Despite skepticism from conspiracy theorists, data showing significant improvement in the U.S. labor market are real, according to The Economist. "Although the drop in the unemployment rate was surprisingly sharp, there is no obvious reason for it to reverse," the magazine notes. "The [Bureau of Labor Statistics] actually revised up its payroll employment figures for July and August to more robust levels, and in September found people working longer hours at higher pay." 

And what constitutes a better road design, you ask? Well, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Concrete Sustainability Hub are conducting studies on how improved road designs could lead to energy savings and lower greenhouse emissions. "The understanding has always been that roughness matters more than deflection" in terms of fuel consumption, said researcher Mehdi Akbarian. "But we are showing that it depends on the scenario -- the location of the pavement, the [road] design." Where does concrete fit in all this? Read more.

A research group in Holzkirchen, Germany, has discovered a faster and more sustainable way to recycle concrete - with a zap of lightning. A plant that could recycle 20 tons of concrete per hour using the lightning technique would affect concrete recycling on a global scale.

City officials in Ravenna, OH, are discussing how to turn the site of an old concrete batch plant into a city park. A brownfields study has recommended the location for improvement and the city economic development director said she hopes to eventually turn the concrete plant into a city park.

The Latest TRIP Report, published by a nonprofit organization that researches national transportation issues, states that "...Texas must improve its system of roads, highways and bridges to foster economic growth and keep businesses in the state." It continues by saying, "transportation improvements are needed to ensure safe, reliable mobility and quality of life for all Texans." To support these statements, the researchers looked at various factors affecting transportation infrastructure in Texas. One statistic that stood out is the fact that 45% of the state and locally maintained urban roads are deteriorated to a condition of poor or mediocre.

The preceding statements may also apply to many other states across the nation and emphasizes the need to initially build pavements with long-lasting performance in mind and, when needing to rehabilitate, use paving materials that are durable, sustainable and increase structural capacity while keeping life-cycle costs low. While it is well known that concrete pavements meet all of these requirements, it is also important to recognize that other concrete products like Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) and Flowable Fibrous Concrete Overlays serve an important role in improving and maintaining the nation’s pavement infrastructure.

NRMCA has promotional and technical guidance documents, and can also provide design assistance related to traditional concrete pavement as well as RCC, concrete overlays and pervious concrete for street and road applications and parking lots.

In its continuing effort to provide the design community with the latest information regarding all things concrete, NRMCA is pleased to add another Webinar to its ConcreteAnswers series of specifier-targeted programs. Roller Compacted Concrete: Your Third Choice for Pavement, will be presented Tuesday, November 6, beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern time. Attendees will learn the basics of RCC design and construction. Additionally, they will better understand the benefits of RCC, in terms of both construction and performance. 

The one-hour Webinar will qualify for 1 continuing education learning unit with the American Institute of Architects. Attendees will also earn 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) for continuing education. Registration for the Webinar is $65 per person, but NRMCA members can access it for free by typing the discount code "nrmcaspecifier" on their registration forms.

"This Webinar will introduce specifiers to Roller Compacted Concrete," said NRMCA Senior National Resource Director Phil Kresge. "Having characteristics of both asphalt and concrete pavements, RCC is best described as a third pavement choice – thus the title of the program." Focus will be on applications, mix design and construction practices. Frequently asked questions regarding reinforcement, maintenance and freeze-thaw durability will also be addressed.

The ConcreteAnswers series hub has been developed to assist architects, engineers, developers, builders and commercial owners who are planning new concrete projects or need assistance on current projects. The site describes the services provided by NRMCA and its affiliated local, state and regional partner associations in support of building design, construction and maintenance.

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has updated its information on state specific economic and construction trends as well as the cement and concrete industries in that state with 2011 data. The "Economic Statistics by State" section includes economic, demographic, highway and cement characteristics, along with cement and construction industry contributions to state employment and state government revenues.

