NRMCA e-news

Registration is now open for NRMCA's 2-day online course beginning Tuesday, July 29, at noon Eastern time titled Designing Jointed Concrete Pavements for Streets and Local Areas. The course, taught by NRMCA pavement engineers Brian Killingsworth and Amanda Hult, provides detailed instruction on how to design and build concrete streets and parking lots. It provides details of pavement design, including traffic loads and pavement stresses. Concrete properties and thickness design are presented in detail. Recommendations for subgrade support and pavement jointing are provided. Concrete materials are presented, including discussions on strength, workability and durability. Recommended specifications are provided. Construction techniques, inspection, testing, maintenance and repair are discussed. Additional details will be provided on cost estimating, cost -benefit analysis, and life cycle cost.

 

This course is intended for civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, public works officials, architects involved in the design and layout of concrete streets and parking areas. Concrete contractors and concrete producers will also benefit from this seminar.

The Michigan Concrete Association (MCA) recently held an open house to highlight the placement of a concrete parking lot overlay at a local church in the Grand Rapids area. The team at MCA in conjunction with the ready mixed concrete supplier, Grand Rapids Sand & Gravel, and several other industry partners helped draw in close to 100 spectators, reports NRMCA Senior Director, National Resources, Doug O’Neill.

This concrete overlay project consisted of 942 yards of concrete, 3.5" thick over distressed asphalt placed with a Somero Laser 

Screed. The concrete contractor, Burgess Concrete of Moline, MI, placed approximately 250 yards of concrete the day before so that attendees would have a chance to walk on a finished section, complete with properly executed saw cuts. The day of the open house offered mostly rain, yet despite the bad weather attendees were able to get a good look at what a concrete overlay looks like (shown at right) and how things are set up, O'Neill said. Having it all formed and actually seeing how grades were addressed and ultimately how the overlay process works was an important part of the education process this open house was designed to address. Members of the MCA team and Tim Burgess with Burgess Concrete were there to answer questions or to simply walk the slab with interested parties, which included contractors, bankers, politicians, insurance providers, general contractors, facilities management, churches, universities, local business owners and developers.

O'Neill said MCA turned to the NRMCA’s Design Assistance Program (DAP) to provide an ACI 330-designed concrete section as a way to help the owner and contractor both feel better about this application since it was new to them. The event itself was a huge success from a promotion and education standpoint and the effects of this effort could be felt for some time. "We’ve already heard from several in attendance of leads on future projects both for overlay opportunities and conventional concrete paving as well," said MCA's Steve Waalkes.

For more information, contact Steve Waalkes at swaalkes@miconcrete.net or Doug O’Neill at doneill@nrmca.org.

Looking for a little help with your local promotion effort? Look no further than NRMCA’s ConcreteAnswers Specifier Webinar Series. Each Webinar qualifies for continuing education credits through the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or for Professional Development Hours (PDH,) making them a perfect "door opener" to local architects and engineers. This "live" Webinar series is presented in a convenient and effective online format. Presenters are Concrete Resource Team members, each with a very strong knowledge of concrete and an average of more than 20 years of construction industry experience. They also have direct access to an extensive network of technical experts that can be tapped to answer questions that might arise.

Best of all, NRMCA members and partners can register for each Webinar free of charge, just by entering "nrmcaspecifier" on the registration form. Upcoming sessions include: Designing Concrete Parking Lots the Right Way, July 14; Designing and Specifying Pervious Concrete: Parts 1 & 2, August 6 & 13 and Roller-Compacted Concrete: Another Choice for Pavement, August 19.

The preliminary estimate of ready mixed concrete production in May is 30 million cubic yards, 6.5% higher than in May 2013. The estimated production through May is 115 million cubic yards, 6% higher than during the same period in 2013. 

Ready mixed concrete production is estimated from cement shipments reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Additional information is available for NRMCA members here.

Beginning this week, NRMCA will highlight one of the companies that has chosen to exhibit at this fall's annual ConcreteWorks conference in Indianapolis. The conference is one of the industry's best opportunities for ready mix producers to interact with companies that provide goods and services to the concrete industry. This week, Terex Corp. begins the series.

