June 3, 2019 – Concrete Products

Concrete SDC Forum builds machine learning, robotics, FRP knowledge

June 3, 2019 Concrete News

Source: American Concrete Institute Foundation Strategic Development Council

The SDC Technology Forum 46, August 27-29 in Pittsburgh, will showcase new and innovative equipment, materials, and applications that have the potential to advance the industry through themed presentations, including “Integrated Design of Chemical Admixture Systems via Machine Learning;” “Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Macrofibers Used in Precast Concrete;” “Strengthening Bridges and Existing Concrete Structures Using Titanium;” and, “Opportunity for Improved Productivity & Quality with Robotics.”

Concrete-scoping drone debut made in Japan

June 3, 2019 Concrete News

Sources: Aizawa Concrete Corp., Hokkaido, Japan; CP Staff

Top Flight Technologies Inc., a Boston-based provider of heavy-lift, long range hybrid-electric unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), has entered a strategic partnership with ready mixed and precast producer Aizawa Concrete, which seeks to deploy new robotic technologies to proactively inspect and maintain concrete infrastructure throughout its home country of Japan.

Labor Board revisits bargaining relationships in construction

June 3, 2019 Concrete News

Sources: National Labor Relations Board; CP staff

The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has released near-term National Labor Relations Board rulemaking priorities, led by the agency’s current assessment of representation case procedures; standards for blocking charges, voluntary recognition, and the formation of National Labor Relations Act Section 9(a) bargaining relationships in the construction industry; and, standards for access to an employer’s private property.

New digital tools steer LafargeHolcim customer experience

June 3, 2019 Concrete News

Sources: LafargeHolcim, Chicago; CP staff

Recognizing that digitization and adoption of new technology are critical to helping contractors take advantage of growth projected for the U.S. construction business, LafargeHolcim is transforming its customer experience with the launch of three device or desktop solutions, each part of an ongoing strategy to improve engagement, streamline interactions, optimize projects, and bring added convenience to customers:

Eagle Materials outlines proposed cement, wallboard business split

June 3, 2019 Concrete News

Sources: Eagle Materials Inc., Dallas; CP staff

A strategic portfolio review initiated in early April has spawned a board-approved plan to separate Eagle Materials’ principal businesses, portland cement and wallboard production, into independent, publicly traded corporations. The proposed separation is scheduled for completion during the first half of 2020, and will entail a tax-free spin-off of stock in Heavy Materials and Light Materials entities to Eagle shareholders.