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IN THIS ISSUE:
NEWS LINKS
PROMOTIONS
ASSOCIATION & INDUSTRY NEWS
OPERATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & HR
SUSTAINABILITY
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
CALENDAR
NEWS LINKS
On Wisconsin indeed. A 5-year, $1.7 billion project will revamp the Badger State's busiest interchange, courtesy of 1.5 million cubic yards of concrete. The The Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee supports 350,000 vehicles a day. After 50 years of service, it was experiencing congestion, age and three accidents a day. The project was designed to improve safety and efficiency throughout the area. At the same time, utilities and railroad lines along the corridor will be upgraded. Even butterflies will be happier. Butterflies? Read more
Source: September 27 story in ForConstructionPros.com.
While the industry promotes concrete homebuilding throughout the U.S., a recent article by Indiana University shows that concrete homes are nothing new. In fact, they date back more than 100 years along the border with Lake Michigan. The homes in Gary were constructed from a single pour of concrete into a series of interlocking metal molds and touted by builders, factory owners and the media as the home of the future for working-class families.
Source: September 25 article on the Web site of Indiana University. Read more.
NRMCA member Lafarge North America has agreed to sell its Missouri and Oklahoma operations to Eagle Materials Inc. The transaction involves two cement plants in Sugar Creek Eagle Materials, based in Dallas, said the deal involved two cement plants, six distribution terminals, two aggregates quarries, eight ready mix plants and a fly ash business. Source: September 27 article by The Kansas City Star. Read more.
In Minnesota, NRMCA member Cemstone Concrete Materials will be building a ready mix plant and retail showroom in the Mankato area. The plant will employ about 15 people. Source: The Free Press (Mankato, MN) for September 26. Read more.
PROMOTIONS
Recently, several representatives from various concrete companies who are also NRMCA members along with NRMCA Senior National Resource Director Amy Miller met with officials in a Florida county to discuss use of concrete as an option on all county sponsored road projects. Initially, the group suspected this process may be become long and drawn out because the county manager had previously held a high position at the state level and was not always supportive of the concrete industry’s efforts while in that role.
Aware of this background, the group put together a property tax analysis of the concrete and asphalt industries along with a plan that included preliminary meetings with other county officials. The tax analysis showed the asphalt industry had no vested interest and therefore paid nothing to the county. On the other hand, the concrete industry has many sites located throughout the county and pays a substantial amount of money to the county each year for taxes while not being allowed to bid any road or street projects that are often used to access those same properties. The meeting was successful: the county manager has agreed to begin looking for opportunities to include a concrete option.
"We have a lot of work yet to do but the door has been opened," Miller said. "The key is to start somewhere in your own county/city and begin the process with the idea not to give up. We know there are opportunities available in every community for concrete; it’s just a matter of working through the process and helping the counties figure out the economics of product longevity and maintenance. Municipalities need to understand what their investment is costing them in entirety, not necessarily what they are paying today. For many counties, an investment in concrete the last 10-15 years would have allowed them to be build new roads now as opposed to being consumed with resurfacing old ones."
For more information, contact Amy Miler at amiller@nrmca.org.
Concrete was selected as the material of choice, for its structural and aesthetic qualities, when constructing the new Islamic Art wing of the Louvre in Paris. The structure is hailed as the most significant museum expansion project since the Louvre’s great Pyramid. Concrete supplied by (NRMCA member) Lafarge was used throughout this project, in perfect harmony with the stone of the Louvre. All the walls are entirely coated in black concrete facing, thus adding depth to the space and providing a better backdrop for the collection.
A monumental 16-meter long staircase linking the lower ground and ground floor levels was constructed with a single pour of black concrete. The 12 columns supporting the floor are also built with concrete. An ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete was used for the staircase steps and risers as well as for the manufacture of the frame supporting the Mamluk Porch (pictured left), one of the major pieces of the collection, and in the corridors which link the new space to the museum and other galleries. In total, 5800 cubic meters of concrete were used on the project.
Source: Portland Cement Association Executive Report e-newsletter for October 1.
NRMCA's October lineup of promotion-focused Webinars begins with an hour-long program that takes what we already know about concrete’s sustainability along with MIT research results and incorporates that information with a Communications 101 course, geared toward helping attendees understand what it takes to improve our communication skills. Click on the link below to learn more or contact NRMCA's Jessica Walgenbach at jwalgenbach@nrmca.org.
