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Concrete Promotion News

 

These news items originally appeared in Concrete Delivers, the monthly concrete industry promotion e-newsletter. To receive a copy every month, or to submit a news item for the next edition, please e-mail Frank Cavaliere (fcavaliere@nrmca.org).

 

 

 

    Concrete Delivers    September 2008

 

Concrete Promotion NewsLinks
Concrete Pavement Analyst Version 3 Finalized
August PPI: Asphalt and Steel Race to Top of Price Chart
NRMCA's ConcreteWorks Offers Promotion/Sales Track
RPGs Vote to Dissolve, Join PCA
NRMCA Offers Parking Lot Design Seminars for Specifiers; Contractor/Producer 

    Training with ASCC
Carolinas State Association Launches Parking Lot Promotion Web Site
ACPA Airport Pavement Design Seminar Set for Denver in October
PCA Announces 2009 Schedule of Courses
Needed: Concrete Ads, Flowable Fill Photos & Videos for Promotion Resource Center
NRMCA Seeks Promoter of the Year Nominations
NRMCA Names New National Resource Director for Southeast Region
Ohio Promoters Create Impressive Pervious Display at Cleveland Event
NRMCA Adjusts Default Values on CPA Software

 

 

    Concrete Delivers    July 2008

 

Asphalt Price Increases Boost Concrete Pavement Opportunities

June PPI: Steel, Asphalt Prices Continue to Rise

Recent Additions Featured on Concrete Promoters' Resource Center

Newslinks of Interest

Wal-Mart Re-Issues Concrete Parking Lot Alternate

NRMCA Delays Release of CPA Software Version 3

PCA YouTube Channel Broadcasts Industry Briefings

New England Promoters Brainstorm on Parking Lot Promotion Opportunities

Industry Panel Shares Best Practices for Buildings Under Design Program

Iowa Concrete Producers Protect Plants from Flood Waters

Collaboration in Connecticut Produces Results

Major Health Care Provider Evaluates Porous Pavements

Economic Slowdown Fails to Curb Drug Store Expansion Plans

Green Building Council Begins Contractor Training Pilot Program

Pennsylvania Audience Learns About Green-Star, CO2

Architects, Green Building Council Strategic Alliance

 

 

    Concrete Delivers    June 2008

 

New Content Bolsters Concrete Promoters' Resource Center

All Buildings Materials See April Price Increases

26% of California Highways Reported in Disrepair

Free "Concrete Design for Sustainability" Course on McGraw Hill Web Site

Updated Version of CPA Software Almost Ready

Mississippi Names New Executive Director

Steel Institute Challenges Green Building Standard Proposal

Green Roof Trend Brings Big Business for Builders

Architects, Green Building Council Form Strategic Alliance

Midwest Promoter Publishes Article on Concrete Parking Lots

Solar Reflectance: The Bright Side of Concrete

Results Detailed from Recent Promotion-Focused Survey

NRMCA Seeks Candidates for Southeast Field Promotion Position

NRMCA Launches New Green Building with Concrete Course

ACPA Schedules Slipform Paving Webinar

 

 

    Concrete Delivers    April 2008

New Section, Additional Content Bolsters Concrete Promoters' Resource Center
ACI Offers New Specification on Pervious Concrete
Professional Promoters Workshop for 2008: More Interactive Than Ever
Sustainability Survey: Concrete Shows Strength in Energy Efficiency Durability
ACPA Webinar Scheduled on Streets & Local Roads Design
New Pervious Subcommittee Off to Strong Start
TXI's Barrett Reese Wins Promoter of the Year Award
Cement Association of Canada Releases 2008 Sustainability Report
February PPI: Steel Continues Climb
Significant Declines in Construction and Cement Consumption Expected
NRMCA Introduces Pervious Concrete Promotion "Flip-Chart" Pitch Book
Large Pervious Parking Lot Unveiled in Virginia

Anecdote of the Month

 

 

    Concrete Delivers    March 2008

New Content Bolsters Concrete Promoters' Resource Center
Professional Promoters Workshops 2008 Lineup is More Interactive Than Ever
Concrete Alternative Withdrawn from Wal-Mart Spec
New Brochure Details Concrete's Contribution to Sustainable Development
PCA-RPG Alignment Moves Forward
Buildings Under Design Renewed for Another Year
New York City Sees Pervious as Key to Stormwater Plan
California Nevada Cement Association to Receive ACI Award
Concrete Work Highlights I-35W Bridge Progress
Grim Residential Outlook Expected to Drag Down Cement Consumption
January PPI: Steel, Asphalt Prices on Rise
Anecdote of the Month

 

 

    Concrete Delivers    January 2008

NRMCA Adding Promotion Track for 2008 Fall Conference
85 Promoters Now Registered on Resource Center Web Site
Concrete Answers Series Provides "Leads" to Concrete Assistance Network

 

 


 

 

SEPTEMBER 2008

NewsLinks

Interesting News from Across the Web

  • Washington State Officials Mandate Low-Impact Construction in Metro Seattle: In an effort to reduce pollution in Puget Sound, a state appeals board in Washington has ordered builders to implement low-impact construction techniques such as green roofs and porous pavement. Environmentalists hailed the new requirement, which could mean the end of curb-and-gutter road construction in new subdivisions. The American Society of Civil Engineers' ASCE SmartBrief electronic newsletter included stories from local Seattle newspapers: the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The Seattle Times.
     

  • ICF Storm Resistance featured in TV News Video: ICFs were featured recently in a "Safe & Affordable" segment on WCCO television news in Minneapolis-St. Paul, demonstrating how concrete homes can protect against the destruction from tornados such the one that hit Hugo, MN, earlier this summer. Click CLICK HERE for this extremely supportive story.
     

  • Missouri Contractors Turn to Concrete: An August 25 article in the Springfield (MO) Business Journal states that "asphalt has long been the pavement material of choice for area road construction projects, but the rising cost and dwindling availability of the petroleum-based product has hardened concrete's foothold as a competitor."
     

  • Charlotte Contractors Face Rising Materials Costs: The August 22 edition of the Charlotte Business Journal said construction companies are changing how they do business to cope with escalating costs of building materials: CLICK HERE. Source: AGC SmartBrief electronic newsletter.
     

  • Denver Area Views Concrete Favorably with Asphalt: Continuing the theme found elsewhere in the U.S., Denver-area municipal road departments are turning to concrete for paving as the rising price of crude oil also raises the price of asphalt. An article was posted in the Denver Business Journal: CLICK HERE.
     

  • Curbing Stormwater Runoff in Vermont: State DOT engineers are using pervious concrete and extolling its virtues for a park-and-ride lot adjacent to a local Interstate. Television station WCAX posted an August 28 video report and article on its Web site: CLICK HERE. NRMCA producer member Carroll Concrete supplied the concrete. Thanks to Jonathan Kuell, executive director of the Northern New England Concrete Promotion Association, for sending the link.
     

  • Utah Parking Lot Features Pervious Pavement: Like their counterparts in New England, state officials in Utah recently discussed their favorable response to a pervious parking area. Television station KSL filed this report on August 26   CLICK HERE. NRMCA producer member JB Parsons Companies supplied the concrete for this project.

 

 

Concrete Pavement Analyst Version 3 Finalized

NRMCA's Concrete Pavement Analyst (CPA) is a powerful parking area concrete promotion design and costing software tool that quickly and accurately quantifies the differences between concrete and asphalt pavements. Using ACI and Asphalt Institute recommendations, CPA compares total ownership costs, providing specifiers the information they need to make sound pavement decisions. Since Version 1 was introduced in 2004, thousands of ready mixed concrete professionals have used it to make the compelling case for concrete.

Version 3 features:

  • A new asphalt cost calculator – allows for easy conversion of in-place square foot cost to in-place per ton cost.
     

  • The ability to include aggregate sub base into concrete cost calculation to more accurately reflect real-life designs.
     

  • Re-formatted, user-friendly reports are concise, easy-to-read.
     

  • Updated default values for material and labor costs.

Existing CPA discs can be traded in for Version 3 for $3.50 each. Without trade-in, new copies are $25 for members/partners ($100 for non-members). Existing CPA Program Partners pay only $5.00 for new discs. Organizations can become partners through a purchase of 100 discs for $1000.  

Contact:  Jacques Jenkins at 240-485-1165, or buy online.

 

 

August PPI: Asphalt and Steel Race to Top of Price Chart

(Click graph to enlarge & for more info)

 

Asphalt prices logged another large monthly gain, increasing 9.8% from July to August, while steel prices rose 2% over the same period for the 10th straight monthly hike, according to the August Producer Price Index (PPI). Lumber prices increased 0.6% in August. Concrete declined slightly (0.1%). Over the last year, steel prices are up 40.8% and asphalt has increased 46.6%. Concrete prices are up 3.6% and lumber prices are down 5%.

NRMCA provides excellent tools and strong support for ready mixed producers to expand market share. Many items are available for immediate download here on the Concrete Promoters' Resource Center website,
ConcretePromotion.org.