Members and other promoters are encouraged to use this data for advocacy and communication activities to illustrate the industry’s contribution to a region’s economic growth and state revenues. In addition to current data, the section includes five years of historical data.

The remaining October promotion-focused Webinar is Friday's 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.

• Friday, October 19 - Effectively Communicating Sustainability

The preliminary estimate of ready mixed concrete produced in August 2012 is 30 million cubic yards, 2.7% higher than August 2011. The estimated production through August is 193.3 million cubic yards, 12% higher than that during the same period in 2011.

Please note: NRMCA is operating from information obtained from NRMCA members that indicated a vast majority of ready mixed concrete operations use small boilers. As a result, this is NRMCA’s focus in advising the industry on compliance.

Definitions: 

Existing boiler - A boiler constructed or reconstructed on or before June 4, 2010.

New boiler - A boiler constructed, reconstructed or that changed fuel sources after June 4, 2010.

Area Source boiler (small boiler) - A boiler that has a heat input of less than 10 million Btu per hour (<10 MMBtu/hr), also considered a small boiler.

Major Source boiler (large boiler) - A boiler that has a heat input equal to or greater than 10 million Btu per hour (≥10 MMBtu/hr), also considered a large boiler.

No Action Assurance (NAA) - Postponement of enforcement of a certain rule.

Rule Coverage - EPA’s small boiler rule covers: "...boilers located at area source facilities that burn coal, oil, biomass, or other solid and liquid non-waste materials. This rule does NOT apply to boilers that burn only gaseous fuels or any solid waste."

Notifications - As per EPA’s finalization of its Area Source Boiler Rule on March 21, 2011, owners/operators of small boilers are now required to complete biennial tuneups of those boilers. To start the new rule, businesses had to submit to EPA a one-time "Initial Notification of Applicability" for each covered boiler (basically letting EPA know that you have a boiler that is covered under the new rule). The next step was for businesses to complete the first/initial tuneup and complete and submit to EPA a "Notification of Compliance Status for Boilers Subject to Tune-ups" form.

  

For new boilers, the compliance deadline to submit the "Initial Notification of Applicability" form and then complete the first/initial tuneup and submit the "Notification of Compliance Status for Boilers Subject to Tune-ups" form was September 17, 2011 or within 120 days of startup, whichever was later. Owners/operators of new boilers should have already submitted both forms to EPA and conducted their first/initial tuneup.

For existing boilers, the compliance deadline to submit the "Initial Notification of Applicability" form was September 17, 2011. The compliance deadline to complete the first/initial tuneup was March 21, 2012. The deadline to submit the corresponding "Notification of Compliance Status for Boilers Subject to Tune-ups" would have been July 19, 2012. However, that deadline was postponed twice, first on March 13, 2012 and again on July 18, 2012  due to EPA publishing a NAA.

The NAA for notification of compliance with the tune-up reporting was postponed for two reasons. The first, EPA published proposed changes to the March 12, 2011 Area Source Boiler Rule which wasn’t finalized before the first deadlines, and still hasn’t been, which created confusion. Second, EPA was made aware by the business community that the country lacks the amount of boiler technicians needed for industry to comply with the March 12, 2011 rule.

To be clear, the NAA only postponed the July 19, 2012 deadline for submitting the "Notification of Compliance Status for Boilers Subject to Tune-ups". The NAA states that postponement "will run until either the final reconsideration rule (proposed changes) is issued and becomes effective or to December 31, 2012." Basically, if the proposed changes are not finalized before the end of the year, owners/operators of existing, small boilers will need to submit to EPA their "Notification of Compliance Status for Boilers Subject to Tune-ups" form by January 2, 2013.

Lastly, the only physical submissions to EPA for this rule are the one-time "Initial Notification of Applicability" form and the very first "Notification of Compliance Status for Boilers Subject to Tune-ups" form. Subsequent tuneups only require owners/operators to prepare (every two years) the compliance certification document. The document does not need to be submitted to EPA, only prepared and held by the owner/operator in case EPA requests it. Please refer to the below links for more information, specifics about tuneup requirements, and the information and documentation required to be kept following each tune-up.