ASSOCIATION & INDUSTRY NEWS
The members of NRMCA’s Materials Division are proud to present the third in a series of self-guided PowerPoint presentations designed to help producer members educate their workforce on everything In the Mix. Available now in the Members’ Only section of nrmca.org, In the Mix: Fly Ash explores the benefits and best practices in utilizing Fly Ash in ready mixed concrete. In the Mix: Fly Ash is perfect for educating your employees on the basics of this ingredient in the mix. Visit the Members’ Only section of nrmca.org to get started.
In addition to In the Mix: Fly Ash, the series includes modules on color, and fibers. Stay tuned to E-NEWS to find out when more In the Mix becomes available including modules on admixtures and cement.
For more information on the In the Mix series please contact, Kathleen Carr-Smith, NRMCA’s senior vice president, membership & communications at kcarrsmith@nrmca.org. For information on how to log on to NRMCA’s Member’s Only site, including usernames nd passwords, please contact Kimberly Pittmon at kpittmon@nrmca.org.
OPERATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & HR
The Colorado Ready Mixed Concrete Association will co-host NRMCA’s Plant Manager Certification course in Denver from December 11 to 14. The next class is NOT scheduled until August 2013. The class is specified by the Army Corps of Engineers for all batch men on federal contract projects. This class is over half full; do not get placed in the position of winning a contract but not having a batch man certified because NRMCA’s certification schedule doesn't coincide with the start of your contract. Plan ahead!
Even if you are not bidding on a federal project, please be aware that operations and production account for approximately 90% of producers’ expenses. Therefore, it has never been more important for your plant crew to be efficient, productive, and risk, as well as regulation savvy. To meet these challenges head on, NRMCA’s curriculum intensely covers the product knowledge, plant safety, environmental regulations, plant operations and ready mixed industry business skills they should apply every day for your company’s healthy turnaround. It’s a class they – and your company – can’t afford to forgo. Remember, operations account for 90% of your expenses. Mitigate your risk and educate your staff.
Click here for more course information, staff contact and registration options.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Transportation Research Board will conduct a Webinar titled Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) - A Technology to Improve the Sustainability of Concrete Pavements on Tuesday, October 30, from 2 - 4 p.m. Eastern time that will examine the history and development of Portland-Limestone Cement (PLC) in North America. This Webinar will summarize the lessons and experiences of practitioners using Portland-Limestone Cement (PLC). Presenters will discuss PLC performance, specifications, and the sustainable benefits of PLC in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Presentations will feature field projects in Utah, Colorado and Canada that explore the applications and performance of PLC. In addition, the fresh, hardened and durability properties of PLC will be discussed.
Presenters include Paul Tennis with the Portland Cement Association, Todd S. Laker and Brooke Williams Smartz, Holcim US Inc., and Michael Thomas, University of New Brunswick. The Webinar will be moderated by Tyson Rupnow, Louisiana Transportation Research Center. It has been organized by the TRB Standing Committees Properties of Concrete (AFN20), Durability of Concrete (AFN30) and Concrete Materials and Placement Techniques (AFN40).
Participants must register in advance of the Webinar; there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. A certificate for two Professional Development Hours (PDH) will be provided to attendees who register and attend the Webinar as an individual. Click here for more information and to register.
The Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC) and the Green Highways Partnership (GHP) are the latest organizations to sign on to co-sponsor NRMCA’s 2013 International Concrete Sustainability Conference. The 8th annual conference, scheduled for May 6-8 in San Francisco at the Hotel Sofitel San Francisco Bay (Redwood City, CA), provides learning and networking opportunities on the latest advances, technical knowledge, continuing research, tools and solutions for sustainable concrete manufacturing and construction. The conference is being conducted in cooperation with the Stanford University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the RMC Research & Education Foundation.
Researchers, academics, students, engineers, architects, contractors, concrete producers, public works officials, material suppliers and concrete industry professionals are invited to present and attend the conference. Suggested topics include the latest developments related to design, specifying, manufacturing, testing, construction, maintenance and research of concrete as they relate to sustainability. Topics include:
Abstracts can be submitted online at www.ConcreteSustainabilityConference.org through Friday, November 30. For additional details, contact NRMCA's Lionel Lemay at LLemay@nrmca.org or 847-918-7101.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Congratulations to Stephen Roebuck of Roebuck Consulting Group, the winner of the 2012 CONCRETEPAC Door Prize Drawing which was held last month during NRMCA’s ConcreteWorks and Board of Directors meeting last month. CONCRETEPAC raised over $26,000 during the meeting by hosting a variety of fundraising events, including a golf tournament, and a tour and dinner at Mt. Vernon.