 

 

NRMCA's ConcreteWorks Offers Promotion/Sales Track

NRMCA's Fall Conference, now known as ConcreteWorks, was created in 2006 as a combination of three important annual events: the Business Administration Conference, the Operations, Environmental and Safety Forum & Expo and the National Mixer Driver Championship. For the first time in 2008, the conference also features a comprehensive concrete promotion track. ConcreteWorks is also known for great networking, social events and keynote presentations,

All industry participants with a special interest in concrete promotion and sales are invited to attend the new conference track. With more than 500 attendees in 2007 and strong growth expected in 2008, this is a great chance to expand promotion know-how while interacting with members and peers from around the country. Please note that NRMCA is offering a travel stipend to encourage the participation of promoters from the staff of state affiliated organizations.

Concrete promoters are also invited to attend NRMCA' Promotion Committee meeting Saturday, October 18, from 3-5 p.m. and the Pervious Subcommittee meeting from on Tuesday, October 21, from 1-4 p.m.

 

 

RPGs Vote to Dissolve, Join PCA

To date, a total of five Regional Promotion Groups (RPGs) have opted to dissolve and join the Portland Cement Association: the Great Lakes Cement Promotion Association, the Northwest Cement Producers, the Rocky Mountain Cement Council, the South Central Cement Promotion Association and the Southeast Cement Association. Three others – the Arizona Cement Council, Northeast Cement Shippers Association and the North Central Cement Council – will vote on alignment in the next month.

From PCA Executive Report, September 8, 2008.

 

 

NRMCA Offers Parking Lot Design Seminars for Specifiers;

Contractor/Producer Training with ASCC

Modeled on the successful  pervious concrete design seminars offered across the U.S. over the past two years, NRMCA is planning to offer conventional design seminars with local and state partners. The initial four seminars are set for the last two months of 2008 with 20 more planned for 2009.

 

NRMCA is also working with the American Society of Concrete Contractors to offer design, promotion and construction training to ready mixed producers and contractors in 2009. The first of these two-day events (Building a Successful Concrete Parking Lot Construction Business) will be offered January 20-21 in St. Louis, with three additional sessions to be offered in other locations during the year.

 

 

Carolinas State Association Launches Parking Lot Promotion Web Site

The Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA) has launched a Web site to promote concrete parking lots in the Carolinas. The site, called Carolinas Concrete Parking Lots, is a comprehensive site which offers visitors from all fields of design and construction valuable information regarding benefits of concrete parking lots. Much of the content is original and some is provided by other industry sites, including NRMCA's.

For More Information:  Contact CRMCA's Jason D. Wimberly at 704-717-9199, or by e-mail at wimberly@crmca.com.

 

 

ACPA Airport Pavement Design Seminar Set for Denver in October

The concrete pavement industry is responding to airport owner demands for quality and efficiency in construction of airport pavements.  A limited number of seats are still available for the American Concrete Pavement Association's next Airport Pavement Design Seminar, scheduled for October 7-9 in Denver. This comprehensive, hands-on training course covers the design and construction of concrete pavements for airports. CLICK HERE (pdf) for more information.

 

 

PCA Announces 2009 Schedule of Courses

The Portland Cement Association's 2009 course schedule continues its commitment to offering seminars that address current industry concerns and challenges. Programs use a combination of practicing professionals with solid experience and the latest in simulations to enable participants to master the skills they need. The courses stress discovering and understanding real-world problems through laboratory experiences that reinforce practical and immediate solutions.

Scheduled courses include:

Kiln Process: February 10-13; September 22-25
Design & Control of Concrete: February 23-26; October 19-21
Mill Grinding: March 3-5; October 27-29
Troubleshooting: Solutions to Concrete Field Problems: March 9-11; November 2-4
Cement & Concrete Overview: April 2-3
Cement Manufacturing for Process Engineers: December 8-11

 

 

NEEDED:

Concrete Ads, Flowable Fill Photos & Videos for Promotion Resource Center

The online Concrete Promoters' Resource Center (ConcretePromotion.org) features an ever-expanding repository of downloadable resources, thanks to numerous promoters who have provided material now available for the benefit of all. NRMCA is offering a section on the site with copies of ads that organizations have used to promote concrete – please send anything you have on any application, including promotion of the "green" benefits of concrete.

Another particular need is good flowable fill photos and videos. Thanks to Myron Hillock at Somero Enterprises for sending photos of pervious placements with a laser screed (CLICK HERE for the Resource Center photo section).

If you have any content you would like to share, please send to NRMCA's Glenn Ochsenreiter at glenn@nrmca.org.

 

 

NRMCA Seeks Promoter of the Year Nominations

The NRMCA Promoter of the Year Award recognizes the contributions of industry advocates who seek to maximize concrete's share of the construction materials market, spread concrete innovation and support the positive image of the industry's quality, value and professionalism. You can help one of these industry champions receive deserved acknowledgement by nominating him or her for this prestigious award. The most recent Promoter of the Year Award was presented to Barrett Reese of Texas Industries.

Nominees must be employees of an NRMCA ready mixed producer member company and must have worked in the industry for at least five years. The award will be presented during NRMCA's Annual Convention at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, March 15-18, 2009.

CLICK HERE for more information, or contact NRMCA's Michelle Barringer by email or at 1-888-846-7622, x1143.

 

 

NRMCA Names New National Resource Director for Southeast Region

NRMCA is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Miller, PE, as national resource director (NRD) for the Southeast region. Miller, who will be based in Jacksonville, FL, was previously employed at Grace Construction Products where she was a key accounts manager for the Southeast and previously was part of Grace's Engineering Services Group. Before Grace, Miller worked as a consulting engineer and a sales engineer where she was heavily involved with land development issues and, especially at Grace, she was focused on strategic issues and relationship building at the executive level.

 

Miller is a professional engineer, holds a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering and a master's in business administration from the University of Florida, is a founding member and director of a chapter of the Florida Structural Engineers Association and is a Certified General Contractor in Florida.

Miller joins NRMCA's other five national resource directors operating in all regions of the country and will report to Managing Director, National Resources, Dan Huffman. In her new position she will apply her impressive credentials to the heavy national focus on parking lot promotion along with advancing all ready mixed concrete products, with a special emphasis on NRMCA's highly strategic National Accounts Program. Through teamwork with our industry's peer organizations and other promoters among NRMCA's membership, Miller's cooperative style and personal skills will stand out, Huffman noted. While she will work mostly in the Southeast Region, like the other NRDs Miller will interact with NRMCA's clients and members nationwide as needs warrant.

 

 

Ohio Promoters Create Impressive Pervious Display at Cleveland Event

Ohio Concrete NE recently participated as a sponsor of an event called The Burning River Fest which commemorates a time when the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland caught on fire back in the 70's and the need for environmental awareness now. Ohio Concrete NE Director Bob Banka, other state promoters and River Fest officials built a water park to give the patrons of the event a place to cool down on a hot August day using pervious concrete as the pavement. Thirteen companies, including BASF, Lafarge, St. Mary's Cement, Axim, Essroc, Euclid, Mack Concrete, Consumers Supply, Chas.E.Phipps, Lakota Concrete, R.J. Platten, The Great Lakes Construction Company and Donley's,

as well as the Great Lakes Cement Promotion Association all joined to make the event happen.

 

The resulting "Pervious Concrete Hydra Park" consisted of a 155' x 16' slab of colored pervious concrete with a #9 stone with four water jets that were installed in the concrete to spray water into the air. Banka said the slab was built on top of a 18" recharge bed that was laid on a non-woven geo-textile fabric. In addition, an 8" perforated pipe was installed down the center of the recharge bed to capture some of the water that was then pumped into a 500 gallon admix tank to showcase how we could harvest the water for irrigation purposes. Then, to really drive home the vision of what pervious concrete does, three concrete blocks were set into place on one end of the slab; two 4' x 5' sections of both regular pervious concrete made with a 3/8" limestone and colored pervious concrete made with the #9 stone between the ridges of the blocks with two sprinklers that sprayed water all day on River Fest attendees.

 

On the day of the event, most of the companies that helped build the Hydra Park showed up to man the booth and more than 10,000 people saw, many for the first time, what pervious concrete is and what it can do for the environment, Banka said. He and his colleagues spoke to more than 1,000 people, handed out more than 700 flyers on pervious concrete, gave away more than 100 T-shirts that highlighted all of our member companies and even had a shiny mixer truck onsite for kids to get their photos taken. Media attention included a photo in the Cleveland Plain Dealer and a possible article in an upcoming edition of Cleveland Magazine, Banka added.

 

 

NRMCA Adjusts Default Values on CPA Software

With costs rising continuously since 2005, particularly in the asphalt market, NRMCA has adjusted the default values for material and labor in its Concrete Pavement Analyst (CPA) software program. Mid-Atlantic Senior Director of National Resources Phil Kresge recently polled the industry and has determined that the following values accurately represent national averages for each of the markets. These revised values appear in new CPA Version 3.0 and can be set as the default in earlier CPA versions by accessing the configuration screen, entering the new values and saving as user defaults.

