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 (NAICS 237) has been undergoing several notable qualitative trends. A significant trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and green construction practices. As environmental regulations tighten and public awareness grows, companies in this industry are prioritizing eco-friendly materials and methods.

Technological advancements are another key trend. The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, and advanced project management software is becoming more widespread, improving efficiency and accuracy in project planning and execution. The adoption of these technologies is driving better project outcomes and cost management.

Labor shortages continue to be a challenge, leading firms to invest more in automation and prefabrication to mitigate the impact. Furthermore, there's a rising demand for skilled labor, prompting increased emphasis on training and development programs to attract and retain talent.

The industry also faces pressures from fluctuating material costs and supply chain disruptions, which are driving firms to develop more resilient procurement strategies and explore alternative suppliers.

Looking ahead, the forecast for the near future sees continued growth driven by significant infrastructure investments, particularly in markets like the United States where government funding for large-scale projects is increasing. As urbanization trends persist, the need for robust infrastructure including roads, bridges, and utility systems will fuel demand within the sector.