#Piling Contractors

[vicdemolition]

Piling Contractors Melbourne

For top-quality Melbourne piling services, Vic Demolition is your go-to provider. We specialize in a wide range of piling and foundation solutions that ensure the stability and longevity of your construction projects. Whether it’s for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, our team delivers reliable and efficient piling services across Melbourne. At Vic Demolition, our foundation…

[screwpilingnewcastle]

How Technology is Revolutionizing the Piling Contractor Industry?

Introduction to the Piling Contractor Industry

As a piling contractor, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible advancements technology has brought to our industry. The piling contractor industry plays a vital role in the construction sector, providing the foundation upon which buildings and infrastructure projects are built. In this article, I will explore how technology is revolutionizing the piling contractor industry, maximizing efficiency, and delivering superior results.

The Importance of Efficient Piling Techniques

Efficient piling techniques are crucial for the success of any construction project. Piling involves driving steel, concrete, or timber piles into the ground to provide a stable foundation. Traditionally, this process was labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, with the advent of technology, piling contractors can now utilize innovative methods that significantly enhance efficiency.

By embracing technology, piling contractors can optimize the process, saving time and resources. For instance, screw piling has emerged as a game-changer in the industry. This technique involves screwing piles into the ground using specialized machinery. It offers numerous advantages over traditional piling methods, such as reduced noise and vibration, faster installation, and minimal environmental impact.

Evolution of Technology in the Piling Contractor Industry

Over the years, technology has evolved rapidly, transforming the way piling contractors operate. Gone are the days of manual labor and guesswork. Today, piling experts have access to cutting-edge tools and software that streamline every aspect of the piling process. This technological revolution has improved accuracy, increased productivity, and enhanced safety.

One of the key advancements in the piling contractor industry is the development of advanced monitoring systems. These systems allow piling experts to monitor pile installation in real time, ensuring that each pile is installed correctly and to the required depth. By leveraging these technologies, piling contractors can identify and address any issues promptly, minimizing the risk of costly errors or project delays.

Advantages of Technology in Screw Piling

Screw piling has become increasingly popular among piling contractors due to its numerous advantages. Technology has played a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of this piling technique. With the help of specialized machinery, piling experts can now install screw piles more quickly and accurately than ever before.

One of the significant advantages of screw piling is its versatility. The technology allows piling contractors to install piles in a wide range of ground conditions, including soft soils, clay, and even bedrock. This flexibility makes screw piling an ideal solution for various construction projects, from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure developments.

Furthermore, technology-driven screw piling offers environmental benefits. The machinery used in this process generates minimal noise and vibration, reducing disturbance to the surrounding environment and nearby structures. Additionally, the installation process produces less spoil, minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming cleanup.

Case Studies Showcasing Technology-Driven Piling Projects

To truly understand the impact of technology in the piling contractor industry, let's explore some real-life case studies showcasing successful technology-driven piling projects.

Case Study 1: High-Rise Building Foundation In this project, a piling contractor utilized advanced monitoring systems to install screw piles for the foundation of a high-rise building. The real-time monitoring allowed the team to ensure precise pile installation, resulting in a stable and secure foundation. The efficiency of screw piling technology also helped meet tight project deadlines.

Case Study 2: Bridge Construction Technology played a crucial role in the construction of a bridge, where piling contractors used advanced software to analyze the ground conditions and determine the optimal placement of screw piles. This approach not only ensured the structural integrity of the bridge but also minimized the environmental impact of the construction process.

Tools and Software Used by Piling Experts

Piling experts rely on a range of tools and software to maximize efficiency and accuracy in their work. These technological advancements have revolutionized the way piling contractors operate, enabling them to deliver superior results. Here are some of the key tools and software used by piling experts:

Pile Driving Analyzers Pile driving analyzers are essential tools that help piling contractors monitor and analyze the performance of piles during installation. These devices provide real-time data on pile integrity, driving stresses, and soil resistance, enabling piling experts to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed.

3D Modeling Software 3D modelling software has transformed the way piling contractors plan and execute projects. By creating virtual models of the site and incorporating geological data, piling experts can accurately assess ground conditions, identify potential challenges, and optimize pile placement. This technology-driven approach minimizes the risk of errors and ensures efficient project execution.

Future Trends in Technology for the Piling Contractor Industry

The piling contractor industry is poised for further technological advancements in the coming years. As construction projects become more complex and demanding, piling experts are constantly seeking innovative solutions to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some future trends to watch out for:

Automation and Robotics Automation and robotics are expected to play a significant role in the future of the piling contractor industry. These technologies have the potential to streamline the piling process further, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing productivity. Automated machinery and robotic systems can perform tasks with high precision and efficiency, ultimately saving time and resources.

Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence The integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence can revolutionize the way piling contractors operate. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI-powered systems can provide valuable insights and predictions, helping piling experts make informed decisions and optimize the piling process. This technology-driven approach has the potential to minimize risks, improve project outcomes, and enhance safety.

Choosing the Right Piling Contractor for Your Project

When embarking on a construction project that requires piling services, it is crucial to choose the right piling contractor. In addition to technical expertise and experience, it is essential to consider their technological capabilities. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a piling contractor:

Technological Expertise Look for a piling contractor who is up-to-date with the latest technological advancements in the industry. A technologically savvy contractor will have the tools, software, and expertise to deliver efficient and accurate piling solutions.

Track Record and References Research the piling contractor's track record and seek references from previous clients. A reputable contractor with a proven track record of successful projects demonstrates their ability to deliver high-quality work.

Benefits of Hiring Technology-Savvy Piling Experts

Hiring technology-savvy piling experts can offer numerous benefits for your construction project. Here are some key advantages:

Efficiency and Cost Savings Technology-driven piling experts can optimize the piling process, reducing the time and resources required for installation. This efficiency translates into cost savings for your project.