 

Please note these parameters vary widely and the best approach is to use whatever numbers are most relevant in your market. The new default values are provided here as formatted in the CPA program: 

 

 

Concrete Costs

 

4000 psi concrete
Place, finish, cure, cut & seal joints
Integral curb
Annual maintenance
Clean and seal joints

 

Asphalt Costs

 

Surface asphalt (in place)
Bituminous base asphalt (in place)
Aggregate base (in place)
     aggregate
     haul
     place
Stabilized soil
Concrete curb – fixed form
Concrete curb – slip form
Annual maintenance
Cost per lineal foot of striping
1.5" asphalt overlay
Sealcoat
Cost of one lighting standard
Excavation costs

 

Financial Rates

 

Annual interest rate
Annual inflation rate
Project service life
 

 

Concrete Costs

 

$90.00 / cubic yard
$1.80 / square foot
$5.00 / lineal foot
$0.035 / square yard
$0.75 / lineal foot

 

Asphalt Costs

 

$70.00 / ton
$65.00 / ton
$15.75 / ton
     $7.50 / ton
     $4.50 / ton
     $4.00 / ton
$0.78 / ton
$17.00 / lineal foot
$12.00 / lineal foot
$0.66 / square yard
$0.0623 / lineal foot
$5.00 / square yard
$2.50 / square yard
$3400.00
$4.50 / cubic yard

 

Financial Rates

 

5.5%
4.0%
20 Years

NRMCA thanks the industry members who responded to the CPA survey and assisted in calculating these new values. For more info, contact Phil Kresge at pkresge@nrmca.org.

 

 



 

 

JULY 2008

 

Asphalt Price Increases Boost Concrete Pavement Opportunities

Recent reports from multiple regions around the U.S. indicate that the cost for asphalt binder has recently increased as much as 50% and more, resulting in dramatic cost increases for asphalt pavement. Some asphalt contractors are warning customers that significant additional increases can be anticipated through the rest of the summer.

Staff at the National Asphalt Paving Association have informally acknowledged that first-cost parity now exists for concrete and asphalt on a national basis. Concrete appears to already have an initial cost advantage in some regions. That advantage may spread and widen quickly as additional asphalt price increases take effect. These market changes create an unprecedented opportunity for ready mixed producers to expand concrete's share of the parking lot market. According to the Portland Cement Association (PCA), this market has the potential of 88 million cubic yards per year of concrete - less than 10% was realized as recently as 2006.

NRMCA provides excellent tools and strong support for ready mixed producers to expand market share. Many items are available for immediate download on the Concrete Promoters' Resource Center Website (ConcretePromotion.org) look in the Parking Lot Strategic Plan section and under the Paving & Parking tab. NRMCA will be reviewing the full range of parking lot promotion and sales tools with members in coming weeks and will also be announcing new initiatives to help tap this exciting market opportunity.

For More Information: Contact NRMCA's Glenn Ochsenreiter.

 

 

June PPI: Steel, Asphalt Prices Continue to Rise

(Click graph to enlarge)

 

Steel prices from May to June grew for the eighth consecutive month, with a significant increase of 8.1%, according to the Producer Price Index (PPI). Asphalt prices also had a sharp increase, with a 6.7% change. Lumber prices rose slightly, by 0.9% from May to June. Concrete prices increased minimally as well, with a 0.7% percent change.

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Portland Cement Association provides this information to aid in the promotion of concrete and cement-based products.

 

 

Recent Additions Featured on Concrete Promoters' Resource Center

  • Check out the new home page of the resource center at ConcretePromotion.org.
     

  • There are now links to three videos featuring the pervious concrete parking lot at the University of New Hampshire. Two are from Boston TV station WBZ (installation and one year later) and a YouTube video of the parking lot dissipating 1,500 gallons of water from a mixer truck in 3.5 minutes. These links are featured here on ConcretePromotion.org (under News Videos), and here on PerviousPavement.org. Thanks to John Kuell of Northern New England Concrete Promotion Association for the television news links.
     

  • Another excellent news video (links appear on the same two sites as above) features Brian Lutey of Ozinga being interviewed by CNN on the Chicago Green Alley's program featuring pervious concrete. Look for "Concrete Reduces Rain Runoff from Chicago Alleys."

 

 

Newslinks of Interest

  • Not many winners have emerged from the fallout of soaring oil prices. Count concrete as one of them. Long considered the pricier option for road and parking lot construction, concrete now is competing with petroleum-based asphalt - and winning. "We've been in business for 14 years and this is the first time that concrete's been competitive with asphalt," said John Weber, president of JRW Construction Co. in Arnold, MO. Full article - St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
     

  • Jerry Voigt comments on the state of the American Concrete Pavement Association -Associated Construction Publications
     

  • Hidden costs of asphalt pavements - Construction Today
     

  • A 15,000 square-foot retail pervious parking lot project results from the efforts of Tim Latham of Kingston Ready Mix in Kingston, NH - New England Construction Magazine
     

  • A July 13 story discusses the sticker shock experienced by municipal officials who put construction projects out to bid. Contractors who are skittish about unstable prices for fuel and construction materials are overbidding, or simply not bidding, on projects, the article states - Engineering News-Record
     

  • Article examines the growing green/sustainability movement spreading among California's college campuses - Los Angeles Times

 

 

Wal-Mart Re-Issues Concrete Parking Lot Alternate

NRMCA's South Central Senior National Resource Director Vance Pool reports Wal-Mart recently announced that it will bid concrete as an alternate to asphalt on upcoming new stores. The retailer also mentions designing to equivalent loads in a recent memo to its external site consultants.

Paving contractors need to be prepared to competitively bid upcoming projects since asphalt prices continue to escalate and concrete is on competitive footing. When concrete was an alternate at Wal-Mart earlier, it was evident there are asphalt-dominated markets in the country where there may not be experienced contractors. There are many regional and national contractors who will likely travel for a SuperCenter paving job and the onus is on this industry to bring them in on these jobs, Pool stated.

Also, it is important as an industry that we also utilize qualified laser screed pavers who will be doing the colored floors and make sure they bid the site paving package. We need the industry's sales force to make sure and get the low cost, high quality pavers to bid these jobs so we ensure a competitive situation. With asphalt binder going from about $400/ton to $620 this month and $700 or more next month, the playing field has changed, Pool said.

There are many new opportunities where concrete can be cost competitive on a first-cost basis where it never has been before. Parking lots should be a prime focus for our industry in this time of change. With reduced lighting needed, lower maintenance costs, as well as being better relative to the "heat island," global warming, and water runoff quality issues, concrete parking lots should be the product of choice!

For more information, contact Vance Pool at vpool@nrmca.org.

 

 

NRMCA Delays Release of CPA Software Version 3

NRMCA Senior Director of National Resources Phil Kresge reports that the release of Concrete Pavement Analyst: Version 3 is being delayed by several weeks because of a requirement to remove ACI 330 reference documents that are no longer economically feasible to include. This change has no bearing on the functioning of the software, which will continue to calculate concrete parameters based on the latest ACI 330 guidelines. In concert with the summer vacation of the programmer, the change is resulting in the delay of the new version until August.

 

One addition to the reference library on the new software will be the Portland Cement Association's (PCA) Research and Development report SN2458, Influence of Pavement Reflectance on Lighting of Parking Lots. The report will replace the Richard Stark article, Road Surface's Reflectance Influences Lighting Design which was originally released in 1986.

 

"While Mr. Stark's article is still timely," says Kresge, "the PCA report, published in 2005, applies specifically to parking lots rather than roadways and therefore is more relevant and appropriate."

For more information, contact NRMCA's Phil Kresge at pkresge@nrmca.org.

 

 

PCA YouTube Channel Broadcasts Industry Briefings

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) has launched a YouTube channel featuring brief videos on industry issues, cement and concrete topics, and trends and applications. The video spots - typically five minutes or less - also appear on PCA's Web site in relevant locations. PCA YouTube videos to date address the difference between cement and concrete, concrete homes, economic update, sustainable development, waste treatment, codes and standards, and market research.

Access the videos on
YouTube or at Cement.org.

 

 

New England Promoters Brainstorm on Parking Lot Promotion Opportunities

The leadership of the Northern New England Concrete Promotion Association and the Massachusetts Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association recently sat down together along with the Northeast Cement Shippers Association (NECSA) and NRMCA to discuss their intentions of developing a strategic plan for parking lot promotion, reports Northeast National Resource Director Doug O'Neill. This initial meeting allowed attendees to voice some of their concerns, discuss the tremendous available opportunities and obtain a better understanding of the current resources for concrete parking lot promotion.

The meeting was hosted by Chad Groff, vice president and general manager of Aggregate Industries in New England and held at the company's Saugus, MA, facility.

"The current situation with petroleum products has created a climate where concrete is comparable and in some cases less expensive than asphalt," O'Neill noted. "This has become the 'perfect storm' for concrete pavement promotion in the Northeast and it's great to see the industry coming together for this kind of concerted effort." Attendees also agreed to schedule a strategic planning session in conjunction with the Portland Cement Association and NECSA to develop a five-year strategic plan.

For more information, contact Doug O'Neill at doneill@nrmca.org.

