August 14, 2013 – Concrete Products

DriveCam event recorders, coaching protocol steer TXI fleet costs south

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

A 2011-13 portfolio shift solidifying integrated cement and concrete positions has seen TXI expand its mixer fleet and ready mix production capacity nearly 50 percent—growing an existing market footprint more than any producer this decade. The shift has involved asset exchanges with home state peers Trinity Industries and Cemex USA, netting Dallas-based TXI an additional 250-plus mixers and tanker or dump tractors, all serving 40-plus plants across central and east Texas.

MMC deploys TruStar infrastructure for inaugural CNG-powered mixers

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

Madison, Miss.-based MMC Materials Inc. has rolled out the Southeast’s first compressed natural gas-powered concrete mixer fleet, ramping up for delivery of 12 McNeilus Ngen (Next Generation Initiatives) models with the installation of a TruStar Energy Portable Fuel Station (PFS). The natural gas compressor and related infrastructure are suitably scaled to the company’s Jackson plant, where drivers conclude their work day hooking up trucks for overnight refueling.

Ozinga Brothers more than open to GE’s CNG In A Box

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

The leader in compressed natural gas-fueled mixer truck operation—110 rear and front discharge vehicles to date—Ozinga Brothers Inc. has stepped up fueling infrastructure work to accelerate a fleet migration from diesel to CNG power, and support a new venture, Ozinga Energy, LLC.

Fuel efficiency marks Case interim Tier IV-compliant loader

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

Case Construction Equipment announced the 521F wheel loader at World of Concrete in February, citing a 12 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the previous E-Series model, plus faster acceleration and quicker cycle times. The machine is available in standard Z-bar, extended reach and tool-carrier models, and is the latest offering in the company’s F-Series wheel loader line, which boasts premium features and industry-leading performance, productivity and efficiency.

Consumers Concrete adopts fly ash-based CeraTech cement

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

Following success in commercially developing and marketing a line of durable and sustainable cements, CeraTech USA, LLC is now focused on building a national distribution and support network.
Consumers Concrete Corp., Michigan’s leading ready mixed concrete, block, and aggregate producer, recently became a distributor for CeraTech brands. “We are always looking for leading edge technologies,” says CEO Tom Thomas, adding that the binder fits plants already using Class C ash and proved easy to plumb through batch panels.

Dayton Superior braces for key role in Tilt-Werks by TDS design

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

A new technology sponsorship enables Dayton Superior Corp. to provide tilt-up concrete practitioners running Tilt-Up Design Systems Tilt-Werks software with project data—from material estimates to lifting and bracing requirements, all in real time—to streamline wall design and construction. “Projects developed using Tilt-Werks will have immediate access to our services, starting with preconstruction and continuing all the way to tilt-up lifting and bracing engineering,” says Dayton Superior Director of Engineering Rick Lindstrom.

Electronic onboard recorder

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

The VDO RoadLog EOBR offers an all-in-one solution for daily log book and other compliance reporting, allowing drivers to record and report hours of service (HOS) as well as other key compliance data quickly and easily. A complete regulatory compliance system, it can help fleets and drivers protect their CSA scores and qualify for lower insurance rates.

Portable container extends mixer truck washout management

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

The developer of the Washout Watchdog for mixer truck chutes has added Porta-Pit, a high-strength polyethylene container designed for easy site-to-site transfer and safe, spill-free gray water handling. “What Washout Watchdog does for concrete producers, Porta-Pit does for contractors,” says inventor Les Connard, adding that the compact units enable concrete and pumping contractors “to transport washout materials and water from job site to recycling center.”

Truck weight sensors

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

A new wireless sensor for mechanical suspension systems provides off-road and severe service fleets with a low-cost and simple-to-install alternative to traditional load-cell systems for onboard scales. With no modifications required, the new sensors suit tandem spring, single point, camelback, walking beam, and Chalmers suspension systems.

Silo venting

August 14, 2013 CP Staff

With the development of its Silotop R03 Filter, the company cites new standards in silo venting. The filter features Polypleat filter elements housed in a heavy-duty 304 stainless steel body, and an integrated automatic pulse jet cleaning system inside a weather protection cover. The special design of these tested filter media offers an optimum filter surface to body volume ratio.