Concrete Construction articles from January 2005

Concrete Construction archives from January 2005

Concrete steroids.(Editorial Comment)
January 1, 2005... The purest performance-based event in athletics has to be the 100-meter dash. All that matters is being the first person to run from the starting line to the finish line. No complicated rules, no requirements for this type of shoe or that type...

Placing welded wire.(Reader Response)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2005... We were surprised at the letter from Mr. Leon Burch in your October issue suggesting that American contractors have trouble placing welded wire at the correct level in concrete. For over 15 years, New Zealand concrete layers have been using a...

Comment on tolerance specs.(News & Events)
January 1, 2005... Specifications for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials, reported by ACI Committee 117, is available for public comment through January 31, 2005. To read and comment on the document go to www.concrete.org/. On the right side,...

The Tilt-Up Construction and Engineering Manual.(News & Events)
January 1, 2005... The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) has released the sixth edition of The Tilt-Up Construction and Engineering Manual. The Manual is the first of a three-volume resource on site-cast Tilt-Up design and construction currently in the...

Revised Tilt-Up Wind Bracing Guideline.(News & Events)
January 1, 2005... According to Jim Baty, technical director of the TCA, the new Tilt-Up Wind Bracing Guideline addresses recent changes made in a number of states' codes. For example, in response to the mass destruction caused by Hurricane Andrew, Florida...

ACI publication on cast-in-place architectural concrete.(News & Events)
January 1, 2005... The American Concrete Institute announces the availability of new publication 303R-04: "Guide to Cast-in-Place Architectural Concrete." It is currently available for $43.50 (ACI members $25.00), plus postage and, if applicable, tax. This guide...

New PCA chairman.(News & Events)
January 1, 2005... The Portland Cement Association (PCA) Board of Directors elected James (Jim) A. Repman as chairman earlier this month during the association's board meeting in Boca Raton, Fla. Repman will serve a 2-year term as PCA chairman, succeeding Dan...

Super ICFs.(News & Events)
January 1, 2005... Delivering unparalleled energy efficiency (cutting utility costs by 50%), NUDURA Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) create homes that are FOUR times more fire-resistant and can withstand the rigors of time, the elements of wind, fire, and rain, and...

'Analytics' in solving problems--truly synergism in action.(Hime & Erlin on Concrete)
January 1, 2005... Bill Hime reports that in the early 1950s, at the Research and Development Laboratories of the Portland Cement Association, the analytical chemists were separated from the petrographers, and each worked in near isolation. When Bernie joined...

The core elements of value.(The Business of Concrete Contracting)
January 1, 2005... To learn how a construction company is performing, the first place most people look is the financial statements. But the real measure of management effectiveness is whether it creates or destroys value. Some might say "sell more, work faster,...

Wonders of Africa, Evanston, Illinois.(project of the month)
January 1, 2005... Just north of Chicago, the continent of Africa suddenly took form in a small Evanston playlot for tots. Renaissance Decorative Concrete of Libertyville, Ill., was called on to frame, place, stamp, sandblast, and color the 40x37-foot concrete...

Concrete Las Vegas: a cross section of projects and principals for construction.(Cover Story)
January 1, 2005... Concrete seems to be made for the desert Southwest. Add a little color to it, and it looks as if it were cut from the baked hardpan ground. Las Vegas architects and builders love concrete--its strength, its look, and its durability. To...

Specifying concrete for performance: always a gamble, your best bet might be to seek expert advice.
January 1, 2005... Concrete is both marvelously simple and marvelously complex. Mix appropriate amounts of portland cement, aggregates, and water, and you have one of the world's most versatile and durable construction materials. On the other hand, if you vary...

Finishing lightweight air-entrained concrete: no problem if you follow standard practice.
January 1, 2005... Lightweight-aggregate, air-entrained concrete is increasingly used to cast interior, above-grade floors. There are two principal reasons for its use: cost savings and fire resistance. According to John Ries, executive director of the Expanded...

Minimizing risks when lifting and bracing today's tilt-up structures.
January 1, 2005... Every site-cast tilt-up concrete construction project requires hard work and planning before the building can be erected. Watching the enormous concrete panels being lifted and set into place is an awe-inspiring event that occurs only with...