An NRMCA member since 1983, Terex Corp. is a diversified global manufacturer operating in five business segments: aerial work platforms (Genie), construction, cranes, material handling and port solutions and materials processing. Advance Mixer is part of the Construction Group and manufactures front discharge mixer trucks and gliders, as well as rear discharge trucks in Fort Wayne, IN. At Terex, "works for you" is more than a slogan, it’s a promise.

NRMCA thanks Terex for its support of ConcreteWorks through their participation in the Expo, use of its mixer trucks and their sponsorship of the National Truck Mixer Driver Championship. Terex will be located in Booth 100.

Click here for more information on how to exhibit at ConcreteWorks or contact Jessica Walgenbach at jwalgenbach@nrmca.org.

NRMCA is pleased to announce exhibit sales for NRMCA’s 2014 ConcreteWorks & Expo, September 21-23 in Indianapolis are now open. NRMCA’s ConcreteWorks offers you a unique, intimate exhibit experience with a dedicated attendance focused on ready mixed concrete production. Exhibit space is limited; we sold out last year’s event well in advance, so act now to reserve your spot at this year’s exciting event. Check out our Exhibitor Prospectus for all the details. 

This year’s event features all the education and networking the industry has come to expect at ConcreteWorks as well as the 9th Annual National Truck Mixer Driver Championship. Act now and let us know you’re "in" for NRMCA’s 2014 ConcreteWorks & Expo.

The following is a summary of activity at the ASTM meeting of Committees C09 on Concrete and C01 on Cement held last month in Toronto and attended by NRMCA staff.

C09.20 Concrete Aggregates - A specification for mineral fillers for use in concrete continues to progress through the ASTM balloting process. The balloted version received several negatives that will need to be resolved. This specification will support the use of mineral fillers in concrete, which may be used in self-consolidating concrete or for other purposes. Revisions are in progress, primarily clarifications, for new method ASTM C1777 – to determine the methylene blue index of fine aggregate samples. Revisions to ASTM C127 and C128 – to determine relative density of aggregates are in the works. A revision is being proposed to ASTM C123 to permit alternative less hazardous heavy liquids for determining lightweight particles in aggregates. Revisions to the procedure are being proposed to ASTM C1252 to improve the repeatability determining the uncompacted void content of fine aggregates. The subcommittee discussed a proposal to include definition of a term "recycled aggregate" in Specification ASTM C33, with the intent to indicate that these materials are permitted. As proposed the definition will include byproduct from manufactured aggregate. No changes to the existing requirements in C33 for aggregates were proposed. 

C09.26 Chemical Reactions - A revision was approved to ASTM C1260 to provide additional details on the procedure of measurements. The subcommittee discussed information on leaching from concrete prism specimens in ASTM C1293 and the impact on the results. There is an attempt to merge ASTM C1105 (typically used to determine alkali carbonate reactions) and C1293 (used for alkali silica reactions). CCRL proposed developing a proficiency sample for ASTM C1260 tests for laboratories to evaluate their expansion results; this was generally supported by the subcommittee.

C09.40 Ready Mixed Concrete - There were some minor revisions to ASTM C94 approved – density terminology for lightweight concrete and terminology for testing agencies. A new specification for reuse of returned concrete received several negatives that were addressed and a revised specification will be balloted. The subcommittee continues to work on other revisions to C94 to include revisions to the scope of the document and the purchaser's responsibility when ordering concrete; ordering heavyweight concrete; changes to the air content table; several revisions to the section on batching concrete and revisions to the appendix for strength overdesign.

C09.50 Risk Management for Alkali Aggregate Reactions (AAR) - The subcommittee used an administrative process to resolve negatives for its new document Determining Reactivity of Concrete Aggregates and Minimizing Risk of Deleterious Expansion. The document will be approved subject to a challenge on the process. The document is similar to the AASHTO provisional standard PP65. 

C09.60 Fresh Concrete Tests - Revision was approved to C138 on Density of Fresh Concrete that outlines the method of calculating the gravimetric air content. C173 on volumetric air content was revised to describe measurement accuracy for air content exceeding 8%. Revisions to procedures are in the balloting process for C143 (measuring slump cone), C138 (weighing the empty measure in a damp condition) and C172 on sampling (clarify the location of the sample from volumetric mixers). An involved inter-laboratory study has been completed to develop a precision statement for the pressure air method, C231.