Enhanced Accuracy and Quality By leveraging advanced tools and software, technology-savvy piling experts can ensure precise pile installation and high-quality results. This minimizes the risk of structural issues and enhances the longevity of your building or infrastructure.

Conclusion

The piling contractor industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the integration of technology. From efficient screw piling techniques to advanced monitoring systems, technology has revolutionized the way piling contractors operate. By embracing these technological advancements, piling contractors can maximize efficiency, improve project outcomes, and deliver superior results. When selecting a piling contractor, it is crucial to consider their technological expertise to ensure the success of your construction project. Embrace the power of technology and experience the benefits it brings to the piling contractor industry.

[cmibloggers]

The efficiency and precision of piling machines have revolutionized foundation engineering for skyscrapers.

Read More: https://cmibloggers.blogspot.com/2023/06/piling-machine-101-understanding-basics.html

[pilingexpert]

Professional piling contractors sydney

Any construction project is based on piling, which is one of the most important part.Therefore, Their piling contractors in Sydney offer quality work and they are experts in working on all types of surfaces and materials.

[piledraftfoundation]

An Introduction to Piled Raft Foundations: A Comprehensive Guide

Piled raft foundations are increasingly being recognized as an innovative solution in modern construction, especially for structures requiring significant support in challenging soil conditions. This article aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to piled raft foundations, exploring their design principles, advantages, and applications.

What Are Piled Raft Foundations?

Piled raft foundations combine the load-bearing properties of both piles and raft foundations, offering a hybrid solution that enhances stability and reduces settlement. This foundation system comprises a concrete raft or mat sitting atop a series of piles that extend deep into the ground, transferring the load of the structure to the underlying strata.

The piles in this system primarily bear the vertical loads, while the raft distributes the loads and provides additional support. This combination allows for a more even distribution of stress across the foundation, making it suitable for a wide range of soil conditions, including soft, loose, or uneven terrains.

For More Information visit: https://medium.com/@piledraftfoundation/an-introduction-to-piled-raft-foundations-a-comprehensive-guide-3efc6e63acf4

[asrsuk]

Get the Best Repair Services with Our Helifix Micro Pile System

ASRS Ltd is a leading provider of best in class structural repair services. Our helifix micro piling system is highly effective and quite simple at the same time. We are a renowned expert in micro pile structural repairs, delivering innovative solutions for foundational stabilization and support. Our services are crucial for reinforcing foundations in areas with poor soil conditions, high loads, or restricted access. Utilizing advanced technology and industry best practices, ASRS Ltd ensures that each micro pile installation meets stringent safety and quality standards.

Our experienced team conducts thorough site assessments to tailor solutions that best fit the unique needs of each project. ASRS Ltd is a leader in providing reliable and durable repairs. All our clients are happy with our professionalism, technical expertise, and commitment to project timelines. By choosing ASRS Ltd, you will benefit from a partner dedicated to delivering robust, long-lasting structural repairs that enhance the integrity and safety of their properties.

[tractorgrader]

All Tractor Attachments ( Call :- +91-7987366974 )

[rmjdrillingblog88]

Looking for a professional piling contractors Melbourne that ensures efficient and quality-driven outcomes through innovation and experience. RMJ Drilling is a leading rock drilling contractor in Melbourne, providing core barrelling, basement drilling, and other drilling services.

piling contractors melbourne

[helicalpileinstallation]

Ironmen Building Movers, Inc. – Provide Helical Pile Installations for Suffolk, Nassau and Westchester County, NY

Helical pile installation by Ironmen Building Movers is an excellent choice for stabilizing existing structures that have been damaged due to settlement in the right conditions.

Helical piles (helical piers, screw piles, earth screws, etc.) are a versatile, fast, durable, and cost- effective deep foundation technology.

Helical pile foundations are segmented deep foundation systems with helical bearing plates welded to a central round or square steel shaft. The load of a structure is transferred from the shaft to the soil through these bearing plates. The concept is founded on the principle of turning a screw into stable subsoil strata until the torque applied indicates that the necessary load capacity has been achieved. Helical piles work for both compression and tension loads. Helical piles are corrosion-resistant, for long-lasting durability.

Advantages of Helical Pile Installation by Ironmen Building Movers, Inc.

• All weather installation

• Environmentally Friendly, fast installation and immediate loading, no disruption to surrounding area

• Installation in small or enclosed areas

• Immediate loading with no cure time

• A cost-effective method in comparison to alternatives

• Instant torque-to-capacity feedback for production control

• Higher efficiency in limited access sites, high water tables, and weak surface soils

Common Uses of Helical Piles by Ironmen Building Movers, Inc.

• Provide Structural Support

• Residential and Commercial Elevations

• Underpin Foundations

• New Construction

• Foundation Repairs

• Buildings and Extension

• Concrete Foundations

• Retaining Walls

• Terraces & Patios

• Walkways and Decks

• Swimming Pools

• Chimneys

• Bulkhead Replacement & Repair

If you need to reinforce your construction foundation, get in touch with us for a free initial consultation and cost estimation.

[maxwellatoms]

And a good executive dysfunction to you!

My stomach hurts.

I don't want to draw right now, but I really do want to draw in general. Just not now. Maybe... now?

No. Not yet.

There's a wasp's nest on the catio. I should be looking up how to remove it, but instead I'm in here writing this nonsense. I should be drawing.

It still smells like burning metal in here, so I probably am better off with the wasps. Did I mention that my bathroom caught fire this morning? Like an actual fire fire. I may have buried the lede on that one. I used to think it was "buried the lead", as though you'd skipped the information you meant to lead with. Fun that it still works.

