The Concrete Producer articles from February 2004

The Concrete Producer archives from February 2004

Enjoying a bells and whistles world.(Editorial)
February 1, 2004... I know one person who was happy when her holiday season ended. My mom actually yearned to pay for the privilege to board a plane and then find her favorite seat. She had just completed an extended visit with our family in Chicago, which began...

Picking up the pace.(News)
February 1, 2004... Construction spending through October 2003 was tip 2% from the same period a year earlier, with residential construction showing the biggest gains. This sector jumped 12%, compared to the first 10 months of 2002. Nonbuilding construction...

Lafarge marks anniversary.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Phillippe Rollier, president and CEO of Lafarge North America Inc., marked the 20th anniversary of his company's listing on the New York Stock Exchange by ringing the closing hell on Nov. 24. With origins in Canada, the history of the...

NRMCA certifies 1000th driver.(News)(National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's Concrete Delivery Professional (CDP) passed a milestone in December when the 1000th ready-mixed concrete mixer truck driver became certified. More than 1000 other drivers are preparing for the...

PCE engineering now Elematic Oy Ab.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... PCE Engineering, a Finland-based manufacturer of machinery and equipment for the concrete industry, changed its name to Elematic Oy Ab. The change applies to the company's subsidiaries. The subsidiary in the United States became Elematic...

Grace opens in France.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Grace Construction Products has opened a new production facility in Larnaud, France, for its Grace/Pieri release agents. The plant allows Grace, the Cambridge, Mass.-based concrete admixtures and fiber reinforcement supplier, to increase sales...

System no longer patented.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... The statement regarding a "patented proprietary system" in the second paragraph of "Do-it-Yourself Punching Shear Resistance" (November 2003, p. 18) is somewhat misleading. The original Decon patent for its studrail system was issued in Canada...

Upcoming conferences & events.(News)(Calendar)
February 1, 2004... World of Concrete The 30th annual World of Concrete takes place Feb. 17-20 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. This is where concrete construction professionals gather to get the tools they need to increase productivity...

Let the sunshine in: your PC can help you decide whether you should ship that batch of concrete.(E-Concrete)
February 1, 2004... Young or old, rich or poor, urban or rural--everyone has an interest in the weather. It's life one common denominator. I've heard stories of dispatchers who would use a string to check the weather. It the string is wet, it's raining; frozen,...

Building better blocks: blends are customized to specific regions.(What's New)
February 1, 2004... Concrete block producers can reduce material costs while producing a better product by using a new proprietary blend of hydraulic and pozzolanic materials. The blends, which are offered by Lafarge North America Inc. in the Great Lakes region,...

Coming clean on truck washing: new compliance roles are affecting our industry.(Fleet Factors)
February 1, 2004... How to clean fleets is not as clear as it once was. Fleet managers may no longer be able to send an idle driver out with a pair of rubber gloves and a bucket of cleaner. On many fronts, the brakes are being applied to several of the customary...

Knowledge builds scholarship winners.(Fleet Factors)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Chevron Texaco Global Lubricants honored six construction industry professional contractors as recipients of the 2003 Chevron Texaco Knowledge Builds Scholarship Program. Selected from entrants who are fleet managers involved in the...

Pictured at the awards luncheon.
February 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Pictured at the awards luncheon, from left to right, are Nicole Fujishige, Commercial Automotive, North America, ChevronTexaco Global Lubricants; Doug Jones, project manager, Aggregate Industries-WCR,...

Plant expansion completed.(Fleet Factors)(Kimble Mixer Co)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Ready-mixed concrete producers considering new purchases this year will be interested to learn that Kimble Mixer Co., a manufacturer of rear discharge mixers, recently completed a major expansion at both its mixer assembly and fabricating...

What are integral water repellents?(Problem Clinic)
February 1, 2004... Q. I've heard a lot about integral water repellents for block. What are they and what is their purpose? Do I need to specify them in the mortar as well as the block? A. Integral water repellents are usually polymeric liquid admixtures...

Working with hard and soft water.(Problem Clinic)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Q. To meet the production demand on a large project, we are hatching concrete using water from two different souces. One is treated with soft water. The other is hard water from a well. We want to use the same mix design for both, but we have...