 

 

Industry Panel Shares Best Practices for Buildings Under Design Program

A group of concrete industry promoters shared their best practices for using Buildings Under Design (BUD) at a recent Professional Promoters Workshop in Schaumburg, IL, reports NRMCA Midwest National Resource Director Jon Hansen. The panel included Rita Madison with the Arkansas Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Cheri Wagner with the Indiana Ready Mix Concrete Association and John Reed with the Illinois Ready Mixed Concrete Association who spoke on behalf of Bernie Cawley and the process he used when he was with the Michigan Concrete Association.

Each presenter represented a different stage and method in using the BUD information, with the common goal of getting information early in the decision to those responsible for making pro-concrete material choices, Hansen said. All agreed that getting the information early, and the wealth of information available through BUD, was key in the marketing process.

"I encourage any of our industry partners around the U.S. to call or e-mail any of these panel members if you need help in implementing your local program," said Hansen, who moderated the panel.

In a related presentation, Len Swederski, president of Swederski Concrete Construction Inc. appealed to the contractor audience to get actively involved in marketing concrete parking lots, and to get and use the BUD service in their own businesses. He stressed a proactive approach to selling concrete parking lots, to offer voluntary alternates to asphalt designs and to use BUD early to find the projects being planned and who are the decision makers.

For more information on BUD, contact Jon Hansen at jhansen@nrmca.org.

 

 

Iowa Concrete Producers Protect Plants from Flood Waters

The world watched as the record June rains took the Iowa rivers to a 500-year flood stage, reports NRMCA Midwest National Resource Director Jon Hansen who's based in Des Moines. An army of volunteers worked around the clock to fill sand bags to protect neighborhoods in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and countless other towns and cities along the normal lazy rivers that wander throughout the state. Over 30,000 people within the state suffered some damage to their homes and property when levies broke, sand bags could not be stacked high enough, and manpower was in short supply.

A number of the state concrete producers remained dry, Hansen notes, even though more than five feet of flood water often surrounded their property. Their method for keeping out the river: concrete blocks made from return concrete. Not only has the industry realized these blocks to be a universal and practical solution to using returned concrete, but they were also proven to provide a strong barrier against Mother Nature.

NRMCA producer member Manatts, Inc. in Des Moines erected a 6-foot tall barrier to keep its office and shop area dry when the water climbed to 4½ feet on the 6-foot wall. Another NRMCA member, Hawkeye Ready Mix in Iowa City, kept its plant dry by doing the same, Hansen added. Unfortunately, the flooding was so severe in Cedar Rapids, there just was not enough blocks in town to protect all of NRMCA member Kings Materials' property as seen in the photo above of NRMCA board member Charlie Rohde.
 
For more information, contact Jon Hansen at jhansen@nrmca.org.

 

 

Collaboration in Connecticut Produces Results

Recently, NRMCA Northeast National Resource Director Doug O'Neill teamed with Connecticut Concrete Promotion Council Executive Director Jim Langlois to host three pervious seminars around the state. Their first stop was at Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) which is a University of Connecticut program for local land use officials who are addressing the relationship of land use to natural resource protection. From that meeting the university is now planning several pervious sections to be placed this year.

The second O'Neill/Langlois seminar was to the Hartford branch of a national design-build firm that specializes in "turnkey" services in the areas of environmental remediation and specialty environmental and geotechnical construction services. Many great questions were generated by the group. O'Neill notes that one attendee from the firm's Boston headquarters suggested that the presentation be brought to them as well (once again through some great teamwork another opportunity was created).

The third seminar was given at the Yale University School of Forestry in New Haven, with Langlois reporting that he has since met with city public works officials who wanted to schedule a pervious workshop and contractor certification component along with looking at placing pervious in and around the university campus and locations throughout New Haven.

For more information, contact Doug O'Neill at doneill@nrmca.org.

 

 

Major Health Care Provider Evaluates Porous Pavements

NRMCA Managing Director, National Resources, Dan Huffman recently participated in a promotion meeting of the Concrete Promotion Council of Northern California (CPCNC) where he updated the enthusiastic group on the Association's national marketing and promotion programs and, in particular, the National Accounts program administered by Huffman and his national resource director colleagues.

Immediately following the meeting, Huffman and CPCNC Executive Director Rob Wallace drove to Modesto, CA, to meet with officials of Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest private health care provider, to view an existing large porous asphalt parking lot serving one of Kaiser's hospital facilities. The 12-acre parking lot was originally scheduled to be constructed with pervious concrete, billed as the largest such project in the U.S., but went to asphalt because of the huge first cost differential, Huffman reports. Like most porous asphalt, it was placed with a thickness of only 2.5 inches vs. the standard pervious concrete design of 6 inches. At that time, many of the negatives that have since appeared relative to the use of pervious asphalt, especially its high tendency toward "self-consolidating" and increasing imperviousness over time, were not established, he added.

In discussing the parking area with Kaiser officials, Wallace and Huffman said they'd like to learn how they felt about the asphalt several years later and, presumably, to re-position concrete when Kaiser looks at such facilities for the future. The porous asphalt, while serviceable, was still noted by the concrete promoters to be rapidly showing the expected signs of imperviousness. This allowed Wallace and Huffman to make their points positive to concrete; the Kaiser people were appreciative of the attention and provided further contact leads for NRMCA to follow (The meeting was facilitated by Rob Wallace).

For more information, contact Dan Huffman at dhuffman@nrmca.org.

 

 

Economic Slowdown Fails to Curb Drug Store Expansion Plans

In a recent meeting at Walgreens headquarters in Deerfield, IL, NRMCA Midwest National Resource Director Jon Hansen was told that despite the economic slowdown across the U.S., the chain did not plan to scale back its current building program, which currently is set at 450 new or relocated stores per year. As Walgreens continues at this construction pace, NRMCA has become a resource for concrete technology and new innovation.

Although always receptive to concrete options, Walgreens takes a very cautious approach to changing its successful model, Hansen said.

"A great deal has been learned about the Walgreens' process of construction in the past year and there is good reason for the decisions it makes regarding building material choices," he said. "The chain is open to alternatives, but as an industry team, we have to do our homework to make sure our approach and the options we offer are appropriate. I encourage our local industry partners to call me to discuss how we might work together when a Walgreens is planned for your area."

Walgreens has 5,600 locations throughout the U.S. and plans to build 450 new stores each year through 2010. Started in Chicago in 1901, Walgreens is credited with inventing the malted milkshake in 1922, went public in 1927 and was an innovator of the self-service pharmacy in 1950.

For more information, contact Jon Hansen at jhansen@nrmca.org.

 

 

Green Building Council Begins Contractor Training Pilot Program

The US Green Building Council's (USGBC) Upstate New York Chapter is piloting a new program entitled "Green Building and LEED for Contractors" in an attempt to better educate the state's contractors on LEED and building green. NRMCA Northeast National Resource Director Doug O'Neill along with New York Concrete Promotion Council Executive Director Greg Novitzki were chosen to participate as trainers for the program. Both promoters recently attended a one-day train-the-trainer session with 20 other building industry professionals.

"Surprisingly, the concrete industry was the only industry represented in the room. With our greater participation within USGBC chapters around the country, our industry is slowly being looked at in a different light by the green building community", O'Neill stated. "In fact, we've become a part of that community."

Novitzki noted that Heather Steffeck with the Northeast Cement Shippers Association is heading the shippers' concerted effort to get their members and partners attending more USGBC events; O'Neill noted that Novitzki's participation in this training program has opened a lot of doors with respect to his promotional efforts in the state. On the national level, O'Neill has met several key contacts with National Account clients that NRMCA has had only limited previous contact.

For more information on the USGBC or getting involved with your local chapter, contact Doug O'Neill at doneill@nrmca.org.

 

 

Pennsylvania Audience Learns About Green-Star, CO2

At the recent Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association (PACA) Summer Meeting, members were briefed on NRMCA's Green-Star Certification Program. Mid-Atlantic Senior Director of National Resources Phil Kresge gave an overview of the program to about 35 ready mix producer and affiliate members who attended the meeting's Concrete Promotion track. There was great interest in the program, with one PACA member stating that due to changes in the present stormwater runoff permits within the state, a program focusing on Environmental Management Systems (EMS) could prove very beneficial to all members.

Following Kresge's presentation, NRMCA Director of Codes and Sustainability Erin Ashley gave a presentation titled CO2 Emissions and Their Impact on Ready Mixed Concrete. The focus of the presentation provided definitive information regarding CO2 emissions from the manufacture of portland cement and other building materials, as well as differentiating between cement and concrete manufacture. In support of her presentation, Ashley provided attendees with a copy of the latest version of NRMCA's "Concrete CO2 Fact Sheet."

For more information, contact Phil Kresge at pkresge@nrmca.org.

 

 

Architects, Green Building Council Strategic Alliance

NRMCA Northeast National Resource Director Doug O'Neill reports that the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the US Green Building Council (USGBC) met recently to discuss common goals such as carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030 and other sustainability issues. As a result of the meeting, the organizations have created a strategic alliance and associated work plan in three main areas: advocacy, education and research.