Fire dept. said that there was a timer on the wall switch in the bathroom where we're having work done from the flood that happened after my birthday. When the timer tripped, a heating mesh coiled up by the wall caught fire. Thankfully, my fiancee' smelled the burning metal and we caught it early.

It's hard to make cartoons when your house keeps attacking you. Also, when you're not employed making cartoons. I'm trying some indie stuff, but again... can I get a break here? Let's just tone down the apocalypse. I'd like to get some stuff done. And my insurance runs out in two weeks.

But HA! Fincee'! So I still get insurance. Happy accidents. Suck it, world-- Oh hang on. Contractor is here...

I'm back! Where was I?

My fuchsia is on the rebound, I think. Passed it on the way back in. I don't want to call it a comeback, but it's flowering. I think maybe the pot retains too much water. We'll see how it goes. Thankfully it doesn't need much compost because I blew through the whole pile yesterday refiling the garden beds. I did the beds Hügelkultur style, but I used cacti in one of them, so the soil drop was insane after the first year. Free garden tip for ya' there.

Where was I?

To be fair, there's a lot of residual adrenaline going on this morning too.

Work.

Right...

Gotta get these drawings done. I said I'd do it by tomorrow. I only said it to myself, but I should maybe listen. Can I be trusted?

Just draw, dude.

It smells like cheese and apocalypse in here. Nothing I can do about the fried metal, but the cheese is from the toaster oven. I should go clean that now. Hang on. I'll be back.

[screwpilingnewcastle]

Understanding the Science Behind Curing in Pile Foundations

Introduction to Pile Foundations

Pile foundations are an essential component of many construction projects, providing stability and support to structures built on soft or unstable ground. These foundations consist of long, slender columns, called piles, which are driven into the ground to transfer the load of the structure to a deeper, more stable layer of soil or rock. Pile foundations can be made of various materials such as concrete, steel, or timber, and they come in different types, including screw piling and driven piles.

What is Curing in Pile Foundations?

Curing is a crucial process in the construction of pile foundations. It involves the hydration and hardening of the concrete used in the piles. When concrete is mixed with water, a chemical reaction called hydration occurs, which forms a strong and durable material. Curing allows the concrete to gain strength gradually over time, ensuring that it can withstand the loads imposed on the piles.

Importance of Curing in Pile Foundations

Proper curing is vital for the long-term performance and durability of pile foundations. It contributes to the development of the desired strength and durability characteristics of the concrete. Without adequate curing, the concrete may not reach its full potential strength, leading to reduced load-bearing capacity and an increased risk of structural failure. Curing also helps to minimize shrinkage and cracking of the concrete, which can compromise the integrity of the pile.

Curing is essential in pile foundations because these structures are subjected to high compressive and tensile forces. The curing process allows the concrete to gain sufficient strength to withstand these forces and provide the necessary support to the structure. Additionally, curing helps to improve the resistance of the concrete to environmental factors such as freeze-thaw cycles and chemical attacks, ensuring the longevity of the pile foundation.

The Science Behind Curing in Pile Foundations

The science behind curing lies in the chemical reaction of hydration, which transforms the cement in the concrete into a solid material. During hydration, water molecules react with the cement particles, forming calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and calcium hydroxide. These compounds contribute to the hardening and strength development of the concrete.

The curing process involves maintaining a favourable environment for the hydration reaction to occur. This typically includes controlling the temperature and moisture content of the concrete. Temperature plays a crucial role in curing, as it influences the rate of hydration. Higher temperatures can accelerate the reaction, while lower temperatures can slow it down. Moisture is also essential for hydration, as it provides the water necessary for the chemical reaction to take place.

Different Methods of Curing in Pile Foundations

There are various methods of curing used in pile foundations, depending on the project requirements and environmental conditions. The most common methods include water curing, moist curing, and curing compounds.

Water curing involves continuously wetting the concrete surface, ensuring that it remains saturated with water for an extended period. This method is effective in preventing moisture loss and providing a favourable environment for hydration. On the other hand, Moisture curing involves covering the concrete with a layer of wet materials, such as burlap or plastic sheets, to retain moisture. This method helps to slow down the evaporation of water from the concrete.

Curing compounds are chemical mixtures that are applied to the concrete surface to form a protective layer. These compounds create a barrier that prevents moisture loss and promotes hydration. They are particularly useful in situations where water curing or moist curing is not feasible, such as in hot and dry climates.

Advantages of Curing in Pile Foundations

Proper curing in pile foundations offers several advantages. Firstly, it enhances the strength and durability of the concrete, ensuring that the piles can withstand the loads imposed on them. This helps to prevent structural failures and increases the overall safety of the foundation.

Curing also improves the resistance of the concrete to environmental factors, such as freeze-thaw cycles and chemical attacks. This extends the lifespan of the pile foundation and reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Furthermore, curing helps to minimize shrinkage and cracking of the concrete, which can compromise the integrity of the pile. By providing a controlled environment for hydration, curing allows the concrete to develop uniform properties and reduces the risk of structural deficiencies.

Conclusion

Understanding the science behind curing in pile foundations is essential for ensuring the long-term performance and durability of these structures. Proper curing allows the concrete in the piles to gain strength gradually over time, providing the necessary support to the structure. It also enhances the resistance of the concrete to environmental factors and reduces the risk of shrinkage and cracking.

As piling experts, it is crucial to prioritise the curing process in pile foundation construction. By implementing the appropriate curing methods and techniques, such as water curing, moist curing, or curing compounds, piling experts can ensure the optimal strength, durability, and longevity of pile foundations. Building a solid base through proper curing is a fundamental step in constructing safe and reliable structures.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

No, Uber's (still) not profitable

Going to Defcon this weekend? I'm giving a keynote, "An Audacious Plan to Halt the Internet's Enshittification and Throw it Into Reverse," on Saturday at 12:30pm, followed by a book signing at the No Starch Press booth at 2:30pm!

https://info.defcon.org/event/?id=50826

Bezzle (n): 1. "the magic interval when a confidence trickster knows he has the money he has appropriated but the victim does not yet understand that he has lost it" (JK Gabraith) 2. Uber.

