The Concrete Producer articles from March 2005

The Concrete Producer archives from March 2005

Staying young.(Editorial)(Column)
March 1, 2005... I'm undergoing a middle age crisis. It started while I was at lunch with several people on my editorial staff. I was asked what degree I was to Kevin Bacon. "What do you mean?" I asked. Apparently, this has been a popular game for some...

Sustainable construction.(News)(Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction )(Holcim Awards)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Architects, planners, engineers, and project owners have a chance to display their dream sustainable construction projects and win some prize money to boot in the Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction. The Holcim Foundation for...

Decorative effort launched.(News)(Artevia)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Lafarge North America unveiled Artevia, its decorative concrete initiative, at World of Concrete in January. "Lafarge's focus on customer needs has led us to decorative concrete," said Dominique Calabrese, executive vice president, aggregates,...

New admixture managers.(News)(Appointments)(Degussa Admixtures )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Degussa Admixtures of Cleveland added two new product line managers to its Technology Innovation and Sustainability Group. Dana Pasquali was hired to manage the Degussa Admixtures Master Builders brand core products, including water-reducing,...

New president at Indiana Phoenix.(News)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Ban Biberstine was hired recently as the new president of Indiana Phoenix, the Avilla, Ind.-based manufacturer of ready-mix trucks. He brings a host of engineering and corporate management experience in the front-discharge mixer industry,...

China spurs cement growth.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Global demand for cement will grow 4.8% annually through 2008, driven by robust construction in China and other developing parts of Asia, as well as in Eastern Europe and Latin America. Non-blended pozzolanic, masonry, and aluminous cement will...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I just read the January editorial (p. 7). Wasn't it author Aldous Huxley who remonstrated that information is not knowledge? I'm afraid all of these encapsulated lists, bulleted wads, and electronic bytes are simply concentrated fact cards. We...

The national green building conference.(Upcoming Conferences & Events)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... Attend the National Green Building Conference March 13-15 at the Westin Peachtree in Atlanta to learn why home builders are "Greening the American Dream" by making cost-effective business decisions that also help the environment. The conference...

Change those bookmarks: your magazine now has its own Web site.(www.theconcreteproducer.com)(Column)
March 1, 2005... I'm amazed by the abundance of information I find for this monthly column on how producers can use the Web to improve their businesses. The number of providers offering Web-based services to help producers and their contractor-customers become...

Weighing on the run: here's an on-board scale for ready-mixed concrete.(weigh scale system)
March 1, 2005... Batchmen will no longer have to rely on their drivers' best guess when estimating how much material remains in a returning track. That's because a San Diego-based instrument manufacturer has unveiled a great weight-guess eliminator just in time...

Finding good mechanics: benefits and intangibles help attract workers.(fleet factors)
March 1, 2005... Shortages of skilled equipment mechanics have been widely reported. Two producers--one in Southern California and one in the Colorado-New Mexico area--recently confirmed they have had problems finding qualified mechanics. "Good mechanics...

Predicting fresh concrete temperatures.(Problem Clinic)
March 1, 2005... Q. I am a concrete producer in the Upper Midwest and always must adjust my product for very hot weather conditions in the summer and cold temperatures in the winter. What advice do you have for producers who must figure how cool or warm to make...

A marriage of sorts: who knew preparing a wedding is like buying a batch plant?(As the Drum Turns)
March 1, 2005... When you make that fateful leap and decide to get married, sooner or later you have to decide who to invite to the gala event. I'm sure my future wife will edit my list, and hopefully those who don't get invited will understand. As she...

The best in plants: three examples of fast, successful plants follow.(Cover Story)
March 1, 2005... Getting the Details Right Consolidated Concrete, Omaha, Nebraska Dave Werner has to leave his Omaha ready-mixed company late one morning for business in the western end of Nebraska. But unlike most people, he won't be driving on Interstate...

Keeping the gaps open: here's a practical approach to pervious concrete research.(ZOOM)(Controlled Low-Strength Material)
March 1, 2005... For years, academics researching concrete have focused on how to create mix designs to improve strength, fire resistance, and durability. And with their support, concrete has become the building material of choice when engineers look for these...

Tickets to go: new on-board computer technology may change the way producers handle customer accounts.(DigiTic)(ticket collection system)
March 1, 2005... As Tommy Fox finishes delivering a load of concrete to AK Construction, something seems very different. Instead of handing the foreman a clipboard with a standard four-part paper ticket to autograph, the driver offers a small computer. The...

On the fly: extended hours sometimes are necessary to make deliveries.(joint ventures of Fly Ash Management)(marketing of Ash Grove Resources)
March 1, 2005... Concrete producers pay much attention to admixtures and the cement in their mixes. But it's easy to overlook a basic ingredient--fly ash. Many producers may have never considered all of the elements and logistics of how they receive this...