The door prize drawing for a new iPad 64 GB with WIFI + cellular is one of CONCRETEPAC’s most popular events and participation continues to grow each year. CONCRETEPAC currently has over balance of over $400,000.
CONCRETEPAC thanks the following corporate sponsors: Ash Grove Cement, Capital Concrete, Cemex, Inc, Chaney Enterprises, Concrete Supply Company, Delta Industries, Inc., Dolese Bros. Company, Euclid Chemical Company, Grace Construction Products, Headwaters Resources, Inc., Irving Materials, Inc., Lafarge, Lehigh Hanson, Inc., McNeilus, an Oshkosh Corporation, Oldcastle Materials, Inc., Titan America and Trimble Construction Logistics.
For more information about CONCRETEPAC, contact NRMCA's Kerri Leininger at kleininger@nrmca.org.
A host of publications have reported on presidential politics, transportation, infrastructure, regulation, heath care, taxes and other subjects, each of which relate to the ready mixed concrete industry. To access these articles for the week of September 24 - 28, please click here.
If you would like to receive this weekly updated link in a separate e-mail, or if you have questions or comments about the roundup, contact NRMCA’s Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
NRMCA's October Internet Spotlight, good through Tuesday, November 6, is the complete four-part set of the Protection Section DVD series (Parts 1-4). While supplies last, prepare your drivers for the winter training season by purchasing the complete PPE driver training DVD series for half price! Series includes:
• (Pt. 1) Head Protection - This first in a series of four videos begins with a big picture view of the "what and why" of PPEs in general. We then move onto an in-depth discussion and "how-to’s" on inspecting and properly caring for head protection.
• (Pt. 2) Eyes and Ears - This lesson provides information on the five specific types of eye protection and when we should be wearing each one.
• (Pt. 3) Vests and Gloves - This lesson provides a discussion on the three classes of safety vests, their differences and guidance on when each type is appropriate.
• (Pt. 4) Boots - The series wraps up with a look at one of the most abused but most critical pieces of PPE - our boots. Based on the collaborative efforts of Danner Shoe Manufacturing Company, this lesson provides six tips critical to getting the best shoe.
Order online today and receive 50% off. Regular member price is $280, Internet Special $140, plus shipping. Please use Discount Code ISOCT12 to receive the online discount.
CALENDAR
*Please note that e-mail and direct links to each event listed below can be accessed from NRMCA's Web site.
October 4, Boise, ID
Northwest Regional Work Plan Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
October 9, Charlotte, NC
Lower Atlantic Regional Work Plan Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
October 19, Webinar
Effectively Communicating Sustainability
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
October 23-25, Silver Spring, MD
Effective RMC Supervisor Course
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
November 1, Webinar
Streets and Local Roads
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
November 2, Webinar
ACI 330 R-08 - The Gold Standard of Concrete Parking Lot Design
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
November 5-9, Silver Spring, MD
Technical Short Course
Email: Karen Bean, 888-84-NRMCA, x1168
November 7, Jackson, MS
Adopting Disaster Resilient Construction at the Local Level
Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535
November 8, Madison, WI
Great Lakes Regional Work Plan Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
November 14, Little Rock, AR
South Central Regional Work Plan Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
November 16, Webinar
Effectively Communicating Sustainability
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
November 27, Wilmington, NC
Adopting Disaster Resilient Construction at the Local Level
Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535
December 4-6, Silver Spring, MD
CCSP Module II: Customer Business Knowledge
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
December 4-6, Orlando, FL
Environmental Professional Certification Course for the Ready Mixed Concrete Industry
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
December 6, Las Vegas
Rocky Mountain Regional Work Plan Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
December 7, Webinar
ACI 330 R-08 - The Gold Standard of Concrete Parking Lot Design
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
December 11-14, Denver
Plant Manager Certification Course
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
October 4, Boise, ID
Northwest Regional Work Plan Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
December 12, Silver Spring, MD
Atlantic Regional Work Plan Meeting
Email: Nicole Maher, 888-84-NRMCA, x1158
December 12-13, Doha, Qatar
International Concrete Technology Forum
Email: Lionel Lemay, 847-918-7101
2013
February 19-21, Silver Spring, MD
CCSP Module III: General Business Knowledge
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 3-5, San Antonio, TX
NRMCA Annual Convention
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
March 19-21, Silver Spring, MD
CCSP Module IV: Sales Fundamentals
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
May 6-8, San Francisco
International Concrete Sustainability Conference
Email: Lionel Lemay, 847-918-7101
May 12-15, Chicago
Fifth North American Conference on Design and Use of Self-Consolidating Concrete
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October 3, 2012
 
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