Uber was, is, and always will be a bezzle. There are just intrinsic limitations to the profits available to operating a taxi fleet, even if you can misclassify your employees as contractors and steal their wages, even as you force them to bear the cost of buying and maintaining your taxis.

The magic of early Uber – when taxi rides were incredibly cheap, and there were always cars available, and drivers made generous livings behind the wheel – wasn't magic at all. It was just predatory pricing.

Uber lost $0.41 on every dollar they brought in, lighting $33b of its investors' cash on fire. Most of that money came from the Saudi royals, funneled through Softbank, who brought you such bezzles as WeWork – a boring real-estate company masquerading as a high-growth tech company, just as Uber was a boring taxi company masquerading as a tech company.

Predatory pricing used to be illegal, but Chicago School economists convinced judges to stop enforcing the law on the grounds that predatory pricing was impossible because no rational actor would choose to lose money. They (willfully) ignored the obvious possibility that a VC fund could invest in a money-losing business and use predatory pricing to convince retail investors that a pile of shit of sufficient size must have a pony under it somewhere.

This venture predation let investors – like Prince Bone Saw – cash out to suckers, leaving behind a money-losing business that had to invent ever-sweatier accounting tricks and implausible narratives to keep the suckers on the line while they blew town. A bezzle, in other words:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/19/fake-it-till-you-make-it/#millennial-lifestyle-subsidy

Uber is a true bezzle innovator, coming up with all kinds of fairy tales and sci-fi gimmicks to explain how they would convert their money-loser into a profitable business. They spent $2.5b on self-driving cars, producing a vehicle whose mean distance between fatal crashes was half a mile. Then they paid another company $400 million to take this self-licking ice-cream cone off their hands:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/09/herbies-revenge/#100-billion-here-100-billion-there-pretty-soon-youre-talking-real-money

Amazingly, self-driving cars were among the more plausible of Uber's plans. They pissed away hundreds of millions on California's Proposition 22 to institutionalize worker misclassification, only to have the rule struck down because they couldn't be bothered to draft it properly. Then they did it again in Massachusetts:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/15/simple-as-abc/#a-big-ask

Remember when Uber was going to plug the holes in its balance sheet with flying cars? Flying cars! Maybe they were just trying to soften us up for their IPO, where they advised investors that the only way they'd ever be profitable is if they could replace every train, bus and tram ride in the world:

https://48hills.org/2019/05/ubers-plans-include-attacking-public-transit/

Honestly, the only way that seems remotely plausible is when it's put next to flying cars for comparison. I guess we can be grateful that they never promised us jetpacks, or, you know, teleportation. Just imagine the market opportunity they could have ascribed to astral projection!

Narrative capitalism has its limits. Once Uber went public, it had to produce financial disclosures that showed the line going up, lest the bezzle come to an end. These balance-sheet tricks were as varied as they were transparent, but the financial press kept falling for them, serving as dutiful stenographers for a string of triumphant press-releases announcing Uber's long-delayed entry into the league of companies that don't lose more money every single day.

One person Uber has never fooled is Hubert Horan, a transportation analyst with decades of experience who's had Uber's number since the very start, and who has done yeoman service puncturing every one of these financial "disclosures," methodically sifting through the pile of shit to prove that there is no pony hiding in it.

In 2021, Horan showed how Uber had burned through nearly all of its cash reserves, signaling an end to its subsidy for drivers and rides, which would also inevitably end the bezzle:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/10/unter/#bezzle-no-more

In mid, 2022, Horan showed how the "profit" Uber trumpeted came from selling off failed companies it had acquired to other dying rideshare companies, which paid in their own grossly inflated stock:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/08/05/a-lousy-taxi/#a-giant-asterisk

At the end of 2022, Horan showed how Uber invented a made-up, nonstandard metric, called "EBITDA profitability," which allowed them to lose billions and still declare themselves to be profitable, a lie that would have been obvious if they'd reported their earnings using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP):

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/11/bezzlers-gonna-bezzle/#gryft

Like clockwork, Uber has just announced – once again – that it is profitable, and once again, the press has credulously repeated the claim. So once again, Horan has published one of his magisterial debunkings on Naked Capitalism:

https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2023/08/hubert-horan-can-uber-ever-deliver-part-thirty-three-uber-isnt-really-profitable-yet-but-is-getting-closer-the-antitrust-case-against-uber.html

Uber's $394m gains this quarter come from paper gains to untradable shares in its loss-making rivals – Didi, Grab, Aurora – who swapped stock with Uber in exchange for Uber's own loss-making overseas divisions. Yes, it's that stupid: Uber holds shares in dying companies that no one wants to buy. It declared those shares to have gained value, and on that basis, reported a profit.

Truly, any big number multiplied by an imaginary number can be turned into an even bigger number.

Now, Uber also reported "margin improvements" – that is, it says that it loses less on every journey. But it didn't explain how it made those improvements. But we know how the company did it: they made rides more expensive and cut the pay to their drivers. A 2.9m ride in Manhattan is now $50 – if you get a bargain! The base price is more like $70:

https://www.wired.com/story/uber-ceo-will-always-say-his-company-sucks/

The number of Uber drivers on the road has a direct relationship to the pay Uber offers those drivers. But that pay has been steeply declining, and with it, the availability of Ubers. A couple weeks ago, I found myself at the Burbank train station unable to get an Uber at all, with the app timing out repeatedly and announcing "no drivers available."

