MIXING DEVICES For projects ranging from single-family home renovations to urban high-rise construction as well as curb-and-gutter work, a new family
MIXING DEVICES
For projects ranging from single-family home renovations to urban high-rise construction as well as curb-and-gutter work, a new family of scalable concrete mixing systems enables production on demand, the company affirms. Reportedly providing contractors the ability to cut costs by an estimated 50 percent and save time by eliminating deliveries, each product adds precise amounts of sand and aggregate material to a mixing barrel.
A specially developed scoop for skid-steers, the Mix Chief can feed a mixing barrel to produce a cubic yard at a time, making it suitable for sidewalk and single-home foundation work. It can make up to 12 yards of concrete per hour. The scoop also can feed a paddle mixer, allowing masons to mix a yard of mortar in eight to 10 minutes.
The Site Chief is a transportable system comprising a mixing truck with an attached trailer that holds the skid-steer with a Mix Chief, forks and bucket-loading attachments. It enables production to begin immediately and eliminates the need to unload materials by hand; once the skid-steer is backed off the trailer, it begins feeding the mixer while the trailer is detached from the truck. Because it’s mobile and self-contained, the Site Chief especially suits high-volume utility or curb-and-gutter contractors.
The Yard Chief is a compact, on-site concrete production facility that can be set up to supply a housing development or an urban construction project. It includes a Mix Chief and everything needed to create on-site bins for storing sand and aggregate materials for access by a skid-steer. Product developers note that the Yard Chief can offer contractors and construction companies the convenience of making concrete on-demand to meet scheduling demands, while avoiding the cost and delays associated with truck deliveries from a central plant. MicroCrete Systems, 732/280-8398
SPREADER BEAM
According to the manufacturer, its Modular Spreader Beam suits numerous operations. Reportedly durable and lightweight, it is adjustable to spreads ranging from 10 to 22 feet with capacities of one to two tons. Faspin with lanyard allows for quick adjustment of the spread for maximum versatility. Collapse the beam and it will fit in the back of a pick-up truck, the manufacturer asserts. Construction Lifters
www.ConstructionLifters.com
PERVIOUS PAVEMENT SCREED
Designed exclusively to handle pervious concrete, product engineers note, the 12-ft. Pervious Head is an attachment for the large SXP Laser Screed. It provides an effective means to address environmental issues and support sustainable growth, they add, since pervious concrete produces a porous pavement that meets Environmental Protection Agency regulations by allowing storm water to seep into the ground.
Extensive testing of the 12-ft. head attached to the SXP Laser Screed was conducted over a six-month period to ensure its compatibility with the distinct characteristics of pervious concrete, the manufacturer affirms. Partnering with PCI Systems LLC, which deals exclusively with pervious concrete, company engineers reportedly tested the unit by screeding thousands of square feet of pervious concrete for parking lots in South Carolina and Georgia. Somero Enterprises
www.somero.com
CONCRETE BRACKETS
Developed for heavy-duty applications, the manufacturer affirms, the new CCB-1600 concrete footing bracket can provide more than 50 percent savings in time, labor, and material during setup and stripping of foundation forms. The bracket closes to 36 inches and expands to 52 inches, allowing quick setup, storage, and transport from site to site. It is a patent-protected system, the company adds, affordably priced for a quick return on investment. Concrete Brackets
www.concretebracket.com
PALLET LOAD LOCKING
The new, adjustable Pallet-Grip for straddle stretch wrapping systems is a patented mechanism that locks a load to a pallet with a cable of film rolled into the bottom wraps and placed below the pallet deck. It captures any style of pallet in a wider range of heights Û four to six inches Û while retaining the ability to wrap to top of the load. The system places a rolled cable of film approximately 1.5 inches below the pallet deck, while the remainder of the film web captures the load above the deck. By placing the cable above pallet fork-truck entry points, containment force is not compromised by tearing of the film.
Pallet-Grip especially suits double-stacking pallet loads, the company notes, or shipping product on GMA, winged, or plastic pallets or skids. The force-to-pallet containment is set with the wrap force of the machine, and the amount of film web rolled into cable also is regulated. The system soon will be available for retrofit on Lantech overhead straddle stretch wrappers. Lantech
www.lantech.com
DUST CONTROL
Two new dust-control models in the Power Booth Module (PBM) Series include PBM-4, featuring four vertical cartridge filters rated at 98 percent efficiency; and, PBM-6 equipped with six cartridge filters. According to the manufacturer, both models are designed to provide efficient, yet cost-effective, control of heavy dust and fumes generated during such manufacturing processes as stone or metal cutting, polishing, sanding, grinding, and welding. Meeting or exceeding OSHA requirements, company engineers emphasize, the new PBM units are especially suited to controlling heavy concentrations of dry contaminants. They feature pulse-jet filter cleaning, which may be triggered by manual push-button or optional automatic timer control, so dust from the filters drops into removable drawers. A magnetic gauge indicates when filters need to be cleaned or replaced.