Putting SCC to the test: self-consolidating concrete solves a dam problem.
January 1, 2005... In 1999, Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) to design and construct modifications to the 1950s' era Folsom Dam near Sacramento, Calif., to increase the hydraulic performance of the existing outlets. A study of...

A new water standard for concrete: does the new standard hold water?
January 1, 2005... Changes in concrete and construction sometimes come at a glacial pace. But such changes also tend to be significant. One such change occurred at the semi-annual ASTM meeting in June. After 8 years of development and more than 20 years of...

Doing accurate layout work.
January 1, 2005... Van and Lawrence Smith founded Smith Bros. Concrete Contractors, Walden, N.Y., in 1975. They bought a truck for $300 and had to borrow $3 for gas to drive it home. For the first several years they installed block and brick masonry but gradually...

Developing a winning team: the becoming great series: #3--keep learning.
January 1, 2005... One of our greatest challenges as an industry is the development of our people. The issue is directly tied to employee morale, retention, and even our end-product. As such, the development of training programs that allow individuals to discover...

Go ahead, take the LEED: contractors can play a key role in achieving certification.
January 1, 2005... The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is putting a new spin on marketing in the building design and construction industries. Through its associated Green Building Rating System, claims of environmental responsibility...

Paving without string: freeing pavers, trimmers, and curb-and-gutter slipform pavers from their lifelines.
January 1, 2005... For years, paving equipment manufacturers have been telling us that stringless paving technology is close at hand. But freeing paving machines from the string lines that guide them has been much more difficult than expected. All of the paving...

Delamination: the sometime curse of entrained air: some case studies that resulted in delamination.
January 1, 2005... Air entrainment in concrete was discovered accidentally about 70 years ago. Since then, entrained air has provided many blessings to concrete such as increased workability at lower water-cement ratios and reduced bleeding. And there is its...

The inside scoop on world of concrete.(World of Concrete)
January 1, 2005... So much to do it. That's what most people feel when they get to the World of Concrete and discover the breadth of the activities. Having been to quite a few shows over the years, I thought I could provide a few tips on how to make the most of...

The case of the disappearing diamond.(Products Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... When a new $800 diamond concrete cutting saw disappeared from a Kaikor Construction jobsite, then mysteriously reappeared 3 weeks later, not a single worker could (or would) own up to the loss. Garrett Sullivan, president of Kaikor...

Mast-climbing work platforms.(Products Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... Kenosha, Wisconsin-based Riley Construction had several years ago purchased mast-climbing work platforms from Bracing Systems, Inc., for its masonry division. When it was awarded the job for St. Luke's hospital addition in 2002, it had a...

Taking the big box stores to a new aesthetic level.(Products Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... Wal-Mart has specified Solomon Colors as a supplier for a custom liquid color for its integrally colored concrete flooring in new store installations around the country. Solomon Colors did a demo pour with Wal-Mart in El Paso, Texas, which led...

#1 Brand leader: Cemen Tech.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... Thank You CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Readers Since the company's beginning in the late 1960s, to its status today as the #1 mixer used in the industry, Cemen Tech has been committed to serving its customers. Cemen Tech's product line has been...

Father and sons install fabric formwork.(Product Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... Danny Epp and his two sons, Ryan and Brandon, recently formed and poured the footings for their new home in Tsawwassen, B.C., Canada, using the Fastfoot forming membrane. The building site was excavated on two separate levels to minimize...

World's most extensive concrete bridge repairs.(Product Solving Problems)
January 1, 2005... The use of brackish water in the original concrete mix has led to extensive and complex concrete repairs to Sweden's combined Svino and Oland Bridge. Crumbling piers have been covered with reinforced concrete shells and the affected foundations...

High production stamping.(Decorative Concrete)
January 1, 2005... Recently, the city of Muskegon, Mich., decided to reclaim land that was once used to manufacture Sherman tanks during World War II. Its goal was to build a tourist area called Edison Landing, bordering on Muskegon Lake, which flows into Lake...

Why use curing compounds?(Decorative Tip of the Month)
January 1, 2005... The pro's know: Using a curing compound is the reliable means to achieve good curing results. Other methods lead to problems, customer dissatisfaction and job claims. Why? Water based curing methods or air curing can leach soluble salts from...

