California State University, Chico CIM director earns top ASTM award

Sources: ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa.; CP staff

California State University, Chico Assistant Professor of Engineering Feraidon Ataie, Ph.D. has been named ASTM 2017 Professor of the Year, recognizing the contributions of educators in developing students’ understanding of standards. He joined the faculty in 2014 and has been the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) programs director since 2015.

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California moves first on Iron Workers’ revised rebar, P-T safety standards

Source: Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust, Washington, D.C.

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) is the first state-approved Occupational Safety and Health Administration plan to adopt the Iron Workers’ (IW) comprehensive updates for reinforcing steel and post-tensioning practice.

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Ash Grove shareholders clear path for CRH acquisition

Sources: Ash Grove Cement Co., Overland Park, Kan.; CRH Plc, Dublin; CP staff

Shareholders controlling just over 63 percent of Ash Grove Cement voting stock have approved a $3.5 billion merger agreement with Oldcastle Inc. parent company CRH. The deal is projected for a late-2017 or early-2018 closing and will position Atlanta-based Oldcastle Materials as the number five U.S. portland cement producer, with 8 million-plus tons’ annual capacity, while strengthening its role among the top five aggregates and ready mixed concrete operators.

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