REINFORCING STRIPS A thin metallic strip, Nadacrack is a new type of reinforcement for thick and thin concrete floor slabs that stops cracks from forming,
REINFORCING STRIPS
A thin metallic strip, Nadacrack is a new type of reinforcement for thick and thin concrete floor slabs that stops cracks from forming, the product developer notes. Tested over the last 10 years on 34- to 4-in.-thick concrete slabs, the strip eliminates concrete cracking by two means: (1) resisting the forces caused by loading placed on the slab; and, (2) restraining the concrete to avoid volume change.
Nadacrack is located at the bottom of the slab where, the inventor contends, reinforcement is most effective. Offered with a guarantee, the strip comes in a coil and is rolled out and cut to predetermined lengths. (Spacing depends on slab-loading conditions.) The product is available also with hot-dipped galvanized coating for damp conditions and in plastic extruded coils. Nadacrack Co.
[email protected]
MICRO RELAY SWITCHES
More compact than regular relays, the manufacturer notes, 25A MicroRelay switches accept a load up to 25A at 12V DC and act as a remote switching device. The relays allow for smaller wiring (small currents) from switches to remotely turn on or off a heavy current circuit. They suit a variety of industrial vehicle applications, such as lamp control, horns, power windows, fuel pumps, fans, and lift gates. Offered in Form A (SPST) and Form C changeover (SPDT), MicroRelay switches are weather resistant and feature silver alloy contacts for longer service life. Cole Hersee Co.
www.colehersee.com
MOBILE DATA TERMINALS
TrakitGPS Mobile Data Terminals combine GPS and wireless data technology in a single unit to provide versatile support of vehicle tracking and reporting requirements for concrete and aggregate producers. The system’s data hosting includes nationwide network coverage via multiple carriers.
The mobile data terminals provide a modern, user-friendly working environment, a company spokesman notes, adding that solutions include basic GPS reporting and messaging terminals, with plans to provide fully integrated mapping and navigation features using a color Microsoft WindowsCE.net display. The new terminals are compatible with existing TrakitGPS systems using BioTrakit timekeeping, phones, or other hardware. They utilize multiple wireless networks to provide reliable wireless connectivity.
www.trakit-gps.com
MIXER TRUCK WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The 2FR water management system for concrete truck monitors water-add and chute washout functions. It records water added to the concrete batch to maintain quality, and has a flow alarm when washout occurs after the concrete pour. Operators can use 2FR units with flow alarms in their satellite navigation system to notify dispatchers immediately when trucks are ready for redeployment.
The 2FR system offers the efficiencies of one flowmeter for both washout and monitoring water added when a solenoid valve is actuated to allow flow into the drum. The system utilizes a CoolPoint vortex shedding flowmeter with accuracy of +/-1 percent of actual flow, thereby meeting requirements of U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration FP-03 552.05. The meter has one set point alarm for washout and a pulse outflow signal for water-add flow monitoring.
CoolPoint is a non-mechanical meter that has no moving parts to stick or coat; company officials note that it cannot fail due to particulate blockage and is not susceptible to problems such as acid wash, meter hang-up caused by entrained dirt, and compressed air over-ranging.
The solenoid valve’s fully on or fully off feature avoids the fault of a partially opened manual valve that can keep flow below a rate accommodated by the flowmeter. The truck driver pushes an in-cab button to actuate the solenoid valve to full flow position and allow flow into the drum. The 2FR water management system can accommodate flows from 1.8 GPM to 50 GPM. The system’s washout switch actuates at 2 GPM flow when the chute is being washed. Total amount of water added is shown in a cab LCD display in a self-contained box that also holds the solenoid valve actuation button. The system includes cabling for power to truck battery, valves and the in-cab display. Universal Flow Monitors
www.flowmeters.com
CONCRETE FORM PULLER
The BartoBar tool is designed to quickly separate forms from hardened and set concrete, the inventor notes, with minimal effort and no damage. In addition to improving productivity with limited investment, he adds, the puller minimizes potential injuries, such as back strain, by reducing the physical effort required. The inventor seeks possible investors interested in the development, sale, license or manufacture of his patented tool.