During their May meeting, at least 10 possible collaborative projects were identified along with a strong belief that several more will be identified in the future. The strategic alliance will include an annual leadership meeting, regular meetings between senior staff leadership, and existing efforts such as reciprocal sponsorship of USGBC's Greenbuild and AIA's Annual Convention.

O'Neill notes that the concrete industry has much to offer organizations like AIA and USGBC. NRMCA now offers both AIA-accredited courses and is a member of USGBC's Education Provider Program.

For more information on how you can get more involved with either organization, contact Doug O'Neill at doneill@nrmca.org.

 
 


 

 

JUNE 2008

 

New Content Bolsters Concrete Promoters' Resource Center

 

The Concrete Promoters' Resource Center (ConcretePromotion.org) was launched in January 2008 to assist industry promoters in creating broader awareness of the benefits of concrete through shared knowledge, enhanced communication and access to the best tools. Content added to the site since the last edition of Concrete Delivers includes:
 
  Pervious Concrete Radio Commercial – this 60-second radio spot was created by Jim Langlois of the

    Connecticut Concrete Promotion Council: click here and then on link at bottom of the page.

  Ken Justice of Northeast Cement Shippers Association submitted a 9,000 CY paving success story.

    Click here, select "Parking Lots" as the project type, then click on the link for the Carteret, NJ,\

    project.

  Jereme Montgomery, Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association, submitted the newest three

    short demo videos of SCC: click here.

  Carmine Attanasio, New York City Concrete Promotional Council, submitted a success story: click

    here, select "Stormwater" as the project type, then click on the link for the New York project.

  Patrick Juelich of the Concrete Council submitted a pervious success story, click here, select

    "Pervious" as the project type, then click on the link for the St. Louis project.

 


 

All Buildings Materials See April Price Increases

 

 

 

 

Steel prices grew for the sixth consecutive month in April, increasing sharply by 5.5% from March figures. According to the April 2008 Producer Price Index (PPI), lumber prices rose after months of decline, increasing 0.3% from the previous month. Asphalt prices were also up, 1.7% from the previous month. Concrete increased 1.3%. Steel prices have increased 10.2% within the last year. Asphalt prices have climbed 5.1% and concrete prices grew by 3.4%. During the last year lumber prices have declined by 8.0%.

 

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Portland Cement Association (PCA) provides this information to aid in the promotion of concrete and cement-based products.
 

For more information, contact PCA's Craig Schulz.

 

 

 

26% of California Highways Reported in Disrepair

 

"We would like to do new concrete instead of constant asphalt overlays, which have to be redone every five or 10 years. It's like a big Band-Aid, but that is all we can afford," said Kirsten Stahl, a civil engineer in the Los Angeles Caltrans district who works on highway rehabilitation projects. Click here to read the full Los Angeles Times story.

 

Submitted by Rob Wallace, Concrete Promotion Council of Northern California.

 

 

 

Free "Concrete Design for Sustainability" Course on McGraw Hill Web Site

 

Sponsored by Lafarge and originally published in the April 2008 issue of Architectural Record, this excellent online course focuses on concrete and cementitious materials' role in designing for sustainability and how concrete applications meet sustainability requirements. The content also covers how cementitious-based building materials can contribute to LEED credits. Check out the in-depth content here.

 

 

 

Updated Version of CPA Software Almost Ready

 

NRMCA Senior Director of National Resources Phil Kresge reports that the updated Concrete Pavement Analyst (CPA) software Version 2.0 is currently undergoing Beta testing. Though a few minor adjustments may be necessary, the program and its new features seem to be working well, he reports.

 

Among the improvements is a calculator feature that will allow the user to determine the asphalt in-place per ton cost based on the square foot price. Also, users will now have the option to include an aggregate or treated base beneath the concrete pavement for comparison. The cost of the base material will be included in the concrete placement costs and the thickness will be reflected in the design graphics. However, the inclusion of base material will not be figured into the soil support calculations and therefore will not affect the recommended thickness of the concrete pavement. Additionally, the format of the final reports has been modified to be more user friendly. The last stage of the upgrade process will include revising the Help file to reflect the program changes and replacing the default values for materials and labor where applicable. (For anyone interested, there is still time to provide input with regard to the default costs.)

 

NRMCA is planning a low-cost exchange program for owners of the current CPA versions 1.0 and 1.1. Also, an updated webinar program will highlight the changes for current users of the program. Rollout of the new CPA Version 2.0 is expected by late June.

 

To contact Phil Kresge, e-mail him at pkresge@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

Mississippi Names New Executive Director

 

William Pyron has been named executive director of the Mississippi Concrete Industries Association (MCIA). He has over 20 years of experience in account management, business development and sales in the environmental construction, engineering and solid waste industries. Pyron holds a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University.

 

MCIA was the first association to sign on as an NRMCA State Affiliate in 2004 and NRMCA looks forward to expanding its partnership with MCIA under Mr. Pyron's leadership.

 

 

 

Steel Institute Challenges Green Building Standard Proposal

 

The American Institute of Steel Construction has a variety of complaints about new green standards being developed by the US Green Building Council and other groups. Officials with the organization said materials aside from concrete were not represented in the committee putting together the standards, and the draft proposal restricts designers' freedom in framing-material selection. From AGC SmartBrief, full article here: Engineering News-Record (fee).

 

 

 

Green Roof Trend Brings Big Business for Builders

 

Green roofs are sprouting around the nation in very high-profile places ranging from the new Nationals Park baseball stadium in Washington, DC, to the Target Center arena in Minneapolis. The trend is turning out to be a boon for landscape architects, builders, growers and consultants, and cities are considering additional incentives to urge developers to incorporate more green roofs in projects.

Click here for the MSNBC story.

 

 

 

Architects, Green Building Council Form Strategic Alliance

 

NRMCA Northeast National Resource Director Doug O'Neill reports that the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the US Green Building Council (USGBC) met recently to discuss common goals such as carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030 and other sustainability issues. As a result of the meeting, the organizations have created a strategic alliance and associated work plan in three main areas: advocacy, education and research.

 

During their May meeting, at least 10 possible collaborative projects were identified along with a strong belief that several more will be identified in the future. The strategic alliance will include an annual leadership meeting, regular meetings between senior staff leadership, and existing efforts such as reciprocal sponsorship of USGBC's Greenbuild and AIA's Annual Convention.

 

O'Neill notes that the concrete industry has much to offer organizations like AIA and USGBC: NRMCA now offers both AIA-accredited courses and is a member of the USGBC's Education Provider Program.

 

For more information on how you can get more involved with either organization, contact Doug O'Neill at 585-436-8310 or by e-mail, doneill@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

Midwest Promoter Publishes Article on Concrete Parking Lots

 

Christopher R. Tull, PE, a consultant to the Great Lakes Cement Promotion Association, authored an excellent article on promotion of concrete parking lots that appeared in the April edition of Concrete Construction magazine-- click here to view the article online.

 

 

 

Solar Reflectance: The Bright Side of Concrete

 

As more and more projects seek some form of LEED® certification, the subject of solar reflectance or albedo has become an important topic for ready mixed concrete producers to understand. Because of concrete's light color, it has become the pavement of choice for designers looking to reduce the urban heat island effect caused by impervious dark surfaces such as asphalt. The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a measure of a material's ability to reject solar heat. As an example, new asphalt has an SRI of around 0, whereas new concrete could be anywhere from 38 to 52.

 

According to the LEED® Green Building Rating System's Sustainable Sites Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect: Non-Roof, one of the ways to earn this point is if 50% of the site's hardscape is paved with a material whose SRI is 29 or above. In some cases, pervious concrete can also meet the SRI requirement, but since mixes vary testing and corroboration is required. Ready mixed concrete producers are being called upon by the design teams of LEED® projects to document the SRI of a project's a mix design, but producers are not often aware of how to go about obtaining this information.

 

One option is to contact The CTLGroup, Skokie, IL, which can measure solar reflectance according to ASTM C 1549, Solar Reflectance Near Ambient Temperature Using a Portable Solar Reflectometer, and can calculate the solar reflectance index according to ASTM E 1980, Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and Low-Sloped Opaque Surfaces.

 

The tests for determining the SRI of a particular mix are neither complicated nor expensive. This information can, however, set a particular producer apart from other producers vying for the project. Learn more about the LEED Green Building Rating System and the environmental aspect of ready mixed concrete by participating in NRMCA's upcoming Webinar entitled "Environmental Benefits of Ready Mixed Concrete" scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

 

Click here for more information on the Webinar. Doug O'Neill may be reached at 585-436-8310, or by email at doneill@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

Results Detailed from Recent Promotion-Focused Survey

 

Below are the results of an e-mail survey sent by NRMCA a few weeks ago to gauge interest in possible topics for promotion track sessions at ConcreteWorks, NRMCA's fall conference that will include a promotion track for the first time, October 18-21 in Nashville, TN. The survey was sent to Promotion Committee members and others identified as having an interest in promotion - about 800 individuals in total, which resulted in 150 responses.

 

The topics are sorted in descending order with combined "strong interest" and "very strong interest" at the top. NRMCA will be guided by this feedback in finalizing the program for ConcreteWorks. Keep in mind that concrete applications listed are not being rated on their importance but as to the need for sessions to cover promotion on that topic.