Mixing it up: electro-pneumatic positioners help control gates for aggregate supplier.
March 1, 2005... Visit the San Francisco Giants' Pacific Bell Stadium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium and you'll see impressive structures built with products from RMC Pacific Materials. RMC, based in Pleasonton, Calif., is a key aggregate supplier in the...

Beauty and brawn: concrete is an important element in the demonstration home.(International Builders' Show)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Attendees at the International Builders' Show in Orlando, Fla., in January got a special treat. Many were on hand for the debut of The New American Home. In addition to the home's beauty, the big news was how the 9036-square-foot home weathered...

NRMCA at 75: the association serving ready-mixed producers has changed with the times.(National Ready Mixed Concrete Association)
March 1, 2005... Born in Pittsburgh, nurtured in Washington, D.C., and thriving in Silver Spring, Md., nicely sums up the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's 75 years. But the story of a successful trade association touches on the efforts of many...

It's CONEXPO-CON/AGG time: the largest construction trade show in the Western Hemisphere returns to Las Vegas.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... If you've recovered from World of Concrete, strap on your best walking shoes for another big event. CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2005 pulls into the Las Vegas Convention Center March 15-19 for one of the largest equipment shows in the world. Big is an...

Tilting mixer.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The 12-yard tilt-up mixer features a full 60-degree tilt from a single pivot point, and a double speed drum return, which reduces cycle times. The mixer comes with a standard configuration of 12 mixing blades and 4 capacity blades. The wearing...

SCC admixtures.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... ADVA 360 and ADVA 370 are high-efficiency polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers that achieve high early compressive strengths. They are formulated to impart extreme workability without vibration equipment and without segregation to concrete...

Lightweight concrete vibrators.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The MGX series concrete vibrators are lightweight hand-held units with exceptional power that are ideal for short pours, small walls and footings, offering a cost-effective alternative to larger, more expensive units. The series is offered in...

Conveyor cuts handling costs.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The new TS-190 TeleStacker Conveyor is equipped with a patent-pending swing axle that builds the highest volume stockpiles in almost any configuration. It is fully programmable, with a reach of 190 feet. It also stockpiles more material, even...

Mini-excavators with Tier II engines.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... ViO3 mini-excavators are powered by the company's Tier II TNV diesel engines. The new engines on the ViO20 (with an operating weight of 4851 pounds) and ViO27 (6284-pound operating weight) deliver more horsepower than competitive models. The...

Dust control agent.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... Soil-Sement is a dust and erosion control agent that can be applied to a wide range of surfaces and substrates to prevent fugitive dust, as well as provide erosion control. Applications include unpaved roadways and open areas consisting of soil...

Tough truck gives smooth ride.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The 7700 severe-service truck combines rugged power with an extremely smooth ride. The vehicle offers a spacious interior, a high level of maneuverability, and agility. Its lightweight components allow operators to carry more legal...

Class 8 truck engines.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... Kenworth introduces Caterpillar C13 and C11 engines for its Class 8 models. The C13 engine with new 470-hp rate is available with torque ratings of 1550 pounds/foot and 1650 pounds/foot for Kenworth's T2000, T800, T600, W900, and C500 models....

Swing boom for tight spaces.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The Link-Belt 80 Spin Ace minimum swing radius excavator opens opportunities for working within tight spaces. The 130-degree boom swing radius, 18,400-pound operating weight, and 5-foot, 4-inch tail swing allows operators to use full power in...

Crusher for a tight spot.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The KR1010 rubble mini-crasher system is designed for use in areas where operating space is at a minimum. It features a primary impactor and matching 5x10-foot screening plant on separate chassis for easy mobility, more setup options, greater...

Family of breakers.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The SB family is a line of tough, reliable breakers, each made from a one-piece body that doesn't require side bolts. The breakers are stronger and lighter than conventional breakers. Each unit offers a high power-to-weight ratio, excellent...

For tough earthmoving applications.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The PC3000 Super Shovel has been updated to include an all-new cab design with increased visibility, reduced vibration, and an improved comprehensive climate control system, a service-friendly environment, and a more efficient hydraulic system...

Four-wheeled steering gives tight turning radius.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The 520-40 Loadall compact telescopic tool carrier comes in a small package that lets operators work in confined areas. Its rated operating capacity is 4000 pounds at its full lift height of 13 feet 2 inches; the capacity is 2000 pounds at its...

Ideal mixer for footings and bases.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The PortoMix concrete mixer for contractors, homeowners, and do-it-yourselfers is ideal for small footings and bases, binding block, and concrete patching. It can also be used as a wheelbarrow to transport concrete, debris, and other materials....

