NRMCA e-news
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
NEWS LINKS
Federal regulators issued 56 regulations for every law that Congress passed in 2013, according to a new study from the conservative-leaning Competitive Enterprise Institute. Wayne Crews, who wrote the report, argued that the deadlock in Washington is not as bad as it might seem, because "it's supposed to be hard to pass laws." "The deterioration of the Constitution's separation of, and balance of, powers means that regulators and bureaucrats now make most laws," Crews wrote. "Congress is so 1789, after all."
Source: A January 9 article posted by The Hill newspaper. Read more.
This article looks at the latest products and studies on concrete. Among the topics covered are rapid-drying concrete, smog-eating roof tiles, poured wall construction and mixes that use cement alternatives such as hemp to create stronger, more eco-friendly concrete.
Source: The January 10 AGC SmartBrief e-newsletter which contained this January 7 article from the Web site Building Design + Construction.
Innovative bio-based building products could become the norm for green building in the future, writes Gary Wollenhaupt. Recent winners of the Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Challenge are a brick "made from bacterial byproducts that cement sand particles together in a matrix that's strong enough to use for homes" and insulation created from agricultural waste products that can grow within a wall. Another product in the works is bacteria-infused concrete that "fills in holes and cracks in the concrete, making it last longer and reducing maintenance costs."
Source: AGC SmartBrief e-newsletter for January 7 which contained this January 6 article posted on Forbes.com.
PROMOTIONS
NRMCA Senior Director, National Resources, Phil Kresge recently presented "Designing and Specifying Pervious Concrete" at a lunch and learn seminar in the New York City offices of Weiss/Manfredi Architecture. The presentation request came through NRMCA’s pervious concrete Web site and was originally fielded by Kresge's colleague, Senior National Resource Director Doug O’Neill. The program was well received by the 25 architects in attendance and Kresge answered several questions regarding subgrade preparation, hydrologic design and maintenance.
Following the presentation, Kresge met with one of the Weiss/Manfredi design teams to discuss the specifics of a project on which it is looking to incorporate pervious concrete. He recommended where the application would be best suited on the site. Kresge then offered to meet with the project’s civil engineer and offered NRMCA’s Design Assistance Program for this and any other projects Weiss/Manfredi is planning.
NRMCA Producer member Construction Services Inc, a division of Carroll Concrete, recently completed a 17,000 cubic yard runway (seen below) at the Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, MA. Westover hosts the largest Air Reserve Base in the U.S. in terms of area. Until 2011, it was a backup landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle and in the past few years has expanded to include a growing civilian access airport sharing Westover's military-maintained runways. It encompasses Active and Reserve Component activities of the Navy, Marines, Army and mainline Air Force functions from installations closed by the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
 "There’s many interesting stories having to do with this project," said NRMCA Senior Director, National Resources, Doug O’Neill. "One story is how Construction Services rallied its troops, working from two dry batch plants, loading trucks at 2 a.m. to be on the job at 3 a.m. Construction Services Division Manager Craig Dauphinais explained how the company delivered the concrete over a 25-day period and visually inspected each and every load. At the same time, it still had to maintain its existing customer base, despite considerable challenges with the hours of service requirements for its drivers." "The scheduling issues turned out to be one of the most difficult aspects of this project," Dauphinais told O'Neill.
"Another interesting story is how concrete ended up replacing the existing asphalt runways on this project," O’Neill said. The host unit at Westover is the 439th Airlift Wing of the Twenty-Second Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, which maintains a fleet of 16 C5A/B Galaxies, very large and heavy aircraft. There are also F-15's flying in and out of Westover. One of the reasons concrete was chosen over asphalt, besides the obvious reason of concrete being able to handle the extreme weight of these large aircraft, was that the jet engines of the much smaller F-15s, with their severe angle at which they take off, were melting areas of the runway which were asphalt. Concrete solved that problem".
For more information contact Doug O’Neill at doneill@nrmca.org.
ASSOCIATION & INDUSTRY NEWS
The Winter edition of NRMCA's quarterly magazine, Concrete InFocus, is now available online, including a number of timely and informative articles available only online, including Material Ingredient Reporting in Building Products in which NRMCA's Tien Peng explains how a $3 million grant from Google to support the U.S. Green Building Council's work on healthier building materials can affect the ready mixed concrete industry. Look for more highlights of online articles in upcoming editions of E-NEWS.
The Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program Auction will be held on Wednesday, January 22, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas in conjunction with the World of Concrete Show. Over $1 million in items have been donated and all proceeds from this auction go to support education through the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) 4-year degree program. A current list of auction items can be found here and and you can find out more about the CIM program at www.concretedegree.com. The auction will be held in two parts – a silent auction being held in room N263 (2nd floor of the North Hall) from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and a live auction being held directly across the hall in room N262 from 1 - 2 p.m.
For those who will be at World of Concrete, you can register for either or both auctions by completing a bid book registration. These registrations will be available all day Tuesday at either the Ritchie Bros. booth (Central Hall booth #C4113) or the CIM booth (North Hall Lobby booth #NL15). On Wednesday, you can register outside of the silent auction room beginning at 10:30 a.m. Once you receive your bid book, you will use the number on the book to bid in both the silent and live auctions.
For those who wish to bid on auction items online (available for live auction items only), you must call Ritchie Bros. Customer Service line before auction day at 1-800-211-3983 and your information will be taken over the phone (this is to bypass the normally-required advance deposit requirements for regular Ritchie Bros auctions). Once you call and get registered with Ritchie Bros., you will then receive an e-mail on auction day with the link to the online auction and special bidding instructions.
Finally, if you will not be at World of Concrete and will not be able to participate in the live auction online but still wish to participate and bid on items, you can complete one or both of the "Absentee Bidder Forms" found here to submit an opening bid for items of your choice in either auction. If your bid is the highest at the conclusion of the bidding time, then you will be the winner of that item and will be contacted to arrange for payment and delivery of your item as appropriate.
We look forward to a very successful auction, and hope that you can be a part of it! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact NRMCA’s Nicole Maher at nmaher@nrmca.org.
OPERATIONS, ENVIRONMENTAL, SAFETY & HR
NRMCA’s once-a-year Dispatcher Forum Workshop will be held February 18-20 in Silver Spring, MD, (metro Washington, DC) at the RMC Research & Education Foundation Center. The last day to register is Friday, January 31. The seminar includes concrete technical topics as they relate to the dispatcher's job, the latest update on drivers' hours of service regulations, scheduling, order taking and customer service-phone skill building exercises. Special care is taken to address dispatchers’ challenges in today’s difficult environment.
Click here for registration options, more information and NRMCA staff contact.
Between the cold winter gusts and cleanup yard duties, let you drivers warm up by logging into NRMCA’s online and totally self-directed driver training program. NRMCA's Concrete Delivery Professional Certification (CDP) program is lead by a voice-over instructor whose words are seen in subtitles that support drivers with reading or hearing difficulties. Its design allows mixer drivers access through NRMCA’s Web site at any time, using any internet connection.
Each lesson is just 20 minutes long so a learning module can fit between loads or can be spontaneously accessed on slow or bad weather days at the plant. Lessons also have a stop/start feature, making CDP participation adaptable to a driver’s ever-changing work schedule. For more support, CDP-Online directly coordinates with an optional textbook. Exams are online as well, so the requirement for a third-party proctor has been eliminated, saving your company time and money. Finally, the price has not increased since its initial launch, yet the material and delivery system are state-of-the-art. With producers’ need to have cost-effective skill reinforcement for their remaining driving pool, CDP Online gives your frontline representatives the advantage of being the most efficient, skilled and productive driving force representing your business.
For information, contact NRMCA’s Shawnita Dickens 1-888-84-NRMCA, ext. 1154 or by e-mail, sdickens@nrmca.org.
Last Friday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended the effective date of its 2008 final rule requiring commercial motor vehicle drivers to submit their medical certification cards to their state vehicle departments, instead of just carrying them on their person. The new rule’s effective date is now January 30, 2015.
Click here for more information on the rule. Click here to view the extension notice. For more information, contact Gary Mullings at gmullings@nrmca.org or Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org. In early November, OSHA published a proposed rule (78 FR 67253) which would require employers to electronically submit their injury and illness summary (Form 300A) to OSHA instead of just keeping that information on file at each work place. OSHA proposes that employers with 250 or more employees submit their Form 300A quarterly, while employers with high injury and illness rates with 20 to 249 employees submit their Form 300A just once a year. OSHA plans to use this newly gathered information to "...be better able to identify and remove workplace hazards." As well, the new information will "...identify the workplaces where workers are at greatest risk."
