Concrete Construction articles from April 2004

Concrete Construction archives from April 2004

Decorative schmecorative.(Editorial Comment)
April 1, 2004... Some of you who focus on commercial construction may be sick of hearing about decorative concrete. Let's face it, decorative work is not complex, the materials and tools are simple, there's little technology or equipment used, and the jobs are...

Blame game?(Reader Response)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... Your "Editorial Comment" (February 2004) states that the InterIndustry Working Group on Concrete Floor Issues took a great leap forward by simply getting concrete and flooring people together in the same room. We wholeheartedly agree with that...

TCA presents awards.(News & Events)
April 1, 2004... At its annual meeting in conjunction with the World of Concrete, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) presented several awards honoring industry professionals who have made a significant contribution to tilt-up construction, including: *...

Laura Powers joins Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates.(News & Events)
April 1, 2004... Laura Powers, one of the top petrographers in the United States has joined Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates as a consultant in the Janney Technical Center, Northbrook, III. Powers brings to WJE more than 15 years of experience in petrography....

PCA's sustainable development initiative.(News & Events)
April 1, 2004... Portland Cement Association is spearheading an educational campaign to accent concrete's role in support of sustainable development practices--building for today without depleting future resources. Titled Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable...

Soaring steel prices.(News & Events)
April 1, 2004... "Steel price increases have been sudden, steep, and devastating," Ken Simonson, the Associated General Contractors of America's chief economist said. AGC has heard from members all over the nation who report double-digit increases. "The...

The estimator as president of your company.(Tips & Trends)
April 1, 2004... If I told you there are concrete contractors making over $1 million per year in profit, and there are some making $3 million and more, would you believe me? Well, it is true! This type of earning potential is possible in the concrete...

The two most misused words in cement, concrete, and masonry.(Hime & Erlin on Concrete)
April 1, 2004... Lime--Many words have multiple definitions and usages, and that can lead to confusion. "Lime" is one example. It can mean calcium oxide (CaO), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)[sub.2]), or any calcium compound. It can even mean magnesium hydroxide...

ASCC Position Statement #11: appearance requirements for concrete slabs.(Industry Issues)
April 1, 2004... When a concrete slab has special surface appearance requirements, ACI 303.1-97, "Standard Specification for Cast-in-Place Architectural Concrete," is often cited in the project specification. To comply with this specification, the project must:...

Harmonizing with nature.(project of the month)
April 1, 2004... This privately commissioned bridge in Hillsborough, N.C., is designed to offer a place to sit down or stretch out, have a conversation, and watch the large Japanese koi that swim beneath. Your first sight of the bridge comes as a surprise. The...

Artistry in concrete: over 7500 attendees at the World of Concrete in Orlando saw what's new and exciting in decorative concrete.(Cover Story)
April 1, 2004... In the best of all worlds, a contractor who specializes in decorative concrete is very creative, possesses good knowledge of concrete, and has very good placing and finishing skills. But in the real world, one person rarely has all of these...

Building concrete parking lots: converting concrete parking specifications from asphalt to concrete can double the size of the concrete package for a project.
April 1, 2004... Traditionally, concrete parking Lots have not competed well With asphalt especially on an initial cost basis. Now new equipment and warranties are making life-cycle costs more attractive to customers. But no one is approaching this with as much...

Material selection guide: slabs on grade: even when a specification designates a certain material or accessory, contractors can often have great influence over the selection. Here is some data to help you make recommendations on shear transfer devices, steel fibers, and vapor bariers.(Material Selection Guide)
April 1, 2004... Shear transfer devices Shear can be transferred between panels at control joints in various ways. Aggregate interlock is often enough for lighter loads where the joint is saw-cut or tooled. For joints formed against side forms, keyways may...

Specifying decorative concrete; setting the scene for win-win projects.(Decorative Concrete)
April 1, 2004... Because owners pay more for a decorative concrete surface than for a plain concrete finish, they naturally expect the workmanship and quality to be much better--like expecting a Mercedes to perform better than a Chevy. But this doesn't...

Color database.(Decorative Concrete Products)
April 1, 2004... The ColorSelect Pro liquid dispensing system is a fully integrated, automated product. The database stores information from every batch of color produced, giving instant recall of plant production. Efficiencies for operators and plants are...

Wall coating coverup.(Decorative Concrete Products)
April 1, 2004... Neoflex is a decorative wall coating that bridges cracks and prevents moisture intrusion on exterior wall surfaces, prolonging the life of a building. The product combines the decorative properties of high-quality acrylic paints with the...

Permanent cured concrete stain.(Decorative Concrete Products)
April 1, 2004... Perma-Cast Sierra Stain is a penetrating, reactive stain that chemically combines with cured concrete for permanent, variegated coloring. It is suitable for a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces, including floors, walls, countertops,...

Carbon fiber reinforcement requires less cover.(Innovations)
April 1, 2004... A new carbon and epoxy-based internal reinforcement product is enabling the design of thinner, lighter concrete sections, from countertops to precast double tees. Known as C-Grid, the reinforcement consists of ultra-high-strength carbon...

A problem with lignite.(Problem Clinic)
April 1, 2004... Q. I had a concrete driveway poured 7 days ago, and noticed a couple days ago small pop marks throughout the concrete. The concrete finisher spoke with the ready-mix producer, and the salesperson said it could be lignite. Do you have any...

Pile cap design aid?(Problem Clinic)
April 1, 2004... Q. I am designing pile caps for 2-, 3-, and 4-pile groups. What reference can I use that covers pile cap design procedures for both flexure and punching shear? A. Numerous groups specialize in foundations, such as the Deep Foundations...

Form panels.(Product Update)
April 1, 2004... While all the talk recently has been over steel prices, steep increases have also been experienced with plywood. Because of the slower economy over the past few years, a number of plywood manufacturers have cut back production, says Mike...

Contractors to watch: Tilt-Con Corporation Orlando, Florida Rob Theisen, Chairman Mark Theisen, President.
April 1, 2004... * Mark: What's it like working with my brother? We've been doing this for 30 years and, like anything, it's got good and bad points--but a lot more good. He and I have a 50-year relationship where we know each other's strengths and interests....