Corps, Marines unit proves high volume, large bead 3D concrete printing

Source: Marine Corps Systems Command, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, Champaign, Ill.

Marine Corps Systems Command and 7th Engineer Support Battalion staff joined U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) colleagues earlier this month to test a 3D concrete printing operation with a late model volumetric mixer feeding a 3-in. nozzle. The demonstration was aimed fabricating a bunker and followed barrack and bridge structure printing with a 2-in. nozzle-equipped assembly. 

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EPA leaves sound regulations underpinning SPCC plans alone

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

After more than three years of soliciting expert advice and public comment on issuing a proposed rulemaking potentially expanding the petroleum product spill prevention, control and countermeasure (SPCC) terms typical of concrete plant environmental permits, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a final action establishing no new regulatory requirements under the Clean Water Act (CWA). 

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Report ranks states by highway cost efficiency, from N.D. to N.J.

Sources: Reason Foundation, Los Angeles; CP staff

The Annual Highway Report from public policy think tank Reason Foundation finds that the nation’s highway conditions are deteriorating, especially in a group of problem plagued states struggling to repair deficient bridges, maintain Interstate pavement and reduce urban traffic congestion. In descending order, the respective leaders and laggards are North Dakota, Virginia, Missouri and Rhode Island, Alaska, New Jersey.

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Brickworks builds Glen-Gery brand with $32M Sioux City deal

Sources: Brickworks North America Corp., Wyomissing, Pa.; CP staff 

Brickworks North America, the recently established parent company of clay masonry mainstay Glen-Gery Corp., has closed on Iowa-based Sioux City Brick, a family-owned operator since 1913. The $32 million transaction brings three production lines across two plants, with capacity upward of 160 million brick, plus five retail distribution outlets and exclusive U.S. distribution rights to the Feldhaus thin brick system.

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Foundation guides industry to the next concrete pavement frontier

Sources: Ready Mixed Concrete Research & Education Foundation, Silver Spring, Md.; CP staff

Looking beyond roads, streets, parking lots and traditional flatwork, the RMC Research and Education Foundation’s latest publication responds to an emerging pavement market opportunity for ready mixed concrete producers. The 36-page Guide to Concrete Trails covers project background and funding; choice of concrete versus alternative paving materials; design and engineering; concrete mix designs, delivery and placement; paving machinery and slab finishing methods; plus, jointing, curing and maintenance. 

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Drainage construction interests mark Concrete Pipe Week

Sources: American Concrete Pipe Association, Irving, Texas; County Materials Corp., Marathon, Wis.; CP staff

Members and allies are recognizing the American Concrete Pipe Association-organized Concrete Pipe Week, August 18-24, through plant tours and employee appreciation events, while engaging federal, state or local officials in discussions about product quality, performance and resilience as they relate to storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure, culverts, and small precast bridges. 

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OSHA revisits principal reference in silica standard for construction

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

OSHA is soliciting industry perspective and comments on Table 1 of the agency’s Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard for Construction through October 14. Officials seek information on a) additional engineering and work practice control methods to effectively limit exposure to silica for listed equipment and tasks; and, b) other silica-generating construction equipment and tasks that the agency should consider adding to the table.

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FMCSA proposal harmonizes mixer, dump, tanker driver hours terms

Source: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.

Years of conferring with agency officials on how Hours of Service (HOS) rules profoundly affect ready mixed concrete supply chains, production and delivery have netted NRMCA staff and Safety, Environmental and Operations Committee members a welcome Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposal updating thresholds for drivers.

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UCLA team demonstrates carbon capture in precast block production

Sources: University of California, Los Angeles; CP staff

A University of California, Los Angeles team in the final round of the $20 million NRG Cosia Carbon Xprize competition has scheduled a February 2020 demonstration of a process yielding precast concrete blocks with carbon dioxide gas from coal-fired power generation. Carbon Upcycling UCLA will stage the 30-day undertaking at the Dry Fork Station near Gillette, Wyo.; members see daily production of up to 10 tons of their CO2ncrete-trademarked units for use in wall construction. 

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