Sources: HeidelbergCement AG, Heidelberg, Germany; Italcementi S.p.A., Bergamo, Italy; CP staff
Less than three weeks after the Lafarge Group and Holcim Ltd. merger triggered realignment of cement, concrete and aggregate production in key U.S. and Canadian markets, two European peers outlined an agreement perpetuating the cycle—bringing under one umbrella integrated operators entrenched in multiple states and provinces.
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The Concrete Foundations Association will honor Projects of the Year principals this month during 2015 convention activities in Williamsburg, Va. Among the projects receiving recognition this year are three residential foundations, an above-grade concrete home, and a college educational facility.
Less than 2 in. high, the new IKS-WD6112 HD is an ultra low-profile IP dome camera designed for indoor video surveillance that reduces IP infrastructure costs and complexity, while retaining a stylish and discreet appearance.
Product developers characterize Helix 5-25 Micro-Rebar Concrete Reinforcement System as the only code approved material of its kind engineers can confidently specify as a replacement for primary structural reinforcing. Micro-Rebar are .5-mm diameter, 25-mm (1-in.) long fibers of twisted, high tensile (246 ksi), zinc-coated steel wire, dosed at 9 lb. to 70 lb. per cubic yard of concrete. Each pound of product has about 11,500 fibers.
Company has added the Metal Building series to its line tension fabric structures for plant or storage enclosure solutions. It offers steel side walls with the integrity of the company’s Hercules Truss Arch frame. Since there are no internal support posts, the building allows for maximum usable space. The metal building is design-built to any need and can be engineered to meet any required building codes or snow/wind loads.
Company has added three high performance formulations to a product line encompassing concrete admixtures, sealers and molds. Super-SIX-Admix is a proprietary blend designed to achieve a pinhole free, dense and strong concrete mix that will free flow in precast molds or shape to a superior finish and crisp detail. The formulation suits ultra high performance concrete mixes of self-flowing consistency or with shapeable, clay-like properties for molding, carving or rolling.
EZ Strip Cure DR is a water-based, low-VOC, low-odor formulation that cures concrete to ASTM C309 and AASHTO M 148 standards. Unlike other dissipating cure products, product developers contend, it does not require UV exposure—making it suited to either indoor or outdoor use. It is easily removed with light mechanical or hand abrasion after curing is complete. Low pressure water spray can be used for removal in outdoor conditions.
A 15-story South Side development designed by Studio Gang Architects scheduled for completion this year, City Hyde Park is the first major Chicago project to incorporate Schöck Isokorb structural thermal breaks. The devices will be used in four concrete balconies, where they minimize thermal outflow and energy loss—contributing to energy savings, while providing occupants added thermal comfort for the residents. Schock engineers note that they effective thermal insulation methods reduces the risk of high levels of condensation, mold formation and associated damage caused along the ceiling slabs interior of the balconies.
Caterpillar’s new 926M, 930M and 938M models build on K-Series predecessor loaders—924K, 930K and 938K—with engineering refinements that include new power and exhaust treatment packages meeting Tier 4 Final emission standards, plus standard or optional features aimed at improved value, operator comfort and safety. With the M-Series introduction, the nomenclature for the smallest model in the family changes from 924 to 926, reflecting the increased capabilities of the new model, compared with those of the 924H and 924Hz. All three new models have increased engine power and higher tip loads than machines they replace.
Concrete Texturing Tool & Supply of Throop, Pa., began receiving customer complaints when ownership of its original manufacturer of decorative concrete materials changed hands. “We were in a situation beyond our control, with colors fluctuating dramatically,” says Bart Sacco, president of CTTS, which has been specializing in decorative concrete products for more than 16 years. “Formula changes in products like hardeners affected their workability and coverage rates, and our installers experienced color shifts in the hardeners.”
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