NRMCA President Robert Garbini last month was interviewed by CQ Roll Call magazine on the effect of the federal Highway Trust Fund's impending cash shortage and the ready mixed concrete industry.  His comments were made as part of a conference held by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who asked several transportation industry leaders to appear with her to discuss the issue. Garbini said that the impact of a federal highway funding hiatus would be felt every place in the nation because his $45 billion industry is ubiquitous. Read more.

Ronnie Clay of NRMCA Producer member Dolese Bros., Oklahoma City, recently contacted NRMCA Vice President, National Resources, Amy Miller after Miller discussed the Design Assistance Program (DAP) at a Dolese sales team meeting. Clay told her that he identified a Sears Outlet project and made contact with the general contractor after some difficulty. Clay then discussed the option of concrete with the DAP report in hand. The contractor took the concrete option to the owner and was successful in getting a commitment from the owner to switch the project from asphalt to concrete. The project (shown here) was completed earlier this year, Miller said.
                                                

Join in the fun as we celebrate the folks that keep the ready mixed concrete industry moving – the industry’s best drivers! NRMCA is excited to offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities for the 9th Annual National Truck Mixer Championship scheduled to take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 21. The Championship is always a highlight of NRMCA’s ConcreteWorks Conference & Expo each autumn.

ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates celebrated 100 years of standards development for the concrete industry at its recent meeting in Toronto. The committee was formed in 1914 and has developed standards over this period for constituent materials of concrete, with the exception of cement, test methods and practices. The committee maintains 176 standards that are published in the Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 04.02. The development of standards is facilitated by 31 subcommittees and 1,400 members, of which about 200 attend the meetings in June and December. The standards developed by C09 in concert with those developed by ACI on design and construction, including the ACI 318 Building Code, are essential to civil infrastructure in the U.S. and other countries.
 

The centennial was commemorated with a dinner event attended by 150 people. Past C09 chairmen Doug Hooton and Tony Fiorato and current Chairman Steve Parker addressed the attendees and elucidated on the progress made by the committee and the credibility and value of the standards it develops and maintains. The committee is ably managed by Staff Manager Scott Orthey.

Click here for more information on ASTM Committee C09.

NRMCA Senior Vice President of Engineering Colin Lobo was recognized by ASTM Committee C09 with the Award of Merit with the title of Fellow of ASTM. The Award of Merit is the highest individual recognition awarded by ASTM; nominations are by peers with several types of service evaluated. The citation: "For tireless service to ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates; particularly for his outstanding contributions to technology transfer, specifications for concrete materials, test methods for fresh and hardened concrete, evaluation of data, and assessment of laboratories."

Lobo has been active in ASTM committees since he joined NRMCA in 1991. He received the C09 Katharine and Bryant Mather Member Contribution Award in 2006 and was recognized as an Honorary Member of Committee C01 on Cement in 2012.

The application form for the 2014 NRMCA National Mixer Driver Championship being held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, September 21, is now available. As with previous years, this year’s NRMCA National Mixer Driver Championship will be held during NRMCA’s ConcreteWorks & Board of Directors’ Meeting, this year located at the JW Marriott Indianapolis from September 21-23.

Application forms for the 2014 NRMCA Mixer Driver Championship are due by Tuesday, July 15. Accepted applicants will be notified shortly thereafter and official registration forms will be sent by e-mail. Applicants must complete the registration form and return it to NRMCA, along with the entry fee, by Friday, August 1. In early August, applicants will receive final instructions, including a map of the Challenge Course and reference materials for the written exam. Download the application form and driver schedule of events here. 

According to a new U.S. Green Building Council report, green homebuilding is on the rise. The report shows the demand for green residential building is strong with more than 150,000 LEED certified units including multifamily high rises. Concrete is the only material that can contribute to all credit categories in LEED and this is true for LEED for Homes as well. 

