STAMPED CONCRETE: SET IN STONE 26 February/March 2018
POST WORLD OF CONCRETE PRODUCT ROUNDUP 16
Resilience vs. Sustainability 5 MYTHS IN COATING REMOVAL WHICH CAN COST YOU TIME AND MONEY 42 www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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WHAT’S INSIDE
February/March 2018 | Issue 2, Volume 18
Cover Photo Credit: John Fleck
Departments 4 Editor’s Letter 6 Legal Matters 50 The Last Placement
What’s Online
A resilient structure must provide safety for its inhabitants in the face of a severe natural event, the structure must remain intact afterwards, and inhabitants must be able to regain normal usage of it shortly afterwards. Only one structure met these requirements in this photo.
Cover Story
Read these online exclusive articles at www.ForConstructionPros.com/ concrete.
22
22 Resilience vs Sustainability
Better defining how buildings should perform.
Features
Conquest 100 – Going Beyond Rebar Locating Since the first generation of Conquest 100 GPR was unveiled in 2001, Conquest 100 has been helping contractors locate embedded objects in concrete.
Search: 20992647
8 Knox Concrete Curbs and Stamps Roundabout Project Idaho contractor completes first major state highway project with curbing and stamping skills honed on numerous successful residential and commercial projects throughout Lewiston and surrounding area.
12 Staying Warm on the Jobsite Keeping warm in all kinds of weather and jobs.
16 Post World of Concrete Product Roundup A compilation of products which made their debut at the World of Concrete.
26 Stamped Concrete: Set in Stone Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas
30 Equipment Specification Guides: Power Trowels A compilation of technical information when choosing your next power trowel.
36 Polished Concrete Solution Advances Facility Construction Ahead of Schedule Production in new plant accelerated by two weeks with MQ SlabArmor.
38 Oh My, What a Difference A Year Makes Presenting a guest editorial by Peter Wagner, of Curecrete Distribution offering his observations of the state of the polished concrete industry.
42 5 Myths in Coating Removal Which Can Cost You Time and Money Learning from the school of hard knocks in coating removal can be a very expensive school to attend.
46 Polished Concrete Maintenance - Part 2 This is the second part of a two-part series giving an overview of the maintenance of polished concrete.
Bridging Safety & Productivity with Modern Solutions Using high-tech demolition to increase productivity and safety in bridge work.
Search: 20991793 Surface Preparation: Top Tips to Minimize Downtime on the Job Communication is vital and can mean the difference between a job’s success or failure. Learn how contractors can avoid downtime during a surface preparation job by good communication.
Search: 20982150
www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | February/March 2018 | Concrete Contractor 3
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EDITOR’S LETTER Published by AC Business Media Inc.
Filling Open Job Positions
201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 • www.ACBusinessMedia.com
www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete
I
n January, I received an email from a Washington D.C.based contractor who wanted to share his latest trials and tribulations as it relates to hiring laborers for his concrete contracting company. This contractor has tried numerous ways to find, recruit and keep laborers. His latest attempt was to use the job search engine Indeed. The job was posted on December 29, 2017. Here are the results from the initial job posting on January 8, 2018: • The job posting received 1,325 views • 232 applicants applied for the job • 53 applicants were identified as candidates and asked to sit for an interview • 25 applicants responded and scheduled an interview • 3 applicants inquired about the details of the job, but did not interview • 4 applicants actually showed up for the interview • 3 applicants were hired, one of which never showed up for work There was one additional applicant not included in the stats above. This gentleman was looking for a career change. He has a Masters of Arts in Teaching – Intensive English Program Instructor and Teacher Trainer at the University of California. Facebook.com/ ConcreteContractor
Advisory Board
PUBLICATION STAFF
Ryan Olson, Publisher/ Editorial Director ROlson@ ACBusinessMedia.com (800) 538-5544
He was laid off due to low enrollment for the course. The contractor told me he didn’t know what to do with this applicant, but stated, “He wants a job and is willing to start at $17 an hour.” The applicant was also willing to relocate from the West Coast to the East Coast. The applicant was so engaged with the job he attended the World of Concrete to learn about what his new career would entail. Looking at these these numbers, is this a common occurrence when it comes to posting job openings? As a contractor, do you see these high numbers of applicants with such low turn-out/success rate? I’d be interested to hear your job posting story as well as your results. CORRECTION: In the January 2018 issue of Concrete Contractor, it was erroneously reported in the Cover Story that Charlie and Jason Griffasi had founded the Concrete Polishing Association when in fact, the duo founded the International Concrete Polishing and Staining Conference (ICPSC). We apologize for this error.
Follow us @ Concreteinsider
Kim Basham KB Engineering Cheyenne, Wyo.
Jim Cuviello Cuviello Concrete Polished|Stained|Crafted Stevensville, Md.
Jim Baty Concrete Foundations Association Mt. Vernon, Iowa
Chris Klemaske T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc. San Diego, Calif.
Search: Concrete Polishing
Dennis Purinton Purinton Builders, Inc. East Granby, Conn.
Publisher/Editorial Director Contributing Writers Senior Production Manager Art Director Audience Development Director Audience Development Manager ADVERTISING SALES (800) 538-5544
Lynne Woodworth Melissa Hixon Eric Servais Erica Finger Nikki Lawson Amy Schwandt Sean Dunphy Denise Singsime National Automotive Sales
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PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • circ.ConcreteContractor@omeda.com REPRINTS Ryan Olson, (800) 538-5544, ext. 1306 , rolson@ACBusinessMedia.com LIST RENTAL Jeff Moriarty, SVP, Business & Media Solutions Infogroup, Phone: (518) 339-4511 Email: jeff.moriarty@infogroup.com AC BUSINESS MEDIA INC.
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Published and copyrighted 2018 by AC Business Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. CONCRETE CONTRACTOR (USPS 021-799, ISSN 1935-1887 (print); ISSN 2471-2302 (online) is published 7 times a year: January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December by AC Business Media Inc., 201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Concrete Contractor, PO Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 February/March 2018, Issue 2, Volume 18 One year subscription to nonqualified individuals: U.S. 1 year: $35, 2 years: $70. Canada & Mexico 1 year: $60, 2 years: $105. All other countries 1 year: $85, 2 years: $160 (payable in U.S. funds drawn on U.S. banks). Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International). Canada Post PM40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Concrete Contractor, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Printed in the U.S.A.
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4 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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Ryan Olson, (800) 538-5544, ext. 1306 rolson@ACBusinessMedia.com Kim Basham, Jim Baty, Brad Humphrey, David C. Whitlock, Joe Nasvik Cindy Rusch Mindy Witte Wendy Chady Angela Franks
Concrete Contractor is the Official Media Sponsor of the CFA Foundation Company Certification Program
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LEGAL MATTERS
By David Whitlock
Working on Drugs:
The Contractor’s Problems
W
Remaining vigilant is a contractor's best defense.
hile more states are legalizing medical – and in some cases, recreational – marijuana use, the federal government maintains that marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug with no recognized or approved medical uses. Recently, the Attorney General announced revocation of the Department of Justice “handcuffs” on marijuana enforcement. This gives US attorneys the discretion to prosecute marijuana growers, sellers and users – regardless of underlying state or local laws. Regardless of what the federal or state enforcement agencies do, concrete contractors need to be careful not to let impaired persons perform work or wander around job sites. Recently, however, a Massachusetts court held that a licensed medical marijuana user who was fired for failing an employment drug test could bring a claim for disability discrimination under state law. Significantly, this employee was able to show that she was not impaired or using marijuana at work. This means that contractors need to have resources available to check for impairment and act only on the basis of “reasonable” suspicion. Perhaps more alarming is the increase in legalized, recreational marijuana. The CDC now estimates that more than half of Americans have used marijuana at some point in time. Again, you need a clearly written and easily understood policy that prohibits possession and impairment at work. And the most alarming trend of
all is the dramatic increase in opioid usage. Opioid prescriptions dispensed in the US in 2016 had fallen to 236 million from a peak of 282 million in 2012. With a working population in the US of 243 million people, nearly everyone has used opioids. Between 2006 and 2014, the most widely prescribed opioid was hydrocodone (Vicodin). In 2014, 7.8 Billion hydrocodone pills were distributed nationwide. The second most prevalent opioid was oxycodone (Percocet), with 4.9 Billion tablets distributed in the US. Opioids include both legal painkillers like morphine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone prescribed by doctors for acute or chronic pain, as well as illegal drugs like heroin or illicitly made substances like fentanyl. Because of their highly addictive nature, users who start taking a prescription for pain relief often become addicted, and because of the higher cost of prescriptions, users often resort to illegal opioids. The first step is to make certain your drug policy prohibits impairment, whether by legal or illicit substances. In a perfect world, your policy should define “impairment” or “under the influence” as any reasonably noticeable deviation from normal behavior. Your policy should also define the procedures and, more importantly, the penalties applicable to impairment on the job. In states where medical marijuana is legal, you should consider implementing a random drug testing policy that intends to capture those who are impaired. Your policy should require employees to “self-disclose” if they are medical marijuana users who will
flunk a drug test but claim that they are not impaired or using at work. But, note that you should protect employees who self-disclose from discrimination. Finally, your policy should provide resources for treatment of drug abuse. Second, you need to establish a solid working relationship with an occupational health clinic for both testing and education. Note that for some kinds of testing, e.g., marijuana use, a urinalysis test is not going to show present impairment because the “residues” of use may last a week or more in the body. Instead, your clinic should do saliva (best), blood (invasive), or hair (relatively new) testing. Your health clinic should provide periodic training on the symptoms of abuse of drugs and alcohol. This is the only way to establish that your belief that a worker was “reasonably suspicious” will hold up. Here is a list of potential signs of impairment: slurred speech, watery/red eyes, shakiness/tremors, loss of balance, diminished alertness, sleepiness, sweating, fatigue, or frequent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. You should get training on abuse of over-the-counter substances as well. Contractors will face liability if an impaired worker does damage to people or property. David C. Whitlock has over 25 year’s experience in business immigration, compliance, employment counseling and training. He is the founding attorney of Whitlock Law LLC and can be reached at (404) 626-7011 or at davidcwhitlock@gmail.com.
6 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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2/22/2018 2/27/18 3:58:569:27 PM AM
ON THE JOB
By Greg Udelhofen
Knox Concrete Roundabout Project
The new roundabout project joins SR 129 with Fleshman Way, which motorists use to travel east across the Snake River from Clarkson, Wash. to Lewiston, Idaho. Photo Credit: Knox Concrete
Idaho contractor completes first major state highway project with curbing and stamping skills honed on numerous successful residential and commercial projects throughout Lewiston and surrounding area.
J
ust mention the Fleshman Way/State Route 129 roundabout project to Knox Concrete’s Travis Knox, and he’ll immediately describe all the interesting aspects of what was a major Asotin County Public Works’ project for his skilled crew. Knox Concrete has built a strong reputation in the Lewiston, Idaho/
Clarkson, Wash. market for residential and commercial work. Travis and Jaimie Knox, owners of Knox Concrete, are passionate about providing clients with superior quality. Along with their team, they pride themselves in finding creative solutions for their clients. They constantly research the latest advances and design trends in concrete. Their services span everything concrete,
Knox used Proline Arizona Flagstone mats to stamp islands separating travel lanes. Photo Credit: Knox Concrete
including countertops, foundations, patios, extruded curbing, stamping and coloring to name a few of their specialties.
A UNIQUE PROJECT The roundabout, however, was a unique project in several ways. First, it was a large project compared to Knox’s normal day-to-day projects. Secondly, it was one being built for
8 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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ON THE JOB Using a Power Curber, Knox's crew placed over 400 yards of various types of curb on the roundabout project. Photo Credit: Knox Concrete
road agencies, county and state, with all the construction, budget and deadline requirements generally attached to those projects. A large portion of the project for Knox involved installing 400-yards of extruded curbing using a Power Curber 5700-B the contractor has had in his fleet for three years. “We’ve used it on subdivision projects where we’ve constructed rolled curb, along with curb and gutter, but on this project, we used it to install seven different curb styles,” Knox notes. For example, on all the paved ramps leading to and from the roundabouts, Knox installed edge curbing after new asphalt paving was completed by Poe Asphalt of Clarkson. Holes were drilled, and dowels installed into the new pavement to keep the concrete curbing in place. “On this project we had to install rebar in all the rolled curbing placed in the roundabouts to support heavy truck traffic that often cuts across the roundabout (elevated island) when making the turn,” Knox explains. “That’s not common to what we normally have to do when installing curb in residential areas.” Along with the curbing portion of the project, Knox was also responsible for installing sidewalks throughout the project, and all the stamped concrete in pedestrian areas of the project, as well as the traffic lane dividers. Acme Concrete Paving of Spokane, Wash. Installed 4,820 square yards of concrete required to construct the travel lanes leading to and from the roundabouts. The contractor also installed and stamped the 1,183 square yards of pigmented concrete required to construct the 10-in. thick elevated
Extruded edge curb was placed on paved ramps leading to and from the roundabouts. Photo Credit: Knox Concrete
roundabout islands. Those islands are designed and designated as truck aprons required to accommodate trailer trucks maneuvering through the interchanges. The specifications called for a BASF Rheo Federal Brown integral color for all pigmented concrete.
SIGNIFICANT STAMPING “We used a Bunyan Industries’ roller screed to strike off the concrete before beginning the stamping process,” states Robert Seghetti, president of Acme. “We rented the stamping mats (Proline Arizona Flagstone design) from Knox to maintain the same pattern being used throughout the project.” Within six to eight hours after stamping the roundabout island, Acme began saw cutting the concrete to control any cracking once the concrete fully cured. A project engineer specified where to make the cuts on the roundabout portions of the project and provided a layout with GPS coordinates needed to position string or chalk lines to guide the saw operator. The final step in the stamping process included applying a Proline Walnut enhancing color to highlight the joints of the stone pattern,
followed by a sealer application to block color fading and enhance the overall look of the surface. While Knox’s portion of the stamping process represented less concrete than that used for sidewalk and curb construction, it required 60 days to complete, compared to the 30 days required to place 400 yards of curbing and 350 yards of sidewalk. “It’s the first time we constructed a municipal stamping project and one of challenges was the fact that the state doesn’t allow concrete placement and curing when the temperature is over 80 degrees,” Knox says. “So, with the project being constructed during the summer months, we had to hit it hard when the temperature allowed to keep it on schedule.” Know had 20 crew members on the project throughout the summer and when Asotin County officials commented in the local newspaper article in late August that the project would open in September on schedule and under budget, the Knox Concrete team felt pretty good about how they executed their portion of the attractive, better-functioning and much safer Fleshman Way/State Route 129 interchange.
10 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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ON THE JOB
By Joe Nasvik
Staying on the Jobsite
I
Keeping warm in all kinds of weather and jobs. n the past construction sites often closed down during the winter months, especially those that required concrete placement throughout the winter. But winter doesn’t stop construction now; concrete can be placed in almost any cold weather condition thanks to the development of chemical admixtures and better technology to keep slabs warm during their curing cycle. The decision about
whether to work in the cold now is more related to worker safety and reduced productivity. Temperature isn’t the only weather factor that contractors must take into account, wind (windchill), humidity, ice, water and mud, and snow are also factors. Here is how three construction companies and their workers prepare for winter weather in different construction settings
MCHUGH CONSTRUCTION Based in Chicago, McHugh Construction is perhaps the largest builder of super-tall buildings (defined by the Council on Tall Buildings in Urban Habitats as buildings taller than 984 feet in height) in the US. They are currently building the 1186 foot tall 93 floor Vista Tower complex near Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. The structural concrete construction gets cold, moist winds off the lake which
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Staying warm in the winter on a construction jobsite can be challenging. It’s not only the temperature; workers must also dress for windchill and wet conditions in the form of humidity, ice and snow. Photo Credit: Tilt-Wall Ontario
can challenge the workforce in their attempt to stay warm. But Maxim Levin, McHugh’s concrete project manager for this construction says high-rise construction is the company’s “bread-and-butter” work and their crews are experienced in dressing for this type of work. The decision to work on a given day for McHugh depends on a lot of factors. Kevin Morley, McHugh’s project concrete superintendent for the Vista Tower project says they consider their schedule, the level of risk involved, and what the tasks are for the day. For instance, if they are casting a floor they need a forecast of 10ºF and rising temperatures in order for concrete to gain strength fast enough for post-tension reinforcing to be stressed the following day. Temperature requirements for vertical walls and columns aren’t as critical. Levin says that wind is an important factor too. In the winter wind speeds of 10 mph or more can cancel work. Their workers are involved in these decisions too. Morley says most of their workers have been with them a long time and their judgment is trusted by the company. Snow is also an issue. When snowfall from the preceding night can’t be removed by crews within the first two work hours of the next day, the job is shut down. This typically happens when amounts exceed 4 inches. The biggest challenge occurs when snow falls while concrete is being placed. If the crew thinks weather is too rough to be Located near Lake Michigan, the Vista Towers super-tall safe, McHugh will shut the building construction site can get bone-chilling humid job down. winds off the lake. Workers generally prefer to dress in layers and constantly move to stay warm. The amount of clothing
workers wear to stay warm is somewhat dependent on each person’s body; some are naturally warmer than others. But most workers put on as many as six layers of clothing—staying warm and being able to move around freely is the issue. Workers whose job requires constant movement need less clothing to stay warm than those who have to stand in one position. For example, the operator who controls the concrete placing boom dresses more warmly than those in the puddle placing concrete because they don’t move very much. Sedentary workers are beginning to experiment with battery heated clothing. When a floor is cast McHugh encloses the floor below with tarps and uses construction heaters to warm the area and the fresh concrete above. Workers can go to this space to warm up if their hands and feet get cold. Morley says they often eat their lunch there too. But he notes that their crew prefers to work on the floor above where they are exposed to the weather. McHugh is on a “three day cycle” at the Vista Tower site—one floor every three days is their schedule. But Levin says they typically lose 10 to 15 days of work due to inclement weather in the winter time. TILT-WALL ONTARIO Len Overbeek, the owner of TiltWall Ontario, Ontario, Canada, says they have been in business for 15 years and are accustomed to working under winter conditions. “If we don’t want to work in the winter we are losing much of our work season,” he says. His company is a tilt-up sub-contractor; they only construct tilt-up panels. He adds that his company has worked on a dozen tilt-up award winning projects and seven of them were built over the winter months.
Photo Credit: Joe Nasvik.
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ON THE JOB The Ontario area, as well as most of the Midwestern US, recently endured a six week period where temperatures didn’t reach 32ºF and Overbeek says they worked for much of that time. The coldest temperature they have placed concrete so far is 5ºF (-15º C) and like McHugh, their crews make the ultimate decision about whether to work or not. “If a worker says their hands or feet feel frozen they go home early that day. If a crew feels cold and they decide to stop work for the day, we go along with that too.” When Overbeek sells a job he tries to convince the owner to include floor radiant heating for their building. If they agree he uses it to heat the slab they are casting panels on. If the owner doesn’t want to do that Overbeek’s company constructs a temporary casting slab and installs ground heating coils to heat the slab. These casting slabs can be 10,000 to 15,000 square feet in size and are demolished at the end of the job. The heated casting bed accelerates concrete strength development so the panels can be lifted into position more quickly but the casting bed also keeps workers warm as they work. A bigger problem is wind and snow on the jobsite. In terms of clothing Overbeek says their crews typically dress with layers of clothing starting with thermal underwear, pants and warm shirts. They wear insulated coveralls and insulated boots. Winter construction can add as much as 10 percent to the cost of a
typical winter project but Tilt-Wall Ontario’s costs, including the construction of casting slabs and ground heaters are in the six to seven percent range—enough to give them an edge. Overbeek typically loses less than a dozen days of work to winter weather. CUSTOM CONCRETE Jason Ells, senior vice president of sales and business for Custom Concrete in Westfield, Ind., says his company started in 1969 as a poured wall foundation company. They
Workers use the layered clothing method to stay warm on jobsites that can be muddy, icy and cold. When their hands and feet get too cold they can sit in the cab of their truck to warm up. Custom Concrete often leaves them running to provide warm breaks for the crew. Photo Credit: Custom Concrete
Tilt-Wall Ontario heats their casting slabs with ground heating coils to keep both their concrete and their crews warm. After placement the concrete panels are covered in insulating blankets and very quickly reach the strength required to lift them into position. Photo Credit: Tilt-Wall Ontario
currently have 230 employees and build foundations for both residential and commercial buildings. They also construct floors for warehouses and “big box” facilities and their work goes through all four seasons. Ells says they didn’t work in a two week cold spell when temperatures hovered around 0º F in the Midwest; they typically shut down when temps drop to single digits because they think work becomes too risky. He says their typical work day temp during the winter months is in the mid 20º F range and workers have little trouble staying warm. He adds that when workers constantly work outdoors through the seasons they have little trouble acclimating to each season. “It’s the person who suddenly starts working in cold temperatures that has the most trouble.” Keeping workers warm and safe in the winter is a responsibility Custom Concrete shares with their workers. Ells says they recently conducted a crew training session to help recognize the early signs of hypothermia and know what to do if one of their teammates is showing the symptoms. Custom Concrete also maintains a company store where their workers can buy good warm clothing. Here is what Custom Concrete does about working in cold weather: • They consider windchill and the forecast for sunshine when they make decisions about whether to work or not • They provide overalls to workers exposed to cold weather conditions • They keep their trucks warm so that workers can warm up when they need to • They change their productivity expectations when the weather gets cold • They encourage workers to take more breaks Their advice for cold weather clothing is the following: • Dress in layers — wear several layers of clothing • Avoid tight fitting clothes • Wear insulated overalls
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• Keep your feet dry at all costs • Bring more than one pair of gloves to work Ells doesn’t think employees use battery heated clothing but he says they sometimes use chemically activated hand warmers in their gloves. BATTERY HEATED CLOTHING Actively moving all the time causes bodies to generate heat and keep warm. But electrically heated clothing can help, especially for those with more sedentary jobs. Motorcycle riders use this technology when they ride in cold weather. They buy jackets, pants, socks and gloves that plug into their motorcycle’s battery to keep comfortably warm while riding. On construction sites the advent of lithium batteries, which store large amounts of energy compared to their size and weight, can heat jackets for several hours without recharging. The same battery that powers a drill/
driver can be used to power electrically heated jackets. Companies such as Milwaukee Tool, Milwaukee, Wis. and Bosch Power Tools located in Mount Prospect, Ill. are leaders in this technology. Both 12 and 18 volt battery platforms are being used to heat the jackets. The key elements for both products include carbon fiber heating elements, a thermostat with three temperature positions; high, medium, and low, and a battery which is kept in an out-of-theway pocket. They have heating elements in the chest and back to warm the core. The jackets include an outer wind
breaking shell and high-loft insulation to prevent heat from escaping. Also, they can be easily cleaned in a washing machine after removing the battery and battery holder. Battery heated jackets make it possible to dress with fewer layers of clothing, resulting in freer movement. They are designed to fit a little more snugly so that the heating elements remain closer to the body.
Battery heated jackets are new technology that is beginning to appear on jobsites, especially for more sedentary workers. They use either 12 or 18 volt power tool batteries which fit in out-of-theway pockets. One battery can provide warmth for most of a day. Photo Credit: Milwaukee Tool and Bosch Power Tools
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PRODUCTS
World of Concrete
A compilation of products displayed at the 2018 World of Concrete show. Vexcon Announces New Penetrating Water Repellent Seal & Cure STARSEAL GUARD DC is a water base innovative one step product that combines the benefits of a penetrating water repellent sealer and a dissipating white curing compound for fresh concrete into one product. The product, which meets ASTM C-309 curing requirements and the Chloride Ion Penetration requirements of NCHRP 244 forms a temporary film that restricts moisture loss allowing concrete to reach maximum strength and durability. When the curing compound wears off, the concrete remains protected from the harmful affects of freeze thaw cycles, salts and deicer chemicals that can result in costly damage to concrete.
