Dynam.AI, a provider of end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI) for businesses, and GBA, engineering and architecture solutions developer, have entered a partnership to refine methods of identifying and assessing bridge defects—a market whose potential is underscored in a 2019 American Road & Transportation Builders Association report indicating 47,000-plus crossings deemed structurally deficient.
Read MoreDay: August 2, 2019
Admixture prospects help graphene’s gradual emergence
A new article from Boston-based IDTechEX Research, “Graphene: The evolving application landscape,” projects early prototype and semi commercial prototype phases over the next eight to 10 years for concrete, cement and asphalt additives bearing graphene or carbon nanotubes. That observation is consistent with lab or field demonstrations by a handful of admixture developers eyeing performance properties attainable in finished concrete through dosages of nano-scale cylinders with wall thicknesses the diameter of a single carbon atom.
Read MoreClark Pacific panel system optimizes envelope labor and material sourcing
Precast/prestressed producer Clark Pacific, West Sacramento, Calif., presents its new Infinite Panel as a complete building envelope system that redefines how owners and design teams approach façades. It meets or exceeds California Building Standards Code (Title 24) water, vapor, sound and fire code requirements; affords architects and designers flexibility in precast concrete and glazing or window combinations; and, paves the way for owners and design-build teams to take advantage of prefabricated systems for reduced costs, increased efficiency and less risk.
Read MoreCharah, Diversified Minerals team on pozzolan for California market
Charah Solutions Inc. will open a facility using patented grinding technologies to mill supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) at a Diversified Minerals Inc. processing and terminal site in Oxnard, Calif., 60 miles outside Los Angeles.
Read MoreMIT CSHub researchers explore the effects of moisture and drying on cement
In a National Academy of Sciences paper, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-hosted Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub) discuss how the porous network of portland cement absorbs water, and propose how drying permanently rearranges the material while leading to potential structural damage.
Read MoreConcrete masonry sales pace cement consumption
Year-over-year concrete masonry unit sales for 2017 increased 2.6 percent in the U.S. and 1.9 percent in Canada, according to gray or architectural block and masonry veneer data collected from 44 producers operating 210 plants across the U.S. and Canada, and analyzed in the inaugural National Concrete Masonry Association CMU Sales Survey.
Read MoreProposed apprenticeship enlists associations, sidesteps construction
A Labor Department Notice of Proposed Rulemaking calls for empowering agency staff to advance development of industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAP), and a trade association or other not-for-profit organization to function as a Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) that sets standards for IRAP training, structure, and curricula in relevant industries or occupational areas—excepting construction.
Read MoreUnpacking divestiture packages in antitrust case settlements
Editor’s note: The Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition’s Angelike Andrinopoulos Mina sheds light on a review and order process the cement and concrete industry observed with the 2015-16 sale of Lafarge North America, Holcim (US), Essroc Cement and Lehigh Portland Cement assets attending the Lafarge Group + Holcim Ltd. and HeidelbergCement AG + Italcementi SpA mergers.
Read MoreDeveloper shows the promise of tax reform-ushered Opportunity Zones
A prime example of urban development spurred by tax reform President Trump signed in 2017 is taking shape in southern California. Newport Beach real estate developer and investment manager Primior staged groundbreaking late last month on First Harbor Plaza, a 40,000-sq.-ft. restaurant, retail, office and medical property located in one of the busiest areas of Santa Ana, south of Los Angeles. The population within a five-mile radius of the property exceeds 750,000.
Read MorePanel weighs election scenarios, allied material groups’ critical mass
The Texas Aggregates & Concrete Association sampled the current Washington, D.C. and overall market climate as part of a National Industry Leadership panel, staged last month at the Gaylord Texan resort near Dallas during the group’s 65th annual meeting.
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