The Concrete Producer articles from January 2004

The Concrete Producer archives from January 2004

Getting in your face.(Editorial)(Editorial)
January 1, 2004... My 15-year-old daughter just started taking driving lessons. She's our third child to go through our state's mandatory driver's education program. So I thought I had become an expert in my role as driver-trainer. I've taken this role very...

Cement industry seeks to reduce emissions.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has proposed to allow for the inclusion of up to 5% ground limestone in the portland cement standard designated as ASTMC 150. "Such reductions would add significantly to the environmental gains already...

Slag cement makes concrete 'greener'.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Slag cement in concrete reduces the environmental impact of concrete construction, according to new research by the Slag Cement Association (SCA). The study comprises two Life Cycle Inventories (LCIs) examining the manufacturing of slag cement...

Business and law workshops slated.(News)(Understand the Concrete Contractor's Business)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) will sponsor Understand the Concrete Contractor's Business, a three-day workshop for mid-level staff, Jan. 27-29. The Michigan Concrete Association (MCA) will host the event at its office in...

New leader for truckmaker.(News)(Robert Enright president and CEO, Indiana Phoenix Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Indiana Phoenix Inc., the Avilla, Ind.-based manufacturer of ready-mix trucks, named Robert Enright president and CEO. Enright has had management experience at companies such as Caterpillar, Western Star, and Autocar. Enright "has...

Upcoming conferences & events.(News)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... TRB Annual Meeting The Transportation Research Board 83rd Annual Meeting will be held Jan. 11-15 at the Connecticut Avenue Collection hotels in Washington, D.C.--Marriott Wardman Park, Omni Storeham, and Hilton Washington. The program will...

Serving you online: association Web sites continue to evolve.(E-Concrete)(Product/Service Evaluation)
January 1, 2004... I bought my first home PC in 1997 mainly for one reason--games. My screen time would take me to a fantasy world where I could compete in sports against the best of the pros, race fast cars, and destroy monsters. I'm not sure what it says...

Another mix option: portland cement substitute yields economic, environmental, and durability benefits.(What's New)(Product/Service Evaluation)
January 1, 2004... Dan Walker, president of Texas EMC Products, has an idea other producers may want to know about. Using a specially modified fly ash to replace at least half of the portland cement in concrete can reduce your material costs while also providing...

Learn more about trailer suspensions.(Fleet Factors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... According to the folks at Hendrickson International, a Woodridge, Ill.-based manufacturer of trucking components, almost 2/3 of all trailers bought last year in the United States were equipped from the factory with an air ride suspension. While...

Hours-of-Service rules guide.(Fleet Factors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... As most producers know, the new federal Drivers' Hours-of-Service (HOS) rule became law on Jan. 4. Many national organizations worked hard to help lawmakers draft rules that made sense for the type of driving times and duties that occur in...

Reducing freight delivery time.(Fleet Factors)(Product/Service Evaluation)
January 1, 2004... The new HOS rules will also have a big impact on shippers that do live loading and unloading. Since drivers will be "on the clock" while they are waiting to load or unload, it will be critical that they're processed quickly. If trailer pools...

Drum aide.(Fleet Factors)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
January 1, 2004... Designed by a former concrete producer, the Drum Jumper may be a piece of equipment that pays for itself with one use. It's a portable and self-powered hydraulic pump designed to rotate a mixer drum to discharge concrete in the event of...

Driver safety report.(Fleet Factors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Concrete producers should expect to see more OSHA inspections, according to many industry safety experts. The agency's renewed emphasis on protecting employees from silica exposure is driving the increase. Fleet managers would benefit from...

Why won't this spot set?(Problem Clinic)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Q. There is a dime-sized hole about a 1/4-inch-deep in a driveway I poured recently that doesn't want to set up. It has been this way for several days now. I've been pouring concrete for 15 years and have never seen anything like this. What is...

Testing aggregates to avoid staining.(Problem Clinic)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Q. Is there a quick test to detect the presence of iron sulfide in aggregates? The aggregate I am considering will be used in an exposed decorative application, so repeated wetting and drying of the aggregate will occur at the surface. I also...