Benefits:
• Complete projects faster • Seal & Protect against damage from salt and moisture • Produce stronger, more durable and longer lasting concrete • Cures fresh concrete • Meets industry standards ForConstructionPros.com/20988261
Allen MP245 Packs Hydraulic Steering in a Compact Riding Trowel The 830-lb. MP245 riding power trowel packs all of the ergonomics, features and durability found in Allen’s larger riders into a smaller package (78” L x 41” W x 57.5” H). It incorporates a 22-hp Honda GX690 air-cooled, gasoline engine and a heavy-duty drive train. The standard-duty gearboxes provide efficient energy transfer from the motor to the rotors to ensure an optimal finish. Two 36-in.-diameter, four-blade non-overlapping rotors deliver rotor speeds from 45 to 165 rpm. Hydraulic joystick power steering reduces operator fatigue, while cruise control ensures ease of operation. An electric-powered spray system for retardant application is standard. ForConstructionPros.com/20987475
Defacer Eraser Graffiti Remover from PROSOCO
Bosch GSH27-26 Brute Turbo Breaker Hammer with GPS Tracking and Retrofit Option The GSH27-26 Brute Turbo Breaker Hammer incorporates a GPS device (available for retrofit on SDS-max hammers) that offers always-on location tracking and is powered by a Lithium-ion battery that recharges automatically a soon as the tool is plugged in. The tracking device can notify a user about various activities, including non-working hour activation and non-authorized location use, and can be managed via the free Bosch GPS tracking app. The 64-lb. GSH27-62 generates 1,000 bpm and 43 ft.-lbs. of impact energy. It can be powered by a 115/120V AC/DC 15-amp outlet or a 2,500-watt generator. Features include the Service Minder Brush System, Active Vibration Control system and ergonomic shock-mounted handles. ForConstructionPros.com/20986842
Defacer Eraser Graffiti Remover, which replaces the now-discontinued Graffiti Wipe, is a liquid formula that more effectively eliminates graffiti with a shorter dwell time that gets the project done faster and contractors onto the next job more quickly. Formulated based on contractor feedback from the field, Graffiti Remover offers more effective penetration to melt away graffiti while also featuring the same ecological advantages as PROSOCO’s other graffiti-removing products with biodegradable components. • Designed specifically to work with PROSOCO’s Blok-Guard anti-graffiti treatments • Water-rinsable • Compliant with all known VOC regulations • Graffiti Remover has a pleasant citrus scent ForConstructionPros.com/20987950
Atlas Copco Debuts New LED Light Towers at World of Concrete 2018 The HiLight P2+, V2+ and V3+ light towers can be powered directly from an auxiliary power source, a portable generator or the grid. • HiLight V2+ offers a 320-watt LED light source covering 21,528 sq. ft. • HiLight V3+ includes four 160-watt LED bulbs with directional glass optics capable of illuminating up to 32,292 sq. ft. • HiLight P2+ features a light source housed in a weatherproof cylindrical polyethylene housing with built-in cooling and offers 360° coverage across a 21,528-sq.-ft. illumination area • LED lamps offer a life expectancy of more than 30,000 hours • Manually operated vertical masts extend up to 11 ft. (P2+) or 18 ft. ForConstructionPros.com/20991096
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PRODUCTS Ameripolish X-Link E
Pecora-Deck 800 Durable Pecora coating systems deliver resilient protection against the elements and traffic, whether its’ for maintenance, restoration, or a new structure. Pecora-Deck 800 features: • Single-component • Fluid-applied, polyurethane multi-coat system • Abrasion and wear protection • Defends against UV damage, airborne chlorides and freeze-thaw • Elastomeric, crack-bridging membrane • Field tintable • Available in factory premixed standard colors and non-standard colors ForConstructionPros.com/20990938
Ameripolish X-Link E is a modified urethane high Features gloss sealer. Modified from our original X- Link WL , X-Link E provides a true wet look. X-Link E is extremely durable and breathable from beneath the concrete. X-Link E is designed for use with ColorJuice Extreme, but can be used to seal natural concrete as well as other cementitious surfaces such as, porous brick, natural and manufactured stone, stucco, slate, and flagstone. • RTU = Ready to use • Provides high gloss/wet look on broom finished concrete • Breathable and fast drying • Pairs well with ColorJuice Extreme ForConstructionPros.com/20991993
MQ Whiteman Introduces Track-drive Power Buggy MQ Whiteman introduces the WTB-16 track-drive power buggy. This new model features an aggressive track pattern enabling the buggy to travel aggressively through soft soils and muddy site conditions. The WTB-16 is engineered with top quality components and built with the attention to detail that has made MQ Whiteman the leader in motorized buggies. • Optimal traction and durability are assured by a steel embedded ladder track design and rugged undercarriage utilizes cast ductile iron guide wheels. • Powerful drive motors propel the buggy through tough conditions, fail-safe braking. • A versatile tub offers 16 cu. ft. (2,500 LB) capacity and polyethylene construction for easy cleaning. • Powerful and reliable Honda GX690 engine produces 22 horsepower, long run times are with 5-gallon fuel tank. • Travel efficiently around the site with speeds of 5.7 MPH unloaded and 4.7 MPH loaded. ForConstructionPros.com/20988957
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Bon’s Case Provides Easy Way to Carry Bull Float and Handles Bon’s new Bull Float Carrying Case holds one 8” bull float or channel float with a bracket attached and four handles. The case is constructed from a heavy-duty PVC which is molded to keep each item secured, protected and organized for storing and transporting. It is made with secure locking latches and built-in feet keep the case upright on level surfaces. The open design of the front of the case allows the bracket to remain attached to the float when stored in the case. The case is available for purchase by itself or as part of Bon’s new Bull Float Kit which includes the following Bon items: • (1) 82-822 Case • (1) 12-963 48” Round End Bull Float • (1) 12-372 Worm Gear Bracket • (4) 12-169 Handles • Purchase the kit of Bon popular items or make it your own, filling the carrying case with tools of your choice. ForConstructionPros.com/20990918
QUIKRETE Launches the Lightest, Most Sustainable Stucco The QUIKRETE Companies introduces QUIKRETE Lightweight Fiberglass Reinforced Stucco (FRS). Recently granted IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) Evaluation Report ER-0455, QUIKRETE Lightweight FRS is 35 percent lighter than traditional pre-blended stuccos making it easier and faster to transport, stage, mix, pump, place and finish. In addition, QUIKRETE Lightweight FRS is one-hour fire rated and contributes to U.S. Green Building Council LEED credits. • QUIKRETE Lightweight FRS is a Portland cement-based plaster blended with recycled, coated Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) beads, uniformly graded sand, and alkali-resistant glass fibers. • Ideal for expediting any residential, commercial or industrial stucco project. • QUIKRETE Lightweight FRS is available in 50-pound bags or 1,950-pound bulk bag. ForConstructionPros.com/20988969
MAKITA 18V X2 LXT (36V) Rotary Hammer Makita has broken new ground in concrete hammers with the new 18V X2 LXT (36V) Cordless 1-9/16” AVT Rotary Hammer with AWS. The XRH07 is loaded with advanced engineering that gives contractors a cordless solution for concrete drilling and chipping at up to 1-9/16” capacity, but with significantly lower vibration and AWS Bluetooth technology that enables wireless communication with a compatible dust extractor. The Makita 18V X2 LXT (36V) Brushless 2.1 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor with AWS (model XCV08Z, sold separately) is powered by two 18V batteries for maximum performance and meets Table 1 of the OSHA silica exposure. ForConstructionPros.com/20989479
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PRODUCTS Clean Lift 20/20 from SpecChem
Maddog Portable Mixing System While traditional mixing options range from the inconsistent paddle mixers to the expensive, inconvenient tow-behind drum styles,the Maddog Portable Mixing System fills this gap with a portable, consistent and safe alternative. Whether the need is a commercial, large-scale construction job or a smaller, indoors or backyard residential project, Maddog offers a Honda 4-cycle gas engine or electric-powered model. This lightweight, simple-to- operate system efficiently mixes water with concrete, mortar, grout and stucco. • At 40 pounds, this patent-pending integrated system with specialized blades matched with a contoured tub precisely and consistently mixes up to 120 pounds of material in about a minute with no wasted product. ForConstructionPros.com/20976648
Radiance Concrete Dyes by Retroplate Curecrete Distribution, Inc., and the RetroPlate System are proud to debut a new concrete dye line: Radiance by RetroPlate. This new line pushes the boundaries of concrete flooring design by providing rich and artistic colors and shades for the style savvy and design conscious. Radiance by RetroPlate consists of two collections: Radiance Colors and Radiance Shades. ForConstructionPros.com/20991999
Clean Lift 20/20 is a chemically reactive, water-based tilt-up cure/ bondbreaker specially engineered to provide a clean, easy lift of tilt-up panels and meet the moisture retention of ASTM C 309. Clean Lift 20/20 contains no diesel, kerosene, waxes or silicones.
