The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Operations, Environmental and Safety Committee begins 2018 with a new name: Safety, Environmental and Operations Excellence (SEO) Committee. The NRMCA Board prompted the change while also creating the Work Force Development Committee, responsible for human resource matters specific to ready mixed concrete, and superseding the former OES HR Task Group.
SEO Chairman Tim Kauzlick (Cemex USA) notes that the 2018 committee agenda topics or activities include autonomous mixer trucks, Environmental Video Series, educational courses, renewed efforts surrounding Green-Star plant certification, additional webinars, and National Mixer Driver Championship. The next SEO Committee meeting is scheduled for March 3 in Houston, during the 2018 NRMCA Convention.
The American Concrete Pavement Association has named Chuck Niederriter, chief operating officer of Golden Triangle Construction Co., Imperial, Pa., as its 2018 chairman, succeeding Lehigh Hanson Senior Director of Marketing Lori Tiefenthaler.
“The mission for 2018 will be for the national organization to work closely with the ACPA-affiliated chapters to provide increased service and assistance to our governmental partners at the state and local level,” says Niederriter. “This is of great importance considering the heightened awareness nationally for much needed improvements to the infrastructure. Transportation departments across the country are asking for help, and we are prepared to step in.”
Separately, ACPA presented its 2017 Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award to Michael Darter, Ph.D., P.E., principal engineer with Applied Research Associates, Inc. and University of Illinois Professor Emeritus. The award recognizes his innovation, leadership, teaching, and mentoring in the field of civil engineering, plus advancement of technology spurring volumes of high-quality concrete pavements.
Darter’s 40-plus years of consulting, research and teaching have resulted in what ACPA notes is a legacy of exceptional pavement engineers and engineering tools used in all facets of concrete pavement design; evaluation and forensic analyses; performance prediction modeling; performance-related specifications; life-cycle cost analysis; and, rehabilitation procedures.
Dominic Di Cenzo has been appointed executive director of the Connecticut Concrete Promotion Council, a Connecticut Ready Mixed Concrete Association supporting committee. As part of his primary duties promoting CRMCA, he will manage a) educational programs for members plus allied individuals and groups; and, b) communications to established media and digital outlets. Di Cenzo has held international marketing and sales positions with several Connecticut construction product manufacturers including Laticrete International, a global manufacturer of tile and stone installation products headquartered in Bethany; and, Five Star Products of Shelton, a supplier of precision grouts and concrete repair mortars.
“The mission of CRMCA is to promote the use of ready mixed concrete and innovative construction products and technologies,” says President Kevin Miller (Tilcon Connecticut). “The CRMCA provides both social and educational opportunities for members to discuss and learn about the latest trends and technologies in the ready mixed concrete industry. CRMCA also offers a concrete inspection certification program to ensure quality control for concrete products and applications. Additionally, CRMCA works through the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association on federal and local industry matters. We are looking for Dominic, with his marketing and industry experience, to assist the CRMCA to promote the NRMCA national “Build with Strength” campaign to get that message out to the Connecticut construction community.”
“CRMCA’s Concrete Promotion Council is the most active committee in the division, hosting meetings and a variety of educational and concrete promotional programs and events throughout the year,” adds Education Committee co-chair Don Penepent (Tilcon Connecticut). “The programs promote the use of cast concrete as the material of choice for all types of commercial and residential construction. In Dominic’s new role, he will concentrate efforts in promoting the use and benefits of cast concrete as a better construction material option through educational sessions to both CRMCA members and other audiences such as architects, home builders and design firms in the state of Connecticut.”
CTLGroup, Skokie, Ill., has named Laura Powers principal materials scientist. She brings extensive experience evaluating geological and building materials using polarized-light microscopy and other petrographic methods; scanning electron microscopy with x-ray spectroscopy; electron microprobe analysis; x-ray fluorescence or diffraction; plus, physical and chemical testing methods. Her expertise includes assessing the composition and condition of historical building materials for restoration and conservation purposes, identification of defects and deficiencies in precast and cast-in-place concrete, analysis of non-portland cement-based building materials, assessing damage caused by fire and explosion, and evaluating performance of materials in aggressive environments.
Separately, Matt Filippini has been named CTLGroup senior architect, Structural & Architectural Evaluation. With 25 years in architectural and structural practice, he specializes in building envelope evaluations, research, condition assessments of architectural and structural components, and litigation support. His project experience includes forensic investigations of building envelopes, including roof, wall, window, curtain wall, and foundation systems; concrete, masonry, wood, and steel structures; façade inspections and repairs; parking structures; condominium, industrial and commercial facilities; governmental and military buildings; religious facilities; and, historic building evaluation and repair.
A group led by Bernhard Capital Partners Management in Baton Rouge, La. has acquired construction materials and infrastructure management specialists Engineering and Testing Services Corp., Oakland, Calif.; Moreland Altobelli Associates, Duluth, Ga.; and, Pavetex Engineering LLC, Lubbock, Texas, combining them under Atlas Technical Consultants.
The new entity will provide public and private sector clients with infrastructure engineering, design, program development/management, acquisition and project control services, plus construction engineering & inspection and materials testing support. Atlas Technical will be one of the largest operators of its kind, with 1,000-plus employees in more than 30 offices across 11 states. Major offices are located in Atlanta; Austin, Dallas and Houston; Boise; Honolulu; Portland; Salt Lake City; and, San Francisco.
“Atlas Technical Consultants will be a major industry contributor in infrastructure engineering, program management and construction inspection & testing and will add significant value,” says Bernhard Capital Partner Jeff Jenkins. “We are confident this platform will be a foundation for continued growth and remain excited about our impressive pipeline.”
Bernhard Capital has appointed as Atlas chief executive officer L. Joe Boyer, who brings nearly 30 years of experience leading firms in solving complex infrastructure challenges in new build, recovery and resiliency scenarios for federal, public and private clients. He most recently headed Atkins North America, a design, engineering and project management consultancy under Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin.