NRMCA Producer member Silvi Concrete has been awarded a Pennsylvania state grant to help it build a compressed natural gas fueling station. Silvi seeks to build the fueling station next to one of its concrete plants. The station will feature two fast-fill dispensers that will be available to the public and 40 slow-fill dispensers for Silvi's own fleet of vehicles.

According to recent media coverage, India is abandoning asphalt and moving to concrete roads for new construction as part of shift to life-cycle costing. The reason: concrete lasts longer than asphalt and reduces maintenance costs. All new road construction projects in the pipeline, say Indian officials, will be concrete if the cost of construction is not more than 20 percent higher than asphalt.

When you think of the concrete industry, NFL cheerleaders probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. Maybe it should - meet Tracey Lackovich, president of Super-Krete International, Inc., a company that specializes in product solutions and support for concrete repair and restoration projects. "I didn’t ever think I’d be in the concrete industry," Lackovich says. Find out how she did.

Recently, NRMCA brought a pavement design class to Louisiana sponsored by The Concrete and Aggregates Association of Louisiana (CAAL). After a presentation by Vice President, National Resources, Amy Miller on concrete pavements at CAAL’s summer convention, a municipality in attendance asked if NRMCA could deliver a pavement design class in its region. Miller then combined forces with her colleagues Amanda Hult, director, pavement structures and Brian Killingsworth, vice president, pavement structures, on a general 4-hour pavement course that included material on Pavement Design Basics, Economic Analysis, Sustainability, Design Details, Overlays and Maintenance. Hult and Killingsworth presented remotely while Miller presented and facilitated the presentation live.

"This format worked out very well," Miller said. "We were able to cover a lot of key information in a 4-hour period and the attendees liked having multiple speakers. We held this presentation in two cities and had a lot of interest in both areas. "

What is believed to be the largest concrete overlay of an asphalt parking lot in the nation began paving in mid-October in Denver, reports NRMCA Vice President, National Resources, Jon Hansen. Initial meetings with Pinehurst County Club management began in July 2014, arranged by Pinehurst member Peter Deem, formally with Holcim Cement and recipient of the 2012 NRMCA Lifetime Achievement Award for Promotion. After visiting the site with Deem, NRMCA prepared a comprehensive overview of the current condition of the existing asphalt parking lot and service roads, suggested concrete solutions to the many problem areas of the project, and then prepared a Design Assistance Program (DAP) for the site.

In early August, working with contractor contacts provided by Dave Gray with NRMCA member GCC in Denver, an experienced overlay contractor was brought in to provide budget estimates and additional construction input to the project. In September, NRMCA provided estimated life cycle cost information for Pinehurst officials to review, the analysis being based on budget estimates provided by SLV Quality Concrete and historical asphalt cost data provided by the owner. SLV Quality Concrete, an American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) member, finalized negotiations in early October and began work on the project the following week in order to capitalize on good fall weather. It is incorporating the use of a Somero 3D laser guided screed in the placement of the concrete. The fiber enriched concrete is being supplied by NRMCA member Martian Marietta Materials in metro Denver.

In light of recent changes to the stormwater regulations across the commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is currently updating its Stormwater Design Specification No. 7: Permeable Pavement. To assure that it has the most up-to-date and accurate information, the DEQ has reached out to representatives from the industry, including the Virginia Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (VRMCA), to review and comment on the specification. At the request of Hessam Nabavi, VRMCA’s industry services director for Northern Virginia, NRMCA Senior National Resources Director Phil Kresge also reviewed the specification and provided input.

"Overall, it’s a good specification. The DEQ has done its best to provide a generic specification for permeable pavement that includes pervious concrete, porous asphalt and interlocking permeable concrete pavers," Kresge said. "However, when you paint with a wide brush, you leave broad stroke marks. While all permeable pavements have many similarities, there are certain design specifics that differ from one to the next."

In his review, Kresge provided clarification on several points with regard to design, construction and maintenance. "DEQ is to be applauded for relying on the expertise of the industry to develop a stormwater best management practice (BMP) that truly is the best," he said. "And the great relationship between DEQ and VRMCA has certainly been a benefit to all."

The Niagara Falls Air Base in Western New York recently decided to utilize NRMCA’s Design Assistance Program (DAP) for a potential pervious parking lot. The decision culiminates a process that began more than three years ago when Greg Novitzki, vice president with the New York Construction Materials Association, teamed with NRMCA Senior Director, National Resources, Doug O’Neill to present on pervious concrete and introduce the Air Force Design Team to NRMCA’s Design Assistance Program. That project finally materialized since that presentation in July 2011; in fact officials not only recalled Novitzki’s and O’Neill’s visit, they also requested the help of NRMCA’s DAP.

"Both Greg and I had to go back to our notes to bring to mind who we had presented to," O’Neill said. "As it turns out, one of the designers in that meeting three years ago was one we had kept in touch with and was the one who made contact with us for this upcoming project. It just goes to show that promotion is an ongoing task that needs constant follow up. You just never know when these opportunities will arise."