Benefits:
Concrete Pump Supply One Bolt Clamp Concrete Pump Supply is proud to present our new one of a kind Heavy Duty One Bolt Clamp. This clamp is designed to replace heavy duty two bolt clamps for high pressure jobs, specifically high rise placing line set ups. The hinged design of this clamp allows less time for setup and breakdown of a pipeline than that of a traditional two bolt clamp. ForConstructionPros.com/20991207
• Easily identifiable on the casting slab • Clean panels lift easier, no resin stains • Resists foot traffic abrasion • V.O.C. Content: < 350g/l • Complies with Federal V.O.C. standards for curing and sealing compounds. Do not thin or dilute • U.S.D.A. Accepted • Available in 55 gallon drums or 5 gallon pails • Ideal for use applications where structures need to go up quickly and economically ForConstructionPros.com/20991092
W I N C H E S
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20 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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Screed, Smooth, & Level All With One Tool New Milwaukee REDSTICK Concrete Levels Heavy-duty Work Boots Warson Brands added three work boot series to its Iron Age Footwear line including Galvanizer, Troweler and Groundbreaker. The Galvanizer series provides topof-the-foot comfort and protection with Cushguard, an internal metatarsal guard. It is available in both slip-on and lace-up models. Both models feature Scuff Tough abrasion-resistant toe and heel guards. The lace-up versions also come with Spark Arrestor fire-retardant laces. The Troweler 6-in. work boot is a composite-toe waterproof boot. The outsoles feature slip-resistant tread on traditional lugs with extra stabilization features for climbing and balancing on grating. Other features include the Shift Kicker abrasion-resistant toe guard and BootBed footbed. The Groundbreaker series features two high-heat outsole metatarsal guards. ForConstructionPros.com/20990873
Milwaukee Tool has breathed new life into a core category of tools for commercial and residential concrete finishers with the introduction of REDSTICK Concrete Levels. Built for concrete, the new levels offer an industry-first, 3-in-1 solution for a variety of screeding and smoothing applications with a magnesium base and overall design that is easy to clean after the messiest concrete jobs. • Critical to the REDSTICK Concrete Levels’ durability is a magnesium core that eliminates common frame deformations seen in box levels, ensuring these tools will last through the most demanding concrete jobs. The reinforced frame also creates a more secure and protected vial setting to protect accuracy and prevent damage or loosening. ForConstructionPros.com/20987487
MAX USA Corp. Introduces the TwinTier RB441T MAX USA Corp. launched its new battery operated rebar tying tool the TwinTier RB441T at the 2018 World of Concrete Show. This exciting new rebar tying tool is faster and delivers even greater efficiency and labor saving than previous models. The TwinTier’s special attributes include its faster tying speed, which further increases productivity, a reduction in wire consumption, which further increases cost savings for end-users, and a wire tie that is shorter in height requiring less concrete to fully cover it. ForConstructionPros.com/20991104
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COVER STORY
By Joe Nasvik
RESILIENCE vs SUSTAINABILITY
I
n the old children’s fable about the three little pigs one built a house out of straw, one out of wood, and one built a brick house. The big bad wolf huffed and puffed and blew down the straw house and the wood one too. Both the pigs ran to the brick house and were safe because the wolf couldn’t blow it down. In a nutshell that is what resilience is all about—making safe structures for people that remain intact when disaster strikes. This fable has been around since the early 1800s and perhaps earlier. We all learned the lesson at a young age, or did we? Today, when disaster strikes we tend to rebuild with the same material that caused the previous collapse. As a population we don’t know much about structural material so we tend to go with tradition and the materials contractors and subcontractors in the area are experienced with using. If the structure of a home is built with wood and it burns down in a fire, it is rebuilt with the same combustible material. These are not good times to be relying on tradition; the forces of nature increasingly put our lives and our structures at greater risk. These forces include hurricanes, tornadoes, straight-line winds, floods, drought and fire. If these events aren’t increasing in frequency every year they are increasing in magnitude, causing greater damage. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says 2017 was the costliest year to date in the United States for natural disasters, totaling over $300 billion dollars (the previous record being $100 billion). Levels of
atmospheric carbon dioxide are going up and so is global warming, meaning there is more energy available in the atmosphere to be released in weather events. In the past year the United States sustained major hurricane damage with flooding in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. Fires burnt significant land areas in the West as the result of drought and high winds. Much of the damage to property resulted from using building materials that couldn’t resist the forces of wind, water and fire. But the granting of building permits for construction in hazardous areas shares responsibility too. Perhaps worst of all reconstruction usually involves using the same structural materials that failed in the disaster. For example, in the
West when housing developments are destroyed by fire, homes are reconstructed with wood as the primary building material, perhaps with the assumption that lightening doesn’t strike in the same place twice. SUSTAINABILITY Evan Reis the executive director of the U.S. Resiliency Council (USRC) located in Atherton, Calif., says there is a simple way to distinguish between sustainability and resiliency. “Sustainability is about having a low impact on the environment while resilience is about the environment having a low impact on us.” The sustainability movement became an outgrowth of the “green” movement and the LEED program where the amount of energy
The only buildings spared when this tornado came through were concrete buildings.
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In a rare move the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) designed this ad to inform the public about the advantage of using steel and concrete to promote resilient buildings that protect both people and structures in the event of fire. Photo Credit: American Institute of Steel Construction
required to create a material and the renewability of material were seen to be critically important—straw is produced every year as a by-product of grain so it is viewed as a sustainable-green material good for building a straw-bale house for example. The amount of energy required to mine, harvest, transport, manufacturer and deliver material to a jobsite also becomes part of the equation. In the case of concrete the mining of limestone and kilning it at temperatures as high as 2800ºF to make portland cement means it requires more energy than any other structural building material. Also, it’s often said that making a ton of portland cement also creates a ton of carbon dioxide,
a major greenhouse gas. Therefore, if you are a proponent of wood construction you argue that concrete is an unsustainable material, one that causes global warming. A major problem with the concept of sustainability is that it doesn’t account for the amount of energy required to rebuild a structure after a catastrophic event. Reis says that New York State had more sustainable LEED certified buildings than any other state at the time of Hurricane Sandy. But the storm damaged over 300,000 buildings and generated more than 10 million tons of debris that was deposited in landfills. The huge loss of structures required energy to
create the original materials, energy to remove and haul debris to a dump site (increasing danger to the environment posed by landfills), and the energy and raw materials to rebuild the structures. The concept of sustainability considers the first construction and not reconstruction when materials can’t stand up to environmental forces. Sustainability doesn’t consider the energy efficiency of a building over time either. Every building material transfers energy (heat) at different rates, as do building envelopes. For example, concrete transfers heat very slowly and is therefore more thermally efficient than wood.