Why use sealers?(Decorative Tip of the Month)
January 1, 2005... The pro's know: Sealers help to protect the beauty of all uncolored, colored or multicolored decorative concrete. Weather, dirt, water stains, petroleum products, deicing salts and abrasion can present challenges that harm the appearance....

The wet look for decorative concrete.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... Using new cross-linking chemistry previously unavailable to industry, Lifeguard Wet Look Gloss is a high-solids sealer designed to enhance and protect decorative concrete. It is effective for use on acid-stained and integrally colored concrete....

Beautiful tilt-up.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... Embedding genuine architectural concrete masonry veneer into the face of a panel, the Chameleon Cast Wall system makes tilt-up beautiful. By laying the 2-inch facers in the casting bed before pouring concrete, a tilt crew can give a wall a...

Maintenance-free deck coating.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... ForeverCoat is a maintenance-free deck coating that requires no recoatings--ever. Applied with slurry coat (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick), it provides exceptional protection against the elements and heavy pedestrian traffic. It is ideal for new or...

Decorative concrete system.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... The Rock-N-Roller is a new patterned decorative concrete roller system for concrete slabs. Its border rollers come in five available patterns and have matching accessories. Lightweight and easy to use, the roller produces professional looking...

Odorless decorative sealer.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... NeutraSeal is an odorless, solvent-based concrete sealer that is ideal for interior concrete areas, decorative overlays, and acid-stained floors. It provides color enhancement, or a wet look, without noxious fumes, so there is no need for heavy...

Concrete makeover solution.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... Change the color of your concrete without changing the texture with the Newlook Concrete Color Maintenance system. It is a water-based, non-acid, solid-color stain that penetrates the concrete surface for almost any desired color with a...

Surface pH tester.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... The PH100 ExStik pH meter has a flat surface electrode for pH measurements of semi-solid and solid surfaces. Concrete and masonry contractors can determine if the cement surfaces are properly neutralized before application of decorative...

Shifting color decorative sealer.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... Pearl Essence sealer is a new high-tech concrete sealer specifically for the decorative market. With its combination of a sealer and aggregated color, it applies and appears clear, but cures to create the appearance of changing colors. From one...

Long-lasting green acid stain.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... The hunter green and sage green, chrome-etch acid stains were developed so as not to discolor like traditional copper-based green acid stains. The sage green stain is formulated for staining concrete that is no more than 2 days old, eliminating...

Water-based concrete stain.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... Smith's Color Floor waterbased stains were developed to achieve a natural variegated appearance as an alternative to hazardous solvent and acid-based stains. It is alkali- and UV-resistant, with superior adhesion to interior and exterior...

Decorative cut saw.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... The X150D decorative Prowler saw is designed specifically for the contractor who is seeking a no-hassle way to make decorative cuts. The tool is also intended to be economical and durable. It has a low-noise, low-vibration 4.5-hp Robin engine...

Acid stain enhancer.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... Acid Stain Enhancer & Neutralizer intensifies the reaction of acid stain to minerals in concrete, thereby enhancing colors. Use after the stain has been applied and dried, and it will deepen the color, create uniformity if applied uniformly, or...

Visualize decorative concrete.(Decorative Concrete MIP Entries)
January 1, 2005... Customers can visualize decorative concrete on their own property with the new DecoCon Imaging software. It allows contractors to go to a customer's home, take a digital picture of the driveway and instantly show what a number of different...

Safety.(Concrete basics)
January 1, 2005... The new Concrete Basics department will focus on the basic building blocks of concrete construction that everyone onsite needs to know. While there are many things important to concrete construction, such as quality work and making a profit,...

Standardized tests for SCC.(Problem Clinic)
January 1, 2005... Q. We are thinking about proposing the use of self-consolidating concrete on an upcoming project, but one challenge we face is coming up with acceptance criteria everybody feels comfortable with. What's going on with the development of...

Cutting a prestressed precast floor.(Problem Clinic)
January 1, 2005... Q. We are installing a lift in a church that has a prestressed, precast concrete elevated floor. Concern has been expressed about cutting an opening in the floor to install a lift. Can a precast hollow-core concrete floor be cut? Any...

Place your bets: seek your fortune in the third annual Most Innovative Product contest at the 2005 World of Concrete.(Product Update)
January 1, 2005... Every year Hanley Wood's Most Innovative Products contest gets better. Now in its third year, the contest again includes the Experts' Choice and Attendees' Choice awards, highlighting the products that save you time and money. Everyone at...