 

Topic

1—

Little or no interest

2

Some interest

3

Moderate interest

4

Strong interest

5

Very strong interest

1.

Environmental Benefits of RMC

1

12

33

54

50

2.

Promoting Pervious Concrete's Role in

Stormwater Mitigation

4

12

30

56

48

3.

Understanding Concrete CO2 Issues

2

14

31

62

41

4.

Promoting Concrete for Streets & Local Roads

12

12

24

60

42

5.

Five Steps to Successful Parking Lot Promotion

12

13

34

45

46

6.

Utilizing NRMCA's Design Assistance Program

to Encourage Parking Lot Specifiers to Go

Concrete

8

17

36

53

36

7.

Tapping Into Concrete Industry Promotion

Resources

4

12

51

55

28

8.

Public Relations for Concrete Promotion

3

17

52

47

31

9.

Maximizing Promotion Call Effectiveness

11

17

46

47

29

10.

Strategic Planning to Advance Promotion

6

17

53

48

26

11.

Concrete Pavement Analyst Software 201

(Boosting value for those already familiar with

the program.)

21

24

35

46

24

12.

Boosting Effectiveness in Your Group

Presentations

12

36

35

48

19

13.

Promoting Whitetopping

12

25

54

43

16

14.

Promoting ICFs

23

24

45

37

21

15.

Concrete Pavement Analyst Software 101 (An

introduction for beginners.)

19

38

44

35

14

16.

Promoting Flowable Fill

21

29

52

32

16

17.

Promoting SCC

9

31

63

30

17

18.

Promoting Tilt-Up

23

33

47

31

16

 

 

 

NRMCA Seeks Candidates for Southeast Field Promotion Position

 

NRMCA is currently seeking an energetic self-starter to be based in the Southeast U.S. to take responsibility as national resource director for association concrete promotion efforts. This position requires a team player with a very good knowledge of the concrete industry who is well organized and dedicated to promotion. Excellent relationship-building, communication, team-building skills and the ability to focus very strategically are critical for success. Responsibilities include developing relationships and offering industry support to national accounts, supporting promoters from member companies, working with local and regional promotion teams, and interacting with owners, designers and contractors. Travel is required.

 

NRMCA offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth in a demanding and fast-paced environment.

 

Please send your resume or request additional information from Michelle Barringer at mbarringer@nrmca.org,or fax to 301-585-4219.

 

 

 

NRMCA Launches New Green Building with Concrete Course

 

NRMCA is launching a new course titled Green Building with Concrete on Tuesday, July 15, in Silver Spring, MD. The course has received the highly regarded US Green Building Council (USGBC) Education Provider Program (USGBC EPP) designation. The USGBC EPP presents high-quality professional development courses to further enrich the knowledge and understanding of green building theory, techniques and trends for building professionals. The Green Building with Concrete course provides detailed instruction on how the use of concrete can minimize environmental impact of buildings and public works projects during construction and operation.

 

Course topics to be taught by NRMCA personnel include:

 

  The Environmental Attributes of Concrete

  Climate Change and Concrete

  Green Building Rating Systems and Concrete

  Energy Performance of Concrete Building Systems

  Stormwater Best Management Practices

  Optimizing Recycled Content

 Interactive problem solving break out sessions and a course assessment

 

Builders, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, building officials, product suppliers and the general public are welcome to attend. Attendees receive 7 Professional Development Hours. In addition, the course is registered with AIA Continuing Education Systems and provides AIA member architects with 7 HSW Learning Units. The registrations fee is only $295. Registration links, both on-line and fax-back options, can be found at www.nrmca.org/seminars.

 

For more information, contact NRMCA's Erin Ashley at 1-888-846-7622 ext. 1306, or by e-mail at eashley@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

ACPA Schedules Slipform Paving Webinar

 

The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) has scheduled a Webinar on slipform paving at 10 a.m. Central Time on Friday, June 20. The Webinar is intended for those requiring a basic introduction to slipform paving operations. Subjects addressed in this webinar include: project set-up, types of equipment, concrete production and delivery, concrete placement, finishing and texturing operations. 

 

The cost is $25, which includes a downloadable copy of the presentation, examination and certificate. To register, contact ACPA's Debbie Becker (with the subject line, "Webinar") at dbecker@pavement.com. Payment may be made by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express) in advance, or alternatively, ACPA can invoice you. Indicate your payment preference at the time of registration.

 

For more information, contact Debbie Becker at 847-966-2272. If you have questions about accessing this Webinar by computer or phone, contact ACPA's Bill Davenport at 847-966-2272.

 

 

 



 

 

APRIL 2008

 

New Section, Additional Content Bolsters Concrete Promoters' Resource Center

 

The Concrete Promoters' Resource Center (ConcretePromotion.org) was recently launched to assist industry promoters in creating broader awareness of the benefits of concrete through shared knowledge, enhanced communication and access to the best tools. In the past month content added to the site includes:    

 

 New Sustainability Section added to the site.

 

  From PCA, a survey of decision makers' attitudes and perceptions: The Sustainable Development

     Market 2008 (PDF). Click Here (under "Articles & Research").

 

  From NRMCA: Concrete CO2 Fact Sheet (PDF). Click Here (under "Articles & Research").

 

  Links to the latest concrete whitetopping guides from the National Concrete Pavement Tech Center

     at Iowa State University (suggested by Jon Hansen, NRMCA's N. Central national resource director).

 

  From Erin Ashley of NRMCA: NRMCA Model Stormwater Ordinance (PDF). Click Here (under

    "Programs, Products & Publications").

 

  From Rick Walters at Kentucky Concrete and Ken Justice of NECSA: Success Stories

 

  From Jereme Montgomery of the Nebraska Concrete & Aggregates Association: Pervious photos.

     (Videos also submitted, to appear in the coming month.)

 

  From Dennis Lura of Lura Entreprises: Pervious photos.

 

 

 

ACI Offers New Specification on Pervious Concrete

 

This specification covers materials, preparation, forming, placing, finishing, jointing, curing and quality control of pervious concrete pavement. Provisions governing testing, evaluation and acceptance of pervious concrete pavement are included.

 

To learn more or to order this document, go to 522.1-08: Specification for Pervious Concrete.

 

 

 

Professional Promoters Workshops for 2008: More Interactive Than Ever

 

The Professional Promoters Workshop will be presented by ASCC, ACPA, CRSI, NCMA, NRMCA, PCA and PCI on May 5-7 in Schaumburg, IL. The event will cover a broad range of topics, including sustainability, paving, pervious concrete, local codes, funding, economic outlook, strategic planning and local government affairs. The event will be more interactive than ever through expanded use of "What Works" presentations, roundtables and concurrent sessions.

 

For more information, click here.

 

 

 

Sustainability Survey: Concrete Shows Strength in Energy Efficiency Durability

 

Concrete was used as a sustainable material by more than three of every four design professionals recently surveyed about their preference of materials for sustainable design. According to a recent PCA market research study, 77% of surveyed architects, designers, engineers and other design professionals said they chose concrete as their sustainable material for recent projects.

 

Survey respondents ranked the level of importance of 22 attributes when selecting building materials. Energy efficiency was perceived as the most important attribute with a mean rating of 4.5 of 5, followed by durability (4.4) and aesthetics (4.2). When asked which building material they preferred to meet those attributes, concrete was the most common response for energy efficiency and durability.

 

Additionally, after measuring the mean ratings of the attributes and evaluating how concrete, wood and steel were ranked against those same attributes, an index was developed to score how each material ranked overall as a green material. Concrete's green factor was 4.20, wood 4.03, followed by steel with a green factor of 3.85.


Contact Lynne Koutsky of PCA.

 

 

 

ACPA Webinar Scheduled on Streets & Local Roads Design

 

On April 18, ACPA is offering "Thickness Design for Streets & Roads" ($25), a web-based seminar on thickness design for municipal and rural street & road facilities. This Webinar will include an outstanding overview of design basics, as well as a review of ACPA's StreetPave software. Join ACPA's Scott Haislip for this interesting and informative Webinar (10 a.m. Central/11 a.m. Eastern).

 

Click here for more information.

 

 

 

New Pervious Subcommittee Off to Strong Start

 

NRMCA launched the first meeting of its Pervious Concrete Promotion Subcommittee during the opening morning of the CONEXPO-CON/AGG trade show last month in Las Vegas under the leadership of chair Frank Kozeliski, PE, Gallup Sand & Gravel, Gallup, NM. Some 57 attendees representing promotional, sales, technical, research and educational entities from around the U.S., decided to establish three task groups to focus on recommended best practices, development of a promotion guide for pervious concrete and the production of a checklist for the pre-job conference that is strongly recommended prior to any project site development taking place (the latter to be based on a previous document co-produced by NRMCA and the American Society of Concrete Contractors related to conventional concrete).