Normally, you can get a yellow taxi at the station, but years of Uber's predatory pricing has caused a drawdown of the local taxi-fleet, so there were no taxis available at the cab-rank or by dispatch. It took me an hour to get a cab home. Uber's bezzle destroyed local taxis and local transit – and replaced them with worse taxis that cost more.

Uber won't say why its margins are improving, but it can't be coming from scale. Before the pandemic, Uber had far more rides, and worse margins. Uber has diseconomies of scale: when you lose money on every ride, adding more rides increases your losses, not your profits.

Meanwhile, Lyft – Uber's also-ran competitor – saw its margins worsen over the same period. Lyft has always been worse at lying about it finances than Uber, but it is in essentially the exact same business (right down to the drivers and cars – many drivers have both apps on their phones). So Lyft's financials offer a good peek at Uber's true earnings picture.

Lyft is actually slightly better off than Uber overall. It spent less money on expensive props for its long con – flying cars, robotaxis, scooters, overseas clones – and abandoned them before Uber did. Lyft also fired 24% of its staff at the end of 2022, which should have improved its margins by cutting its costs.

Uber pays its drivers less. Like Lyft, Uber practices algorithmic wage discrimination, Veena Dubal's term describing the illegal practice of offering workers different payouts for the same work. Uber's algorithm seeks out "pickers" who are choosy about which rides they take, and converts them to "ants" (who take every ride offered) by paying them more for the same job, until they drop all their other gigs, whereupon the algorithm cuts their pay back to the rates paid to ants:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/12/algorithmic-wage-discrimination/#fishers-of-men

All told, wage theft and wage cuts by Uber transferred $1b/quarter from labor to Uber's shareholders. Historically, Uber linked fares to driver pay – think of surge pricing, where Uber charged riders more for peak times and passed some of that premium onto drivers. But now Uber trumpets a custom pricing algorithm that is the inverse of its driver payment system, calculating riders' willingness to pay and repricing every ride based on how desperate they think you are.

This pricing is a per se antitrust violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act, America's original antitrust law. That's important because Sherman 2 is one of the few antitrust laws that we never stopped enforcing, unlike the laws banning predator pricing:

https://ilr.law.uiowa.edu/sites/ilr.law.uiowa.edu/files/2023-02/Woodcock.pdf

Uber claims an 11% margin improvement. 6-7% of that comes from algorithmic price discrimination and service cutbacks, letting it take 29% of every dollar the driver earns (up from 22%). Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi himself says that this is as high as the take can get – over 30%, and drivers will delete the app.

Uber's food delivery service – a baling wire-and-spit Frankenstein's monster of several food apps it bought and glued together – is a loser even by the standards of the sector, which is unprofitable as a whole and experiencing an unbroken slide of declining demand.

Put it all together and you get a picture of the kind of taxi company Uber really is: one that charges more than traditional cabs, pays drivers less, and has fewer cars on the road at times of peak demand, especially in the neighborhoods that traditional taxis had always underserved. In other words, Uber has broken every one of its promises.

We replaced the "evil taxi cartel" with an "evil taxi monopolist." And it's still losing money.

Even if Lyft goes under – as seems inevitable – Uber can't attain real profitability by scooping up its passengers and drivers. When you're losing money on every ride, you just can't make it up in volume.

Image: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LA_BREA_TAR_PITS,_LOS_ANGELES.jpg

CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

I’m kickstarting the audiobook for “The Internet Con: How To Seize the Means of Computation,” a Big Tech disassembly manual to disenshittify the web and bring back the old, good internet. It’s a DRM-free book, which means Audible won’t carry it, so this crowdfunder is essential. Back now to get the audio, Verso hardcover and ebook:

http://seizethemeansofcomputation.org

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/09/accounting-gimmicks/#unter

Image: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LA_BREA_TAR_PITS,_LOS_ANGELES.jpg

CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

[pilingexpert]

Piling Contractors In Sydney: Creating Solid Foundations For Success

When it comes to piling, you must use expert piling contractors in Sydney.  Piling is an invasive building job, and property owners may be cautious to trust an inexperienced contractor who has recommended a costly investment in a new foundation. 

[beyondthesefourwalls]

Something Worth Remembering

Summary: You were hopeful that you’d be moved into your new house before Christmas, but after another renovation delay, that’s not in the cards. To your credit, you make the most of the situation, and Bradley falls in love with you even more because of it. But he’s determined to make your first Christmas together special, and sets out to plan a surprise that ensures the holiday will be one both of you will always remember. 

Pairing: Bradley Bradshaw x Reader (no use of y/n)  

(can be read as Forgetful Boy and Pumpkin from RYEWID, but not necessary to read that first)

Word Count: 3.7K 

Warnings: Warm fuzzy Hallmark feelings. Language. Allusions to smut. 

Notes: Some holiday action for my faves. Written for @bellaireland1981's Winter RomCom Challenge with the prompt "home for the holidays”. Also as part of The Forgotten Moments Collection, but can very much be read by itself. 

—---

____

Bradley stopped short when he walked through the front door, eyes widening as he took in the scene in front of him. 

“Um…Pumpkin?” 

“You’re home!” 

You popped up so suddenly from the other side of the counter in the kitchen that he jumped slightly in surprise. “Am I?” he asked slowly, closing the door behind him and bending down to unlace and take off his boots. You laughed brightly as you stepped around some of the shopping bags on the floor to get to him. He accepted the kiss from you eagerly, feeling the stress from another work day dissipate as he wrapped his arms around you. 

“Contractors called,” you told him once you pulled back, resting a hand on his chest. Your ring sparkled in the light streaming in through the open curtains, and Bradley couldn’t help but smile before he registered the words. “There’s a delay with the electrician and the flooring.” 