Û 716/754-4491
runover
ACRYLIC COATING
Sikagard 550W Elastocolor is an elastomeric, crack-bridging, anticarbonation, acrylic protective coating. It protects reinforced concrete against the ingress of carbon dioxide and other aggressive gasses, as it offers resistance to chlorides and other waterborne salts, as well as UV light. Yet, product developers note, the 550W formulation remains breathable, allowing water vapor to pass out from the building, which reduces the possibility of moisture buildup behind the coating. Accordingly, it enhances the aesthetic appearance of a concrete surface while providing resistance to mildew and dirt accumulation.
On building and civil engineering structures subject to cracking and dynamic movement, furthermore, the product functions as a protective, crack-bridging coating for concrete, mortar, stucco, masonry, even at low temperatures. Nontoxic and nonflammable, Sikagard 550W can be applied by brush, roller, or airless spray. It is packaged in 5-gal. re-closable plastic pails. Sika Corp.
www.sikaconstruction.com
[NOV – a]
AUTOMATIC TIRE INFLATION
Tiremaax CP (Constant Pressure) is a new configuration of the company’s automatic tire-inflation system for trailers, designed to better match the varying requirements of today’s haulers, the manufacturer asserts. With the launch of Tiremaax CP, the original offering becomes Tiremaax EC (Electronic Control). Tiremaax CP features a simple mechanical design, while Tiremaax EC provides full-system programming and monitoring. The systems draw from the trailer air supply to help keep trailer tires properly inflated and rolling smoothly. Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems
www.hendrickson-intl.com
[DEC – g]
SELF-SEALING POLYURETHANE LINER
QuikGel self-sealing, flat-proofing polyurethane liner suits off-road vehicle applications, providing protection from punctures up to 516 in. in diameter. Sufficiently lightweight to allow the tire and vehicle to perform as designed, it reportedly offers coverage to the middle of the sidewall and extra shoulder protection for lateral punctures, plus optimized coverage in high-risk areas of the tire and maximum protection in the tread area versus the tread center line. Moreover, the liner is centrifugally cast balanced to ensure a smooth ride, product developers emphasize, and is retreadable.
According to company representatives, the product has received approval from OEM manufacturers, including Princeton Delivery Systems for truck-mounted forklifts; and Gehl, Mustang, Case and New Holland for skid steers. The liner has been tested for speeds up to 90 mph. Arnco
www.arnconet.com
[DEC – f]
GROUT PLACEMENT SYSTEM
Stone Construction Equipment’s new product line offers a material-handling system that places grout and masonry mortar via mechanical delivery. The Groutzilla Placement System comprises a power take off (PTO)-driven unit that is said by its developers to make placing grout in blocks, walls, forms and foundations easy and efficient, providing optimal control, minimal cleanup, and high productivity.
The Groutzilla System working in concert with a telehandler or forklift reportedly handles almost any slump to fill multiple courses of block spanning 20 ft. or more. Manufacturer-cited features include:
- Patented self-wiping Talet auger system, which discharges all material and allows for flow control, minimal waste, and easy cleanup.
- Reinforced, composite polymer flighting at the auger prevents binding due to various aggregate sizes.
- Angled geometry of the hopper promotes flow to the auger and helps prevent accumulation of grout on sidewalls, while splash guard reduces incidental sprills and loss of material.
- Replaceable steel hopper extends life of the system.
- A positive hydraulically controlled shut-off valve seals the hopper and stops materials flow when activated.
- Swing-away discharge snout eliminates the need for cleaning and is ergonomically designed to eliminate handling of heavy components.
- Flush-out grate provides access to rinse out the discharge snout.
- Hopper swivels on roller bearings, and a three-position lock facilitates positioning to turn 360_ and 180_ for placement and lock in place for transport.
- Heavy-duty fork pockets fit any size telehandler.