Side-by-side arrangement of either four or six filter units facilitates Îbuilding blockÌ assembly of Power Booth modules to create total booth sizes ranging from 96 to 230 inches wide with airflow capacity from 3,200 to 26,000 cfm. Modules are constructed of 11- and 14-gauge steel with a textured, powder-coated finish. Air flow to suit application requirements is generated by a choice of three different backward-inclined airfoil blowers driven by a 5-, 7.5- or 10-hp electric motor.
Product developers note that overall filtration is possible (with options) in three stages: 1) metallic mesh spark arrestor; 2) main cartridge filters; and, 3) HEPA after-filter to enhance clean air return. Quiet operation is reportedly achieved by acoustical lining inside the blower housing. Optional positions of hinged side doors enable a variety of air inlet choices. AER Control Systems LLC
www.aercontrolsystems.com
DECORATIVE SLAB SAW
The new Sawtec handheld Dekrasaw suits decorative concrete applications, as it can be used by one person to cut and score decorative lines into slabs. The 110V saw enables contractors and do-it-yourself home owners to create custom designs and shapes.
The saw features an aluminum base, the manufacturer notes, making a durable and lightweight tool. Plus, an optional pivot base can be quickly assembled and used with the Dekrasaw for radial cuts to create geometric shapes, arcs and circles. For accurate straight-line cutting, front and rear roller guides enable users to follow a chalk line; and, a spring-loaded head ensures safety and convenience by allowing users to push the blade down to cut, then automatically retracting the blade when not in use. Cutting depth is adjusted with a simple thumb screw, requiring no tools. A variety of premium Sawtec diamond blades is available for use with the saw. In addition, Dekrasaw is designed to be job-site and environmentally friendly when connected to a Blastrac dust collector, product developers affirm. Blastrac
www.blastrac.com
TANDEM AXLE LUBE PUMP
Lineup of 40,000-lb. tandem axles has been enhanced by the addition of an OnDemand lube pump option to several models. According to the manufacturer, the pump creates operating-efficiency improvements by reducing parasitic losses, reducing weight, lowering operating temperatures, extending and improving lubricant performance, and helping to reduce overall fuel consumption.
Now used widely with D170 and D190 tandem series, the OnDemand pump is available with heavy-duty highway and vocational tandem axles, as well as torsionally-tuned and high-performance, single-speed, tandem drive axles. Current model numbers include DS404(P), DS405(P), DST40(P), DST41(P), DSH40(P), and DSH44(P). All existing approved applications will remain in effect, as will Dana’s five-year/750,000-mile warranty coverage with approved lubricants and seals.
The lubrication system operates precisely when needed, only during a spinout situation, product developers affirm; thus, the pump avoids engagement more than 99 percent of the time during normal vehicle operation, saving horsepower, lowering temperatures in the sump, and extending lubricant life. In addition, axles with OnDemand pumps require no external filters to service and maintain, thereby reducing lifecycle costs. Axles equipped with the pumps also feature carriers that result in up to 12-lb. weight savings per tandem. Dana Holding/Commercial Vehicle Systems
www.roadranger.com
DISCONNECT SWITCH
The new Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) Switch is said by product developers to eliminate dead batteries by automatically disconnecting noncritical loads from a battery when it falls below a predefined threshold. After battery voltage is restored, the switch automatically restores functionality of the ancillary equipment.
Reportedly suitable for construction applications, the LVD Switch prevents loads from disconnecting during starting and provides over-current, short-circuit and over-temperature protections to ensure safe and reliable operation. Additionally, the switch is resistant to vibration and mechanical shock and withstands moisture, dust or salt-spray contamination.
Extending battery life, the switch has a 200A at 12V DC rating. A manual override option allows users to make or break the connection regardless of battery voltage. Cole Hersee Co.
www.colehersee.com
EPOXY FLOOR COATING
Monomid System is described by product developers as an easy-to-mix (4A:1B) epoxy that forms an attractive, readily cleaned, high-gloss finish. The coating offers five to 10 ml DFT in a single coat when applied over Monomid Clear Sealer. Anti-slip aggregate or sand can be added for traction.