Bradley groaned, the familiar annoyance of hearing the word “delay” coursing through him. The home the two of you had purchased was a fixer upper, tucked into the end of a cul de sac in a neighborhood not too far from base. There was work that needed to be done to make it everything you wanted, but neither of you had anticipated all the headaches that would come along with that. It would be a long project, you knew, but the contractor you had hired had promised it would at least be livable within the first few weeks. 

That had been nearly two months ago now, and the delays kept piling up. Barely anything had been done at this point, and he knew he’d have to call the administrative office tomorrow to extend the lease on the on-base apartment, again. 

“Of course there is.” 

You smiled gently, and Bradley couldn’t help but let some of the annoyance slip away at the soft look on your face. He took a deep breath and let himself relax, pressing a kiss to your forehead before releasing you. He gestured to the tiny apartment the Navy had provided you with, smaller than the shoebox you had called home back in DC, that definitely did not look like what it did when he left for work this morning. 

“Is that why it suddenly looks like Christmas threw up in here?” 

You threw your head back as you giggled. The sound caused a full blown smile to cross Bradley’s face, warming him from the inside out.

“I was holding out hope that we would be able to spend Christmas in our new house, even if it’s not finished. But since the electrician’s are delayed, the floor people can’t come until the 28th. So I decided to finally cave and decorate here instead. But I didn’t want to spend a bunch of money on nice decorations, because I want to save that for when we’re completely moved in next year.” 

“So…” 

“So I may or may not have bought out a good portion of the Dollar Tree Christmas aisle, and spent way too long deciding on white lights or multicolored lights for the $20 table top tree that I bought.” 

Bradley laughed loudly, looking around your temporary home once again. Red and green and gold covered the minimal available surfaces, and a small lopsided tree sat on the corner table in the living room, a bag of what he assumed to be decorations sitting beside it. Your cat, Florry, was curled up on top of a pile of bright green garland on the floor. 

"Who needs a fancy new house when we can have our own little tacky winter wonderland right here?"

Your eyes sparkled with delight as you spoke, clearly thrilled by the idea, or at least incredibly amused by it. Bradley knew that Christmas was your favorite holiday, and how much you loved the festive season. This would be the first one you ever spent together. When you had toured the house months ago, you had pointed out the perfect place for a tree and where certain decorations could go. You had been so excited to spend the holiday in your new home. As the delays started coming in you had adjusted just how grandiose your plans would be, but you had taken it in stride. Now you were only six days out from Christmas itself and you were once again just making the best of the situation that neither of you could control. 

Not for the first time, he wondered how he had gotten so lucky. 

"Alright, Pumpkin," he said, "Let me go change, and then I’ll help you make this the tackiest, most magical Christmas ever."

You grinned at him, a mischievous spark in your eyes. "Challenge accepted."

_____

The Dagger Squad had an impromptu and unofficial holiday party the next night at the Hard Deck, and it still blew Bradley away seeing you intermixed so perfectly with his friends, both old and new. You floated from conversation to conversation and when he wasn’t by your side, he watched you with a smile on his face. He knew you were perfect for him, but seeing you fitting in like this just reaffirmed it. 

“How’s the house coming along?” 

He looked over at Mav as he leant against the bar beside him, handing him a fresh beer. He was still getting used to being around his godfather after all this time, but they had settled into a peaceful kind of hesitancy as they relearned what it meant to be in the other’s life, and it was nice, even if Bradley had to remind himself to breathe sometimes. 

“Slowly.” 

His tone must have relayed how he was feeling because Mav shot him a sympathetic wince. “Another delay?” 

“Yup.” Bradley let out a frustrated sigh as he ran a hand through his hair. “They can’t get the electricians in until tomorrow, which is when the flooring was supposed to go in. So now that got pushed to after Christmas” 

Mav clasped a hand on Bradley's shoulder, offering a supportive squeeze. "It'll all come together eventually. How’s she taking it?” 

He snorted as he brought the drink to his lips, taking another sip. “She handles stress and shit like this better than anyone I know.” 

Mav smiled, nodding in what looked like approval. “You got yourself a good one.” 

Bradley hummed his agreement and let his eyes stray to you, chuckling softly when he saw you dancing with Nat. Sometime in the last few minutes, you had stolen the Santa hat that Coyote had arrived with, the red and white material perched on your head. You twirled around with his best friend to the Christmas song playing over the jukebox, laughing merrily. You really did love this time of year. 

You had told him that you didn’t care where you spent the holiday, so long as you were together. It was your first Christmas together, after all. But Bradley still felt guilty over not being able to get you into the house sooner. You had only been married for a few months, and you had given up your whole entire life to move out to California when he got permanently assigned here. It’s a decision you would make again and again, he knew, but he still wished there was something he could do, too. You had made far more sacrifices than he had. He wanted this holiday to be special. Memorable. 

You were just a little bit tipsy when you got back to the apartment that night. You had clung to Bradley’s arm with both of yours the whole way up to the third floor from the parking lot, but the moment you walk through the door, you’re releasing him to go plug in the tiny table top tree. You plug in the string lights lining the kitchen counters next, humming a christmas song he can’t quite place under your breath as you do. You turned to him once the space was illuminated, the soft golden glow highlighting your smile. 

“Pretty nice, huh? These cheap decorations aren’t so bad - I may just keep them for the new house, too.” 

Your ability to make the most of everything made his heart stutter. He was in front of you in only three quick strides, one hand landing on your hip while the other cupped your face. He bent to connect your lips in a kiss. He could still taste the peppermint from the candy cane you sucked on on the ride home, and the taste of the champagne Penny had broken out at the end of the night for a toast. You didn’t hesitate to wrap your arms around him and return the kiss, both of you getting so lost in it that by the time he pulled away, he was panting.

