ASTM C94-15 spells new requirements for ready mixed concrete buyers

Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.; CP staff

Following June committee week in Anaheim, Calif., ASTM International Subcommittee C09-40 on Ready Mixed Concrete has issued a new C94, Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete. In contrast to the predecessor version, NRMCA Engineering staff notes, ASTM C94-15 places the onus on the customer to communicate all requirements for concrete from a project specification; sets mix air content at levels for moderate and severe exposure; directs the purchaser, when ordering ready mixed, to either state the required air content or indicate finished concrete exposure type; requires purchaser to indicate density when ordering heavy weight mixes, and clarifies terms for ordering lightweight aggregate by stating equilibrium density; and, contains appendix revisions advising on strength overdesign concepts.

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Index finds labor driving construction costs more than materials, products

Source: Turner Construction Co., New York; CP staff

The Second Quarter 2015 Turner Building Cost Index, which measures non-residential building construction market activity and is widely subscribed among public and private project stakeholders, has increased to a value of 938, reflecting a 1.19 percent jump from the first quarter and 4.7 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

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Forecaster sees modest growth rate across key construction sectors

Source: FMI Corp., Raleigh, N.C.

Construction activity in 2015 is expected to grow at 5 percent, leveling off from the previous forecast of 8 percent in the first quarter of 2015, according to the Q2 Construction Outlook from lead management consultant FMI. “Construction spending continues to build on the rapid growth experienced in the industry last year,” says Senior Managing Director and President of Investment Banking Chris Daum. Although the Q2 Outlook is lower than last quarter’s, he adds, it still finds 2015 logging the highest total for construction put in place since 2008.

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