The epoxy flooring system reportedly offers outstanding, early moisture resistance. In three hours at 77 degrees, it dries to touch, forming an abrasion- and chemical-resistant finish with high sheen and color retention. The coating suits applications requiring low odor and low VOC. Chemline/Steelcote div.
www.steelcotemfg.com
TIRE FLATPROOFING
Heightened safety awareness has led to a growing demand for flatproofing in the operation of large excavating and earth-moving equipment, giant boom cranes, and other off-road vehicles, the polyurethane fill supplier asserts. Tires flatproofed with the company’s polyurethane fill eliminate downtime, product developers contend, besides adding ballast and protecting equipment operators and nearby workers.
Several of the manufacturer’s polyurethane flatproofing formulations, including SuperFlex, Hevi-Duty RePneu, and RePneu II, are suitable for use in operating environments hazardous to conventional pneumatic tires. Now also available is UltraLite, a liquid polymer Û about 60 percent lighter than polyurethane fill Û for slow-speed, light-duty equipment. Additionally, QuikGel self-sealing polyurethane liner provides protection from punctures up to 5/16-in. in diameter; and, ReSeal acts as a tire sealant and rim conditioner. Arnco
www.arnconet.com
WHEEL LOADER
Replacing the WA320PT-5, the WA320PZ-6 wheel loader reportedly offers significant technological enhancements for greater performance, operator comfort, and efficiency. It features a 32,480- to 33,900-lb. operating weight and a 3.25- to 3.5-yd. heaped bucket capacity, plus a net 167-hp Komatsu SAA6D107E-1 engine, which is EPA Tier 3 emissions-certified.
The WA320PZ-6 is equipped with latest Komtrax technology that sends machine-operating information to a secure website via wireless technology. Data such as operating hours, location and maintenance alerts are relayed to the web application for analysis.
Manufacturer-cited WA320PZ-6 features include (1) new parallel linkage design for improved visibility, as well as parallel movement with large tilt force for both bucket and fork applications; (2) hydrostatic transmission system that allocates power as needed for a given application, adjusting automatically to tractive effort demands; (3) variable traction control with S-mode, allowing reduced tractive effort at low speeds to control tire slippage while providing optimum driving force on slippery road surfaces; (4) maximum breakout force [31,810 lb.] and high static tipping loads [24,228 lb. straight and 21,320 lb. at 40 degree full turn] for power and stability, plus long lift arms for high dumping clearances and maximum reach; improved operator comfort; easy maintenance and serviceability; and, increased durability and reliability due to wet multi-disc brakes and a fully hydraulic braking system, combined with dynamic braking function. Komatsu America Corp.
www.komatsuamerica.com
COMPRESSOR GUIDE
The company’s eight-page compressor selection guide offers a step-by-step process to evaluate and select the compressor for customer needs. Using full-color illustrations, the publication describes various types of air compressors, as well as the appropriate evaluation, selection, and maintenance of compressed air systems. It details compressed air requirements and the cost of compressed air, plus global standards for compressed air quality. A compressed air glossary, rules of thumb, troubleshooting guides, and conversion formulas are also provided as valuable engineering references. Kaeser Compressors
www.kaeser.com
ANCHOR, EPOXY
According to the manufacturer, the Wedge-Bolt+ heavy-duty anchor can handle any wedge, sleeve or concrete screw anchoring application in any base material. Moreover, it meets the new, more stringent International Building Code (IBC) for strength design (Cracked Concrete).
The redesigned, high-strength, vibration-resistant anchor is constructed of a proprietary steel alloy. It reportedly has a lower installed cost than wedge- and sleeve-style anchors. Since no expansion forces come into play, the Wedge-Bolt+ anchor can be installed closer to the edge than conventional mechanical anchors. It also can be loaded immediately Û a time-savings advantage. The anchor can be easily removed, the manufacturer affirms, and reused one time, if necessary.
Due to its deep-cutting thread design, a smaller-diameter Wedge-Bolt+ can achieve higher load capacities than a wedge or sleeve anchor of larger diameter, product developers contend. Plus, the high helix angle of the threads allows fast entry and installation, using a specially designed Wedge-Bit featuring matched tolerance ranges; and, ratchet teeth underneath the finished hex head lock the anchors’s head against the fixture.
The anchor is available with a double-heat treatment and a blue bit for use in standard fixture clearance holes. Parts come in ∫-, ?-, _-, ? -, and Ê-in. diameters and up to eight inches in length.