“You must really like the cheap decor,” you breathed, and Bradley huffed out a laugh at your joke. 

“I just really like you,” he quipped, and he enjoyed how a shiver went through your body at his response. 

As you changed into pajamas and settled on the couch together, an idea started forming in his head. He thought he might know just what to do to make this holiday memorable for you after all. 

_____

“Are you sure you don’t mind me running out for a bit?” you asked for what was probably the tenth time as you slid your sweater on over your head. Bradley groaned to himself as your body was covered from his view as he lounged in bed. He had been watching you get ready, enjoying not for the first time how getting dressed was almost always the last step in your process. 

“I’m positive,” he said, also for the tenth time. You gave him a dubious look and he couldn’t help but laugh. “Pumpkin, I promise it’s okay.” 

“I know, but it’s our first Christmas Eve together!” 

Bradley moved so he was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding his arms open. You stepped between his spread legs and let your hands rest on his shoulders as he looked up at you, squeezing your sides through your red sweater. “Technically, it’s Christmas Eve morning. And I think you getting brunch with Nat and Coyote’s wife will be nice for you. You’ve been so busy with work and the move that you haven’t really had time to make friends.” 

“I was already friends with Nat.” 

He rolled his eyes at you fondly. “You know what I mean.” 

You sighed again, fingers playing with the hair on the back of his head in the way that always calmed him down, even when he wasn’t feeling stressed out. He thought maybe the motion soothed you, too. “I think it’ll be fun.” 

“Yeah,” you admitted slowly, nodding hesitantly. “I do too.” 

“Then go. Have fun. I’ll be here when you get back, and we’ll spend Christmas Eve together. The morning doesn’t count.” 

You snorted, but nodded nonetheless. He accepted the kiss you gave him right as your phone started ringing from the bedside table. Nat was there to pick you up, just like he had requested her to when he asked for her help with pulling off this surprise by getting you out of the apartment for a few hours today. 

He gave it ten minutes after you had left before he jumped up and started taking down all of the decorations you had strewn throughout the apartment. It was easy work considering how small the place was, only taking him a few trips to and from the Bronco. He grabbed the small tree last, carrying it delicately so that none of the ornaments fell off and wouldn’t have to be reconstructed. 

It didn’t take too long to get to the house at the end of the cul de sac that was now in both of your names, traffic light despite the holiday. He let himself in with the key that was still shiny with how new it was. He let out a sigh of relief when he flipped the switch and the overhead light in the living room actually turned on - with everything that had gone on, he wouldn’t have been all that surprised if it hadn’t. He made quick work of bringing in everything from the car, including the items that he had purchased and kept in the trunk without you seeing them this week. 

He knew he had limited time, as Nat could only commit to a few hours of keeping you distracted, but it would be more than enough with what he needed to do. His phone buzzed right as he was finishing up a little more than an hour later, your name flashing up at him.

Pumpkin🧡: Getting the check! Back soon❤️

He sent back a response telling you he’d see you soon, quickly finishing up. He locked the door behind him and jogged to the Bronco parked in the driveway, and he was only back at the apartment for less than 10 minutes when you walked in the door with a large smile on your face that quickly morphed into horrified confusion.  

“What happened to our decorations?”

“Hey, Pumpkin. How was brunch?” 

“Were we robbed?”

Bradley barked out a laugh, shaking his head at your wide eyes. “Of our dollar tree Christmas decorations?”

You just gestured wildly around the space, devoid of any hint of the holiday cheer that had existed in its space earlier in the day. He laughed again, closing the distance to where you stood at the still open front door. He reached around you to push it closed before pulling you into him. He kissed your forehead, your nose, and then finally your lips, pursued in an adorable pout. “We weren’t robbed,” he assured you. “But I do have a present for you. Go get changed.” 

“What?” 

He squeezed your hips, smiling warmly. “Trust me?” 

You eyed him closely for a moment before your pout eventually settled into a soft grin, and you let out a long sigh before you nodded. “Always.” 

He kissed you again, a little deeper this time, but pulled away before he could get totally lost in it. “Pajamas are on the bed.”

“Pajamas? It’s 2pm!” 

He only chuckled in response, playfully smacking your butt when you started walking back toward the bedroom. “Trust me.” 

You got even more suspicious when you emerged from the bedroom and saw that he had Florry in her carrier at the door and had changed into his own pajamas. He twirled his keys around his fingers and then held open the door for you. Once you were in the Bronco, cat meowing at your feet, he held out a red silk piece of cloth that made your eyebrows shoot up. 

“Seriously? A blindfold?”

“Think of it like a Christmas adventure. Now let me put it on.”

You huffed a breath but he knew you weren't actually mad - you loved surprises, and there was a smile tugging at your lips as you turned to allow him to tie the silk at the back of your head. He kissed your hair when he was done and turned to start the vehicle. 

“You know,” you said casually, just as Bradley was pulling out of the parking lot, “this blindfold might come in handy later. We should make sure the headboard we pick out has appropriate accommodations.” 

He groaned at the implication, a flush creeping up his neck on instinct. You giggled happily, knowing the effect you had on him. He rested a hand on your thigh as he drove, yours covering his in a familiar move. The feeling of your ring on his skin was one he had grown to love in the last few months since you’ve gotten married. 

You threw out guesses the entire drive over, each one more extravagant and ludicrous than the one before. By the time he pulled into the driveway that one day will be an everyday occurrence, he was grinning so hard that his cheeks were starting to hurt. 

“Don’t move,” he said when he saw you reach for the door handle. He jogged around the Bronco to the passenger side, opening your door. He helped you down before reaching back in for Florry’s carrier, pressing it into your hands so you could carry her, while he focused on you. 

