Economic Strength in Construction Shows No End in Sight

A couple of issues ago, I wrote about how we are willing ourselves into a recession even as the economic indicators point in a different direction. In recent months, we have studied a large variety of economic indicators as we prepared to launch our AVP Pulse Index in cooperation with our sister publication, Rock Products. Like so many periods in…

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PCA tallies Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality year one takeaways

Portland Cement Association members marked the first year of their Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 by highlighting key deliverables for public and private construction market stakeholders. Released in October 2021, the Roadmap outlines strategies in a value chain—Clinker, Cement, Concrete, Construction, Carbonation—through which cement producers and their downstream partners can attain carbon neutrality in finished structures or slabs over…

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Report tracks broad field of additive construction, 3D printing players

Sources: Wohlers Associates, Fort Collins, Colo.; CP staff ASTM International-aligned advisory Wohlers Associates has announced Specialty Report: Building an Additive Construction Future, covering a rapidly growing market segment fueled by additive manufacturing and 3D printing developments. “ASTM International sees additive construction as the next frontier,” notes Market Intelligence Head Terry Wohlers. “To gain a view of what is ahead, it…

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VCNA parent company unveils a new signature

The parent of Votorantim Cimentos North America, Toronto, bills a new corporate brand as more contemporary and representative of the diversity of its people, products and businesses, and “combining tradition, innovation and a vision of the future.” The new visual identity seeks to connect Votorantim Cimentos’ strategic objectives and sustainability commitments with the process of transformation and growth in different…

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Cement producers pinpoint Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality deliverables

Sources: Portland Cement Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff Portland Cement Association members are marking the first year of their Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality by 2050 by highlighting key deliverables for public and private construction market stakeholders. Released in mid-October 2021, the Roadmap outlines strategies in a value chain—Clinker, Cement, Concrete, Construction, Carbonation—through which cement producers and their downstream partners can…

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Union Quarries deal grows York Building Products’ Keystone State footprint

Sources: York Building Products, York, Pa.; CP staff Key Pennsylvania aggregate and concrete block operator York Building Products has added crushed stone, ready mixed concrete and asphalt production capacity with a deal for Union Quarries of Carlisle, Pa. “This acquisition will allow both operations to provide a greater level of product offering for our respective customers, increase our level of…

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Slab, wall material acoustic performance survey proves concrete soundness

Sources: RMC Research & Education Foundation, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va.; CP staff A new report, “Compilation of Acoustics Information for Concrete Construction and Other Materials,” assesses sound transmission class (STC), impact insulation class (IIC) and other ASTM standard-measured metrics driving wall and floor-ceiling assembly acoustic performance. The RMC Research & Education Foundation and National Ready Mixed Concrete…

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Lehigh Cement crews reach Indiana plant construction milestone

Sources: Lehigh Hanson Inc., Irving, Texas; CP staff  Lehigh Hanson has marked placement of the final segment of the steel stack abutting a new preheater tower at the Lehigh Cement Mitchell Plant in Indiana. Management, construction team members and local dignitaries assembled July 22 for a ceremonial topping out, complete with American flag unfurling.  “We are another step closer to…

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Safety cap specialist documents rebar, stake impalement liability

Sources: J-Cat Safety Products, Temecula, Calif.  A new J-Cat Safety Products white paper addresses the use of rebar, metal forming stake and exposed bracket caps for California concrete practitioners and peers subject to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. “Impact of Plausible Deniability” describes the financial consequences, starting at a reported $18,000, employers might face if they fail to comply…

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Sustainability practice to guide GSA Acquisition Advisory Committee

Sources: U.S. General Services Adminstration; CP staff On the heels of swift Q1 2022 action compelling carbon-wise procurement, coupled with environmental product declaration submittal requirements for building and nonbuilding contracts, the General Services Administration plans a GSA Acquisition Policy Federal Advisory Committee (GAP FAC). Members will inform the agency on using tools and authorities to increase government-wide sustainability measures. 

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