Also IBC-compliant for [cracked concrete] strength design, PE1000+ is a high-strength, two-component, structural epoxy anchoring system. It is listed as a Category 1 product for uncracked concrete/dry holes and can be installed in both long- and short-term loading applications.
Reportedly designed for use in anchoring threaded rod, bolts, reinforcing bars and smooth dowels into concrete and other solid base materials, as well as anchoring into hollow masonry using threaded rod and screen tubes, the new epoxy features a 3:1 ratio holding power. It is packaged in 13-oz. cartridges made from engineered plastic and is dispensed with either a manual or pneumatically operated injection tool. Powers Fasteners
www.powers.com
CARBON FIBER REINFORCEMENTS
Joining TechFab’s C-Grid product line, two new offerings have been added to the C50 series of carbon fiber grids: C50 – 3.5 _ 4.0 and C50 – 2.2 _ 2.2. The products feature larger openings to facilitate placing large-aggregate concrete mixes where a lower-strength, more economical formulation is needed. The manufacturer notes that both cost-effective, composite reinforcement structures are fabricated from Zoltek Panex carbon fiber supplied by Zoltek Co. of St. Louis, Mo.
Like the entire C-Grid line, these products are suitable for use as concrete reinforcement where corrosion resistance and crack control are desired. Available in 500-yd. rolls and in widths up to 102 inches, they are lightweight and can be trimmed in the field to the dimensions required for any project.
The C50 – 3.5 _ 4.0 carbon grids have been tested by AltusGroup for use in lightweight precast architectural cladding panels. A wide variety of applications, including overlays and topping slabs, shotcrete repairs, and cast stone products, are expected to capitalize on C50 – 2.2 _ 2.2 grids. For concrete artisans, C50 – 2.2 _ 2.2 will be marketed as CT400 in 41-in. _ 25-yd. rolls.
Separately, TechFab, LLC announces a recent name change to Chomarat North America. The ongoing operations and business activities of TechFab, LLC and Rovicore, LLC have been consolidated into a single corporate commercial entity. Bruce Hinton, former president of TechFab, serves as president of Chomarat North America. Concurrent with the merger, the following personnel appointments were announced: John Leatham, business unit manager-Construction; John Carson, director of Marketing; and, Ivan Chadwick, FRP business unit manager.
In December 2006, France-based Groupe Chomarat purchased the remaining 50 percent share of TechFab, LLC, which was formerly owned by Hexcel Corp. The name change is consistent with Groupe Chomarat’s long-term strategy of continuing to increase business in a global reinforcement market, company officials note.
Û www.chomaratna.com
INDUCTION MOTORS
WEG Electric Motors’ new OptimalFlux technology for AC induction motors is said by company engineers to reduce heat buildup for variable-speed constant torque applications. By optimizing motor flux levels over the entire operating speed range, variable frequency drives reportedly help induction motors run cooler and longer.
Accordingly, OptimalFlux technology is a new control regimen for standard totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) induction motors, suitable for use in driving loads that require constant torque over variable speeds, e.g., those encountered with compressors and conveyor belts. It enables a standard TEFC motor, powered by a WEG variable frequency drive, to operate at a cooler temperature across its entire speed range, particularly at low speeds where the integral fan no longer provides efficient cooling.
With OptimalFlux technology, a standard NEMA high- or premium-efficiency (NPE) induction motor can replace bulkier, more expensive Inverter Class motors, saving both space and money, product developers assert. Taking a different approach to controlling the motor than the standard practice of maintaining a constant flux across the entire speed range, they explain, system engineers calculated the flux that produced minimal losses at each frequency and stored this relationship within the variable frequency converter to create a motor that runs cooler across the entire speed range. Thus, NPE motors will last longer in the same application than Inverter Class products, the manufacturer contends, since reducing a motor’s operating temperature by 10_C doubles its operating life.
OptimalFlux operation is now available as an option within any standard WEG CFW09 variable frequency drive and can be used with standard 1- to 300-hp WEG NHE or NPE motors. The motor/drive combination is reportedly tested to meet all operating parameters before it leaves the factory.
