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Business Journals
04-08-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
How data-driven models improve construction processes in these 4 key areas
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed the construction industry by creating intelligent digital representations of buildings. Virtual design and construction (VDC) builds upon BIM by integrating these models with scheduling, cost estimation and project coordination to optimize design, engineering and operational workflows. Together, these technologies create a powerful platform where architects, engineers, developers and contractors can collaborate effectively to solve complex problems before breaking ground. What makes these tools so valuable is their ability to enhance project outcomes across four critical areas: safety, risk reduction, logistics and cost management. 1. Safety first, last and always With safety being the highest priority on every job site, VDC processes leverage BIM technology to create a modern, streamlined approach to protecting workers on the job site. By allowing project teams to identify and address potential hazards before they materialize, VDC enables a proactive rather than reactive approach to safety management. One of the most significant safety advantages comes through enhanced visualization capabilities. For instance, crane placement — a critical safety consideration on any construction site — can be thoroughly analyzed and optimized through VDC workflows using BIM models. This visualization capability eliminates guesswork and creates safer working environments. The shift toward prefabrication represents another safety advancement supported by VDC technologies. When building components are manufactured off-site in controlled factory settings, workers face fewer hazards associated with heights, weather conditions and crowded job sites. The digital models facilitate precise prefabrication while the virtual construction process ensures these components integrate seamlessly with on-site work, ultimately reducing risk exposure for everyone involved. 2. Clash detection and risk reduction One of VDC's most powerful capabilities is its ability to perform comprehensive clash detection across multiple building systems. This capability allows project teams to identify and resolve conflicts between architectural, structural, MEPF (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection) and all other building systems before construction begins, preventing costly and potentially dangerous issues during the building phase. The clash detection process utilizes sophisticated analysis tools that examine model components for spatial conflicts and system incompatibilities. These tools flag inconsistencies that might otherwise remain undetected until construction when remediation becomes significantly more expensive and time-consuming. By addressing these issues during the planning phase, VDC workflows use BIM to minimize project risks, enhance stakeholder coordination and ensure smoother project execution. 3. Logistics planning VDC has revolutionized construction logistics planning by leveraging BIM technology and its powerful 4D simulation capabilities. By linking project schedules with 3D models, project teams can visualize and optimize construction sequencing, material delivery schedules and site logistics plans. This comprehensive approach ensures efficient resource allocation and workflow optimization throughout the project lifecycle. A key benefit of VDC-driven logistics planning is its ability to prevent "trade stacking" — situations where multiple trades attempt to work in the same space simultaneously, creating safety hazards and reducing productivity. Through careful visualization and planning of work sequences, project teams can maintain safe, efficient working conditions while optimizing the use of available space and resources. 4. Quantity takeoff (QTO) and cost control The integration of BIM into VDC workflows marks a significant advancement in construction cost estimation and control. Unlike traditional methods that rely on manual calculations from 2D drawings, BIM enables the automated extraction of precise material quantities directly from the digital model. This automation not only saves time but also dramatically reduces the potential for human error in quantity calculations. The model's geometric metadata and component properties provide a reliable foundation for accurate cost estimates, enabling better cost control throughout the preconstruction process. This enhanced accuracy in quantity takeoff leads to more reliable budgeting and improved financial outcomes for construction projects. Future outlook As we look toward the future, the construction industry stands prepared for even greater transformation. While today's applications of BIM and VDC have already yielded significant benefits, we've only scratched the surface of what's possible when design, construction and operations become truly integrated. Cloud-based platforms now enable real-time collaboration across project teams regardless of location, creating opportunities for more diverse expertise to influence decisions. The emergence of digital twins — virtual replicas that remain connected to their physical counterparts — intends to extend the value of our models beyond construction into facility management and building operations. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence has begun to enhance our digital tools, offering predictive capabilities for scheduling, cost forecasting and even safety management. As these technologies continue to evolve and become more accessible, even smaller projects will benefit from the improved coordination, enhanced safety and greater efficiency they provide. The construction industry has historically been slow to embrace technological change, but the rapid adoption of these digital tools signals a significant shift in our approach to delivering projects. By connecting people, processes and information more effectively, we're building not just better structures, but a better future for our industry overall. Brinkmann Constructors is the employee-owned leader in the construction industry with a passion for finding creative solutions that save time, minimize costs and deliver the greatest value. With five offices and a project footprint in over 40 states, our reach spans nationwide with a vast portfolio of projects in multifamily, senior living, industrial, cold storage, retail, automotive and more.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
Caste bias crackdown: 13 Village Development Committee members jailed in Nizamabad; social boycott over road row punished
Representative Image HYDERABAD: Thirteen members of a 'Village Development Committee' (VDC) of Munipalli village in Nizamabad district were on Wednesday sentenced to five years in jail for enforcing a social boycott of a section of people. The case was filed in 2021 under the SC/ST Act against 16 members of the VDC for enforcing a social boycott of Thumma Ravindar and people of his community after a dispute arose over a road. On Wednesday, a special court in Nizamabad pronounced the sentence after the case was fast-tracked. Nizamabad police commissioner Sai Chaitanya warned VDCs against taking the law into their hands and discriminating against people on the basis of caste or religion. He said strong action would be taken against them. In a similar case, on June 3 the special court in Nizamabad had convicted 15 people who were members of a VDC of Kolipalka village in Jakranpally mandal for enforcing a social boycott of a Dalit family. The case was filed in April 2020 over a dispute regarding the complainant driving a tractor in front of the house of a VDC member. While eight were sentenced to five years in jail, seven were given a three-year sentence by the special judge for SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cases.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
15 sent to jail for imposing social boycott on Dalit family
1 2 3 Hyderabad: A special court in Nizamabad on Tuesday sentenced 15 individuals to imprisonment in connection with a social boycott imposed on a Dalit family by members of a so-called village development committee (VDC) in Kolipaka village of Jakranpally mandal. The special judge for SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cases and II additional district and sessions judge pronounced the verdict, convicting eight individuals to five years in jail with a fine of ₹5,200 each, while seven others received three years' imprisonment along with a fine of ₹4,200 each. It was in April 2020, when Errolla Hanumandlu and his family lodged a complaint with the Jakranpally police, alleging that the VDC had issued a social boycott order against them. It all began when Mekala Bablu and his family objected to Hanumandlu's family using a tractor in front of their house. Bablu later took the matter to the VDC, which demanded a monetary fine from Hanumandlu. When the family refused to pay, the VDC allegedly enforced a social boycott. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case under section 3(1)(zc) of the SCs/STs Act, various sections of the Indian Penal Code (341, 323, 290, 506, 248 r/w 34), and section 4 of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. Those who were sentenced to five years' imprisonment include Golla Boddu Thirupathi, Ravutla Bakkanna, Papai Gangadhar, Boddu Naveen, Kalakadi Muthenna, Bolli Ranjeeth, Wadla Srikanth and Arepalli Esthari. Among those sentenced to three years' imprisonment were Mekala Bablu, Mekala Kavitha, Muvvala Poshanna, Mala Chinna Rajanna, Dasari Surender, and Vankayala Gangadhar.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Invest in the Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC)?