Policy campaigns like NRMCA’s effort to include resiliency in LEED by tapping into the inherent benefits of concrete is also a central theme in the report. "Understanding the risks in any particular location, and then designing and building homes that mitigate that risk," is a major driver for the redevelopment of New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina using the LEED for Homes certification. More than ever, the focus for green building is on building for safety and durability as "no one can argue the influx of tsunamis, hurricanes, floods and extreme weather condition," says the report (click here for the USGBC report).

With the green building momentum continuing to pave the way for greater use of concrete, take this opportunity to educate yourself with NRMCA's "Building Green with Concrete Course," held online next week from July 7-10.

This online course provides state-of-the-art strategies, technologies and methodologies for designing sustainable concrete projects to maximize environmental performance. This course is intended for architects and engineers. Ready mixed concrete technical and operations professionals will also benefit from this course.

Media articles on Congress, transportation infrastructure, regulation, taxes and other subjects, each of which relate to the ready mixed concrete industry, are updated each week by NRMCA's Government Affairs staff. To access the most recent compilation of articles for June 23 - 27, please click here.

In late June, the Senate Finance Committee discussed a plan to bail out the insolvent Highway Trust Fund (HTF) through the end of December but recessed without holding a vote. Instead, Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Orin Hatch (R-UT) agreed to work together and with House Ways and Means Chairman David Camp (R-MI) over the week-long July 4 recess to come up with a plan that will be accepted by Democrats and Republicans.

To begin, Wyden offered a modification of his original $9 billion proposal which eliminated the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use tax increase on trucks in the original bill. Senators Hatch and John Thune (R-SD) opposed this tax change. Wyden and Hatch jointly decided that there is not enough time to produce a long-term Trust Fund solvency solution before the August recess; they are working to pay for the short-term fix. Hatch also emphasized the need to preserve the "user-pays" principle in future Trust Fund revenue agreements. The remainder of the meeting was spent with senators giving short speeches on the need for a long-term surface transportation authorization. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the HTF needs $8 billion to remain solvent until Dec. 31.

Late last month, the Supreme Court in National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) v. Noel Canning unanimously  ruled that President Obama violated the Constitution in 2012 when he appointed Sharon Block, Terence F. Flynn and Richard F. Griffin Jr., to the National Labor Relations Board during a break in the Senate’s work when the chamber was convening every three days in short pro forma sessions in which no business was conducted.

The ruling means that the hundreds of decisions made while the agency was unconstitutionally constructed are now in doubt. The NLRB will need to revisit those verdicts, which could draw the labor board away from its agenda – including the recently re-proposed "ambush" election rule. The NLRB is now scrambling to determine what is required following the finding that the board contained members whose appointments were unconstitutional. Following the decision the NLRB announced, "We are analyzing the impact that the Court’s decision has on Board cases in which the January 2012 recess appointees participated. The Agency is committed to resolving any cases affected by today’s decision as expeditiously as possible." (All the current board members have been constitutionally approved by the Senate.)

Republicans and business groups hailed the victory against the President’s overreach. NRMCA supported the Canning case through its work with the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Fox at efox@nrmca.org.

In late June, the Supreme Court issued its decision in Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA. This is the first time the Supreme Court has reviewed Greenhouse Gas regulation since it concluded that EPA had authority to regulate in Massachusetts v. EPA in 2007. In a split opinion, decided on ideological lines, the court concluded that EPA exceeded its statutory authority by changing the statutory thresholds for regulation, but held that it could still treat greenhouse gases as pollutants and require control technologies for certain sources of greenhouse gases.

The court ruled 5-4 that the EPA did not have the authority to interpret the Clean Air Act to require permits for the construction or rebuilding of certain stationary sources, such as refineries or manufacturing plants, based solely on the amount of carbon pollution they send into the atmosphere. However, the justices said the EPA may continue to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from industries that already must obtain permits for traditional air pollutants, such as iron or steel manufacturers, cement kilns or power plants. The court’s ruling allows EPA to continue regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, though not from all the sources that EPA had initially proposed to regulate. NRMCA will continue to follow EPA’s proposed regulations.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Fox at efox@nrmca.org.