"Alright, Pumpkin," he whispered, his voice laced with eagerness. "Keep your blindfold on, and I'll guide you." His hand tightened around yours as he led you out of the car and towards the front door of your new home. Excitement coursed through him as he thought about your reaction, and he loved that he knew instinctively that it would be positive. 

He loved that he knew you so well. 

“Stay here just a second,” he instructed once he got you through the door. He moved away from you to quickly plug everything in, coming back to you once the room was cast both in the sunlight streaming through the windows and the artificial LED lights. 

He stood in front of you, a grin playing on his lips as he watched you fidget with anticipation. Your blindfold was still securely in place, blocking your vision from the surprise he had prepared. You were so damn beautiful, and he would never understand how he got lucky enough to call himself yours. 

"Okay, baby," he said softly.  He gently took the carrier out of your hands, setting it on the floor and letting the cat out to wander the new space that he had cleared of anything that might hurt her, before moving to stand behind you. Your back flush against his front, he moved his hands up your arms in a smooth caress, settling on your shoulders and squeezing in affection. "You can take off the blindfold now."

With trembling hands, you reached up and slipped the silk cloth from your eyes, revealing the scene before you. Gasping in awe, your eyes widened as you took in the sight that unfolded in the living room. 

“Oh my God. Bradley.” 

The room was still very much a construction zone, but he had moved all of the decorations from the apartment, plus a few more that he had gotten, to decorate the barren space. The tree you had bought sat on the floor in the corner. Blankets lined the unfinished floors, as well as humongous cotton puffs to replicate snow. An air mattress covered with bright red sheets and a green blanket was in the middle of the room. Everything looked straight out of a tacky high school Christmas play, but it was so bad that it was almost good - whimsical and unique.

He watched as you took it all in, feeling his heart beating double time in his chest. When you turned to face him, there was a wide smile on your face, and tears shining in your pretty eyes. You didn’t have to ask for him to know what you were thinking. 

“I wanted our first Christmas together to be in our home, even if it’s not finished yet. I figured we could camp out for the day. You-” The words were knocked out of him as you launched yourself into his arms. He held you for a long moment, pressing a kiss into your hair as your laughter settled. “You deserve something special, Pumpkin,” he finally finished, voice softer than it had been. 

You pulled back just far enough to meet his eyes, your hands cupping his face. “All I need is you, baby. You know that?” 

He turned his head just slightly to press a kiss into your palm, nodding once. “I do.” A smirk twitched at his lips, his mustache twitching with the expression. “Does that mean you want me to pack all this up and return your gifts, too?” 

The gasp you let out was damn near scandalized. "Oh, no you don't!" you playfully swatted at his chest. You motioned toward the tacky decorations with a mischievous grin. "We can't let these go to waste. It's our first Christmas, after all."

Bradley chuckled, arms secure around you.  "It sure is," he whispered, his voice filled with affection. He leaned down to capture your lips in a sweet kiss, the taste of anticipation lingering. 

“Besides,” you murmured quietly, your eyes sparkling with a familiar look that had him warming from the inside out. “This gives us a jump start on christening the place. That air mattress looks mighty comfortable.” 

Desire flared through him, and he wasted no time in scooping you up in his arms, carrying you bridal-style towards the makeshift bed. Your laughter echoed in the space as he laid you down. 

“You know I’m gonna make you pack all of this back up and put it back up in the apartment until at least New Years, right?” you asked him, slightly breathless as he moved his kisses from your lips down to your neck, nipping at the skin. 

Bradley chuckled, his hands pushing your shirt up, revealing soft skin that he loved to touch. “Oh, of that I have no doubt.” 

Later, you lay nestled together underneath the green blanket, the crackling sound of a virtual fireplace playing from his laptop on the floor beside you while Christmas music played lightly from your phone. You were basking in the glow of the makeshift display as your breathing calmed. You pressed a kiss to his chest, right over his beating heart. He was sure that it skipped a beat at the gesture, but if you noticed, you didn’t comment on it. 

“I can’t wait until we’re in here for good,” you whispered instead. 

He hummed in response, tracing lazy patterns on your bare back. “Me too.” 

You snorted after another moment, propping your head up to meet his eyes. “Hell of a first memory to make here, don’t you think?” 

Bradley laughed lightly, a contented smile spreading across his face. It certainly was, in all of the best ways. “I’ll remember this forever,” he said, voice filled with warmth and conviction, because he couldn’t fathom ever forgetting any moment with you, especially something as perfect as this. 

--------------

Main Masterlist :: The Forgotten Moments Masterlist

Notes: It's been far too long since I wrote anything for these two. I hope you enjoyed it! Likes/comments/reblogs are always appreciated if you did🧡

Thanks to @roosterforme and @mak-32 for all their help!

Tag List: @roosterforme @mak-32 @wildxwidow @gretagerwigsmuse @lilyevanswhore @too-fangirl-to-fuction @fav-fanficssss @notroosterbradshaw @teacupsandtopgun @sometimesanalice @sunflowersteves @littlezee80 @je-suis-prest-rachel @khaylin27 @infamous-reindeer @yanna-banana @avengersfan25 @wkndwlff @sylviebell @lt-spork @indynerdgirl

@mssleepy876b @kassieesworld @mizzzpink @a-serene-place-to-be @sexualparkour @sadpetalsstuff @almostgenerallyalways @alilstressyandlotdepressy @ccbb2222 @taytaylala12 @shelbycillian @mavrellover91 @vici111 @lunamooncole @blackwidownat2814 @pisupsala @bellaireland1981 @jynxmirage

@greatszu @na-ta-sh-aa @callsign-magnolia @chaoticassidy @thedroneranger @cherrycola27