ACR SmartReader Plus 6.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... ACR Offers an Affordable, Convenient Solution for Monitoring Concrete Curing. The palm-sized ACR SmartReader Plus 6 provides the perfect solution for monitoring concrete curing. The logger provides you with the temperature history of concrete...

Hand-operated portable group pump.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... The Handy-Grout[TM] by Airplaco The Handy-Grout[TM] is the most versatile, durable line of portable grout pumps available. A hand-operated, self-priming positive piston pump, the Handy-Grout pumps material up to 15 cu ft per hr. The Handy-Grout...

Aquafin-IC ADMIX.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... AQUAFIN-IC ADMIX an easy-to-use liquid crystalline waterproofing admixture, forms crystalline fibers within the capillary pores, producing a waterproof concrete which resists even extreme hydrostatic pressure. IC ADMIX also improves compressive...

SCB-1200.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... After 2 years of research, development and testing, B W Manufacturing, Inc. has produced the only mid-sized ride on shotblast/scarifying machine on the market today. The SCB-1200 gives you mobility and versatility by being able to switch from...

Carnie Cap[TM].(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... Rebar Protective System OSHA Compliant Reduce Product & Labor Costs... Reduce Risk. Prevents impalement and other injuries caused by exposed rebar. Used in conjunction with a 2" x 4" or 2" x 6" the system works in horizontal, incline and...

Concrete crack repair.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... Interested in a fast growing contracting specialty? Consider joining the Kemko[TM] applicator program, an established network of concrete repair and epoxy crack injection contractors. Learn theory and technique from the industry's most...

Epoxy Healer/Sealer.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... CCS[TM] Epoxy Healer/Sealer for cracked concrete. Clear, low viscosity, solvent free, structural repair adhesive for porous or cracked topping slabs, industrial floors, parking decks and loading docks. Flood application provides deep...

Grouting Systems.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... ChemGrout manufactures the world's largest selection of grouting equipment. From high capacity colloidal systems to hand grout pumps. Production rates to 45 GPM and pressures to 2000 PSI. Their patented pumps are industry standards offering...

PM knuckleboom cranes.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... PM cranes are available for handling gang or hand set forms, precast, brick or blocks. Full hydraulic horizontal reaches to 86'and available with such options as remote control or top seat controls. Complete packages available including chassis...

ChemTec one.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... High performance, water based, nontoxic chemical treatment that hardens, strenghes, stabilizers, protects, increases the mass & density, and extends the useful life of concrete. The Only Densifier in the World that meets the Ohio, Illinois and...

Gang Adapters for rent nationwide.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... If you gang form with Ellis panels or another similar system you should try Ellis Gang Adapter. They will speed up your production and save you money. We rent Gang Adapters Nationwide. Call Andy for details at 800-654-9261 ...

Color & texture products.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... We have quality products at the lowest prices. Color Hardeners, Powder Release, Liquid Release, Acrylic Sealers, Epoxy Sealers, Acid Stains, Acrylic Polymers, Stamp Polymers, Stamps. For more infomation contact us at 985-735-1291 Garic...

Starter packages.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... Hydraulic Mudpumps, Inc. manufactures five different slab raising pumps to fit a variety of applications including slabjacking, shotcreteing, and pressure grouting. Starter packages are available that include mixers, pumps, carrying racks and...

Handleless concrete finishing brushes Trac II kit.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 1, 2005... This kit has it all! Includes the Chameleon Trac II, four refill brushes, a multi-use adapter, and an aluminum carry case to protect your investment.It is available in three sizes (4'-6'-8') and the refill brushes come in a variety of...

Molecular Cement Dissolver.(Products for the Pros showcase)
January 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...

Scofield Systems brochure.(Products for the Pros: showcase)
January 1, 2005... Request the new Scofield Systems brochure for an easy selection guide. See the Difference with professional stains, dry-shake hardener, release agents, stamping and texturing tools, and cementitious toppings. Find out about our next generation...

Scurto Cement Construction.(Contractors to Watch)
January 1, 2005... Greg Scurto President and CEO Scurto Cement Construction Elgin, Illinois * I grew up in the industry. At 11 years old I began sorting the mail for another company, and from there I went into estimating, and educated myself...