Source: Axim Italcementi Group, Middlebranch, Ohio
Axim has announced two admixture developments for roller compacted concrete: A synthetically manufactured, water-reducing and set control agent, Catexol MegaPact is formulated to impart greater flexural strength, better uniformity, increased durability, and reduced shrinkage characteristics, thereby easing placement and augmenting compaction.
Read MoreSources: U.S. Geological Survey; Rock Products
USGS reported its final 2010 domestic cement statistics, confirming the historically weak consumption levels in Portland Cement Association forecasts. Last year saw about 61 million tons of portland cement and 1.8 million tons of masonry cement produced at 102 plants in 36 states, plus two plants in Puerto Rico. Overall production was the lowest since 1982 and reflected continued plant closures or indefinite shutdowns.
Read MoreSources: Holcim Canada, Mississauga, Ontario; CP staff
On the heels of Canadian Standards Association approval and National Building Code of Canada reference, a new class of portland-limestone cement (PLC) has been recognized in Ontario and Quebec building codes as an alternative to ASTM C150-equivalent or CSA General Use powder.
Read MoreSources: Associated Builders and Contractors, Washington, D.C.; CP staff
The Government Neutrality in Contracting Act introduced by Rep. John Sullivan (R.-Okla.), notes 2011 ABC National Chairman Michael Uremovich (Great Lakes Energy Consultants), “Will guarantee that all qualified contractors and skilled workers, regardless of labor affiliation, have an equal opportunity to bid on and construct federal and federally assisted construction projects … [and] help taxpayers get the best possible construction project at the best possible price by increasing competition, reducing waste and eliminating favoritism in federal contracting.”
Read MoreSource: National Labor Relations Board, Washington, D.C.
In a brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, NLRB General Counsel seek enforcement of an April 2010 order that Operating Engineers Local 513, Bridgeton, Mo., cease action against a foreman who cited a fellow member for safety violations.
Read MoreSource: American Concrete Institute Foundation/Strategic Development Council (SDC), Farmington Hills, Mich.
Three national concrete groups, two ACI committees and representatives of major concrete engineering and construction firms have prepared SDC’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) Strategic Plan to inform the National Institute of Building Sciences’ (NIBS) National BIM Standard.
Read MoreSource: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.
NRMCA has updated and economized its Concrete Delivery Professional (CDP) program, offering certification candidates self-directed, self-paced training and instruction online. In addition to vehicle operating topics, the program documents and measures training for Occupational Safety and Health Administration and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recordkeeping.
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