ENGELHARD The company’s MetaMax high-reactivity metakaolin is a white concrete additive that is said to enhance the performance of cement-based products,
ENGELHARD
The company’s MetaMax high-reactivity metakaolin is a white concrete additive that is said to enhance the performance of cement-based products, including pool finishes, mortars, grouts, shotcrete and high-performance concrete exposed to severe conditions. Specifically, it is a highly reactive aluminosilicate pozzolan formed by calcining purified kaolinite at a specific temperature range.
All MetaMax products are engineered and manufactured in an ISO-9002-certified facility using advanced statistical process quality control to ensure conformance to ASTM C 618, Class N (natural) pozzolan specifications. The result yields an almost 100 percent reactive white powder that is consistent from batch to batch.
MetaMax also increases compressive strength, reduces chloride permeability and helps control alkali-silica reactivity and efflorescence in architectural and other concrete applications using grey or white cement.
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OMYA
One customer using this company’s Betocarb, a fine calcium carbonate filler, cites increased production by 700 yd. in one month. A mineral admixture used to optimize particle packing of a mix design, thereby achieving savings through cementitious content reduction, Betocarb is said to improve green strength, fluidity and workability while reducing bleeding and segregation.
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BORAL MATERIALS
The company’s Micron3 product, an ultra-fine fly ash, was used recently in Amarillo, Texas, on reconstruction of the Ross-Mirror Overpass, which was demolished and rebuilt due to premature deterioration from corrosion and alkali-silica reaction. Golden Spread Redi-Mix supplied high-performance concrete for the project completed in October 2005, nearly 14 months ahead of schedule. According to Boral, placement, handling, strength generation, and all testing exceeded the contractor’s requirements.
One recent study found that ultra-fine fly ash improved the permeability and chloride diffusion rate, as well as the abrasion resistance of concrete exposed to magnesium-chloride salt applications. Other long-term ponding tests have shown 75 to 90 percent reduction in diffusion when measured at one year and beyond as compared to cement-only mixes. The Texas Department of Transportation has specified the use of ultra-fine fly ash in conjunction with other pozzolans and/or corrosion inhibitors on several projects located in aggressive environments.
Micron3 imparts desirable hardened-concrete traits associated with highly reactive pozzolans, without affecting workability. It reduces water and superplasticizer demands compared to cement-only mixes, product engineers contend.
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MICROWAVE MOISTURE SENSOR
A significant upgrade to the company’s line of moisture sensors for concrete mixers, MixTron model 2440 D features a new exterior and interior design incorporating digital electronics. Compatible with other sensors in its class, a digital RS232 output has been added to the unit’s upgraded analog signal output. Both analog and digital signals are now processed to smooth the output, removing fluctuations that characterize most mixing processes and enabling direct input into moisture and batching controllers. Calibration is set from the controller or computer via the RS232 port. A more user-friendly interface is also available through an Ethernet network connection and a web browser on any computer, such as a hand-held laptop; no special software is necessary.
In addition to moisture measurement, the MixTron 2440 D provides temperature readings and digital water-valve control outputs, allowing direct control of water added to the mixer when connected to an external touch screen or browser and solid-state relays. The need for a separate controller is thereby eliminated, and costs are reduced. MixTron’s advanced software reduces the time to acquire a stable reading, product developers note, giving shorter mixing cycle times and greater throughput. ScaleTron
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REAR-VISION CAMERA, MONITOR SYSTEM
Company has introduced a new version of its onboard rear-vision camera and monitor system, the SV-200 mini-cam, which like its other current models has been deployed by mixer truck operators to reduce back-up accidents and collisions. A representative sampling of producers who have equipped their fleets with the company’s technology includes Thelen Sand & Gravel, Knife River/Granite City Ready Mix, Rinker Materials, and Oldcastle Materials.
A typical rear-vision system is built of three basic components: an exterior camera; a cab-mounted monitor; and, a cable linking the two. Special features include mechanized shutters for environmental protection and audio capabilities to improve communication to the driver from outside the vehicle.
For full visibility, cameras also can be mounted to capture side- and forward-facing views. Some systems expand to accommodate up to four cameras, with changeable monitor views (single or multiple). Exterior and interior components can be installed using variable mounting options, and the systems are available in both color and black & white configurations, with optional accessories.
The systems also interface with mobile video equipment for onboard digital recording. The SV-200S mini-cam Û reportedly inexpensive and unobtrusive, yet rugged enough to withstand harsh environmental conditions Û especially suits side-mount applications and will soon be joined by another exterior model. Safety Vision
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DETACHABLE BOOM
Offering the latest in detachable boom technology, the manufacturer notes, the truck-mounted KVM 39X concrete pump features a Generation 2 detachable boom. Lighter picking weight and faster mounting for more productivity on projects requiring a separate placing boom are said to be particular benefits of the new boom design. Retaining the Roll and Fold boom action, Gen 2 requires only four pins and eight quick-disconnect hydraulic hoses to fly booms for more versatility and better equipment utilization.