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COVER STORY RESILIENCY Reis says the USRC was formed because a group of engineers wanted to learn more about building performance over time. In California they came up with a rating system for buildings exposed to earthquakes. “We conducted a workshop for architects, engineers, builders, bankers and insurance providers to show them a rating system, and they gave us a lot of feedback,” he says. “After that we were approached to start an association to promote resilience and develop a rating service. We did that by focusing on the engineering side of issues.” Today the council provides information about the use of all building materials and has financial supporters that represent a number of industries. They believe that with thoughtful engineering design the resiliency of almost any material can be improved. Resiliency as defined by the USRC focuses on the following concerns for buildings and structures: Resistance to weather. Structures must be able to resist increasing forces from natural events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, straight-line winds, floods, fires and earthquakes. Saving lives and saving structures. Most building codes are concerned about saving lives in the event of a disaster but they don’t reflect concern about saving the structure. We see this everywhere in our daily lives—the automobile industry engineers cars so that we can walk away from them after an accident even though the car becomes a total loss. We feel the same way about buildings too. Codes might require sprinkling systems for instance, so that people will have enough time to get out in case of fire but without much concern about saving the structure, which is often demolished afterwards. Protection after an event. After a destructive event the goal for people and businesses is to move as quickly as possible back into their buildings and resume normal life. When buildings are built with non-resilient materials or are engineered poorly,
The International Building Code (IBC) currently permits low-rise residential units to be wood-frame construction, though the garage space underneath the structure must be concrete construction. Cementitious walls and floors must also surround elevators and stairwells for safe exit in the event of fire. The reason for using wood is that construction costs can be less—but not insurance costs. However, the real cost is the loss of resiliency. Photo Credit: Joe Nasvik
life for its owners can be very stressful for a long time. Building permits. Permits to build are usually controlled locally so there is wide variability between one location and another. If a local community grants a permit to build in a flood zone it doesn’t matter how resilient the structure is, it will sustain flood damage and occupants potentially lose everything. People like to live along a coastline but oceans are constantly on the rise and building permits must take that into account. Some communities in seismic areas grant permits for buildings to be constructed close to fault lines— hard to think about resilience in a location like that. THE CASE FOR CONCRETE Concrete is a resilient material, it can perform well under the most stressful conditions. In most countries of the world homes are built from cementitious materials and they perform well but this isn’t the case in the United States where lumber is abundant. Most people are raised
in structural wood dwellings and it becomes their tradition. They don’t consider the engineered capacity of their home or any of the resiliency issues listed above. They have a positive attitude for wood structures because they were brought up in them, even when their homes are completely destroyed by forest fires they rebuild with wood, setting the scene for a future tragedy. To advertise concrete building construction the industry must consider marketing attitude change. Owners must begin to wonder about the structure of their homes (not just its design and amenities) and how they would perform in an extreme event—events that are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Concrete is the most resilient structural material available and it can even stand up to tornadoes, the highest wind-speeds of all. Concrete structures perform well, are energy efficiency in terms of heating and cooling, have long life cycles, and can be recycled when their useful life is over.
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FROM START TO FINISHING
INTRODUCING OUR NEW COMPACTION AND CONCRETE FINISHING EQUIPMENT We are proud to introduce a full range of Husqvarna compaction and concrete finishing equipment to supply you with the best equipment through the entire process - from ground compaction to a finished concrete surface. Our range of compaction equipment includes rammers, reversible plate compactors, forward plate compactors and drum rollers. Finishing equipment includes concrete vibrators, screeds and trowels, Call your local Husqvarna representative to learn more.
www.husqvarnacp.com facebook.com/husqvarnaconstruction youtube.com/husqvarnaCP HusqvarnaCP_Americas Copyright © 2018 Husqvarna AB (publ.). All rights reserved. Husqvarna is a registered trademark of Husqvarna AB (publ.). ForConstructionPros.com/10073334
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DECORATIVE CONCRETE
By Chip Marshall After the initial cure most contractors will wash down the concrete and apply a sealer. Sealers are available in varying degrees of matte and gloss finishes. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Concrete and Excavation
CONCRETE: Set in Stone
Firmitas, Utilitas and Venustas
D
uring the first century BC, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, a Roman architect, engineer and designer penned a concept in his de Architectura book of works. The concept for art and architecture alike was that a structure must contain three identifying qualities - Firmitas, Utilitas and Venustas - a structure must be solid, useful and beautiful. That old Roman was onto something, and the world of decorative concrete bears his everlasting signature. Solid, useful and beautiful are all terms used every day in the world of decorative concrete, and stamped concrete is the epitome of Vitruvius’ concepts. In today’s market, stamped concrete allows for a myriad of both design and color choices and can be the perfect choice for interior and exterior applications. In choosing stamped concrete owners and architects are faced with some significant challenges and decisions, and, as in most construction scenarios, proper planning
is essential to achieving a great stamped floor. The planning process is critical and should be very detailed starting with initial mix design. Owners and architects should pay specific attention to mix design, and start with an open and candid conversation with the ready-mix supplier in an effort to review actual or foreseen jobsite conditions. Traditionally, the best mix designs for stamped concrete revolve around paste. A mix design featuring heavy paste allows for the very sharp edges that are critical to flawless stamping. Fly ash is very common in these mixes as well. As part of the overall mix fly ash tends to add more fines and improve finishability. Fly ash has also been proven to enhance overall durability to concrete slabs which is in part why it is so common in today’s mix designs. Aggregate should be discussed and determined. In discussions with Jon Scally with Mountaineer Concrete and Excavation, he recommends pea gravel in lieu of #57 (3/4” stone). The use of pea gravel keeps both the aggregate from interfering with the stamping process and negates the opportunity for larger aggregate to
Concrete has re-emerged as a finished surface in today’s architectural designs, and stamped concrete has lead that charge since the ‘50s. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Concrete and Excavation
rise to the top during the finishing process. During the initial planning phase, color needs to be determined as a critical part of the overall mix as well. While not always the case, most concrete stamping contractors choose to work with a base integral color in the mix. Whatever the choices concerning mix design may be, the most crucial factor is standardizing that mix throughout the pour process to ensure uniform color and finish. After determining the layout, the mix design and the base color, the slab is ready to be poured and
26 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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The Original & Patented Self-Cleaning Vacuum! The TheOriginal Original&&Patented PatentedSelf-Cleaning Self-CleaningVacuum! Vacuum!
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DECORATIVE CONCRETE finished. Traditionally, a stamped floor requires a compacted stone base at a minimum of three inches. Most contractors use traditional doweling and/or mesh as an integral part of the floor surface in keeping with common slab construction techniques. Contractors try to pour at less than 20 yards of finishable surface, but the pour size reflects proportionally to the size and abilities of the stamping crew. There is a limited window between finishing and stamping as the concrete begins to harden. Most contractors will perform a standard steel trowel finish; however, Scally often employs a wooden trowel to keep the concrete pours open throughout the finishing process. The use of a wooden trowel becomes particularly important if integral color is not an option and the primary color needs to be floated into those open pores.