 

Among the formal presentations supportive or otherwise highly influential on successful promotion were those focusing on the new Web site for use by concrete promoters in all concrete product areas (ConcretePromotion.org) which already contains a database for pervious concrete projects, NRMCA Contractor Certification Program, the NRMCA release of a model stormwater ordinance for local agency use, various research projects funded by the RMC Research & Education Foundation, mix design guidance, LEED credits, ASTM testing methods for pervious concrete, update on ACI-522's activities, overview of the Villanova (PA) University water quality comparison of pervious concrete vs. porous asphalt (co-sponsored by the RMC Research & Education Foundation and U.S. EPA) and an update on legislative activities involving promoters thought to be impacting the overall opportunity to promote pervious concrete.

 

A lively open forum of the industry's best successes, challenges and greatest needs also took place and had much to do with the establishment of the task groups by chair Kozeliski. Most of the PowerPoint presentations given will be posted on ConcretePromotion.org. The next meeting of the subcommittee will take place in conjunction with ConcreteWorks (formerly the Fall Conference & Expo) in Nashville, October 19-21. This subcommittee reports directly to NRMCA's Promotion Committee chaired by Bob Sells (Titan America) and Vice Chairman Wally Johnson of US Concrete.

 

For more information, contact NRMCA's Dan Huffman at dhuffman@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

TXI's Barrett Reese Wins Promoter of the Year Award

 

A highlight of NRMCA's Annual Convention in Las Vegas last week was the presentation of the 2008 Promoter of the Year Award to Barrett Reese of TXI. From a group of strong nominees, Barrett was selected for his outstanding contributions in support of concrete promotion. Barrett has been dedicated to furthering the concrete and cement industries for more than 40 years, serving on many industry boards, committees and task forces. His tireless work has had a strong impact at all levels - local, state and national - and has produced many significant results that have advanced our industry. In acceptance remarks, Barrett pointed out what an outstanding product concrete is and also noted the great support he has received during his career at TXI.

 

 

 

Cement Association of Canada Releases 2008 Sustainability Report

 

The 2008 Sustainability Report is now available from the Cement Association of Canada (CAC). The report documents the Canadian gray cement manufacturing industry's progress in improving its environmental, social and economic performance. In addition, it provides an indication of some of the directions the industry is pursuing to further reduce its environmental impact.


The report is part of the industry's commitment to publicly convey progress in implementing the World Business Council for Sustainable Development Cement Sustainability Initiative. View the report at www.cement.ca.

 

 

 

February PPI: Steel Continues Climb

 

 

 

Steel prices rose 1.8% from January to February, according to the February 2008 Producer Price Index (PPI). Asphalt increased 0.1% and concrete prices rose 0.4% over the same period. Lumber prices declined for the seventh consecutive month, down 0.1%.

 

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. PCA provides this information to aid in the promotion of concrete and cement-based products.


Click here for more information.

 

Contact Craig Schulz of PCA.

 

 

 

Significant Declines in Construction and Cement Consumption Expected

 

U.S. construction activity and cement consumption are expected to experience significant declines this year, according to a recent PCA Economic Research report. Portland cement consumption is expected to drop 10% in 2008, followed by an additional 3.6% in 2009. Total cement consumption in 2008 is predicted to be 102.7 million metric tons.

 

High fuel prices, acceleration of home foreclosures and the impact of the sub-prime crisis on credit standards are some of the current conditions that lead PCA to believe the economy is already in a recession and may continue to be in one for the first three quarters of 2008. According to the forecast, the low-point in construction activity will materialize in 2009, leading to an eventual 5.2% cement consumption growth in 2010.

 

Contact Ed Sullivan of PCA.

 

 

 

NRMCA Introduces Pervious Concrete Promotion "Flip-Chart" Pitch Book

 

Pervious concrete is drawing more and more attention as an important tool in support of sustainable development. This 20-page flip-chart book comes complete with an attractive presentation, displaying clear and compelling information for the specifier, backed by key additional information that the specifier does not see. The third in a series of popular pitch books, this proven approach helps every promoter stay organized, reinforce key points and also cover additional helpful information to support the specifier.

 

The pitch book comes with a Windows PowerPoint version on CD for electronic presentations which also enables editing and printing of page updates to the flip-chart book.

 

NRMCA is offering the Pitch Book and CD until Friday, May 30, at a special introductory price:

 

$25 each  for 1-9 copies | Click to Order
$22 each  for orders of 10 or more | Click to Order

 

After May 30, regular pricing will be $35 each for 1-9 copies or $30 each for orders of 10 or more.

To order, contact NRMCA's Jacques Jenkins at jjenkins@nrmca.org or 1-888-846-7622, ext. 1165.

 

 

 

Large Pervious Parking Lot Unveiled in Virginia

 

A new pervious concrete parking lot took center stage as the Virginia Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (VRMCA) and Prime Retail hosted Green Pavement Day for Virginia at Prime Outlets – Williamsburg, reports NRMCA Mid-Atlantic Senior National Resource Director Phil Kresge. In his opening remarks, Prime's General Manager Nick Barrett thanked the James City County officials for their support of Prime's efforts to "protect the future of the environment and preserve the quality of life while allowing business to prosper." He also thanked the project's designer, Landmark Design Group, general contractor Henderson Construction, concrete contractor Magruder Construction for their work to keep the project on track to be ready for an April 18 planned grand opening.

 

NRMCA's Immediate Past Board of Directors Chairman Elizabeth Twohy congratulated the management of Prime Retail on their understanding and support of green building and concrete's role in sustainability. The use of pervious and conventional concrete allowed the design and construction team to maximize the development of the 54-acre site, "but more importantly," Ms. Twohy pointed out, "concrete helped the developer to construct a stormwater system that would naturally help to protect and preserve the James River and the Chesapeake Bay. As a citizen of Virginia, I am proud to tell others to visit the Prime Outlet site because I am proud that the developer demonstrated the insight and leadership to build a sustainable development and that concrete played a part."

 

Other dignitaries offering their congratulations and support included Virginia State Senator Thomas K. Norman, Jr., and State Delegate William K. Barnes. The 100+ attendees then got a first hand look at how pervious concrete works as the project's general contractor, Henderson Construction, pumped approximately 60 gallons per minute of water onto the pervious concrete surface while project designer Stephen Romeo, Landmark Design Group, explained the principles of the infiltration system. Romeo then thanked Kresge and Keith Beazley, VRMCA director of industry services, for their support during the design and approval phases of the project. A pervious concrete placement demo by the Magruder Construction crew concluded the day's event.

 

According to Paul Reed, senior vice president of construction for Prime Retail, the pervious concrete is the base for the project's LEED certification efforts. Additionally, Reed was impressed that the use of pervious concrete allowed for 40% more land use. "That equals 40% more rentable space which easily offsets any upcharge there may be for sustainable construction," Reed said. Once completed, the Prime Outlets-Williamsburg site will incorporate just over 7 acres of pervious concrete and approximately 3 acres of conventional concrete parking lot as part of an innovative stormwater management system that includes water harvesting, a process that allows the capture and reuse of stormwater onsite.

 

For more information, contact Phil Kresge at pkresge@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

Anecdote of the Month:

Unexpected Speaking Engagement Leads to Key National Account Meeting

 

Faris Abdo of the Portland Cement Association (PCA) was planning to speak at a recent ACI chapter meeting in Houston, reports South Central National Resource Director Vance Pool. When the need for additional speakers arose, Abdo contacted Dave Shephard of PCA and Pool's colleague Dan Huffman, NRMCA's managing director, national resources, who in turn asked Pool to take the speaking slot.

While speaking at ACI meetings is not a core activity for NRMCA's national resource directors, Pool's opportunity to discuss pervious concrete helped bring about a discussion with a strategic national account where NRMCA has had difficulty establishing a relationship. Pool said this introduction via the ACI meeting enhances NRMCA's position and likely accelerated progress versus our traditional "cold call" process.

 

For more information, contact Vance Pool at vpool@nrmca.org.

 

 

 



 

 

MARCH 2008

 

 

The Concrete Promoters' Resource Center (ConcretePromotion.org) was recently launched to assist industry promoters in creating broader awareness of the benefits of concrete through shared knowledge, enhanced communication and access to the best tools. In the past month content added to the site includes:

 

  From Matt Offenberg, Southeast U.S. technical services manager for Grace and ACI-522

    Committee chair: Getting Pervious in Your Land Development Code (PowerPoint presentation).

    Click here

 

  From Erin Ashley of NRMCA: Using Pervious Concrete to Achieve LEED Points. Click here.

 

  From Ken Justice of NECSA: Pervious photos. Click here.

 

  From Bernie Cawley of the Michigan Concrete Association: Pervious Concrete... A Solution for

    Michigan (PDF). Click here.

 

  From Jason Wimberly of the Carolinas Ready Mixed Concrete Association: Parking Lot Promotion

    Initiative Documents. Click here.

 

  Success stories have been submitted to the success database by Matthew Dulle of the Concrete

    Council of St. Louis and Vic Smith of Tarmac America. Click here.

 

  Pervious projects have been submitted to the pervious project database by the Tennessee

    Concrete Association. Click here.