Key to the Generation 2 concept is a separate powerpack/reservoir flown to the mounting point independently of the boom, allowing a 13,200-lb. picking weight for the 114-ft. unit. Several mounting options are available: tubular mast with floor frames, wall truss, lattice tower, ballasted cross frame or foundation frame. When utilizing a self-climbing form system on high-rise work, the tubular mast can be attached to the forming system, or a zero-elevation frame can be clamped to the working deck of the forms.
The KVM 39X is one of the longest booms available that mounts on a three-axle truck, which offers better maneuverability and less maintenance (in addition to lower initial expense) than custom, multi-axle carriers. The KVM 39X can be equipped with many of the company’s pump kits to provide output up to 213 yd./hour. The Generation 2 is also available as a separate placing boom. Schwing America
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CURING BLANKET
Technology provided by the company’s powerblanket 120VAC system enables concrete to be poured on ground several degrees above freezing in ambient temperatures between 0 and 30 degrees. Although conventional insulating blankets can trap the heat that is a byproduct of cement hydration, the manufacturer contends, powerblankets maintain optimal temperatures for proper concrete curing in even the coldest weather. Besides insulating the concrete and retaining heat that is naturally produced, powerblankets produce additional heat to keep concrete within the desired temperature range. Facilitating construction uninterrupted by weather conditions, powerblanket technology utilizes solar heat and patent-pending heating elements to evenly maintain warm temperatures throughout the blanket, eliminating hot or cold spots.
The 1-in.-thick powerblankets are available in two sizes (23 ft. _ 11 ft. or 253 sq. ft. and 25 ft. _ 6 ft. or 150 sq. ft.) with a 6-in. edge flap that reduces wind infiltration. Waterproof and reportedly durable, they feature heat-welded edges and come with all electrical plugs Û ready for use straight out of the box. Powerblankets are designed to be plugged into each other, top to bottom or side to side. The powerblanket design suits such applications as surface temperature regulation on mass concrete projects. The products also can be used for ground thawing before placing concrete; and once poured, the concrete is maintained at the required temperature. Engius LLC
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LOADERS
Company has upgraded its K-Series skid-steer loaders (S130 through S300), compact track loaders (T140 through T300), and the A300 all-wheel steer loader. New to the K-Series loaders is the SmartFAN cooling system, a hydraulically driven cooling fan that senses machine operating temperatures and self-regulates to rotate only as fast as required. Up to 30 percent quieter in some operating conditions, the temperature-controlled, variable-speed fan optimizes the loader’s cooling needs.
K-Series loaders continue to feature a dual-path cooling system, drawing in cool, clean air from above (through the oil cooler and radiator) and pulling hot air from the engine and hydrostatic area, exiting out two side vents. Benefits of the design include reduced dirt and debris restrictions in the cooling system and minimal debris in the engine compartment.
In addition, drive chain size has been upgraded to 120 HSOC (high strength oval chain) from 100 HSOC on K-Series large-frame loaders. The bowtie-style drive chains are thereby rendered 38 percent stronger, thus extending service life in tough applications requiring over-the-tire steel tracks or solid, poly-filled, or segmented tires. The chaincase is virtually maintenance-free, because chain adjustment is not needed, and the protected axle seals and bearings never require greasing.
K-Series large-frame, vertical-lift path loaders also received an extra lift Û two inches added to the loaders’ lift height. S250, S300, T300, and A300 models comprise K-Series large-frame loaders with vertical lift path. Compact track loaders (T180 through T300) have been improved with the addition of another roller to their track undercarriage. The additional roller provides better ride quality and improves roller life and overall track life. Bobcat
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FLUID GROUT
A highly fluid, cement-based precision grout, according to the manufacturer, SikaGrout 328 was developed to achieve 7,500- to 10,000-psi compressive strengths, depending on consistency. It is formulated to allow extended working time for large placements without compromising 24-hour compressive strength. Packaged in 50-lb. bags, SikaGrout 328 is suitable for grouting machinery base plates and anchor bolt applications. Sika Corp.
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DUBROOK, RINKER ENLIST DRIVER TRAINER NBI
NBI, Inc., a recruitment and driver-training organization that specializes in the ready mix industry, has signed definitive agreements with two more producers. Rinker Materials of Everett, Wash., and Dubrook Concrete of Chantilly, Va., have outsourced the recruitment and training of new drivers to NBI.
Driver turnover continues to be a problem for most producers and NBI’s approach of grow your own makes sense, notes Jack Hartman of DuBrook Concrete. We are now bringing in a new breed of driver, he repports. These new drivers don’t come in with bad habits.
Rinker Materials Manager of Concrete Operations Dave Mullins agrees, Without quality drivers we’re dead in the water. We need quality drivers to stay competitive in our marketplace. We decided to try NBI’s recruitment and driver-training program because we were tired of hiring drivers that were not safety conscious.
To date, with the addition of these two companies, NBI has worked with 65 ready mixed producers nationwide. Over the last 13 years, more than 5,000 new drivers have been trained and delivered using the firm’s grow your own approach.
Û www.nbidrivers.com