NCMA probes depth of CMUs’ carbon dioxide-sequestering potential

National Concrete Masonry Association technicians are collecting block from a cross section of producer members for a two-year investigation measuring specimens’ carbon dioxide sequestration characteristics. Findings have the potential to arm the industry with critical CO2 uptake data plus delineate the sequestration rates and net volumes of dry cast versus conventional precast and cast-in-place concrete units or elements.

Read More

Application strikes accurate note in CMU compressive strength testing

A new non-destructive method of measuring concrete masonry compressive strength uses the acoustic impulse response of isolated unit specimens. Strike-it technology does not require bulky equipment or specialized facilities, and can be easily deployed in the field, according to British Columbia-based developer SoundQA Solutions.

Read More

Vulcan Materials, Superior Block test carbon dioxide-dosed ready mixed, CMU

Vulcan Materials Co. is the first ready mixed producer to license technology in which industrial process-sourced carbon dioxide is injected into fresh concrete mixes, thereby offsetting water requirements; forming additional limestone in the matrix; and, sequestering the greenhouse gas in a hardened slab or structure.

Read More