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.

*Please note that e-mail and direct links to each event listed below can be accessed from NRMCA's Web site.

July 7-10, Online Course

Building Green with Concrete

Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535

 

July 8, Webinar

Understanding Asphalt

Email: Brian Killingsworth, 830-438-2690

 

July 8, Webinar

Introduction to Concrete Pavement Analyst Program

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

July 8, Webinar

The Quantifiable Advantages of Concrete Parking Lots

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

July 11, Webinar

Designing Concrete Parking Lots the Right Way!

Email: Amy Miller, 904-264-8850

 

July 15, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Elected Official Advocacy

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

July 16, Free Webinar

New Radical Material and Resources Reporting Criteria in LEEDv4

Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535

 

July 23, Webinar

Building the Customer Relationship... in the Post-Recession Economy

Email: Kimberly Pittmon, 240-485-1146

 

July 29-30, Online Course

Designing Jointed Concrete Pavement for Streets and Parking Areas

Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382

 

August 4-7, Online Course

Life Cycle Assessment of Concrete Structures

Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535

 

August 5, Free Webinar

Roller Compacted Concrete for Streets & Local Roads

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

August 6, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Promotion & Advocacy Overview

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

August 6, Webinar

Introduction to Concrete Pavement Analyst Program

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

August 6, Webinar

Designing and Specifying Pervious Concrete Part 1 (Part 2 is August 13)

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

August 6-8, Ontario, CA

Ready Mixed Concrete Safety Course

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

August 12-15, Silver Spring, MD

Plant Manager Certification Course

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

August 14, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Team Building & Situation Analysis

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

August 19, Webinar

Roller Compacted Concrete: Another Choice for Pavement

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

August 20, Free Webinar

New Radical Material and Resources Reporting Criteria in LEEDv4

Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535

 

August 20, Webinar

Recruiting & Hiring Top Performing Ready Mix Sales Reps

Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154

 

August 21, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Promotion for DOTs, Counties & Municipalities

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

September 8-10, Orlando, FL

Concrete Durability Course

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

September 9, Webinar

Designing and Specifying Pervious Concrete Part 1 (Part 2 is September 16)

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

September 10, Webinar

Re-Entrepreneuring: 7 Strategies for Rebuilding Your Business in the New Economy

Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154

 

September 12, Free Webinar

Winning Initial Streets & Roads Projects in Counties & Municipalities

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

September 12, Webinar

Designing Concrete Parking Lots the Right Way!

Email: Amy Miller, 904-264-8850

 

September 30, Webinar

Roller Compacted Concrete: Another Choice for Pavement

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

September 30, Webinar

Introduction to Concrete Pavement Analyst Program

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

October 7-10, Silver Spring, MD

CCSP Module I, "Concrete 101" - Technical/Product Knowledge

Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154

 

October 14, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Elected Official Advocacy

Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154

 

October 15, Silver Spring, MD

Improving Concrete Quality

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

November 3-7, Silver Spring, MD

Annual Concrete Technologist Training and Certification Course "Short Course"

Email: Karen Bean, 240-485-1168

 

November 7, Webinar

Designing Concrete Parking Lots the Right Way!

Email: Amy Miller, 904-264-8850

 

November 18-20, Silver Spring, MD

The Effective RMC Supervisor - Silver Spring, MD

Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154

 

November 19, Webinar

Sales Performance Assessments and Review for Ready Mix Sales Managers

Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154

 

December 3-5, Phoenix

Environmental Professional Certification Course

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

December 9-12, Phoenix

Plant Manager Certification Course

Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152

 

December 16-18, Silver Spring, MD

CCSP Module II: Customer Business Knowledge - Understanding the Concrete Contractor's Business

Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154