Was it too late to revibrate?(Problem Clinic)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Q. We watched a concrete pour where concrete was revibrated after it had set up. The vibrator head did not "readily penetrate" the concrete as described in ACI 309. In fact, the inspector said "it took 15 to 30 seconds of vibrating at each pass...

Up, up and away: ever think about delivering concrete with a balloon?(As the Drum Turns)
January 1, 2004... Every so often a great photograph comes up that shows something truly unique happening around our operations. When I saw the one on this page, it gave me a new feeling of what the word "greenfield" really means. One of the more unique...

Casting your dreams: how to make money on that one of a kind job.(Cover Story)
January 1, 2004... Every producer has a favorite way to return home. More often than not, the trek is savored after a difficult day. Somewhere along the way, the drive is sure to pass a special project. While the owner may have funded the project, the producer...

Function and beauty: an artist casts her vision using integrally colored precast concrete.(Western Gateway Project/Susan Ferrari Rowley design)
January 1, 2004... Driving down the highway, most commuters put little thought into their daily trek. Who would, with looming sound barriers that are tall, bland, and unappealing? Engineers, as well as the public, believe concrete needs to be boring. Thanks...

Flowing profits: using flowable fill in residential applications saves money.
January 1, 2004... There are few things more exciting than creating a new application or market for an existing material or technology. I was trying to find a way to level a problem area at my home that would hold water whenever it rained. This area is used as an...

Environmental resolutions: vow to make your operation environmentally friendly in 2004.
January 1, 2004... Even if you're not a list-maker, making New Year's resolutions can be an effective incentive to start new habits. And it would be a good idea to commit to a greater awareness of environmental rules and practices this year. Whether it's...

A higher purpose: visionary companies promote core values.
January 1, 2004... There are more ways to measure success in our industry than simply designing the best concrete mix or following key accounting indicators. For example, material cost as a percentage of the net selling price is a notable number. If you are in...

MCPX on deck: Atlanta hosts the 2004 edition.(MCPX Product Preview)(Manufactured Concrete Products Exposition)
January 1, 2004... More than 6,000 concrete producers, suppliers, and engineers, will gather at the Manufactured Concrete Products Exposition (MCPX) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Feb. 6-8. Hundreds of manufacturers offering thousands of...

Speedy wall installation.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... The Probst retaining wall clamp can lift as many as 5 retaining wall units at once, using a tracked backhoe or mini-excavator. An automatic locking and release mechanism permits no-hands clamping and unclamping. Other features include a lifting...

Energy-efficient heating system.(MCPX Product Preview)(Inventure Systems Inc.'s aggregate heating system. Tony McManus president of Concrete Results)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Inventure Systems Inc.'s aggregate heating system is a fully integrated product that uses hot air. Effective in combating the high cost of producing concrete during cold-weather conditions, the system reduces energy consumption by as much as...

Vibration table for countertops.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... The Vibra-Beam countertop vibration system from Vibco Inc. can be attached to any standard sawhorse to create a high-quality vibration table that produces a tight, dense, void-free finish. Geared toward new construction and remodeling...

Easy-to-install batch plant.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... The EconoBatch concrete batch plant from Mixer Systems Inc. can be customized to meet specific production needs and an application's space requirements. ]t is suitable for a wide range of production needs, including precast and prestressed...

Brick gasket formliner.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Architectural PoLymers' innovative concrete Versa-Brix brick gasket formliner can be used when a thick brick system is needed in almost any application. The flexible liner can be manufactured with variable mortar joints; perfectly ground brick...

SCC design system removes guesswork.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Axim Italcementi Group has released SCCZone.com, a Web-based self-consolidating concrete design system designed to take the guesswork out of the mix design process. Capable of optimizing thousands of different SCC mixes, the product enables...

Decorative paving molds.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Renaissance decorative paving molds from Armcon Ltd. deliver a handcrafted look on wet-cast concrete. Simply lay the mold down, brush over with sand, and the joints disappear to create the decorative appearance of hand-laid cobbled bles a...

