platforms allows individuals to rent out their vehicles without the need for intermediaries. Blockchain ensures secure transactions and real-time tracking, reducing fraud and improving efficiency. Strengthening Public Trust Through Transparency Corruption and inefficiencies in government operations are major challenges in urban management. Blockchain addresses these issues by ensuring that all transactions, permits, and contracts are recorded on an immutable ledger, making them tamper-proof and publicly verifiable. For example, smart voting systems powered by blockchain can eliminate election fraud and improve voter turnout. Additionally, blockchain’s auditability ensures that public funds are used efficiently, reducing waste and increasing trust in governance. Final Thoughts: A More Connected, Resilient Future The integration of blockchain in urban infrastructure is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a transformation in how cities operate. By decentralizing data, automating transactions, and enhancing security, blockchain technology ensures that smart cities are not only efficient but also transparent and future-ready. As adoption grows, we can expect more decentralized solutions in energy, transportation, and governance, paving the way for truly intelligent urban environments. Blockchain isn’t just shaping smart cities—it’s redefining the way we interact with the world around us.
As the global casino resorts continue to progress, developers seem to be stretching the limits of what can be done in terms of entertainment architecture. These ambitious projects, from the dazzling skyline of Las Vegas to the overpopulated shores of Macau, are changing the definition of luxury and innovation in the hospitality industry. Recent developments are not only showcases of architectural sophistication, but demonstrate as well the way integrated resorts change whole regions into premier entertainment spots. These projects feature state-of-the-art technologies, sustainable design practices, and luxurious compounds in order to engage and impress the increasingly demanding global clients. The Evolution of Modern Casino Construction The evolution of casino construction seems to be shifting as new projects started incorporating sustainable design practices and advanced technology. While traditional brick-and-mortar establishments still remains the backbone of the gambling business, the emergence of online casino platforms has revolutionized how physical venues approach construct design, resulting in spaces that offer exceptional experiences other than digital gaming. This blending of modern and traditional elements is characteristic of most casinos built today. Resorts World Las Vegas: A Study in Modern Luxury Resorts World Las Vegas, finished in 2021, exemplifies the current design philosophy of a casino. This project invested $4.3 billion and initiated several new innovations in construction methods. The development team employed sophisticated Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to manage complex systems integration across the 3.5 million square feet of space. New methods of fabrication were pioneered in this project by prefabricating complete room modules, which were then sent to the construction site for installation. This reduced the construction duration as well as the environmental footprint. The Crystal Bay Casino Project: Innovation in Alpine Settings The construction of the Crystal Bay Casino development on Lake Tahoe North Shore is a pioneer in casino construction within environmentally fragile regions. The project demonstrates econometric snow load engineering and modern thermal efficiency systems for casino construction and their modifications in extreme conditions. The development team employed novel foundation solutions for the area’s considerable seismic activity while providing the necessary structural integrity for the gaming floor. Macau’s Grand Lisboa Palace: Eastern Architectural Excellence The Grand Lisboa Palace in Macau represents a project that achieved a balance between classical Chinese design and modern construction practices. The distinctive shape of the building required a specific manufacturing process that allowed each curved glass panel to be distinctively formed. Furthermore, the construction team utilized advanced vertical transportation systems, which incorporated exterior climbing platforms with the ability to adjust to the contours of the building. The Integration of Sustainable Practices The construction of casinos nowadays has adopted the sustainable approach, where different stakeholders in recent construction projects showcased remarkable innovations in energy efficiency and resource management. These new constructions are equipped with powerful HVAC units that feature heat recovery systems, allowing for both efficient energy use and precise environmental control crucial to gaming operations. Water recycling and smart control systems have become staples, proving the industry’s recognition of the need to be environmentally responsible. Engineering Challenges and Solutions Recent projects of building casinos have presented a number of unique engineering issues, especially within city limits. The construction of space-constrained underground gaming areas has brought about innovations in waterproofing and structural engineering. Construction crew supervisors have had to develop new vibration isolation management techniques to ensure the sensitive gaming equipment and the accurate leveling for the table games are protected. The Role of Technology in Modern Construction Technology is changing the way casinos are built. For instance, casinos are now constructed with the utmost efficiency and accuracy thanks to drones, IoT sensors, and other digital devices which help streamline the construction process. Building automation systems that are deployed during construction aid in advanced monitoring of the security, environmental conditions, and other operational systems, while also providing crucial data. Future Trends and Innovations As suggested by the upcoming casino construction projects, it is evident that the strategies for building and overall design are progressively changing. Some of these changes include an increased focus on modular construction styles, which, while still maintaining quality, can drastically decrease the duration of projects. Another trend that is becoming more common is the use of mixed-reality technologies during construction and operations, which allows easier completion of complicated designs. Conclusion A close review of modern casino construction projects clearly demonstrates a willingness to change and start using new construction technology and architectural design. Such changes help incorporate advanced technical features and also cater to modern consumer needs and policies. It will be increasingly common for new entertainment sites to be constructed with the mix of luxury, advanced design, green building, and user friendly environments, and the more the industry grows, the more it is likely for such changes to occur.
