The Concrete Producer: Web Exclusive

Will 2013 bring luck for contractors as the recession recovery continues?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:02:11 EST

Construction was the first industry to fall into recession and the last to emerge from it. The industry finally seems to be recovering, but there are still plenty of risks that could cut short the revival.

OSHA Top 10 Violations

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:53:33 EST

How do the worst safety infractions in the construction industry affect precasters?

RCC Live! event at World of Concrete converts contractors to RCC proponents

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:51:11 EST

Despite heavy promotion for many years, producers and contractors are relatively unfamiliar with roller-compacted concrete. And those that have RCC construction experience have little paving history. To fill in this learning gap, The Concrete Producer and Concrete Construction magazines co-presented RCC Live! at the 2013 World of Concrete.

An aggregate bin replacement project at a precast plant goes through the roof

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:46:30 EST

Ontario-based precaster Utility Structures Inc. started the new year in a big way, thanks to a brand new 100-cubic-foot aggregate storage bin that was custom designed by BMH Systems and installed through the plant’s roof. Plant managers discuss the pros and cons of retrofitting, and what precast producers should know when considering major modifications.

TCP supports industry efforts to produce high-quality concrete

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:49:07 EST

On a beautiful May afternoon in Chicago, BASF product manager Joe Daczko had the full attention of 85 concrete aficionados as he compared placing self-consolidating concrete (SCC) to serving an adult beverage. “You’re not pouring a glass of beer,” said Daczko, as the group watched the fluid concrete fill a U-shaped plexiglass form. “SCC is not a cure-all. You still have to pour it correctly according to the form dimensions and mix characteristics, if you want to prevent bugholes.”

What does ANSI accreditation mean for NPCA?

Thu, 9 May 2013 10:50:09 EST

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has accredited the NPCA Plant Certification Program as of May 2012.

Atlas lab scale chemistry reactor aids development of new compounds

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:35:31 EST

Siam Research & Innovation Co. Ltd. has invested in an Atlas lab scale chemistry reactor from Syrris to investigate the kinetics of cement hydration and the interaction of admixtures.

NJIT Architecture students go beyond classroom to develop hurricane-resistant precast structures

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:19:57 EST

A group of students and faculty from New Jersey Institute of Technology's College of Architecture and Design recently experienced some "Beyond the Classroom" events as part of the ongoing work of the PCI Foundation.

Boost Motivation, Boost Profits

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:04:37 EST

Our latest nationwide survey of how 427 companies, including 17 precast concrete producers, are trying to persuade workers to improve productivity in today's uncertain times not surprisingly finds growing numbers of employees are now primarily motivated by basics — job security and pay — and only secondarily influenced by employer efforts using the latest “employee engagement” fad.

Longer, leaner beams give precast an advantage

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 03:25:55 EST

Many state DOTs are collaborating with industry associations and experts to develop bridge beams that are more efficient for both bridge designers and precast producers.

OSHA Whistleblowers

Wed, 1 May 2013 11:52:55 EST

Employers need to understand the implications of OSHA’s new emphasis on whistleblower investigations and inspections. By taking appropriate steps, companies can minimize the number of potential whistleblower complaints that employees file.

Slim chance for another infrastructure ‘stimulus’

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 11:59:32 EST

The $50 billion infrastructure initiative President Obama announced in his State of the Union address ignited hopes that federal spending on local public works projects would be heating up just as stimulus funding was cooling down.

The Most Influential People in Concrete: MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:30:08 EST

Julia Garbini of the RMC Research and Education Foundation and Edward J. Sullivan of the Portland Cement Association, accept a Most Influential People in Concrete Award on behalf of MIT's Concrete Sustainability Hub.

The Most Influential People in Concrete: Major Ogilvie

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:29:36 EST

Tom Bagsarian, Group Managing Editor of Concrete Producer magazine, honors Major Ogilvie, Block USA, for spearheading the Concrete Masonry Check-Off Program.

The Most Influential People in Concrete: Jim Wagner

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:29:03 EST

Jim Wagner of Command Alkon is recognized for his dedication to dispatching and discusses the future of the industry at The Most Influential People in Concrete Awards.

Pierre Villere: Has the economy really turned around? (Video)

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:27:56 EST

Get a firsthand glimpse into what 2013 will bring. Pierre Villere, president and managing partner of Allen-Villere Partners, presented his firm’s economic outlook at World of Concrete’s CC Live! venue.

The Perils of KPI Abuse

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:44:28 EST

Whether you know it or not, you are probably already using KPIs. What are some typical concrete QC KPIs?

Third Straw

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 04:55:56 EST

Continuous 12-day concrete pour challenges barge-mounted concrete placing system to place special mix 390 feet underwater.

January-February 2013 Beyond Green Web Extras

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 02:32:23 EST

Beyond Green web extra links from the January-February 2013 The Concrete Producer.

Together Again

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 06:41:39 EST

On January 11 - 13, more than 3,300 concrete industry professionals attended The Precast Show and ICON Expo.