Retaining wall systems.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Mosaic retaining wall systems give installers a rustic, random-pattern appearance with 100% solid construction and a wide range of design possibilities. The product by VersaLok Retaining Wall Systems can be used to form curves, corners, tiers,...

Process removes need to strike or trowel.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... The PumpCast process from The Hawkeye Group innovates the traditional wet cast method of manufacturing. Rather than feed concrete into a form with a traditional overhead bucket, the concrete is pumped into the form through an intake valve...

Truck offers driver comfort.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... The H25D/T 39X hydrostatic drive truck from Linde Lift Truck Corp. has a capacity of 5000 pounds. It has been enhanced with improved fuel economy, courtesy of the hydrostatic wheel motors. The machine incorporates a high-density neoprene...

Color selection guide.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Dynamic Color Solutions Inc. is releasing a new color selection guide that includes a wide palette of their most popular colors the past two years. The chips in the binder illustrate the company's pigments added to grey cement,...

Concrete bucket for multiple pouring needs.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Cemen Tech Inc. has manufactured a multipurpose concrete bucket, designed to complement its existing precast product line. The user-friendly product has detachable discharge methods for multiple pouring needs. Choose from a clam gate for large...

Generate quotes quickly.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Stack-It 7.5 by Advanced Management Systems Inc. is a manhole/catch basin estimating program that allows sales personnel to rapidly enter information for many structures, making it easy to generate quotes. Users also can define connector part...

Better concrete surfaces.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... The RovR 5860 compressed air form sprayer lets users apply an ultra-thin, uniform film of the Crete-Lease release agents to forms, formliners, pallets, and equipment that contacts fresh concrete. The air pressure tank is rated at 200 psi, and...

Water treatment system.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... The Singulair water treatment system uses extended aeration to provide flow equalization, pretreatment, aeration, clarification, tertiary filtration, and optional chemical addition within a single precast concrete tank. The only mechanical...

Adds block compressive strength.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Master Builders Inc.'s Color Cure admixture system is a combination of two water-repellent admixtures: an admixture used in concrete block, and another used in masonry mortar. Using both in conjunction results in a high level of water...

Increase cement efficiency.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Eukon BK-NS is a ready-to-use liquid admixture used to manufacture concrete masonry products where no swipe is desired. The product from Euclid Chemical Co. contains components designed to increase cement efficiency, and to improve early and...

Safe alternative to acids.(MCPX Product Preview)
January 1, 2004... Back-Set from RoMix Chemical and Brush Inc. is a molecular cement dissolver that attacks the portland in cement, dissolving it into a mud-like consistency that can be rinsed away. The product, which presents a safe alternative to acids, will...

Value-added products for precasters.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Precasters know their products offer contractors more than concrete. So moving towards value-added systems is a natural extension of their business. Precasters can increase their margins by offering more be]Is and whistles. Here are some...

Magnet assemblies reduce injury risk.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Hamilton Form Co. and Thomas & Skinner Inc. introduce the new Saf-T-Mag line of magnetic holding assemblies for the precast concrete industry. The assemblies are safe, fast, and easy to use with steel forms and side rails, eliminating the need...

Drains and scupper remove water from roadway.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Bridge and deck scuppers, and median drains from Neenah Foundry Co. are specifically designed for use on expressways, freeways, and superhighways. High-capacity units can be assembled in various combinations to provide desired drainage. Median...

Simplify basement access.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... The PermEntry basement entrance, consisting of a precast concrete stairwell and a rugged, heavy-gauge steel door, is a fast and economic way to add convenient basement access to any home. It is ideal for new construction and can be delivered...

Provide sure-footed traction.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... SlipNOT Metal Safety Flooring's Grip Plate and Grip Grate are ideal for industrial flooring, platforms, and ladders to provide traction and durability. Other applications include bridge decking, sidewalks, and marine facilities. The patented...

Sound alarm against critical water levels.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... The SJE Rhombus Controls' Tank Alert AB is a new NEMA 1 indoor alarm for septic systems, sump pump basins, sewage, or other water systems. An audible alarm sounds when a potentially threatening liquid level occurs, and features a silence mode...