The Infrastructure Voluntary Evaluation Sustainability Tool (INVEST) was developed by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as a practical, Web-based collection of voluntary best practices designed to help transportation agencies integrate sustainability into their roadway projects. INVEST considers the full life cycle of projects. One of the key practices for reduced energy and emissions in pavement materials is to use concrete supplied from an NRMCA Certified Sustainable Concrete Plant. Concrete’s contribution to a sustainable roadway project is extensive within the INVEST framework. The following are some examples of how concrete contributes to sustainability criteria:

• Life Cycle Cost Analyses – Concrete has low life cycle cost

• Highway and Traffic Safety – Concrete surfaces are skid resistant

• Stormwater Management – Pervious concrete controls and treats stormwater

• Pedestrian Access – Most pedestrian walkways are concrete

• Energy Efficiency – Light colored pavement means less lighting

• Recycle Materials – Concrete uses supplementary cementitious materials

• Long‐Life Pavement Design – Concrete pavement has long service lives

• Reduced Energy and Emissions in Pavement Materials – Sustainable concrete production 

INVEST was developed with input from state and local transportation agency officials and staff and trade organizations such as NRMCA. FHWA incorporated the NRMCA Sustainable Concrete Plant Certification program and other modifications of the tool based on comments submitted in May 2011.

Two weeks ago, Tien Peng, NRMCA’s senior director of sustainability, codes and standards, presented "Resilience is the New Sustainability" to an audience of largely architects and planners at the American Institute of Architects' Iowa Annual Convention. The seminar featured local disaster impacts, design opportunities with voluntary "code-plus" programs and concrete solutions for the design professional. Approximately 80+ participants attended the session on disaster resilience and its link to community health, risk reduction and sustainability.

Peng was asked to submit a proposal to the event by Steve Mallicoat, P.E., of the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association, an NRMCA affiliate. As the regional service manager, Mallicoat is an active participant in the Iowa design community and works to educate and support engineers, architects and contractors. NRMCA encourages its members to participate in local initiatives to incorporate resilient construction programs into local codes and ordinances. For those with strong advocacy skills, NRMCA can support local code adoption with tools and sample ordinances.

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 October 8 - 12, please click here.

Three Certified Concrete Sales Professional (CCSP) classes will be offered in Silver Spring, MD, in NRMCA’s training facility during Winter and Spring 2012/2013. Together they provide a basic understanding of technical product knowledge, customer and general business knowledge, and professional sales skills.  Upon course completion, participants will be competent members of a concrete project team, technically proficient, well versed in sales skills, general business skills, and possess a thorough understanding of their customers’ operations as well.  As the industry just begins to turn the corner, it has never been more critical that your sales staff be at the topic of their game and consummate professionals.

December 4-6 - CCSP II: Understand the Concrete Contractor’s Business - Business knowledge overview of a contractor’s business to help sales reps, sales managers and area mangers not only produce better bids but also provide service value. Click here for more information.

February 19-21- CCSP III: General Business Knowledge - Broad application overview of critical financial concepts specific to the industry, including pricing theory and applications as well as antitrust compliance as it specifically pertain to the industry. Click here.

March 19-21 - CCSP IV: Professional Sales Skills Workshop - Mid-level staff learns to apply consultative, team-based cross-selling methods specific to ready mixed concrete situations. Click here.

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.

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 6, Webinar

Roller Compacted Concrete: Your Third Choice for Pavement

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

 

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, CO

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, CA

International Concrete Sustainability Conference

Email: Lionel Lemay, 847-918-7101

 

May 12-15, Chicago, IL

Fifth North American Conference on Design and Use of Self-Consolidating Concrete

 

August 11-15, Montreal

ISARC 2013: 30th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction, Mining & Petroleum Industries

Email: Chantal Murphy, 514-939-2710, ext. 1309