NAICS Code 237 - Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

NAICS 237 - Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction

NAICS 23 - Construction
NAICS 11 - Sector 11--Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting NAICS 21 - Sector 21--Mining NAICS 22 - Sector 22--Utilities NAICS 23 - Sector 23--Construction NAICS 31 - Sector 31-33--Manufacturing NAICS 42 - Sector 42--Wholesale Trade NAICS 44 - Sector 44-45--Retail Trade NAICS 48 - Sector 48-49--Transportation and Warehousing NAICS 51 - Sector 51--Information NAICS 52 - Sector 52--Finance and Insurance NAICS 53 - Sector 53--Real Estate and Rental and Leasing NAICS 54 - Sector 54--Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 55 - Sector 55--Management of Companies and Enterprises NAICS 56 - Sector 56--Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services NAICS 61 - Sector 61--Educational Services NAICS 62 - Sector 62--Health Care and Social Assistance NAICS 71 - Sector 71--Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation NAICS 72 - Sector 72--Accommodation and Food Services NAICS 81 - Sector 81--Other Services (except Public Administration) NAICS 92 - Sector 92--Public Administration
- NAICS 237 - Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
  NAICS 236 - Construction of Buildings NAICS 237 - Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction NAICS 238 - Specialty Trade Contractors NAICS 233 - Building, Developing, and General Contracting NAICS 234 - Heavy Construction NAICS 235 - Special Trade Contractors

The Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction subsector comprises establishments whose primary activity is the construction of entire engineering projects (e.g., highways and dams), and specialty trade contractors, whose primary activity is the production of a specific component for such projects. Specialty trade contractors in Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction generally are performing activities that are specific to heavy and civil engineering construction projects and are not normally performed on buildings. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, or maintenance and repairs.

Specialty trade activities are classified in this subsector if the skills and equipment present are specific to heavy or civil engineering construction projects. For example, specialized equipment is needed to paint lines on highways. This equipment is not normally used in building applications so the activity is classified in this subsector. Traffic signal installation, while specific to highways, uses much of the same skills and equipment that are needed for electrical work in building projects and is therefore classified in Subsector 238, Specialty Trade Contractors.

Construction projects involving water resources (e.g., dredging and land drainage) and projects involving open space improvement (e.g., parks and trails) are included in this subsector. Establishments whose primary activity is the subdivision of land into individual building lots usually perform various additional site-improvement activities (e.g., road building and utility line installation) and are included in this subsector.

Establishments in this subsector are classified based on the types of structures that they construct. This classification reflects variations in the requirements of the underlying production processes.

Industry trends:

The Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction industry, classified under NAICS 237, is experiencing several qualitative trends that are shaping its current trajectory and future outlook. A significant trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction practices. With growing environmental concerns, there is a push for the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable building techniques. Companies are increasingly adopting green construction practices to minimize environmental impact and meet regulatory requirements.

Another trend is the integration of advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, and robotics. These technologies are enhancing productivity, accuracy, and safety on construction sites. BIM, in particular, allows for better project visualization and more efficient planning and management of construction activities.

A focus on infrastructure resilience, especially in response to climate change, is also a prominent trend. Governments and private investors are prioritizing projects that enhance infrastructure durability against extreme weather conditions. This trend is driving investments in upgrading existing facilities and constructing new resilient infrastructure.

In the near future, the Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction industry is expected to see continued growth driven by government infrastructure spending, especially in areas like transportation, water management, and energy. The U.S. federal government’s focus on infrastructure development is likely to lead to increased opportunities in this sector. Additionally, the transition towards renewable energy is expected to spur construction projects related to wind, solar, and other sustainable energy sources.