Texas producers populate campaign with metrics, team member kudos

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The Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association has launched a campaign to build awareness of members’ businesses and associated industries, while spotlighting employees who make production and delivery possible. #WeRTexas factors Lone Star State population growth of approximately 1,400 people per day and these material figures 10 years out, as measured against present annual shipment levels: 15 million to 50 million more tons of aggregate; 3 million to 10 million more yards of ready mixed; and, 1 million to 3 million more tons of cement.

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Concrete Sustainability Council draws global players to sourcing certification

CreditRatio

The Global Cement and Concrete Association has joined the Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC), operator of the only world-wide, industry-specific certification program for concrete plants, along with their aggregate and cement supply chains. Responsible construction materials sourcing is an increasing priority in high profile projects and public procurement, London-based GCCA notes, adding that “Concrete has an important role to play and its short supply chains and local production lend themselves to demonstrat[ing] a high level of environmental, social and economic responsible sourcing.”

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Maturity sensor specialist integrates artificial intelligence in QC

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The proprietor of the wireless, slab-embedded SmartRock sensor is extending its temperature and maturity monitoring capabilities with Roxi, a platform applying artificial intelligence methods to concrete quality control. Ottawa-based Giatec Scientific Inc. developed the platform in conjunction with Mila, a McGill University- and University of Montreal-hosted lab, and announced the effort last month at the 2019 bauma trade fair in Munich.

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Justice Antitrust Division advances investigation, enforcement framework

From the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division In a move that might inform regulatory review of future mergers or acquisitions involving multinational construction materials producers and North American targets, the International Competition Network (ICN) Steering Group has unanimously approved a multilateral framework on procedures among antitrust enforcement agencies globally to promote fundamental due process in competition law investigation and enforcement. The framework is based on the principles of the Antitrust Division’s Multilateral Framework on Procedures (MFP), an initiative that was originally announced by Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim at the Council of Foreign Relations in June 2018.

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2019 Roadcheck radar: Securement, steering, suspensions

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The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) 2019 International Roadcheck will take place June 4-6. Certified agency representatives will primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes an examination of driver operating requirements and vehicle mechanical fitness. Inspectors may opt to conduct the Level II Walk-Around Driver/Vehicle Inspection, Level III Driver/Credential/Administrative Inspection or Level V Vehicle-Only Inspection.

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Dusty nonunion rate records skew Davis-Bacon wage schedules

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From the Associated Builders & Contractors, Washington, D.C.The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) cites outdated wage schedules and union-favoring tendencies in an audit report on prevailing wage rates the David-Bacon Act (DBA) mandates on federal or federally assisted construction projects. As of September 2018, the OIG and report authors found:

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