As the concrete begins to set and harden, the stamping process should begin. As a rule of thumb, the slab is ready to stamp when your finger can only penetrate the surface to the depth of a dime. Just prior to stamping most contractors will apply a form release agent. Form release agents are available in a variety of colors and are the perfect way to drag in accent colors on your floor. These agents are available in both wet and dry forms. The dry powdered form release agent is generally brushed on with a standard concrete brush. The powder absorbs water from the finished concrete and will lend to truly one of a kind patterns and designs as an accent color. If a liquid form release agent is chosen, it is misted onto the slab prior to the stamp being applied. Stamping contractors play to their strengths, and the ultimate decision regarding the specific form
There is a limited window between finishing and stamping as the concrete begins to harden. Most contractors will perform a standard steel trowel finish; however, Jon Scally with Mountaineer Concrete and Excavation often employs a wooden trowel to keep the concrete pours open throughout the finishing process. Photo Credit: Mountaineer Concrete and Excavation
release agent should be left to their individual discretion. After the form release agent has been applied, the stamping pads follow. Stamping pads are available in dozens of designs and textures from
TRAVERTINE TEXTURE
Thank You! 1-800-282-3388 | www.butterfieldcolor.com BUTTERFIELD COLORÂŽ would like to thank everyone for visiting our outdoor space at the 2018 World of Concrete show! Our thanks and appreciation is extended to our Distribution Network and Contractors who sell and use our products on a daily basis! Manufacturing a complete line of Decorative Concrete Products
Please visit our website to view more pictures from the show and for more information on our new products
ForConstructionPros.com/10072296
ForConstructionPros.com/12045583
28 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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multiple manufacturers. The mats are also offered in several variations to include relatively heavy industrial mats all the way through flexible mats to create unique effects on edges and corners. As with the form release agents, stamping contractors have favorites and its important to give the contractor some latitude in the choice of a mat with which that specific contractor is comfortable. As mats are applied to the slab, tamped into place and removed, an experienced stamping crew becomes indispensable. It is most effective for the stamping crew to work in groups of three. A three-person group allows one to place the stamp, one to tamp the stamp into place, and one to remove the stamp while touching up. It is extremely important that the crew member charged with tamping the stamps into place hits all edges and corners efficiently to produce the most texture and crispest corners from the stamping mat. After the stamping process, the stamped slab should be kept free of dirt and debris until sufficient curing of the slab has taken place. It is vital that traffic be kept off the stamped floor during that initial cure. Even if the concrete has cured enough so that traffic doesn’t leave indentations, the concrete is still open and the form release agents are pressure sensitive. It is best to allow 24 hours for the initial cure prior to any other processes. This applicable initial cure time is largely dependent on humidity, and an experienced stamping contractor can gauge when the next steps should take place. After the initial cure most contractors will wash down the concrete and apply a sealer. Though sealers are available in varying degrees of matte and gloss finishes, Scally prefers a wet look sealer. The wet look sealers tend to highlight the textures and colors that are part of the stamped concrete floor slab. The natural highlights created by the wet look sealer are one of the reasons that the owner or architect has chosen stamped concrete.
Concrete has re-emerged as a finished surface in today’s architectural designs, and stamped concrete has lead that charge since the ‘50s. A stamped concrete floor just may be the perfect decorative accent on your next project. According to the old Roman, Virtuvius, these floors are truly Firmitas, Utilitas and Venustas.
A special thanks goes to Jon Scally, Mountaineer Concrete and Excavation LLC, and his team. www.mountaineerconcrete.com C.T. “Chip” Marshall is the executive vice president of Industrial Caulk and Seal Inc., an award winning decorative concrete and concrete repair contractor. www.industrialcaulkandseal.com
• Industry-Leading Texture Selection • Vibrant Color Hardeners & Integral Colors • Liquid & Powdered Releases • Premium Decorative Sealers • Unmatched Contractor Support & Training
myconcretecontractor ForConstructionPros.com/10074663
www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | February/March 2018 | Concrete Contractor 29
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SPECIFICATION GUIDE: POWER TROWEL
Power Trowel
A compilation of technical information when choosing your next Power Trowel.
1 Allen MP245 Packs Hydraulic Steering in a Compact Riding Trowel The 830-lb. MP245 riding power trowel packs all of the ergonomics, features and durability found in Allen’s larger riders into a smaller package (78” L x 41” W x 57.5” H). It incorporates a 22-hp Honda GX690 aircooled, gasoline engine and a heavy-duty drive-train. The standard-duty gearboxes provide efficient energy transfer from the motor to the rotors to ensure an optimal finish. Two 36-in.-diameter, four-blade non-overlapping rotors deliver rotor speeds from 45 to 165 rpm. Hydraulic joystick power steering reduces operator fatigue, while cruise control ensures ease of operation. An electric-powered spray system for retardant application is standard. ForConstructionPros.com/20987475 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
MP245
Ride-On
830 lbs.
36”
165
4 bladed spider
Hydrauilc
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
Engine HP
Fuel Type
22.1
Gas
Engine HP
Fuel Type
GX390E
LPG
Engine HP
Fuel Type
2 Wagman Metal Products LP230 Power Trowel
Wagman’s LP230 is not only a power trowel, but also a polishing machine. It comes with planetary polishing attachments and lifting/wheel kit. The operator can easily process through a standard 32” doorway and close to edges. It includes multiple secure lift points, adjustable seat and runs on energy efficient clean-burning propane. ForConstructionPros.com/20992254
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
LP230
Ride-on
570 lbs.
Twin 30”
70-130
8
Mechanical
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
3 HoverTrowel Pneumatic Walk Behind Models
Weighing less than 45 lbs., the HoverTrowel is a patented power trowel designed for finishing polymer toppings. Interchangeable high and low pneumatic motors make it ideal for most of today’s polymer toppings. A six-position telescoping handle, coupled with interchangeable guards creating 25” and 34” trowel paths make this trowel easy to maneuver in confined spaces and wide open areas. A HoverTrowel can be used for most epoxy, cementitious urethane, polymer modified, EPDM rubber and many other hybrid toppings with a variety of blades and floats. Its design makes these pneumatic motors easily interchangeable with the company’s four-cycle engine as well. ForConstructionPros.com/12039894
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
High Torque Air
Walk Behind
42 lbs.
25” or 34”
0-60
3
Mechanical
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
Low Torque Air
Walk Behind
38 lbs.
25” or 34”
0-60
3
Mechanical
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Telescoping
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Telescoping
I-R .76 hp Pneumatic
Engine HP
Fuel Type
I-R .41 hp
Pneumatic
30 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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4 EDCO T364 Walk-Behind Trowel
The model T364 is a 5.5 hp gasoline unit with an optional Leveling System for smooth troweling. It has a 36-in. troweling diameter, standard Lifting Bail and features bolt-on blades. ForConstructionPros.com/12039874 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
T364
Walk-Behind
186 lbs.
36”
118
4
N/A
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
T-364-3
Walk-Behind
192 lbs.
36”
115
4
N/A
(Walk Behind Only)
Handle Options
Engine HP
Fuel Type
1
5.5
Gas
(Walk Behind Only)
Handle Options
Engine HP
Fuel Type
1
3
Electric/230 V
5 LR Tools Power Pole Finisher
The Power Pole Finisher is designed to start finishing extremely early, from outside the pour area, before kneeboards. The aggregate is forced down and brings mortar to surface, which has a tremendous leveling effect. It’s lightweight, easy to use, eliminates wiping out marks, saves time, money & your back. This trowel will do it all, from start to finish! ForConstructionPros.com/10079459
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
Power Pole Finisher
Extension Poles
24 lbs.
34”
0-68
4
N/A
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
1
Gas
N/A
F36 and F46 Walk-behind 6 MBW Power Trowels The F36 and F46 walk-behind trowels feature a Low Vibration handle that is multi-axis shock mounted to reduce operator fatigue. • Tool-free height-adjustable operator handle • ISO safety standard low guard ring allows easy cleaning and blade changes • Standard edger for close finishing ForConstructionPros.com/20858037
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
F36
Walk-Behind
183 lbs.
37.5”
70-135
4
Mechanical
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
F46
Walk-Behind
246 lbs.
47.6”
70-135
4
Mechanical
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
MK8-75
Ride-on
451 lbs.
63”
Up to 130
8
Mechanical
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Low Vibration or Constant Force Pitch Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Low Vibration or Constant Force Pitch Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Honda GX160
Gas
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Honda GX270
Gas
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Honda GX390
Gas
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SPECIFICATION GUIDE: POWER TROWEL
7 MQ Whiteman STX6H
The new MQ Whiteman STX6H continues to raise the bar for all hydraulic ride-on power trowels. From the 70 hp Hatz Tier 4 Final turbo diesel engine to the Patented Power Management system, this new 10’ rider will handle every finishing need today’s contractor can encounter while on the job. Features include Cruise Control, LED lighting, SmartPitch, and a 12 volt outlet and drink holder for charging your electronic devices and operator convenience. ForConstructionPros.com/12169702
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
STX6H
Ride-On
2,544 lbs.
