Variety of Technical Track Topics Featured at ConcreteWorks 2016

There are a variety of technical track learning sessions that are scheduled for ConcreteWorks 2016 next month in Nashville, including:

 

Managing Returned Concrete – Industry Practices, Monday, September 19, 2 - 3 p.m. A new specification, ASTM C1798, is now available that addresses reusing fresh returned concrete by materials to create a new batch. This session will briefly outline the details of this specification. The seminar will outline and discuss successful quality and operational practices in the industry related to reusing fresh returned concrete and recycled materials. Speakers are Colin Lobo, NRMCA; Godwin Amekuedi, ARGOS USA and Herb Burton, Central – A US Concrete Company

 

How Can Mixer Drivers Positively Impact the Quality of Concrete, Monday, September 19, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Ready mixed driver professionals have an impact on the condition of truck mixers and maintain custody of the product from the point concrete is batched to the point it is delivered to the job site. They are often the sole representative of the company at the job site and can document several aspects that can either impact the quality or cause an acceptable load to be rejected by improper testing. This seminar will provide ideas on how to empower drivers to positively impact quality of concrete. Speaker is Vince Frost, Strata Corporation

 

Negotiating for Performance Specifications – Let’s Minimize Unnecessary Prescription, Tuesday, September 20, 10 - 11 a.m.. Concrete producers should not be wary of performance specifications. These specifications significantly benefit concrete producers who are knowledgeable and follow basic quality control practices. There are very few applications that need complicated performance-based requirements and associated testing. Much of the problem in current specifications is an unnecessary level of prescription that prevents the producer from developing mixtures optimized for cost needed performance. Some basic concepts will be discussed and available resources such as a guide to improving specifications and the Specification in Practice (SIP) series to use when discussing with specifiers will be provided. Speakers are Michael Whisonant, Martin Marietta and Colin Lobo, NRMCA

 

Resources to Troubleshoot and Improve Acceptance Testing of Concrete, Tuesday, September 20, 11 a.m. - noon. Most ready mixed concrete producers are impacted by improper procedures for testing concrete by third-party testing agencies. This presentation will discuss the general requirements for testing in Codes and Standards, steps that the producer can use to evaluate test results, and resources to address in pre-construction meetings and education of these issues at the local level. A representative of testing agencies will provide a perspective on issues and challenges with providing reliable test results. Speakers are Karthik Obla, NRMCA and Alfred Gardiner, Braun Intertec.