It's a small world after all: our industry is filled with characters.(As the Drum Turns)(Column)
February 1, 2004... I can't help but think of the Magic Kingdom that you find in Central Florida. As I look forward to February and the World of Concrete in Orlando, I have visions of warmer days, no rain, and concrete trucks running rampant all over the city...

It's all in the details: contractors-turned-producers play by new rules in making concrete.(services)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... It's a cloudy late fall day in Eastern Pennsylvania. One of those days producers enjoy because, while there are enough orders to keep the plant busy, it's at a pace where too much can't go wrong. A day perfect for a stroll through the plant and...

Bringing new life to your mix: researches around the world are bringing concrete to life with new admixture polymers.
February 1, 2004... Most of the time, Dr. Alfred Kern finds his efforts in applying research in the world of nanotechnology to construction materials rewarding. Finding tiny keys that unlock the microscopic relationships of chemical reactions can envelop the...

A clean slate: how contractors-turned-producers designed their operations.(services analysis)
February 1, 2004... Some historians suggest Japanese industry surged after World War II because it had the unique opportunity to start from scratch and build new plants with the most current technology. Armed with the best and newest technology, Japanese had a...

Smoothing the Burrs for a better fit: new entry into the wall system market hopes to find its niche.
February 1, 2004... In his role as an educator, Dominic Cerrato admits to creating course outlines that challenge the best of his students. This former Navy electrician turned theology professor believes that his role in the scheme of things is to help his...

Better blocks.(Concrete blocks)
February 1, 2004... Innovative CMUs create new ways to use and build with masonry A material as versatile as concrete masonry encourages innovation. The National Concrete Masonry Association's Block Shapes & Sizes Manual has drawings of over 2500 different...

Maturity and strength: maturity methods can speed up concrete construction and increase safety.
February 1, 2004... Concrete in a test cylinder and concrete in a structure seldom cure at exactly the same temperature. During cold weather, the structure may cure more slowly, or it could cure more quickly as cement hydration heats up the concrete in the forms....

A GPS primer: two top 10 lists help you decide how to choose a fleet management system.(Global Positioning System)
February 1, 2004... Investing in a Global Positioning System (GPS) technology fleet management system promises many benefits and returns if you have not yet automated the dispatching and tracking of your ready-mix trucks beyond the plant gate. But how do you...

Mixing a winner: a look back at the ICF Mix Design contest.(Insulated Concrete Forms )
February 1, 2004... THE CONCRETE PRODUCER again congratulates the winner and finalists of the ICF Mix Design contest. Results were announced in the December 2003 issue. Richard Szecsy, vice president of new product development and risk management at Lattimore...

Diagnosing problems with decorative concrete: problem clinic answers your questions.(Interview)
February 1, 2004... Often decorative concrete has the same problems as "plain concrete." Adding color, chemical stain, or other treatments is like putting a filter over the lens of a camera--the results appear different bur any problems remain. In decorative...

Smartstop[R] for concrete producers.(Products for the pros: showcase)
February 1, 2004... The Smartstop[R] automatic high level water shut-off system saves time, money and prevents waste when filling Portland Cement concrete trucks. Also, our water meters for front and rear discharge trucks are the most accurate and reliable water...

Computer enclosures.(Products for the pros: showcase)
February 1, 2004... Protect your computers from the harsh elements of the workplace. The unique dust shield fan & filter system stops contaminants as fine us .1 of a micron from damaging your computer and computer related equipment. We also manufacture custom...

Price breakthrough for dust collectors.(Products for the pros: showcase)
February 1, 2004... Filter Technology Ltd. has engineered a reliable filtration system that does the same job as carbon steel at a competitive cost. The low density rotationally molded polyethylene body in the 5-Ft. model accepts from 16 to 37 filters for air...

Put a new spin on mold making.(Products for the pros: showcase)
February 1, 2004... Experience the speed and ease of building precast molds with EPS foam. Using hot wire technology molds can be carved for columns, balusters, arches, trim and more in virtually any custom design. Contact us at 800-555-4042 or...

Concrete stamping tools.(Products for the pros: showcase)
February 1, 2004... Scofield announces a new generation of HIGH OUTPUT LITHOTEX[R] Pavecrafters[R] tools for imprinting and texturing. The improved polyurethane composition provides significantly lighter weight without reduction in durability for a longer working...