Versatile screening unit.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The Chieftain 1800 Triple Deck is a versatile screening unit for almost any large-scale application. It is available on tracks or a wheeled chassis, can process up to 500 tons per hour, and features a triple-deck screen unit that measures 16 by...

Work close to buildings.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The ZX-75 compact excavator has an operating weight of 16,538 pounds, 72-hp diesel engine, and maximum digging depth of 14 feet. The ZX-125 compact excavator features an operating weight of 27,563 pounds, 94-hp diesel engine, and maximum...

Maximum productivity with maximum comfort.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... For the smaller jobs that still require size and muscle, the new J series wheel loaders from John Deere offer maneuverability, versatility, and productivity. New features on the 244J and 304J are designed with the operator's comfort in mind. A...

70-ton hydraulic excavator.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The new 70-ton hydraulic excavator was designed to provide the highest reliability and performance at the lowest operating costs. It is well-suited for a number of segments of the construction market, including civil engineering, heavy...

New look for telescopic manipulator.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The new TH 2506 telescopic manipulator by Ausa represents a significant step forward in this type of machine, with its innovative cabin and lines among its outstanding features. Powered by a 60-hp, oil-cooled engine, it also has an enhanced...

Telescopic radial stacker.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The ThorStack 2 is a portable, telescopic radial stacker that has a reach of up to 150 feet. The tail undercarriage is constructed from hollow structural steel for added strength, durability, and longevity. The hinge point has been redesigned...

Automatic concrete catcher.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The WFM100 is the newest model of the Shute Shutter and is designed specifically for the OshKosh standard chute. This fully automatic device provides chute closure for front discharge mixer trucks, reducing accidental broken windshields and...

Track loader reduces ground pressure.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The MT55 mini track loader features more horsepower and a wider track for lower ground pressure, to get jobs done faster and with less turf disturbance. Although the machine is just 41.5 inches wide, its wider tracks lower its ground pressure...

Improved bucket thumb.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The G2 PowerClamp is a hydraulic bucket thumb that features an improved profile and tooth bar for better grasping and handling ability. Manufactured of high-strength alloy plate, it has extra-heavy welds, harden pins, steel teeth, and extra...

Wash rack system for vehicles.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... With the Hydrosite portable wash rack system and Hydropad portable wash pads, users can move a wash site to any location quickly. All that is needed is a flat hard surface on which to place the system, 200 amps of 208-volt three-phase power,...

Quick-hardening curing compound.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... Clear-Crete Water Emulsion is a thermoplastic, all-acrylic curing, sealing, and quick-hardening compound that can be used as an alternative to flammable and toxic products. The compound is a multi-purpose, ready-to-use product that forms an...

Backhoe for superior performance.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The TLB-325 heavy-duty compact tractor loader backhoe, one of five Allmand loader backhoe models, features an exclusive ESL backhoe design. It offers superior performance and service features necessary to tackle a variety of construction...

Intelligent crushing.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The new Lokotrack LT200HP cone crusher is a truck-mounted crushing plant designed specifically for secondary and fine crushing, providing high throughput, and a quality end-product in compact transport dimensions. It features a Norberg HP200...

Redesigned, renamed, and released.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The JT920 horizontal directional drill has been redesigned, renamed, and recently released. Now the JT921, it features a more efficient engine, and greater thrust and pullback power than its predecessor. A shorter version, the JT921S, is also...

Core bit offers maximum cutting life.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The unique pointed shape design of the 5600 series core bit provides a small contact area for a soft and free-cutting start. This ensures excellent performance for quick cutting and maximum cutting life. Although intended for Target drilling...

Durable tractors.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The new T-series track-type tractors combine the latest improvements with proven durability, reliability, and productivity. The new machines--the D8T, D9T, and D10T--are powered by Cat engines with ACERT technology that meet Tier 3 emission...

Mast-climbing work platform.(CONEXPO Product Preview)
March 1, 2005... The GP40 is a mast-climbing work platform for just about any high-rise construction application. It features two 1.5-kilowatt lifting motors for a single mast or four motors for a twin-mast configuration. Its twin-mast load capacity reaches up...

On the move: these are not your father's portable batch plants.(Product Pulse)
March 1, 2005... The design of portable concrete batch plants has matured in the last few years. What often was seen as a 5-cubic-yard, 90-yard-per-hour, labor-intensive liability is now a high-production, 12-cubic-yard, 220-yard-per-hour, self-erecting asset....

Central mix plant.(Product Pulse)
March 1, 2005... The RexCon Model S central mix plant offers the best combination of portability, volume production, and quality mixing capabilities. Pin-connected for fast setup, it is available in 10- and 12-cubic-yard sizes. It can produce 35 loads per hour...