C09.61 Strength - Minor revisions were approved to C192 for making and curing concrete specimens in the laboratory. A revision to C1231 was approved to discard pad caps based on condition of the caps (worn or split). Caps are subject to a reuse limit, typically 100 uses. Revisions proposed to C31 include requiring a density test be performed when cylinders are made, extending the transportation time to 8 hours provided that the initial curing requirements are maintained during transportation, eliminating the use of tin molds, reporting the maximum and minimum temperatures during the field curing of cylinders and some other minor details of the practice. These revisions are in the balloting process.

C09.66 Fluid Penetration - The subcommittee continues to work on finalizing two new test methods: 1. Surface resistivity using Wenner probe which can be used for concrete quality assurance; 2. Mass loss vs. time for one-dimensional drying of saturated concrete which can be used in service life prediction models. Revisions were also balloted to C1585 that measures the Rate of Absorption of Water by Hydraulic-Cement.

C09.98 Evaluation of Laboratories - Revisions to C1077 are addressing certification requirements for technicians and supervisors and the required test evaluations for personnel involved in field tests and laboratory tests. A revision is also addressing the qualification requirements of the professional engineer in responsible charge of a testing agency. Some of these revisions have implications to inspection and accreditation of laboratories.

C01 Cement - Some revisions are in the works for ASTM C150 – Specification for Portland Cement. ASTM C1702 (isothermal calorimetry measurement of heat of hydration) is proposed as an alternate to the previous C186 – heat of solution method – for cements that have an optional limit on heat of hydration. It is also being proposed for chlorides to be reported on a mill test report at the request of the purchaser. The precision of measuring chlorides will be evaluated in future CCRL proficiency sample testing. On ASTM C595 on blended cements, the tolerance on blending percentage is being developed. Other changes include a method for evaluating sulfate resistance of Portland limestone cement (Type IL). Revisions to cement standards are coordinated for concurrent changes to the equivalent AASHTO standards.

For more information, contact Colin Lobo at clobo@nrmca.org or Karthik Obla at kobla@nrmca.org.

MIT has released a research brief on modeling drying shrinkage. A semi-analytical model of drying shrinkage evaluates the pore size distribution in cement paste based on a water sorption isotherm (wetting and drying). Based on the pore size and water in different pores, the model considers pressures and surface tension in impacting drying shrinkage. While a good corelation to experimental observation exists, work continues to improve the model’s predictions.
 

Registration for this year’s NRMCA Safety Course is open The upcoming course will take place August 6-8 in Ontario, CA. This 2.5 day course teaches participants about OSHA safety compliance. It begins with why safety is so important and details the reasons why an effective safety program actually saves money through loss prevention and control. Participants learn about electrical safety, machine guarding, fall protection, hazard communication, confined spaces, personal protective equipment, fire fighting and evacuation, maintenance shop safety, chute handling, fleet safety, pre-trip inspection and more.

The course will take place at the CEMEX Ontario Regional Office. NRMCA has also reserved a hotel room block for attendees at the nearby Embassy Suites Ontario-Airport.

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 30 - July 3, please click here.

During the busy season, have your drivers view two distinctly different, 20-minute, concrete-specific, backing accident prevention video lessons. Streamed 24/7 to any computer, with an automatic proof-of-training system, these best practices are appropriate for both rear and front discharge mixers. Self-directed lessons keep drivers as well as their supervisors focused on preventing the #1 cause of an accident – backing error. Watch the two lessons’ preview clip and keep your drivers, as well as the public, safer with minimal time and money investment.

Register your staff  from the NRMCA’s Web site. For more information, contact Jacques Jenkins at jjenkins@nrmca.org.

NRMCA's Educational Activities Committee invites ready mix producers to submit their most innovative training initiatives of 2013-2014. Companies must submit their entries no later than Wednesday, July 30. The Innovation in Training Award winner will be recognized at NRMCA's ConcreteWorks to be held this fall in Indianapolis. Additionally, the producer’s program will be featured in a best-practices article in NRMCA's quarterly magazine, Concrete InFocus. MTSU's Concrete Institute Management faculty will serve as judges.

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 mix 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.

NRMCA's July Internet Spotlight, good through Tuesday, August 5, is the Concrete Plant Operators Manual. This manual is a comprehensive guide for the batch plant operator that includes valuable information on materials, batch tolerance and aggregate moisture, calculations, plant maintenance, safety and more.

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 25, Tukwila, WA

Regional ConcreteWorks Northwest Region

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

 

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