Up to the challenge? A week of activities will end with a drivers' skills competition.(World of Concrete)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... CONCRETE PRODUCER will host an exciting series of skills competitions called The Producer Challenge at World of Concrete in Orlando, Fla. The event will highlight drivers' operating and safety skills and will take place in the action area of...

Tour a world of knowledge.(Bookshelf)
February 1, 2004... The World of Concrete always offers an amazing amount and variety of products and equipment. Attendees leave with armfuls of product literature and advice on what will make them and their companies more successful. The seminars are informative....

You pick the winners: vote in the second annual Most Innovative Products contest at the World of Concrete.(World oOf Concrete)
February 1, 2004... How did you do your job in 1993? Just imagine what you'd say if you had to go back in time and dust off those old tools bidden in the back of the storeroom. Ten years might seem like a lifetime. But in terms of product development, it's...

Microcomposite steel rebar.(Concrete-Making Materials)
February 1, 2004... MMFX 2 rebar is an uncuated microcomposite steel reinforcement that is highly resistant to corrosion. The patented product meets or exceeds the mechanical properties of ASTM A615 Grade 75 steel bars. Composed of a low-carbon, chrome allow...

Moisture blocking admixture.(Concrete-Making Materials)
February 1, 2004... Tega-Crete is a unique concrete admixture that's been developed using advanced chemical grafting nano-technology. It prohibits the absorption of any water or moisture in hardened concrete. The admixture's matrix component is 80% solids, and...

Gypsum concrete.(Concrete-Making Materials)
February 1, 2004... FIRM-FILL 3310 enables gypsum concrete to achieve unprecedented final strength levels. Designed to be used as a floor underlayment, the product has a compressive strength of up to 3310 psi that can be walked on in 90 minutes. Use it over wood...

Pneumatic tailgate for concrete trucks.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... The Cretelock System is a new and innovative pneumatic tailgate for concrete trucks. It provides positive shut-off to the concrete mixer at the feed hopper, and prevents concrete from spilling into the chute- Shut-off at the point of discharge...

Portable batch plants.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... Port-A-Pour's portable batch plants, with the High Specification Delivery system, feature a low-profile &sign, an air system for fluidizing cement, an efficient blending process, a precision liquid metering system, and accurate computer...

Concrete reclaimer buffer.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... The Liebherr LDP concrete reclaimer buffer handles large volumes of returned concrete, accommodating up to six ready-mix tracks at once. With a buffering capacity of 12 cubic yards, it accepts returned concrete as fast as a ready-mix track can...

Truck mixer meter.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... The Measure Rite truck meter from Badger Meter is designed for volumetric truck mixers specifically for measuring and dispensing water for premixed batches at the jobsite. Built rugged, it uses a large front panel display with a single button...

Grey water management system.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... Knelson's Concrete Recovery System (CRS) is a modular, self-contained system to manage grey water at ready-mix plants. The system makes it possible to capture and control returned concrete (or over-production) and washout material so it can be...

Fiber dosing system.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... The Inventure Systems Ltd.'s Incite fiber dosing system is a smart and simple product, which evenly distributes the fibers in the concrete by vibration. It consists of a vibrating unit with a tray, a weighing control unit, and an automatic...

Invoice tracking system.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... The Electronic Document Manager is a database management and accounting program for ready-mix and aggregate producers that minimizes paper and greatly reduces time searching for archived information. Signed delivery tickets can be scanned and...

Environmentally friendly wash system.(Concrete, Precast & Masonry Production Equipment & Services)
February 1, 2004... The Enviroguard Chute Wash system is an addition to a ready-mix truck that enables the driver to wash the chutes without leaving any environmentally unacceptable material on the jobsite. All the dirty water, including cementitious material and...

Steel stake sleeve.(General Construction Equipment, Materials, Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Available in round and square varieties, the new Stake Slammer from Cleform Tool Co. is a steel fitting that slips over both 3/4- and 1-inch stakes used in wooden forms. Weighing less than 5 pounds, with a 6-inch diameter strike face, it keeps...

Dispatching software.(General Construction Equipment, Materials, Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... The Dispatcher by Heavy Construction Systems Specialists Inc. is map-based software that streamlines construction dispatching operations and integrates them with other systems, including HeavyJob. Increase equipment utilization and gain maximum...