Single- or double-drum configurations.(Product Pulse)
March 1, 2005... The 454L mobile central mix plants are designed for high mobility and durability. They feature 12- and 15-yard capacities in single- and double-drum configurations, and include hinged and self-aligning pinned to-together components. Also...

Easy movement.(Product Pulse)
March 1, 2005... The PBS portable batch plant moves easily from one jobsite to another. Everything needed to produce concrete is on the base unit so the plant is ready to go within four hours of arriving at the construction site. The front bin holds 60,000...

New concept in mobile mixing.(Product Pulse)
March 1, 2005... The Mobilmix 2.25 offers a new concept of mobile mixing plants and is comparable with the standard stationary mixing plants. The entire plant is moved in only a few transportable units. The basic machine with control container is mounted on a...

Erects in less than four hours.(Product Pulse)
March 1, 2005... The HT series Haganator Travel-all batch plants are completely mobile and travel as single loads of freight. The plant can be erected and operational in less than four hours. All components are on board and the plant is pre-wired, plumbed for...

New mobile plant.(Product Pulse)
March 1, 2005... The new Eagle mobile plant by Stephens Mfg. has a 350 bbl silo and a 70-ton, three-aggregate bin. It also features a 30-inch transfer conveyor, 2-inch water meter, and a 10-hp air compressor. Optional equipment includes larger silos or two...

Artistry in pint: the best in decorative concrete now is a book.(Bookshelf)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... At the 2003 and 2004 World of Concrete, CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION magazine and the Decorative Concrete Council, a council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors, sponsored the Artistry in Decorative Concrete Demos. The demos involved...

Price breakthrough for dust collectors.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... 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...

New Hacker Floor Screeds.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... Hacker Industries, Inc. introduces two new Floor Screeds, TRUE-SCREED[R] Cementitious Leveling Underlayment and DYNA-SCREED[TM] SLU, setting a new standard of quality for self-leveling underlayments. Providing optimum compressive strengths,...

Tumblemaster.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... Revolutionary and novel aging plant for concrete pavers, the "Tumblemaster". It finishes complete layers of concrete pavers (60-100 mm) on both sides in-line with a cycle time of 10 seconds. Daily capacity 25000 sq.ft. Phone (905)...

Measure color ... measure quality.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... Far more reliable than visual inspection, the portable MiniScan XE Plus color measurement instrument provides quantitative results. It is ideal for measuring the color of your concrete product. One-handed, fully portable operation Stores...

Concrete stamping tools.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... Award winning projects begin with award winning materials. CHROMIX[R] Admixtures for Color-Conditioned[TM] Concrete are colored, water-reducing, set-controlling admixtures for ready mixed architectural concrete. Coloring concrete integrally,...

Mixer truck pumps and motors.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... Ready mix is our specialty. New hydrostatic pumps and motors are expensive. Why not go with a quality rebuilt pump and motor at a fraction of the cost? With factory trained technicians on staff and free troubleshooting advice, you get REPAIR...

Molecular cement dissolver.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... "Back-Set" Molecular Cement Dissolver is a unique acid alternative formulated by RoMix, Inc. "Back-Set" works on the molecular level breaking down the ionic bond of the portland cement, turning it to a rinse free mud! "Back-Set" is...

Colors for concrete.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... Cobalt blues are the most stable of all blues and we have been producing them in Cincinnati, Ohio since 1933. We are a fourth generation, family owned business that has grown to become the world's largest producer. With demonstrated world-class...

Mixer drums & accessories.(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... 400 brinnell drums. Reduced Weight= Increased Payload. Here at Shumaker Industries we are concluding a study on the abrasion resistant qualities of domestically milled AR400 steel. In 1998 we introduced several test drums into the market that...

TF System[R].(Producer Products showcase)
March 1, 2005... The Vertical ICF was designed to mimic traditional concrete forms, combining the benefits of ICF construction with conventional concrete forming techniques. Lightweight components assemble from the ground or floor level. The vertical...

A world of concrete.(In the Mix)
March 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Below: The show's Daily News staff caught up with Bernie Bevans, a mechanic at Southwest Concrete Products Ltd., of Cardston, Alberta, Canada, and asked what he liked best about his job. "It's challenging," he...

TCA Awards.(Associations In The Mix)(Tilt-Up Concrete Association)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) presented five professional achievement awards at World of Concrete in January. * Koladi Kripanarayanan of Concorde Consulting Group received the Peter Courtois Memorial Award. Known throughout the...

CRSI.(Associations In The Mix)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute added Andrea Talley to it staff as marketing manager of transportation systems. She will be responsible for promoting the design of steel-reinforced concrete pavements and technical structures. She also...

PCA.(Associations In The Mix)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Portland Cement Association's Education and Training Department has announced additions to its 2005 course schedule, including new and expanded courses and a regional course offering. To register and for more information about the individual...