During the first six months of 2014, NRMCA has released a variety of new and updated publications. From the ever popular Concrete In Practice (CIP) topics to the brand new release of the Online Safety Series, NRMCA strives to enhance the ready mixed industry with our publications and services to help our members improve their operations. Here is an overview of our new and/or updated titles:

New and Revised CIP and TIP Topics - Working with the NRMCA Research Engineering and Standards (RES) Committee, NRMCA has released a new topic in the Concrete in Practice (CIP) series. CIP 43 – Alkali Aggregate Reactions (AAR) discusses the causes for deleterious expansions due to alkali silica and alkali carbonate reactions in concrete, test methods and methods of mitigating the problem – in the What? Why? And How? Format. Sold in pkgs. of 50  Member $21 | Non-member $30; Order here.

The following CIP topics have been revised to include more current information; Individual topics (sold in pkgs. of 50)  Member $21 | Non-member $30:

• CIP 1 – Dusting Concrete Surfaces, Order here

• CIP 2 – Scaling Concrete Surfaces, Order here

• CIP 4 – Cracking Concrete Surfaces, Order here

• CIP 5 – Plastic Shrinkage Cracking, Order here

• CIP 6 – Joints in Concrete Slabs on Grade, Order here

• CIP 26 – Jobsite Addition of Water, Order here

• CIP 27 – Cold Weather Concreting, Order here

The CIP series can be ordered here.

New Topic in TIP Series - Chloride Limits in Concrete is the new topic in NRMCA's Technology in Practice series (TIP 13). TIP 13 addresses the limits on internal chlorides in concrete as addressed in the Building Code, ACI 318. It discusses reasons for the limits, sources of internal chlorides, testing for chlorides and discusses the calculation of chloride content in concrete from the mixture ingredients. To order Chloride Limits in Concrete (Pkg. of 10) click here; member $10 | Non-member $20. To order the TIP set, click here TIP Single Set Member $20 | Non-member $40.

New Promotion Flyers Target Auto Dealers - The full color, two-page flyers list the benefits of concrete pavements for auto dealers – cost effective, reduced lighting costs, superior performance and enhanced vehicle display. They also include testimonials from auto dealers who have made the switch to concrete. "We have even included a space on the flyer for ready mix producers and/or contractors to include their individual contact information, for prospecting purposes," said NRMCA's Phil Kresge. The flyers are available in pdf format for free download at NRMCA’s promotion resource Web site. Larger quantity printed orders can be purchased through NRMCA’s e-store here (for portrait flyers) and here (for landscape format) Member $25 | Non-member $25.

New Publication: Improving Concrete Quality - This book discusses concrete quality measurement as well as the tangible and intangible benefits due to improved quality. The book suggests steps to measure and reduce variability due to concrete ingredient materials, manufacturing and testing, and thereby improve concrete quality. The book gets into basic statistics and how to use test data to improve quality. Doing a test and collecting data by itself is of little value unless data analysis and necessary corrective action are taken. The book addresses a number of topics that are of great interest, including how to identify poor testing, poor initial curing; how do identify abnormal material variation; how to control mixing water variation; improving batching accuracy; how to ensure ingredient material quality; elements of a quality management system; how to do a quality audit and tests a concrete producer should do. Click here to order, Member $60 | Non-member $96.

User’s Guide to ASTM Specification C94/C94M on Ready-Mixed Concrete 2nd Edition - This second edition includes 22 comprehensive chapters that explain every section of ASTM C 94/C94M, including background, scope, referenced documents, ordering information, materials, requirements for production, acceptance of concrete and much more. Authors: D. Gene Daniel and Colin L. Lobo. 160 Pages. Member $75 | Non-member $89. Order online.

ASTM Standards for Ready-Mixed Concrete, 5th Edition - This new compilation of 38 current ASTM standards related to ready mixed concrete includes the principal specifications and test methods that are referenced in ASTM C94/C94M Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete. The compilation also includes the Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing. This compilation is relevant to other methods of producing concrete, such as precast and site mixed concrete. It represents the latest information in the industry and is a valuable resource and essential reference for specifiers, engineers, architects, contractors, builders, testing laboratories, concrete material suppliers, concrete producers and students. By special arrangement with ASTM International, this publication is only available to NRMCA members at a considerable discount from the ASTM list price. 301 pages; Single copy Member price: $110, order online. For 10 or more copies, $100 each - order online.

NRMCA's 2014 Drivers' Hours of Service Regulations Compliance Guide has all the answers and can help you and your company be prepared for complying with the recent HOS changes. Regular member price $80; Non-member price $350. Order online.

NRMCA Launches Online Safety Series - Each streamed lesson is about 20 minutes long and includes quizzes to provide proof of training and comprehension. They are accessible online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1 month streaming access per title per company: $100 member, $400 non-member.

•Concrete Mixer Truck Backing Accident Prevention Program - Mixer drivers learn about the root causes of backing accidents and 11 prevention tips. Appropriate for front and rear discharge mixers. Click here to purchase.

•Concrete Mixer Truck Rules for Using a Backing Spotter - Mixer drivers learn seven steps to use when working with a spotter, including proper hand and arms signals as well as blind spot awareness tips. Appropriate for front and rear discharge mixers. Click here to purchase.