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When driving across the Bay Bridge in San Francisco or admiring the towering 726-foot Hoover Dam, we often marvel at their historical significance. But do we ever consider the company behind these engineering feats? It’s none other than Bechtel, a global leader in infrastructure development. Since its founding in 1898, Bechtel has completed over 25,000 projects in 160 countries across all seven continents. Its impact is worldwide, from power plants to transportation networks, shaping economies and connecting nations. It’s Not Just Construction, It’s Smart Construction Success in large infrastructure projects goes beyond building—it requires innovation. These endeavors involve vast subcontractor networks, thousands of workers and billion-dollar budgets. Decades of expertise enable Bechtel to manage complexities precisely, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and built for longevity. A key component of this success is supply chain management. With billions in annual expenditures, Bechtel ensures responsible materials sourcing, even in remote locations. Digital project management tools provide real-time tracking, seamlessly coordinating teams across the globe. Integrating scheduling, cost control and risk management keeps projects on time and within budget. Harnessing Technology for Faster Projects Technology is at the heart of Bechtel’s operations. The company employs cutting-edge innovations like 3D, 4D and 5D modeling, cloud-based solutions and mobile platforms to optimize project execution. These tools accelerate timelines, enhance efficiency and improve quality. “We must push these technologies down the cost curve by building more units. Once standardization and repetition are achieved, construction schedules are shortened and costs go down. This is true for every aspect of the project delivery, including engineering, permitting, manufacturing and construction,” says Craig Albert, President and COO.
For over 70 years, MPM, a family-owned chemical systems house, has been redefining industrial protection with cutting-edge solutions that enhance durability and longevity. Its expertise ranges from advanced resin flooring to high-performance waterproofing and robust protective coatings, each engineered to strengthen structures and minimize maintenance. More than just a chemical manufacturer, MPM delivers innovations that help the construction industry stay ahead and ensure a safer, more reliable future. MPM stands out for its research and development, through which it formulates state-of-the-art solutions that safeguard construction projects in the civil and private sectors. In a world where durability and efficiency are essential, factories, warehouses, food processing plants and critical infrastructure benefit from cutting-edge protective technologies. MPM’s commitment to reliable service and continuous innovation has established it as the trusted reference point for those seeking high-level solutions. Dedication to excellence is exemplified by two groundbreaking innovations reshaping industrial resilience. Duroglass is a high-performance flooring system renowned for its unmatched durability and chemical resistance. Complementing this is Starflex, a next-generation waterproofing system engineered to protect against water infiltration, corrosion and environmental wear. High-Performance Flooring for Demanding Environments Duroglass is a high-strength epoxy and polyurethane flooring system built to withstand the harshest industrial conditions. From relentless mechanical stress and heavy traffic to extreme temperatures and chemical exposure, it delivers uncompromising reliability where it matters most. Superior wear and impact resistance ensure long-term performance while meeting the highest international safety and hygiene standards in factories, warehouses and production facilities. With exceptional chemical resistance, it stands up to oils, acids and solvents, making it an essential choice for chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and laboratories. The seamless, non-porous surface prevents chemical penetration, reducing contamination risks and preserving its structural integrity. High resistance to discoloration and staining ensures an enduringly clean appearance, even in environments with frequent spills and harsh cleaning agents..
Aaron McClellan, Construction Technology Manager, Granite Construction
Hannah Leggatt, Director of Environment and Sustainability, Clancy
Ivan Bevilacqua, Project Leader Control Italia, Impresa Pizzarotti & C. S.p.A.
Christophe Lheureux, Deputy Director Innovation and Smart Building, Immobilière 3F
Moad Ziadi, Project Management Director Europe, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Sébastien Hoepffner, Investment Director / Director of Development, Bouygues Immobilier
Robert Stark, Senior Executive Director - Head of Clients, MAPP Property Management
Next-Gen Layers for Smarter Construction
As Europe’s construction sector embraces sustainability and technological innovation, waterproofing and flooring systems are stepping into a more strategic role. No longer just functional layers, they are critical to enhancing structural integrity, energy efficiency and regulatory compliance. Advances in materials and installation techniques are transforming these systems into high-performance solutions, quietly shaping the future of resilient, future-ready buildings across the continent. Reports state that the European waterproofing membranes market, valued at $5.7946 billion in 2022, is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4 percent from 2023 to 2030, and the European flooring market, valued at $4.12 billion in 2025, is expected to reach $4.78 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.03 percent. Fuelling this growth, a wave of advanced technologies is reshaping waterproofing and flooring systems, turning once-basic materials into smart, next-generation solutions. Nanotechnology-based coatings provide ultra-water-repellent, UV- and mould-resistant protection, significantly extending surface life and reducing maintenance. IoTenabled membranes and flooring systems feature embedded sensors that allow real-time monitoring and early detection of moisture or structural stress. Precision-engineered drop-lock flooring delivers watertight seams and faster installation without adhesives, improving both durability and on-site efficiency. This edition of Construction Business Review Europe explores how waterproofing and flooring systems are evolving from background components to strategic assets within the built environment, reflecting the industry’s broader shift toward smarter, future-focused construction practices. It features insights from Marco Cici, head of design technology at JRL Group Ltd, who highlights how strategic use of technology, combined with a mindset of continuous learning, can drive tangible transformation across the construction industry. Ricardo Rosa, director of digital business development at Sonae Sierra, emphasizes that implementing BIM across the real estate lifecycle streamlines project execution and improves transparency, ultimately driving more informed decisions and long-term value. We hope this edition offers a fresh perspective on how these oftenoverlooked systems are gaining strategic relevance in shaping the future of construction across Europe.