Designed to provide broad exposure to the Consumer Staples - Broad segment of the equity market, the Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 01/26/2004. While an excellent vehicle for long term investors, passively managed ETFs are a popular choice among institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency. Sector ETFs are also funds of convenience, offering many ways to gain low risk and diversified exposure to a broad group of companies in particular sectors. Consumer Staples - Broad is one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors within the Zacks Industry classification. It is currently ranked 11, placing it in bottom 31%. The fund is sponsored by Vanguard. It has amassed assets over $7.67 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs attempting to match the performance of the Consumer Staples - Broad segment of the equity market. VDC seeks to match the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index before fees and expenses. The MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index measures the investment return of stocks in the consumer staples sector. Investors should also pay attention to an ETF's expense ratio. Lower cost products will produce better results than those with a higher cost, assuming all other metrics remain the same. Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.09%, making it one of the cheaper products in the space. It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.33%. It is important to delve into an ETF's holdings before investing despite the many upsides to these kinds of funds like diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis. This ETF has heaviest allocation in the Consumer Staples sector--about 99.90% of the portfolio. Looking at individual holdings, Costco Wholesale Corp (COST) accounts for about 12.67% of total assets, followed by Walmart Inc (WMT) and Procter & Gamble Co/the (PG). The top 10 holdings account for about 63.55% of total assets under management. The ETF return is roughly 6.87% and was up about 11.69% so far this year and in the past one year (as of 06/03/2025), respectively. VDC has traded between $201.77 and $226.16 during this last 52-week period. The ETF has a beta of 0.61 and standard deviation of 12.72% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 105 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk. Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Thus, VDC is a good option for those seeking exposure to the Consumer Staples ETFs area of the market. Investors might also want to consider some other ETF options in the space. IShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Consumer Goods Index and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) tracks Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. IShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF has $1.52 billion in assets, Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF has $16.45 billion. IYK has an expense ratio of 0.40% and XLP charges 0.08%. To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC): ETF Research Reports Procter & Gamble Company (The) (PG) : Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) : Free Stock Analysis Report Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP): ETF Research Reports iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Criminal cases against 4 VDC members for illegal auction of toddy, liquor vends in Adilabad
Hyderabad: In yet another instance of the growing menace of the so-called ' village development committees ' (VDCs), Adilabad police have booked cases against four persons for allegedly resorting to extortion. In Ankoli village of Adilabad Rural, VDC members on Sunday organised an auction for permitting the sale of toddy and an unlicensed liquor shop in the village. In the illegal auction , the VDC members received 3 lakh for permitting a toddy shop and 3.90 lakh for an unlicensed liquor shop to be set up. With the Adilabad district police administration directing local police to take stern action against the illegally operating VDCs, which are resorting to extortions, a case was booked against four persons, Kanaka Ramanayya, Erram Prabhakar, Erram Ashok, and Etikala Bhumanna. "We understand that there were more persons involved in this and will bring in their names also into the case once they are identified," an officer at the Adilabad Rural police station told TOI on Monday. Cases were booked on Sunday under the Section 308 clause B of the BNS, which might get the guilty punishment of up to five years. Police said that as of now, the cases were booked, and after due investigation, those named would be arrested and prosecuted as per the law. Earlier, cases had been registered in Boath, Ichoda, Jainath, and Bela police stations against the so-called VDCs for imposing their rules in the village and permitting shops in bidding and auction. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ative o software antivírus do seu computador Clique aqui Undo The Adilabad police on Friday said five cases have been registered so far against VDCs in Bela, Jainath, Boath, and Ichoda police station limits. The cases involve VDCs attempting to resolve civil disputes and extorting money from tractor owners transporting sand. On April 30, a VDC member, Bhuma Reddy, was booked in Jainath for extortion. In April, the Goud community in Tallarampur in Nizamabad district had rebelled against the VDC, which demanded that they pay a certain amount of money for tapping toddy. The community, while refusing to pay, said hardly anyone was tapping toddy but also pointed out that the trees were on their own land and questioned why they had to pay money to the VDC. In retaliation, the VDC allegedly asked other villagers not to 'cooperate' with the Goud community and have no dealings with them. Some supporters of the VDC members then approached police, saying that the charges of excommunicating the Goud community were false.
