Technology Track Is Highlight of NRMCA's ConcreteWorks

NRMCA ConcreteWorks is scheduled for September 21-23 in Indianapolis. The following are highlights of the Technology Track sessions:

• Nuts and Bolts of NRMCA’s EPD, CSR and HPD Programs (September 22, 9 - 10 a.m.) – NRMCA has developed several programs to help its members on the evolving transparency requirements for sustainability reporting that are being required by engineering design firms for the LEED v4 rating systems and other standards. This session will discuss reporting requirements pertinent to the ready mixed concrete industry for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Corporate Sustainability Reports (CSRs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs).
• Developing an International Responsible Sourcing Certification System for Concrete (September 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon) – In the green building arena, product suppliers are being asked to report on their environmental, health and social performance through corporate social reporting (responsible sourcing). A new organization – the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) – was established to administer a certification system. NRMCA believes that participation in this endeavor can help member companies obtain financial stability, increase productivity and expand their market.
• Understanding the Needs of the Contractor: The Customer is Always Right (September 22, 2:15 - 3:45 p.m.) – Michael Schneider with Baker Concrete, representing the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC), will provide an overview of issues important to the contractor for a successful project. He will discuss issues on scheduling, rate of placement, consistency between loads and various other requirements for fresh concrete that are important to the contractor depending on the placement method and application being built.
• Real-time Concrete: Addressing the Challenges of Batching Variability - Improve Efficiency and Save Money (September 22, 4:15 - 5:45 p.m.) – There are various opportunities for evaluating and improving plant performance considering consistency in batching and quantifying inventory and impact on quality of concrete. This session will discuss real-time batching tools that can help producers realize the benefits of these tools in terms of efficient material usage, savings in material costs and improvement in quality and overall performance.
• Internal Curing – Value Proposition for the Ready Mixed Concrete Producer - The Value is Yours to Offer (September 23, 8 - 9:30 a.m.) – General concepts on internal curing for high performance concrete will be discussed. The value proposition that ready-mixed producers can provide by using these principles in value added products to customers will be documented by case studies in various applications. When properly used, internal curing can reduce shrinkage and associated cracking and improve the service life of concrete structures. The session will discuss mixture proportioning and quality control requirements for furnishing high-performance concrete using internal curing.

The NRMCA Research Engineering and Standards (RES) Committee will meet on Sunday, September 21, from noon to 6 p.m. The NRMCA Excellence in Quality Awards will be presented to successful member companies at the Awards Luncheon on September 22 from noon to 2 p.m.