 

 

 

Professional Promoters Workshop's 2008 Lineup is More Interactive Than Ever

 

The Professional Promoters Workshop will be presented by ASCC, ACPA, CRSI, NCMA, NRMCA, PCA and PCI on May 5-7 in Schaumburg, IL. The event will cover a broad range of topics, including sustainability, paving, pervious concrete, local codes, funding, economic outlook, strategic planning and local government affairs. The event will be more interactive than ever through expanded use of "What Works" presentations, roundtables and concurrent sessions.

 

For more information, click here.

 

 

 

Concrete Alternative Withdrawn from Wal-Mart Spec

 

NRMCA South Central Senior National Resource Director Vance Pool reports that Wal-Mart is removing the concrete alternate from bids on new projects which has been in place since October 2006. Reasons cited include a lack of competitive numbers on many projects as well as bid errors which complicated its bidding process. Pool reports in many cases contractors who were not accustomed to using concrete for parking areas would submit extremely high numbers or no concrete bid at all.

 

Rebuilding this opportunity will be an NRMCA objective that will require refining and improving processes with regional and local concrete promoters around the country and a more proactive approach during local bidding of projects. In the meantime, Wal-Mart continues to evaluate concrete for white-topping; has completed four tilt-up test projects and has 18 pervious projects completed or underway.

 

For more information, contact Vance Pool at vpool@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

New Brochure Details Concrete's Contribution to Sustainable Development

 

This attractive and informative 4-page 8.5"x11" promotion brochure details concrete's many advantages in regards to sustainable development, with comprehensive technical information, charts and photos. The brochure is designed to inform specifiers, engineers, architects, contractors and their clients about the important contributions that concrete offers to support sustainable development. You may review the entire brochure by opening this PDF file.

 

NRMCA's lowest promotion brochure introductory prices ever, as low as $0.25 per brochure, are in effect through March 28. Learn more, order now and make these brochures a part of every promotion and sales call.

 

 

To order, you may also contact NRMCA's Jacques Jenkins at 1-888-846-7622, ext. 1165 or by e-mail, jjenkins@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

PCA-RPG Alignment Moves Forward

 

Earlier this month, the Portland Cement Association's (PCA) Executive Committee unanimously endorsed a proposal to integrate the Regional Promotion Groups (RPGs) into the management and organizational structure of PCA. The goal is to maximize member company investments in industry associations at both the national and regional levels. Integrating PCA and the RPGs will better align national and regional programs in promotion and advocacy while maintaining the autonomy of independent RPGs in setting dues and budgets. The move will also result in more efficient operations by centralizing administrative functions under PCA.

 

Last week, key PCA staff members met with the executive directors of all 10 RPGs to discuss the integration and clarify what the integration would mean for both the RPGs and PCA and to identify logistical issues. Currently, the 10 RPGs are independent from PCA but operate under a cooperative agreement that defines the roles and responsibilities of each group. Legal, administrative and operational issues will be addressed at PCA's spring committee and Board of Directors meeting, scheduled for April 28-30 in Chicago.

 

Source: PCA's Executive Report electronic newsletter

 

 

 

Buildings Under Design Renewed for Another Year

 

NRMCA has renewed its agreement with Buildings Under Design (BUD) for another year. There is currently a waiting list of new state affiliate members that would like to secure one of the 50 NRMCA usernames, but they will have to wait until current users have the first chance to renew for another year. Please let us know of your intent to renew by responding to NRMCA's Michelle Barringer at mbarringer@nrmca.org by Tuesday, April 1. The cost is $50 per year payable at the time of renewal. Those slots not renewed by April 1 will be made available to those on the waiting list on April 2. 

 

NRMCA state affiliate members on the waiting list will then have the opportunity to obtain the remaining usernames. They will be contacted via e-mail and have until April 15 to respond. A Webinar will be scheduled in May for new users and anyone desiring a refresher course, states NRMCA BUD liaison and Midwest National Resource Director Jon Hansen.

 

NRMCA also would like to hear from current users about your experiences using BUD during the past year. Testimonials, success stories, etc. will be featured on the NRMCA and Buildings Under Design Web sites. Let us know what works, what doesn't and your impressions - we want to hear from you.

 

For more information, contact Jon Hansen at jhansen@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

New York City Sees Pervious as Key to Stormwater Plan

 

A contact made through NRMCA's Web site has helped New York City officials realize the benefits of pervious concrete in the city's stormwater management plan, reports NRMCA's Mid-Atlantic Senior National Resource Director Phil Kresge. The development began when Daniel Simon, a LEED accredited professional working in New York City with the Gaia Institute and the Storm Water Infrastructure Matters (S.W.I.M.) Coalition, wanted to learn more about pervious concrete and contacted the NRMCA through the free project planning and assistance feature of the NRMCA Web site. After speaking with Kresge and New York City Concrete Promotion Council Executive Director Carmine Attanasio, Simon invited them to attend a S.W.I.M. Coalition meeting at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) offices.

 

Representatives of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office were also in attendance at the meeting, where Kresge made a brief, but informative, presentation on pervious concrete. NRDC and SWIM members used the opportunity to persuade city officials to adopt legislation that would encourage the inclusion of green roofs and pervious pavements in future development and redevelopment. Late last month, Simon's efforts began paying dividends when the City Council passed legislation to tackle the sewage overflow problem in the city's overburdened sewer system. The legislation advances the implementation of green design elements, which mimic nature's own filtering systems, into existing streets, parks, and other public spaces and into existing and new development projects. 

 

Source: Information above was taken in part from the Natural Resources Defense Council newsletter. For detailed information, view the full text of the legislation (Intro. 630) on the New York City Council website.

 

Phil Kresge may also be reached at pkresge@nrmca.org.

 

 

 

California Nevada Cement Association to Receive ACI Award

 

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) will honor the California Nevada Cement Association (CNCA) with its Distinguished Achievement Award at the opening ceremonies of the ACI Spring 2008 Convention in Los Angeles. The award is given to nonmembers who have made notable contributions to the advancement of the concrete industry. During the past two decades, CNCA has been dedicated to expanding the use of portland cement-based products throughout California and Nevada. CNCA has also been committed to providing educational programs and technical assistance to equip decision makers with the right tools and knowledge to design and construct projects of quality.

 

Furthermore, the organization successfully obtained amendments to the International Building Code (IBC) in California to protect life safety and market share of noncombustible building materials. ACI applauded CNCA for delving "into political activity to protect and improve the health of the cement and concrete industries in California and Nevada relative to climate change, building codes, urban heat island effect, stormwater management, and funding for infrastructure, highways, and water resources."

 

Source: PCA's Executive Report electronic newsletter

 

 

 

Concrete Work Highlights I-35W Bridge Progress

 

Work is well underway on the new I-35W bridge in Minneapolis to replace the structure that collapsed last August. The new structure, following the primary theme of "Arches, Water, Reflection," consists of two white concrete bridges that span the river - one for each direction of traffic. Each side will have five lanes for a total of 10 lanes of traffic and a combined bridge width of 189 feet. The previous bridge had eight lanes of traffic and was about 80 feet narrower.

 

The signature bridge will include lighting and landscaping that will paint a modern archway over the Mississippi and respect the area's surroundings, history and nearby architecture, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Web site. The retaining walls at the bridge's abutment with the land will be made of native stone. The curved supports will frame the Mississippi River below. The new bridge includes several structural enhancements, including the use of high-performance concrete to provide superior durability and multiple levels of structural redundancy. In addition, the 100-year bridge will be economical to maintain as concrete also has lower maintenance costs than other materials.

 

Work on the bridge reached a milestone last week when crews poured concrete for the first precast segment for the bridge's main span. It's the first of 120 segments that will be built and assembled to form the 504-foot main northbound and southbound spans of the bridge. More than 48,700 cubic yards of ready mixed concrete will be used for the project. The bridge is expected to be re-opened to traffic in December 2008.

 

Source: PCA's Executive Report electronic newsletter

 

 

 

Grim Residential Outlook Expected to Drag Down Cement Consumption

 

Already-grim conditions facing the residential construction market are expected to worsen in 2008, according to a recent PCA Economic Research report. High home inventories, in part due to the large number of foreclosures caused by the sub-prime crisis, will cause housing starts to decline 25% in 2008 from already depressed 2007 levels. Given that residential construction normally accounts for 30% of annual cement consumption, this sector will continue to have a significant drag on overall cement consumption.

 

Source: PCA's Executive Report electronic newsletter

 

 

 

January PPI: Steel, Asphalt Prices on Rise

 

 

Steel prices rose 1.3% from December to January while asphalt gained 1.9% in the same period, according to the January 2008 Producer Price Index (PPI). Concrete prices increased only 0.6% for the month. Lumber prices declined for the sixth consecutive month, dropping 2.0%.

 

Source: Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. The information is provided by PCA to aid in the promotion of concrete and cement-based products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anecdote of the Month

 

This month's anecdote demonstrates the power of collaborative networking and the advantage of having a useful name to "drop" in developing new promotion relationships.

 

NRMCA established a tentative relationship with national account target CVS some time ago but the trail eventually went cold. The following is taken from an e-mail of NRMCA Northeast National Resource Director Doug O'Neill, in response to a question about what transpired that enabled him to re-establish the relationship.