- Tethered PTO hydraulic hoses resist tangling, chafing or breaking and carry a five-year leak-free guarantee.
- Optional radio-frequency remote transfers control of grout placement from lift operator to mason at the discharging point, eliminating the need for hand signals.
Offered complete with an 8-ft. reinforced rubber discharge hose., the Groutzilla Placement System can be filled from either a mixer truck or a mortar mixer.
Û www.stone-equip.com
[DEC – k, x, y]
WATER-RETENTION SOLUTION
Available in a highly concentrated (11-to-1) quart-sized six-pack, E-Con is placed on fresh concrete for a thin continuous film that prevents premature and rapid loss of moisture from the surface, minimizing the negative effects of rapid drying due to high temperature, low humidity, high winds, and direct sunlight. The liquid works by laying down a patented, one-molecule-thick lubrication barrier, allowing power trowels to work smoothly and with less effort.
The new formulation reportedly suits quick mixing for standard 312-gal. hand-held, pump-up pressure concrete finishing sprayers: one quart of E-con and the balance of the sprayer filled with clean water provides an effective solution. E-Con also can be mixed and sprayed from the spray tank reservoirs of all power trowels. The product is available as well in 5-gal. pails for 55 gallons or 1-gal. jugs for 10 gallons of spray.
Besides effecting early water retention, product developers note, E-Con has been demonstrated in testing to provide more production in the same amount of time; less abrasion on blades from the concrete surface; minimal surface stickiness and surface wind crusting; and, a VOC-compliant, nonresidual treatment that is with all subsequent coatings. L&M Construction Chemicals
www.lmcc.com
DOCUMENT IMAGING/BATCH WEIGHTS
To capture actual batch weights for a batch ticket, the company’s document imaging system includes an Output Advisor module. Accordingly, the batch panel sends ticket data detailing batch weights to the Advisor, which then reformats the data as needed, adds a bar code, and sends the ticket to the printer and to the document imaging server. As an added benefit, programmers note, Output Advisor also will prepare a laser form overlay, allowing users to print multipart batch tickets with a laser printer on plain paper. Eliminating the cost of preprinted forms each month represents a significant monetary savings, developers contend. Imaging Technology Group
www.imagingtech.com
RAPID REPAIR GROWS GREENER
Backed by the Pavemend family of rapid concrete repair products in U.S. military installations, municipalities, and department of transportation applications, Ceratech, Inc., recently introduced D.O.T.Line. It is offered in turnkey, pre-extended, 58-lb. bags as a single-component powder that is activated by mixing with water and placed like traditional concrete.
Developed by combining nonhazardous, green sustainable waste stream materials into a cementitious mineral structure, D.O.T.Line is a rapid repair concrete comprised of over 90 percent recycled materials. It is designed for horizontal to near-horizontal applications, the manufacturer notes, allowing for economical and efficient structural repair of roads and bridges where quick return to service is vital.
D.O.T.Line has been engineered to address many of the issues posed by traditional construction materials, including a wide applicable temperature range of 30_F to 120_F, two-hour return to service time, high early-strength development, ease of mixing and placement, shrinkage, priming, and curing. Allowing 20 minutes of working time, the product reaches compressive strengths exceeding 2,500 psi within two hours from addition of water. Further, it finishes like traditional portland cement-based concrete and cleans up easily with water alone, company representatives contend.
Û www.ceratechinc.com
CAD TOOL OFFERS FULL ICF WALL PERSPECTIVE
Introducing its ICF AutoCAD tool for architects, Reward Wall Systems provides a library that allows users to virtually stack insulating concrete form blocks and view walls from any angle. The AutoCAD block library includes the complete line of Reward iForm products, enabling designers to create ICF wall details in elevation, plan and wall section views. By allowing the designer to observe iForm blocks from all directions and stack them, the tool creates an overall view of the wall to facilitate construction documents. The AutoCAD Dynamic Block Product Library is available electronically on the company’s website under Reward Wall Systems’ Product Manual.
Û www.rewardwalls.com