Increase mobility with access covers.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Halliday Products manufactures access covers made of aluminum with stainless steel hardware, although some models are constructed completely out of stainless steel. Standard or custom sizes are also available. Popular options include a hinged,...

Connector seals pipe to tank.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... The A-Lok X-Cel Pipe to Tank Connector is a flexible connector specifically engineered to produce a positive watertight seal between the precast concrete septic tank and the pipe entering it. The connector features a patented water pocket,...

Save time in line testing.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... The Neo-Loc Drain Gasket from Zurn Industries, which comes with an integral test cap, is a labor-saving compression gasket that is compatible with plastic, steel, and cast iron pipe. The test cap eliminates the need for test plugs when...

Window wells offer below-grade egress.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Mar-Flex Window Well systems are a complete line of below-grade window wells for residential applications. They add more natural light than traditional window wells, and feature a built-in stair design that meets building codes for below-grade...

Cover lift holes in one step.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Begin backfilling immediately with the Popit plug, which is designed to fill and cover lift holes in precast concrete pipe in one step. The brightly colored plug, composed of durable polyethylene, fits most circular holes, virtually eliminates...

Easy-10-install doors.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Contractors can save time using Pennsylvania Insert's JustSet Doors, which come with a 6-inch-deep frame for fast, easy installation. They won't have to block out any area with polystyrene or wood because nothing protrudes below the frame....

Durable access systems.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Zabel Environmental Technology's access systems to septic tanks have a patented interlocking design and neoprene gasket that reduce the possibility of water intrusion while still providing easy access. The product is highly durable, complete...

Improve water clarity.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... The PL-122 Effluent Filter gives septic tank contractors double the area of units of similar size, which extends to time between cleanings. A control bah shuts off the flow of effluent when the filter is removed for cleaning. A gas deflector...

Add a ladder.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... Supply contractors with Structural Aluminum ladders. All units are designed and fabricated to meet safety requirements and OSHA standards. Fasteners and hardware are made of stainless steel, with ladder rungs secured to vertical supports by...

Support rebar with a chair.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... The E-Z Chair composite plastic rebar chair from Aztec Accessories Inc. has a small footprint and gray color, making it a good fit for elevated post-tensioned slabs. When used on-grade with a sand plate, the product is an inexpensive...

Create elegant lines with connection system.(Product Pulse)
January 1, 2004... The BSF Connector from JVI Inc. is a hidden beam end connection for gravity loads that eliminates the need for projecting column corbels. The simple connection creates clean, elegant lines in precast structures, giving architects another reason...

Thermal mass comparison of wall systems: concrete walls have lower total annual energy costs.(Bookshelf)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... It's been documented: Concrete will save you money while keeping you comfy. The thermal performance of 11 different structural wall systems--concrete masonry, insulated cast-in-place, insulated concrete forms, and AAC, as well as wood and steel...

Home team cooking.(In the Mix)(Mobile restaurants)
January 1, 2004... I discovered how Bill Hanson and his fellow employees at Chicago-area based Prairie Materials treat their customers, employees, and even his daughter's high school friends to good meals. Imagine my surprise when I saw a reedy-mixed concrete...

PCA names head of sustainable development.(In the Mix)(Portland Cement Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Portland Cement Association (PCA) named David Shepherd director, sustainable development. In the newly-created position, he will be responsible for developing and promoting sustainable applications for concrete and cement. A registered...

Quality concrete award.(In the Mix)(Kansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association Awards)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The City of Atchison Water Treatment Plant upgrade won an award for quality concrete work from the Kansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association. The upgrade was designed and built by CH2M HILL, a Denver-based engineering and construction firm. ...

Rinker expanding in Florida, Nevada.(In the Mix)(Rinker Materials Corp.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Rinker Materials Corp., the West Palm Beach, Fla.-based maker of concrete block, will spend more than $30 million to build concrete block and concrete manufacturing plants in Florida and Nevada. The Florida block plants will be built in...