Multipurpose sprayer.(General Construction Equipment, Materials, Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... The Cobra-Air Professional Sprayer system can apply a wide range of acids, caustics, waterproofing, cleaners, and curing agents. The compressor can vary the pressure from 20 to 90 psi to control chemical bounce-back or wall penetration. Output...

Adhesive dispensing system.(General Construction Equipment, Materials, Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Hilti's HIT VIC Volume Injection System with its P8000 D dosage-control dispenser lets you work faster while minimizing wasted adhesive. Contractors can adjust the volume of adhesive with the dosage control knob to deliver consistent results...

Walk-behind screed.(Concrete Placing & Finishing Equipment)
February 1, 2004... The new Copperhead XD walk-behind screed from Somero Enterprises Inc. is built for extra duty. The machine excells in tougher conditions like rebar and low slump concrete. The 13-hp engine, combined with 5-to-1 drive motors, provide a powerful...

New Power Rod.(Concrete Placing & Finishing Equipment)
February 1, 2004... The C series 500 Power Rod from JLin Corp. is used, with the appropriate attachment, for screeding, edging, grooving, and finishing concrete. It features a connection that allows the power unit to be replaced with a Hummer Flex Hose Vibrator to...

Products abound.(World of Concrete Preview)
February 1, 2004... * Mixer with drum for quick charging Stetter Booster series mixers from Schwing America Inc. have a low center of gravity for enhanced on-road stability. The head and shell of the drum are made of chromium abrasion-resistant steel. The...

Digging for pay dirt.(Product Pulse; basement construction)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... With predictions of continued strong new housing, producers may want to find ways to catch a greater share of the market. One area builders have yet to fully exploit is how to add value to basement construction. Some ways producers can...

Poured-in-place system for energy-efficient walls.(Product Pulse )
February 1, 2004... Dow Chemical Co. offers the Styrofoam T-Mass Poured-in-Place (PIP) System to meet the needs of poured wall contractors and residential builders and to address consumer interest for more energy-efficient exterior walls. The system includes...

Maintenance-free basement doors.(Product Pulse)
February 1, 2004... PermEntry, used in construction with Bilco basement doors, is a one-piece concrete "stairwell" used extensively in residential applications. Precast in one piece, the stairwell features high tensile threaded rods and anchor bolts for foundation...

Two-piece foundation window.(Product Pulse)
February 1, 2004... The Series 650 foundation window from Superseal is a two-piece system. The easy-to-install, high-density vinyl window frame does all of the dirty work. The frame is set into and secured to the form while the foundation is poured. The frame also...

Precast system provides extra insulation.(Product Pulse)
February 1, 2004... Custom-built in a factory, the Superior Walls Xi wall precast foundation system features 2.5 inches of continuous extruded polystyrene for extra insulation. Monolithically poured with high-strength, 5000-plus psi concrete, the Xi wall is...

Heisman winner's concrete memories.(In the Mix)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Do you want your to son to became a star football player? Maybe you can have him work at your concrete plant. That's what Ron White, owner of White's Concrete in Tuttle, Okla., did. That manual labor paid off. His son, Jason White, won the...

Trucking on.(In the Mix)(Business is improving in the Northwest, says Stan Groleau, general manager at Southwest Redimix Co)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Business is improving in the Northwest, says Stan Groleau, general manager at Southwest Redimix Co. in Tualatin, Ore. "Things had been rather slow for the last two years," Groleau says. "But now, there are signs of more construction activity....

Producer buys Kentucky, Ohio operations.(In the Mix)(Moraine Materials Company buys LN Concrete)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Moraine Materials Co., a ready-mixed producer based in Franklin, Ohio, acquired LN Concrete in Erlanger, Ky., mad five plants from Cincinnati-based Turnbull Concrete. Moraine bought three plants and 40 trucks from Turnbull in 2002. The LN...

RMC buys three plants.(In the Mix)(purchased from Pinewood Materials Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... RMC South Florida, a Sarasota-based producer, purchased three ready-mix concrete plants in the Florida Keys. RMC paid more than $3 million for three Pinewood Materials Corp. plants in Big Pine, Rockland, and Marathon. Based in Key West,...

NCMA nominates new chairman.(In the Mix)(Sylvester Schmidt)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Sylvester Schmidt has been nominated as chairman of the board elect of the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA). Once confirmed at the NCMA board of directors meeting in February, he will serve as chairman the remainder of 2004. He has...