Landscaping product demand rises; hardscapes sees fastest growth

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Published: Monday, 27 June 2011 12:51

Written by Concrete News

According to Landscaping Products, a new Freedonia Group study, U.S. demand for landscaping products is projected to increase 7.6 percent per year to $5.9 billion in 2015. The demand will be promoted by a recovery in U.S. housing activity, including new construction and existing single-family home sales. Among markets, residential sales account for the largest share of landscaping products with 55 percent in 2010.

Read more: Landscaping product demand rises; hardscapes sees fastest growth

Labor agencies seek shorter union petition–election window, employer counsel disclosures

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Published: Wednesday, 22 June 2011 18:20

Written by Concrete News

Sources: Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board; Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Washington, D.C.

By Don Marsh

A NLRB-proposed rulemaking would take steps likely cutting the period for union representation election from an average of 45–60 days to 10–21 days, a move ABC believes would severely limit an employer’s ability to effectively communicate to workers the impact of unionization.

Read more: Labor agencies seek shorter union petition–election window, employer counsel disclosures

White cement, slag mix doubles High Concrete panels' solar reflectance

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Published: Wednesday, 22 June 2011 16:02

Written by Concrete News

High Concrete has introduced a mix design that is said to significantly improve the heat reflectance of precast concrete surfaces, causing them to stay cooler by reversing the urban heat island effect. The mix imparts a solar reflective index (SRI) of 82 in finished products, nearly double that of the company’s conventional gray concrete mixes.

Read more: White cement, slag mix doubles High Concrete panels' solar reflectance

Quebec producer Unibeton deploys first Simard twin rear axle steering system

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Published: Wednesday, 22 June 2011 16:01

Written by Concrete News

Source: Simard Suspensions, Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec

Ciment Quebec’s Unibeton ready mixed business has marked the North American debut of an adjustable hydraulic and digital system installed on both rear axles of a trailer-mounted concrete mixer. Engineered to maximize steering angle with a minimum number of components, the SVSE (Simard Vehicle Systems Engineering) system uses microprocessor-driven Electronic Steering Trailer technology from Europe.

Read more: Quebec producer Unibeton deploys first Simard twin rear axle steering system