ASTM A1096, Test Method for Evaluating the Bond Quality of Steel Wire for Concrete stems from assessment of precast members where indented prestressing wires exhibit potential bond-related cracking. Soon to be published by ASTM International Committee A01 on Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys, the standard is based on A1081, Test Method for Evaluating Bond of Seven-Wire Steel Prestressing Strand.
Research led by ASTM Committee A01 member and Kansas State University Engineering Professor Robert Peterman found that wires with low bond quality can lead to structural deficiency while those bonding too quickly—often running near the concrete surface—can cause longitudinal splitting along the wires. A1096 will help establish an acceptable bond range that corresponds with prestressed concrete producers’ specific needs, allowing for better specification in purchases and better standardized testing.
Insteel Wire Products metallurgical engineer Christopher Reeve, who chairs an ASTM section behind A1096, invites participation in helping to develop and maintain standards related to single prestressing wire; epoxy-coated, compacted, indented or two- and three-wire strand; and, related products. Committee A01 will meet next during the May 17-20 committee week in St. Louis. Technical contact, Christoper Reeve, 615/451-6330, ext. 2762, [email protected]; ASTM staff liaison, Kevin Shanahan, 610/832-9737, [email protected].
2017 CONEXPO-CON/AGG: ‘IMAGINE WHAT’S NEXT’
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Milwaukee, describes the theme for next year’s ConExpo-Con/Agg show, March 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, as fully embracing “applied technologies that help the construction industries reduce downtime, maximize efficiency at job sites and minimize waste while increasing bottom line profits and enhancing safety.”
Under the creative theme, “Imagine What’s Next,” they add, ConExpo-Con/Agg will continue to provide attendees access to the newest products from every major construction sector: asphalt, aggregates, concrete, earthmoving, lifting, mining and utilities. Next year’s show will bring the Imagine theme and technology focus to life through a 75,000-sq.-ft. pavilion dedicated entirely to presenting emerging construction innovations that are driving change and process improvement across the industry.
ConExpo-Con/Agg is co-located with the IFPE exhibition for fluid power, power transmission and motion control. “Technology is critical to the future of the construction industry and ConExpo-Con/Agg has always been a show that helps industry executives keep pace with the latest in new equipment and product innovations,” says 2017 Show Chairman Rich Goldsbury, president of Bobcat Co. and Doosan Infracore. “But, as industry is being transformed by technology, our attendees understand the importance it has on their bottom line. It is our responsibility and privilege to connect them with the most cutting edge innovations in safety, equipment and operations that are reshaping the future.”
A recent AEM snapshot survey found that nearly half (45.9 percent) of previous ConExpo-Con/Agg attendees responding were enthusiastic and optimistic about the new possibilities when asked what the construction industry will look like in 2025, and nearly one-third (32 percent) were interested in what will come but apprehensive about how to successfully get there.