Novitzki is now working with a local ready mix producer and contractor to complete the "Full-Loop" on this project, O'Neill added.

For more information, contact Doug O’Neill at doneill@nrmca.org.

NRMCA is pleased to announce that the 2015 Sponsorship Program is now available. With over 6,000 members and partners in the ready mixed concrete industry who rely on NRMCA for training and information, NRMCA is a powerful force in the ready mixed concrete industry around the globe. Click here to examine the numerous opportunities in the NRMCA Sponsorship Kit to reach key buying influences in the industry. Regardless of your budget, you’ll find opportunities that can deliver to a powerful, receptive audience at an affordable cost.

Sponsorship opportunities are limited and sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. So act now to join the growing list of members who support NRMCA through annual sponsorship!

Hanley Wood’s Commercial Construction Group is seeking entries for the 2015 Triad Award, sponsored by Concrete Construction, The Concrete Producer, and Public Works magazines. This annual award honors outstanding publicly-owned concrete projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and leadership. 2015 Triad Award entries must meet the following criteria:

• Projects must be located in North America;

• Projects must be completed or scheduled for completion between 1/1/2013 and 1/1/2015; and

• Projects must be owned or commissioned for use by a public entity. Examples include: transportation facilities (bridge, terminal, highway, port, airport), water/wastewater facility, public buildings, memorials, publicly owned sports facilities and parks. The winning project will be selected based on the team’s demonstration of innovation, sustainability and leadership while showcasing the use of portland limestone cement (PLC) as a key element of its success.

Deadline for entries is Friday, November 14. For more information, contact Shelby O. Mitchell, 2015 Triad Award coordinator, at 708-833-3344 or shelbyo.mitchell@gmail.com or the awards program Web site.

NRMCA is offering its information-packed, one-day course, Handling Concrete Specifications, Low Strength Problems and Mixture Submittals, intended for concrete producers, contractors, engineers and testing labs on Wednesday, December 10, in Denver. Dealing with concrete specifications, troubleshooting low strength problems and ensuring proper mixture submittals can be expensive and time consuming. This one-day course will get into code and specification requirements (ACI 318, 301, ASTM C94) governing ready mixed concrete including exposure categories in the ACI Building Code 318-11. It will suggest specification revisions for all around benefits in performance and cost which is based on a specification guideline document. The guideline document is the result of review of numerous concrete specifications (Section 03300) belonging to large owners and has been reviewed and supported by the NRMCA Research Engineering and Standards Committee.

The course will cover the analysis of strength test results to identify causes for low strength problems and provide guidance to track compliance with specification requirements. Non-destructive testing techniques like the Rebound Hammer, core testing, evaluating core test results for acceptance and assignment of responsibility will be discussed. The course also provides necessary details required for an efficient concrete mixture submittal following the ACI 318 Flowchart for Selection of Concrete Mixtures.

Course instructors are Luke Snell, P.E., FACI, FASCE, Western Technologies and Karthik Obla, Ph.D., P.E., vice president, technical services, at NRMCA. Producers, contractors, engineers and testing labs will find the discussions on investigating low strength problems and specifications very helpful to address issues that impact partnering, project cost and schedule. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will earn 8 professional development hours, a certificate of completion and credits toward NRMCA’s STEPS program. 

Click here for more information, registration options and staff contact.

This past April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed rule to drastically expand the jurisdiction of waters covered under the Clean Water Act (CWA). NRMCA has long been concerned about how expansion of the CWA would place an undue burden on ready mixed concrete operations, aggregate operations and new construction starts. This specific expansion of federal authority under the CWA holds unnecessary and overreaching regulatory implications that would adversely affect ready mixed concrete operations, such as washout pits, sedimentation ponds, settling basins and more.

The deadline for submitting comments in opposition to the "Waters of the U.S." proposal is Friday, November 14. NRMCA urges you to submit comments in opposition to the rule in order to protect ready mixed concrete operations from further, unnecessary regulatory burdens. Please click here to obtain template comments for your use. To submit finalized comments, e-mail them to ow-docket@epa.gov and include EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880 in the subject line of the message. For information on submitting comments or to view the entire proposed rule, please click here.

NRMCA's Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional Driver of the Year Award acknowledges the significant contribution of ready mixed concrete truck drivers to the growth and success of individual companies and the ready mixed concrete industry. As a salute to these key members of the concrete production and delivery team, the award recognizes the driver’s career achievement, safety, professionalism, competence and customer service skills in a manner that will enhance the industry and public image of the career Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Professional. The 2015 Ready Mixed Concrete Truck Driver of the Year Award winner will be honored at an awards presentation ceremony at NRMCA’s Annual Convention in Orlando, FL, in March 2015. All nomination applications are due no later than December 31, 2014.

