Five of the week’s biggest construction stories

Volvo’s ECR25 compact electric excavator (Image courtesy of Volvo CE)

Volvo CE’s innovative approach to compact equipment

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has shifted its focus towards innovative designs in compact machinery to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. Emphasising sustainability, Volvo CE has developed electric versions of its compact excavators and wheeled loaders, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.

This move aligns with the industry’s growing trend towards environmentally friendly solutions. Volvo’s approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also promises enhanced efficiency and performance in compact equipment​. Read the full story here.

Fluor JV’s $700 million motorway expansion

Fluor Corporation, in a joint venture, has commenced work on a $700 million expansion of Interstate 35 in San Antonio, Texas. The project involves adding lanes, upgrading interchanges, and enhancing safety features to accommodate increasing traffic volumes.

This expansion is expected to significantly improve transportation efficiency and safety in one of the region’s critical corridors. The project underscores the ongoing investment in infrastructure to support economic growth and mobility​. Click here for the full story.

3D render of the Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi (Image: Foster + Partners)

Groundbreaking museum projects worldwide

Several ambitious museum projects are currently underway across the globe, highlighting significant cultural and architectural investments. In Egypt, the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open near the Giza pyramids, aims to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, showcasing the country’s rich history.

In the US, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles will explore the power of storytelling through various art forms. Meanwhile, Norway is constructing a new National Museum in Oslo, which will be the largest art museum in the Nordic region, set to open in 2025​. Full story here. 

Arup employee targeted in deepfake scam

In a sophisticated cyber attack, an employee at Arup, a global engineering and design firm, fell victim to a $25 million deepfake video call scam. The perpetrators used advanced artificial intelligence to create a realistic video impersonation of a senior executive, convincing the employee to transfer funds to a fraudulent account.

This incident highlights the increasing threat of AI-driven cybercrime and the need for enhanced security measures and awareness within organisations​. See the full story here. 

XCMG’s inaugural ESG report

XCMG, one of the largest construction machinery manufacturers, released its first Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report. The report highlights significant achievements in electrification and intelligent manufacturing, emphasising a 15% reduction in carbon emission intensity since 2020 and a 7% decrease in total greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.

XCMG invested CNY5.018 billion (US$694 million) in R&D for sustainable solutions and has been recognized for its intelligent manufacturing practices. The company also invested CNY26 million (US$3.5 million) in global staff training. Full story here.