Originally, OSHA scheduled the comment deadline for the proposed rule for February 6, 2014. However, on January 7, OSHA announced an extension of 30 days. The new comment period due date is Saturday, March 8. NRMCA will submit comments on the proposed rule highlighting the increased industry liabilities.
Click here to view the proposed rule. For more information, contact Gary Mullings at gmullings@nrmca.org or Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org. As per the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalized rule for "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers" from Late 2012, the first deadline is right around the corner. For those who operate boilers with a heat input of less than 10 million Btu per hour (<10 MMBtu/hr), the compliance deadline to submit the "Initial Notification of Applicability" form is Monday, January 20, 2014.
For more information on if your boiler is covered, how to submit, and what other factors and deadlines are involved, please click here to view NRMCA’s fact sheet. For more information, contact Gary Mullings at gmullings@nrmca.org or Kevin Walgenbach at kwalgenbach@nrmca.org.
SUSTAINABILITY
Concrete plays a critical role to play in the future success of sustainable development. Take this opportunity to host your specifiers for the online Webinar series, "Building Green with Concrete," from January 20 -23; they will learn about the environmental attributes of concrete and how it can contribute to sustainable development.
This online course provides state-of-the-art strategies, technologies and methodologies for designing sustainable concrete projects to maximize environmental performance. Attendees will be able to understand the basics of low impact development, specify high performance concrete building systems, implement pervious concrete pavement systems and develop project specifications to optimize recycled content and maximize durability.
This course is intended for architects and engineers. Ready mixed concrete technical and operations professionals will also benefit from this course. It offers 8 Professional Development Hours, 8 AIA-CES HSW Learning Units and 8 Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) Continuing Education Hours.
Click here for additional details and to register or contact Tien Peng at 206-913-8535 or tpeng@nrmca.org.
Last week, NRMCA submitted code change proposals for the 2015 International Green Construction Code (IgCC). The proposals support enhancing the resilience of buildings through requirements that increase robustness, durability, longevity and disaster resistance for jurisdictions interested in improving community health and safety. Resilience supports the use of concrete in the growing green building movement.
The IgCC is a model code that includes sustainability measures – from design through construction, occupancy and beyond – that is enforceable by the local building official. To date, it has been adopted by five states and dozens of local jurisdictions, including Maryland, Oregon, Phoenix and Dallas. Its adoption is expected to increase as the green building market expands over the next several years. The IgCC acts as an overlay to the existing set of International Codes, such as the International Building Code and International Residential Code. Tien Peng of NRMCA will participate in the code hearings which will be held from April 27 through May 4 in Memphis, TN, to support NRMCA’s proposal along with other proposals favorable to concrete.
For additional information contact Tien Peng at TPeng@nrmca.org or 206-913-8535.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
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 the Week of January 6 - 10, 2014, 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 Elizabeth Fox at efox@nrmca.org. EDUCATION &TRAINING
The third class in NRMCA's sales certification series, Fundamentals of RMC Accounting, Finance, and Business Law: CCSP Module III, Business Knowledge, will be held February 11 - 13 in Silver Spring, MD. The curriculum stands alone; attendees do NOT have to attend CCSP I or II before taking Module III. Class content shows how to use break-even analysis, fundamentals, cash flow, fundamentals of contract law, collections and antitrust regulation. Each is critical to a producer to assure sales staff sells every cubic yard profitably. The class only runs once a year.
CCSP III is a required class in the STEPS Sales and Promotion program.
Click here for more course information, staff contact and registration options.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
NRMCA's January Internet Spotlight, good through Tuesday, February 4, feature two timely and popular items from the publications catalog:
Cold Weather Concrete Driving Training Video - This short ready mixed concrete driver training DVD gives information on adjusting mixes for use in cold weather, provides drivers tips on how to properly deliver concrete in cold weather and offers suggestions that delivery professionals can make to customers with regard to placing concrete in cold weather. Include this video as part of your weekly driver meeting. Order online today and receive $20 off. The regular member price is $70, Internet Special $50, plus shipping.
Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots - Save $100 by purchasing a 25-pack set of the Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots and receive a FREE copy of the Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots Flip Book. Normally a $179 value, now only $79 for a limited time.
• Guide to Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots - This 64-page book provides information for decision makers and practitioners about selecting, designing and constructing successful concrete overlays on existing asphalt parking lot pavements.
• Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Parking Lots Flip Book – This flip book provides a primer to an industry promoter, concrete sales person and concrete contractor on the proven technology of using concrete to overlay and renew existing asphalt parking lots. Packed in 20 pages, in a popular flip book format, including presenter notes, this flip book touches on: "How and Why" concrete overlays work, "Rules of Thumb" for evaluating and exiting parking lot and determining concrete thickness, "Best Practices" for placing concrete overlays, and "Quick Case Studies" of successful projects.
Order online today and receive $100 off. The regular member price is $179, Internet Special $79, plus shipping.
CALENDAR
*Please note that e-mail and direct links to each event listed below can be accessed from NRMCA's Web site.
January 20, Webinar
Roller Compacted Concrete: Another Choice for Pavement
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
January 20–23, Webinar
Building Green with Concrete
Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535
January 27–31, Orlando, FL
Regional Concrete Technologist Training & Certification "Short Course"
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
January 28, Webinar
RCC: Intro to Design and Construction Webinar
Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382
January 29, Free Webinar
Winning Initial Streets & Roads Projects in Counties & Municipalities
Email: Glenn Ochsenreiter, 240-485-1140
February 6–7, Medellin, Colombia
International Concrete Sustainability Conference, Latin America
E-mail: Lionel Lemay, 847-918-7101
February 10, Webinar
Designing & Specifying Pervious Concrete (Part 2 is February 17)
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 11, Free Webinar
Concrete Buildings Redefined
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
February 11, Free Webinar
New Radical Material and Resources Reporting Criteria in LEEDv4
Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535
February 11–12, Online Course
Designing Jointed Concrete Pavement for Streets and Parking Areas
Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382
February 11–13, Silver Spring, MD
CCSP III: General Business Knowledge
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 18, Webinar
Understanding Asphalt
Email: Brian Killingsworth, 830-438-2690
February 18–20, Silver Spring, MD
Dispatcher Training Forum
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 19, Webinar
Sales Management 101 for Ready Mix Sales Managers
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
February 24–27, Webinar
LCA of Concrete Structures
Email: Tien Peng, 206-913-8535
March 1–3, Las Vegas
NRMCA Annual Convention
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
March 3, Webinar
The Quantifiable Advantages of Concrete Parking Lots
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
March 3, Webinar
Introduction to Concrete Pavement Analyst Program
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 4–8, Las Vegas
CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
March 17, Webinar
Roller Compacted Concrete: Another Choice for Pavement
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 18, Webinar
Controlling Moisture in Concrete Slabs
Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382
March 18–20, Silver Spring, MD
CCSP IV: Professional Sales Skills Workshop
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
March 25, Webinar
Concrete Overlays for Streets and Local Roads and Parking Lots
Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382
March 25–28, Oklahoma City, OK
Plant Manager Certification Course
Email: Jessica Walgenbach, 888-84-NRMCA, x1152
April 7, Webinar
Designing & Specifying Pervious Concrete (Part 2 is April 14)
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
April 16, Webinar
Building the Customer Relationship... in the Post-Recession Economy
Email: Eileen Dickson, 240-485-1164
May 6, Webinar
Soils 101
Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382
May 12–15, Boston
International Concrete Sustainability Conference
E-mail: Lionel Lemay, 847-918-7101
May 21, Webinar
Personal Leadership and Coaching
Email: Shawnita Dickens, 888-84-NRMCA, x1154
June 17, Webinar
Concrete Pavement Jointing Plans
Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382
July 8, Webinar
Understanding Asphalt
Email: Brian Killingsworth, 830-438-2690
August 19, Webinar
Controlling Moisture in Concrete Slabs
Email: Amanda Hult, 303-953-2382
August 20, Webinar
Recruiting & Hiring Top Performing Ready Mix Sales Reps
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
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