Quartz 4K video, machine learning platform rewrites site activity log

Construction technology services provider Quartz Systems demonstrated the quality control and productivity-gauging potential of its new Concrete Deck Analysis program at World of Concrete 2021. The integrated hardware and software platform uses ultra-high resolution 4K video streams, machine learning, plus a web and mobile app to enable project principals to understand everything happening on a construction site. Users can see…

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Adjust-to-grade RimRiser makes fast work of manhole component leveling

Paving or public works crew-friendly device features unique, bolt-adjusted riser technology to ease the process of leveling cast iron manhole rings, inlet frames/grates and precast concrete tops. Offered through precast concrete producers, RimRiser solutions use a patented four-bolt system that allows a single crew member to precisely level the riser to the specified grade using a standard 5/8-in. nut driver. …

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CertainTeed dedicates premier veneer STONEfaçade plant

CertainTeed LLC, the building products subsidiary of Malvern, Pa.-based Saint-Gobain, has commenced operations at its newest North American production site: An inaugural STONEfaçade plant in Quakertown, Pa., equipped to serve distribution partners coast to coast. Anchored with metal fasteners, the precast concrete veneer system consists of 8-in. panels in 10-, 12- or 14-in. widths, painted by hand and shipped complete…

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Precast tunnel rings connect to Las Vegas venue visitors

Precast concrete tunnel segments’ engineering efficacy is on full display between the two sweeping entrances to the new Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, dedicated June 8 concurrent with the World of Concrete 2021 opening. A full scale, 12-ft. inside diameter tunnel segment model offers visitors a unique perspective of the LVCC’s second, but far less visible new attraction: the…

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Boral North America liquidation spawns new veneer stone, tile leader

Precast concrete veneer brands Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone, along with sister Boral Roofing (concrete) and US Tile (clay roofing) businesses, are part of a Boral North America Building Products asset package that Australian parent company Boral Ltd. has agreed to sell Houston-based Westlake Chemical Corp. for $2.15 billion. “This transaction will bring well-established and high-quality architectural solutions and premium…

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4K video rewrites site delivery tracking from crane, aerial perches

Sources: Quartz Systems, San Francisco; CP staff Construction technology services provider Quartz demonstrated the quality control and productivity gauging potential of its new Concrete Deck Analysis program at World of Concrete 2021. The integrated hardware and software platform uses ultra-high resolution 4K video streams, machine learning, plus a web and mobile app to enable project principals to track and understand…

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Strescore-assisted Notre Dame teams top PCI Big Beam Competition

Sources: Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, Chicago; CP staff Two University of Notre Dame student teams took first and second place in the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute 2020 Engineering Student Design Competition. Now in its 20th year and also known as Big Beam, the national competition educates college students in an applied learning environment—imparting structural engineering skills they can use throughout their careers…

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Infrastructure study findings spell gains for precast methods

Demand for precast concrete in infrastructure products is projected to increase 4.4 percent annually, to $2.4 billion by 2022, with growth fueled by the need to repair the nation’s aging network of bridges, highways, roads and railroad tracks; increased adoption of the method over traditional cast-in-place alternatives; and, efforts by the federal government to increase surface transportation investment.

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PCI opens call for 55th Annual Design Award entries

Source: Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

PCI is accepting entries for its 2018 PCI Design Awards through September 18. The program recognizes design excellence, innovation, and construction quality using precast concrete. All winning projects will be showcased at the 2018 PCI Convention and National Bridge Conference at The Precast Show in March 2018, and included in a summary article of PCI Journal, Aspire, and Ascent magazines.

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Boral, Headwaters merger spells commanding fly ash, veneer stone source

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A binding merger agreement announced late last month unites the top two U.S. fly ash marketers and precast concrete stone veneer producers. Sydney-based Boral Ltd. will acquire Headwaters Inc. in a cash deal with enterprise value of approximately $2.6 billion; stockholders will receive $24.25 per share, a 21 percent premium to Headwater’s closing price leading into the merger proposal.

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