You really shouldn’t be surprised to learn Texas is home to more amusement parks than most people can keep track of. After all, this is the Lonestar State and everything is bigger here, including the number of rollercoasters. Since you can hop any number of rollercoasters just about anywhere in Texas, it isn’t surprising to learn that accident rates are rather high. There were over 1,200 ride-related injuries in 2021. So, this statistic doesn’t mean you should stay away from roller coasters. However, if you’re injured in a rollercoaster accident you may be eligible for recovering compensation. This means you need to know a bit about filing a premises liability claim. What is a Premises Liability Claim? Okay, the legal process can be confusing even before you get started. While your roller coaster accident falls under personal injury law, it’s just the start. Personal injury law is sort of like a giant umbrella covering different types of accident claims. When your accident occurs on someone else’s property, either public or private, you’re filing a premises liability claim. All property owners, managers, and occasionally tenants are responsible for keeping their premises free from all hazards. This includes hazards they know and should’ve known about. If a guest or visitor is injured on the property, chances are they can file a premises liability claim. Typically, property owners and managers are responsible for keeping the premises free from hazards. However, if the tenant is willfully ignoring potential hazards they may be liable for any damages. The simple fact that the tenant is paying a fee to occupy the property can make them liable. Every premises liability claim is unique so it’s best to work with an attorney when you’re trying to determine who’s liable for your damages. You Can’t Skip Proving Negligence Some states treat premises liability claims similar to strict product liability claims. Negligence is pretty much always implied in strict liability claims. This typically makes it a bit easier to prove your claim. Texas isn’t one of these states that presumes negligence in a premises liability claim. If you want your injury claim to make it past the first step in the legal process, proving the key elements of negligence is a must. Duty of Care The Lone Star state’s premises laws aren’t one-size-fits-all. Property owners and managers don’t owe everyone the same duty of care. This depends on the reason the individual is on the property. Yep, you owe a guest a different duty of care than a door-to-door salesperson. Let’s start with what duty of care means in the legal sense. It refers to the duty everyone owes to behave in a reasonable manner. One that doesn’t place others at risk. For example you owe your guests a duty of care to ensure the property is free from potential hazards. It can be anything from a loose board on the roller coaster’s platform to a spill on the grocery store floor. Okay, now on to the level of care property owners and managers typically owe to different types of individuals. Anyone invited onto the property like ticket holders at an amusement park is owed the highest level of care. This means regularly inspecting the property to ensure all hazards are removed or warning signs are in place. Invitees, these are people like guests to a party or grand opening, are owed the second highest level of care. Texas law requires property owners and managers to keep their premises reasonably safe. While trespassers are violating the law, they are still owed a minimal duty of care. Property owners and managers just need to take reasonable steps to prevent intentional injuries. In other words, you can’t purposefully leave a hazard out hoping to trip up a trespasser. Breach of Duty of Care You’ve established the property owner or manager owes you a duty of care. Now, it’s time to show they breached this duty. Thankfully, this element is a bit easier to show. If you’re classified as an invitee, you must show the premise’s owner and/or manager failed to keep the property free of hazards. This is usually done by collecting procedure manuals, along with inspection and repair reports. Surveillance footage can also be helpful, including any cameras that capture your image on the rollercoaster. Since licensees are usually owed the highest level of care, you’re probably going to need to submit a bit more evidence. This can include snapping pictures of the hazard and collecting witness statements. You may also need to interview employees to find out if the property owner knew about the hazard. Trespassers have a harder time proving both duty and breach of care. However, if a trespasser can show that the hazard is intentionally placed to cause harm they may have grounds for a premises liability claim. Causation You’ve made it to the third element of negligence and things tend to get a bit easier from here. This is when you show the breach of care is directly responsible for your injuries and other damages. Proving the dangerous conditions on the premises that caused your injuries usually means presenting plenty of testimony. Guess what, you get to give your testimony about the events that caused your accident. However even though you’re testifying under oath. It’s usually not enough to satisfy this requirement. You’re probably going to need to provide witness testimony. You must alsosubmit any video footage. Your medical records can also help support your injury claim. You may even need expert medical testimony. This requirement is common when injuries are severe. Damages This is the easiest element of negligence to prove, as long as you have your bills and receipts. You’ll present these as evidence supporting your listed damages. Your medical records and pay stubs may also be required. Typically, the evidence you submit is based on what you’re listing in the accident claim. Don’t Navigate A Roller Coaster Accident Claim in Texas By Yourself Premises liability laws can leave you scratching your head.
