December 1, 2014 – Concrete Products

Revised ACI 318 Code streamlines concrete mix, performance references

December 1, 2014 Concrete News

Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.; American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, Mich.; CP staff

In an overview for ready mixed producers on the reorganized ACI-318, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete, NRMCA Senior Vice President, Engineering Colin Lobo notes how the just-released version: consolidates concrete mixture-specific references from 318-11 Chapters 3 (Materials), 4 (Durability) and 5 (Strength and Construction Issues) into new Chapters 19 (Concrete: Design and Durability Requirements) and 26 (Construction Documents and Inspection). The reorganization of these sections permitted an evaluation and elimination of some Code provisions related to concrete mixtures and construction when better addressed in other referenced standards.

Charah contracts extend C618-grade ash options for Midwest producers

December 1, 2014 Concrete News

Source: Charah Inc., Louisville, Ky.

Coal combustion products (CCP) management specialist Charah has entered into or renewed agreements involving three Louisville Gas & Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities Co. facilities: Mill Creek Generating Station in Jefferson County, Trimble County Generating Station, and Ghent Generating Station near Carrollton, Ky.

Five-year outlook report paints solid gains for unit masonry

December 1, 2014 Concrete News

Sources: Freedonia Group, Cleveland; CP staff

U.S. demand for clay or concrete brick and block is forecast to rise 8.8 percent per annum from a $5.8 billion base in 2013 to $8.9 billion by 2018. Recovery across all building and construction market segments will be the primary driver as unit masonry shipments improve from declines rooted in the 2006 home building market contraction and subsequent economic recession.

ASTM schedules Product Category Rules for Pavers release by year’s end

December 1, 2014 Concrete News

Sources: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, Chantilly, Va.; CP staff

ASTM International recently organized ICPI and National Concrete Masonry Association member meetings to draft Product Category Rules on segmental concrete paving products, plus a parallel document on masonry products. Following a public comment period and independent review panel oversight, the draft PCR on segmental concrete paving products is being finalized for December release.

ASHRAE, USGBC revise green building benchmark, Standard 189.1

December 1, 2014 Concrete News

Sources: ASHRAE, Atlanta; CP staff

New requirements to further reduce energy and environmental impacts in buildings’ construction and operating phases—vehicles’ jobsite idle time and long-term stormwater management guidelines among them—are detailed in the 2014 version of the green building standard from ASHRAE, the U.S. Green Building Council and Illuminating Engineering Society.