Û www.optimalflux.com
INDUSTRY GROUPS RECOGNIZE DECORATIVE SLAB TREATMENT
Brown Contracting, Inc., headed by certified FGS/PermaShine installer Don Brown, was awarded first place in the Commercial Division at the Oregon Concrete & Aggregate Producers Association and American Concrete Institute’s (OCAPA/ACI) 28th Annual Excellence in Concrete program for its work on the Market of Choice grocery store in Eugene. The awards salute top concrete industry professionals working in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Brown placed, finished, and polished the 30,000-sq.-ft. floor, conditioning its surface with the FGS/PermaShine Polished Concrete Floor system from L&M Construction Chemicals. For the project, Brown Contracting integrally colored the mix with multiple pigments and seeded the surface with gradations of local river rock, marble and glass aggregates. After water curing, the marble and glass were exposed, polished and hardened by the FGS/PermaShine process, producing a ÎgreenÌ flooring treatment for the supermarket. Precast stair treads and landings leading to eating and management office areas also utilized the flooring system.
The FGS/PermaShine process entails a patented dry-grind installation method, which conserves water and eliminates slurry disposal at landfills, the manufacturer notes. The GreenSpec-listed system contains zero VOCs. Additionally, the high-gloss finish, in conjunction with surface application of shake-on pigments during concrete placement, can significantly increase light reflectivity, reducing the need for facility lighting and lowering overall energy demands to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points.
Û www.lmcc.com, www.fgs-permashine.com
ADMIXTURE SERIES SUITS DRY CAST SPECTRUM
OPTEC LINE
The Optec line of Grace Construction Products is designed to enhance the physical properties and aesthetics of concrete masonry units, the company notes.
Optec EC-130, a new color-enhancing and efflorescence-controlling admixture, is specially formulated to optimize the appearance and physical properties of concrete pavers and segmental retaining wall (SRW) units. Accordingly, Optec EC-130 allows efficient production of hardscape concrete products by improving cement and pigment dispersion. In addition, it reacts with hydrating cement to inhibit the formation of excessive water-soluble salts that can cause efflorescence. Formulated as a ready-to-use admixture to aid zero-slump mix production, Optec EC-130 also serves as a plasticizer and provides a medium swipe on the unit surface.
Optec Paver Enhancer is specifically formulated to reduce the cost of paver and SRW units by achieving comparable strength properties with less cement. Moreover, it can enhance color dispersion and help minimize secondary efflorescence. Providing excellent mix plasticity as well as improved physical attributes and machinability, the company notes, the ready-to-use liquid admixture ensures a medium swipe on unit surfaces for better water control.
Optec EC-875 is a color-enhancing and efflorescence-controlling admixture formulated to optimize the appearance of SRWs, pavers, architectural units, and other low-slump concrete products. It also provides excellent plasticity and machinability, while promoting the dispersion of cement throughout the mix for more complete hydration and, thus, higher strengths. Allowing increased water in the mix, EC-875 further ensures complete cement hydration.
Optec EC-250 is an efflorescence-controlling admixture that improves unit densities, lowers absorption, and provides good machinability. It is available in a non-swipe version as Optec EC-250R.
Optec EC-365 (Paver Plus) helps reduce early [primary] and late [secondary] efflorescence, while maintaining color intensity. Additionally, the manufacturer emphasizes, it improves compaction for denser units, higher compressive strengths, lower absorption, sharper corners and edges, and better overall appearance. Production and machine speeds increase with less cracking, less crazing, and fewer culls.
Optec EC-140 (TeraPave 200) is a primary and secondary efflorescence-controlling admixture. It plasticizes the concrete mixture and provides improved color consistency with little change to surface texture at lower dosage rates and a light to medium swipe at higher dosages.
QUANTEC LINE
Grace’s Quantec line of production aids is designed to enhance productivity and improve concrete masonry quality.
Quantec PL-415A is a liquid plasticizing and accelerating admixture for use in concrete masonry units where zero- or low-slump is required. Improving compaction, it produces units with higher compressive strengths, sharper corners and edges, lower absorption, and less shrinkage. Additionally, it accelerates early strength and shortens curing time, allowing units to be handled sooner. Lacking calcium chloride, the product will not promote corrosion of pallets and other metal surfaces.
Quantec PL-466 is a ready-to-use liquid plasticizer for use in low- or zero-slump machined concrete products where a smoother, denser surface finish for better swipe is desired. It decreases cycle time and provides better compaction, plus increased strengths. Intended for use in lightweight and conventional-weight block mixes, it can benefit concrete pipe, paver, tile and brick production.
Quantec PL-490 is a concentrated plasticizer specially formulated for low-slump concrete products, including block, pipe, and roof tile, where a smooth, rich swipe is preferred. It reportedly increases workability as it retains cohesiveness and promotes complete cement hydration.
Û www.graceconstruction.com