The construction of an 1100-foot tall multi-use skyscraper is underway in downtown Los Angeles. At 2.1 million square feet and 73 stories tall the Wilshire Grand will be the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. While this is an impressive height, especially for L.A., it is dwarfed, worldwide, by roughly 40 structures. The majority of these buildings, around 34, exist outside of the U.S.

Non-military drones are growing in popularity with the use by local police departments traffic reporters, and now the oil and gas industry is looking to get into the action. Researchers and industry alike are hard at work developing new technologies to improve methane detection in hydraulic fracturing operations that are compatible with drones. Many corporations currently use varied forms of aircraft, such helicopters and satellites, equipped with laser sensors or infrared cameras to detect methane. Lighter, less expensive, faster, and more sensitive sensors currently in development are making the use of drones more appealing.

The double-decker bridge over Interstate 285, linking the Galleria area to the SunTrust Park and the Braves stadium and mixed-use development area is from now on the design stage by a Los-Angeles based firm. The firm was selected by the Cobb County commission, among four candidates, submitting their qualifications for the design of the bridge.

Since the Oso landslide, the emerging question in many meetings, panel discussions and brainstorming sessions is about other slopes across the country having a significant collapse potential with the deadly effects as the Oso event. Geotechnical engineer Joe Wartman, member of the scientific team studying the landslide answers that it is not possible to know. The reason for this being primarily the lack of data.

TBM Bertha, used for opening the tunnel in the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project is on the move again, after major overheating problems that caused the machine to remain still for more than a year. The machine is expected to reach an access pit so that crews can perform necessary repairs. 

An explosion and fire occurred near Los Angeles on Wednesday at a refinery unit of Exxom Mobil. Four workers were injured and minor damage was caused in neighboring buildings. Concerns on air quality are expressed. 

TBM Evelyn has set a new project record at National Grid's London Power Tunnels project, digging 55.2 meters in a single 12-hour shift! The tunnel is part of a £250m project, aiming in providing new underground infrastructure for electricity transmission.