The deadline for submitting abstracts for the 2015 International Concrete Sustainability Conference is this upcoming Friday, November 14. The 10th annual conference, scheduled for May 11-13 at the Intercontinental Miami Hotel, will provide learning and networking opportunities on the latest advances, technical knowledge, continuing research, tools and solutions for sustainable concrete design, manufacturing and construction. Engineers, architects, public works officials, risk managers, material suppliers, researchers, academics, students, contractors, and concrete industry professionals are invited to share their experiences and accomplishments in advancing sustainable development. Proposals for papers and/or presentations are encouraged on:

• Resilience;

• Life Cycle Assessment;

• Low Impact Development;

• Material Science; and

• Social Responsibility.

As in the past, all topics will be considered. However, since the conference is in Miami, one of the largest cities in North America that will be affected by climate change, the emphasis will be placed on proposals that address disaster resilience and durability as a way to help mitigate the devastating effects of natural and man made hazards, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, earthquakes and blast.

Through the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities program, the EPA is offering technical assistance to help communities across the country, including underserved communities, coastal communities, small cities and rural areas, adopt sustainable growth strategies. The program aims to increase resilience to natural disasters and strengthen the economy while protecting human health and the environment. NRMCA members and affiliates can demonstrate their leadership in resilience by helping their community leaders take advantage of the Building Blocks program which provides quick, targeted technical assistance.

Communities may apply for assistance on one or more of the following topics: 

• Bikeshare planning;

• Equitable development;

• Infill development for distressed cities;

• Sustainable strategies for small cities and rural areas; and

• Flood resilience for riverine and coastal communities.

Twenty five communities will be selected through a competitive process with collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Last week, NRMCA Vice President of Sustainability Tien Peng informed industry professionals of the major changes to the LEEDv4 green building rating system while attending the British Columbia Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s (BCRMCA) Annual Convention in Vancouver. The primary interest of the panel is educating its members on the new LEEDv4 Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) credit which allows concrete products to contribute through disclosure of product information. PCL’s Ray Eldridge and Ocean Concrete’s Kyle Gilmour joined Peng in the panel discussion. BCRMCA is developing its regional Industry-wide EPD modeled after NRMCA’s program to help its members meet the new credit option. Approximately 60 industry professionals and contractors attended the session.

NRMCA is a leader in the movement toward transparent reporting and has a number of programs to help members meet the LEEDv4 Disclosure and Optimization credits. The USGBC has announced extending the deadline for projects to register for LEED2009 to October 2016 to allow the design and construction industry time prepare for the dramatic changes in LEEDv4.

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 November 3 - 7, please click here.

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

November 17, Webinar

Designing & Specifying Pervious Concrete (Part I)

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

 

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

 

November 21, Free Webinar

Overlays for Streets & Local Roads

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

November 24, Webinar

Designing & Specifying Pervious Concrete (Part II)

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

 

December 2-5, Austin, TX

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

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

 

December 2-5, Nashville, TN

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

Email: Darla Sparkman

 

December 3-5, Phoenix

Environmental Professional Certification Course

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

 

December 5, Free Webinar

Winning Initial Streets & Roads Projects in Counties & Municipalities

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

December 9, Webinar

Roller Compacted Concrete

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

 

December 9, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Promotion for DOTs, Counties & Municipalities

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

December 9, New Orleans

Gulf Coast Region ConcreteWorks

Email: Nicole Maher, 1-888-846-7622, ext. 1158

 

December 9-12, Phoenix

Plant Manager Certification Course

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

 

December 10, Denver

Handling Concrete Specifications

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

 

December 12, Free Webinar

SLR Concrete Construction & Repair Basics

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

December 15, Webinar

The Quantifiable Advantages of Concrete Parking Lots

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

 

December 15, Webinar

Introduction to Concrete Pavement Analyst

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

 

December 16, Webinar

Designing & Specifying Pervious Concrete (Part I)

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

 

December 23, Webinar

Designing & Specifying Pervious Concrete (Part II)

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

 

 

January 15, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Elected Official Advocacy

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

 

January 16, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Promotion & Advocacy Overview

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

January 20-23, Des Moines, IA

Plant Manager Certification Course

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

 

January 22, Free Webinar

Streets & Roads Team Building & Situation Analysis

Email: Jacques Jenkins, 240-485-1165

 

February 9-13, Seattle

Regional Concrete Technologist Training and Certification Course "Short Course"

Email: Karen Bean, 240-485-1168

 

February 17-19, 2015, Silver Spring, MD

Dispatcher Training Forum

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

 

February 24-26, Silver Spring, MD

CCSP Module III: Business Skills Basics for Profit - General Business Knowledge

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

 

March 18, Webinar

STEPS - A Long Term Career Tool for the RMC Industry

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

 

March 31-April 2, Silver Spring, MD

CCSP Module IV: Professional Sales Skills Workshop - 24 hours

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

 

May, Location TBA

Concrete Durability Course

Email: Karen Bean, 240-485-1168