December 2019 – Page 5 – Concrete Products

FMCSA opens CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse registration

December 10, 2019 Concrete News

Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit holders, employers, medical review officers, and substance abuse professionals can now register and create a secure online user account for the Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Registration ensures access to the portal, which will be fully implemented on January 6, 2020, and abides a Congressional mandate for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Road Builders: 2020 transportation market gains outpace inflation

December 9, 2019 Concrete News

Source: American Road & Transportation Builders Association, Washington, D.C.

The U.S. transportation infrastructure market is expected to grow at least 5 percent next year, fueled by increased federal, state and local government investment, according to the just-released forecast from American Road & Transportation Builders Association Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black. Total 2020 construction and related-market activity should reach $300.4 billion, up from $286.5 billion this year after adjusting for project costs and inflation.

Partnership scales up carbon dioxide-mineralizing aggregate production

December 9, 2019 Concrete News

Sources: Kamine Development Corp., Bedminster, N.J.; CP staff

Blue Planet and utility infrastructure specialist Kamine Development have teamed to deploy the former company’s mineralization technology for converting power plant carbon dioxide emissions to a concrete-grade, synthetic limestone. The net CO2-sequestration effect has to potential to offset emissions associated with portland cement production and render a concrete mix designed with the synthetic limestone as carbon neutral or negative.

Mack, McNeilus sustain CIM Auction tradition

December 9, 2019 Concrete News

Sources: Concrete Industry Management National Steering Committee; CP staff

Mack Trucks and McNeilus Companies will once again anchor the Concrete Industry Management Auction pool by dispatching a Granite-mounted, 11-yd. Bridgemaster mixer truck to the Las Vegas Convention Center for bidding on February 5, the second day of World of Concrete 2020.

OSHA inspection, compliance assistance levels climb

December 5, 2019 Concrete News

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Final fiscal year 2019 statistics show a significant increase in the number of OSHA inspections and a record amount of compliance assistance to further the mission of ensuring that employers provide workplaces free of hazards. Enforcement activities reflect the Department of Labor’s continued focus on worker safety, agency officials note: Federal OSHA conducted 33,401 inspections, more inspections than the previous three years, addressing violations related to trenching, falls, chemical exposure, silica and other hazards.

Economist suggests “wait-and-see” approach to construction market

December 5, 2019 Concrete News

Source: Associated Builders and Contractors, Washington, D.C.

ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu forecasts continued momentum for construction next year, mindful that a “heightened level of uncertainty could induce many economic actors to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, further reducing economic activity in the context of an already rapidly softening global economic environment.”

Texas CIM venue hosts ACPA Pipe School and Show

December 5, 2019 Concrete News

Source: American Concrete Pipe Association, Irving, Texas

The American Concrete Pipe Association will spur a strong start to the new year for drainage engineering and construction professionals, producer and associate members, plus allied interests. The ACPA 2020 Pipe School and Show runs January 6-9 at Texas State University, San Marcos, home to the most recently chartered Concrete Industry Management four-year degree program.

Manufacturer scales mortar mixer for 3D printing

December 5, 2019 Concrete News

Source: Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai

Zoomlion subsidiary m-tec has announced the availability of the Duo-mix mortar mixer in North America, Europe and Asia. The adaptable machine is designed especially for mortar used in 3D construction printing. It can process all standard dry mortar products ranging from bagged or silo to bucket coat material up to a grain size of 4mm.