117”
10-130
6 per rotor
Proportional Hydraulic
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
Engine HP
Fuel Type
70 Turbo Diesel
Diesel
Engine HP
Fuel Type
57
Gas
8 New Engine Choice for Wacker Neuson CRT 48-PS Series
Concrete contractors can now choose between two gasoline engine options on Wacker Neuson’s 48-in. power steer (CRT 48-PS series) ride-on trowel product line. A new model, CRT 48-57K-PS, is powered by a 57-hp liquid cooled Kubota gasoline engine. It joins the 35-hp Vanguard air-cooled engine powered model, the CRT 48-35V-PS. The two models offer concrete contractors the ability to choose the power source that best fits their needs plus get all the benefits of Wacker Neuson’s patented two mode steering system and other high performance features. ForConstructionPros.com/12040035
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
CRT 48-57K-PS
Ride-On
1,500 lbs.
48”
25-165
10
Power Steer
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
9 Packer Brothers Edger Trowel PB24
The Packer Brothers 36” power trowel PB36 is representative of how their line continues to evolve. Convenient blade access for cleaning and changing is made possible through the front panel. Rapid Pitch adjustment and smooth operation contribute to a better finish with less time spent on the job. The PB36 also includes a set of complimentary blades and is shipped from their new 70,000 sq.ft. expansion in Indiana to rental facilities and contractors globally. ForConstructionPros.com/20992839
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
PB36
Walk-Behind
178 lbs.
36”
60-130
4
N/A
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Rapid Shift/ Standard Pitch
Engine HP
Fuel Type
5.5 HP GX160
Gas
10 Chicago Pneumatic STG244 TP Trowel
The Chicago Pneumatic STG244 has a 24-in. blade diameter and is CP’s edger in their trowel lineup. This includes user-friendly features and focuses on providing maximum safety for the operator. All versions of the CP trowel line feature QuickStop for safety, foldable low-vibration handles and a maintenance stand. With QuickStop, the blade rotation stops immediately with a zero-degree handle spin. The STG244 features a Honda GX 3.5 HP engine and has an operating weight of 132 pounds. ForConstructionPros.com/12307800
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
Chicago Pneumatic STG244 TP Trowel
Walk-Behind
132 lbs.
24”
40-115
4
N/A
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Foldable, adjustable
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Honda GX 120, 4 stroke 3.5 HP
N/A
32 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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Built by construction workers . . . . . . for construction workers 717-875-1153
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L I N E D R AG O N P L AC E R P U L L I N G P O W E R: 940 L B S.
3' flexible detachable hose for easy access
CONSTRUCTION GRADE RADIO REMOTE
2 Spare Tires Optional 22.5" Tires All Wheel Steer All Wheel Drive
•
On site Training 24/7 Phone Support by Line Dragon Designer
•
GX390 Honda Engine Optional Yenmar Diesel Engine
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Curved line horn to keep line from kinking
PLACER & DRAGGER AT TA C H M E N T S CAN BE USED ON EITHER CHASSIS
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SPECIFICATION GUIDE: POWER TROWEL
11 Dura Manufacturing Trowels
This top quality power trowel is available in four configurations. You choose 36-in. or 46-in. diameter and standard blade pitch or a patented “Rapid Pitch” is available in both sizes. One of the best values in the world of Power Trowels. ForConstructionPros.com/12309244
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
DM24 Edger Trowel
N/A
119 lbs.
N/A
65-130
N/A
N/A
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Honda GX 160
N/A
Engine HP
Fuel Type
31
LPG
12 Velox T-2440 from Diamatic
The Velox T-2440 features the powerful and reliable 31HP Kubota LP engine, hydraulic assist steering, 10 grinding heads, 40 diamond tooling positions and patent pending true driven planetary design. When coupled with the Silex specialty wet polishing chemistry, Diamatic’s Velox trowel offers a unique and effective solution for new construction concrete polishing. ForConstructionPros.com/20992256 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
Velox T-2440
Ride-on
1,760 lbs.
2 x 48”
100-450
10 Grinding heads
Hydraulic Assist
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
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GET CERTIFIED! Polished Concrete University has made it affordable for novices to get started in an exciting and lucrative field. For five action packed days, you’ll receive training from some many qualified instructors, while gaining hands-on experience with the equipment and products you’ll use on the job. Master the different levels of polished concrete, from cream concrete to heavily exposed aggregate and satin finish to super high gloss. You’ll also learn different floor finishes that are specific to today’s light box and big box retail. Don't wait, register today!
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34 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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13 Master F30 Direct Drive Trowel Direct Drive Means: • • • •
Low center of gravity No belt to adjust Less wobble and side torque Increased power to gearbox and spider
• •
Longer blade life Only direct-drive trowel in the industry with a fully enclosed blade-pitch mechanism
• •
Electric deadman switch for safety Heavy-duty gearbox standard
ForConstructionPros.com/12309253
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
F30 Direct Drive Trowel
Walk-Behind
140 lbs.
32.5”
60-120
4
N/A
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
N/A
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Honda
N/A
14 Toro PT-36PP and PT-46PP Power Trowels
Toro power trowels feature contoured adjustable handles and a rotating stabilizing ring for precise handling that will deliver a smooth concrete finish. There are four models to choose from and each comes equipped with a Honda engine. The Toro Dyna-Clutch safety feature is incorporated into each unit and will stop the blade without shutting down the engine. The PT-36PP (pictured) and PT-46PP feature Toro’s patented Pro-Pitch blade adjustment system that provides smooth, quick pitch changes to ensure blades are at the optimal angle for a perfect finish. ForConstructionPros.com/10879819
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/ Hydraulic
PT-36 Power Trowel
Walk-Behind
219 lbs.
36”
50-130
4
Mechanical
Handle Options
(Walk Behind Only)
Adjustable
Engine HP
Fuel Type
4.8
Gas
ForConstructionPros.com/20993277
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Polished Concrete Solution ADVANCES FACILITY CONSTRUCTION AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Production in new plant accelerated by two weeks with MQ SlabArmor.
N
ext Generation Films, Inc. manufactures food grade plastics and is the largest custom blown film company in North America. Increasing sales has fueled expansion at its Lexington, Ohio facilities. Producing products for the food industry requires floors in the
The SlabArmor Curing System increased the durability and hardness of the floors by consolidating the surface cap and producing a highly refined, less permeable, and abrasion resistant surface. Photo Credit: Multiquip
manufacturing area to be dust-free with superior wear characteristics. Additionally, the surfaces have to deliver superior reflectivity and be easily cleaned to minimize longterm maintenance costs. John Leedy, corporate development director for Next, wanted to improve upon the wear and maintenance characteristics he previously experienced with conventionally
polished floors. He found the gloss and sustainability of newly polished floors quickly degraded, resulting in frequent maintenance and re-polishing. Additionally, demands to increase manufacturing output had him interested in finding ways to accelerate the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completion date. Leedy consulted with Mark Fanello, owner of Fanello Concrete,
36 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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contracted on a separate project for Next. They evaluated the benefits offered by the MQ SlabArmor system and decided to try the products in a new construction project to see if they delivered the required results. The concrete was placed and finished by Sloan Concrete of Ashland, Ohio utilizing SlabArmor Starter and Closer. The SlabArmor Curing System increased the durability and hardness of the floors by consolidating the surface cap and producing a highly refined, less permeable, and abrasion resistant surface. According to Ben Wiese, product manager at Multiquip, the SlabArmor product is a two-step process. The process was developed for application on slabs where maximum hardness and durability is required. An added benefit is the surface resistance to spills and staining when compared to conventional industrial slabs. “The wear characteristics are comparable to dry shake hardeners and trap-rock while providing a more economical construction cost and minimized risk,” Wiese notes. The chemical properties of SlabArmor allow the contractor to integrally apply the material into the concrete during placement with an additional topical application during final finishing. Both applications require minimal equipment and labor, essentially a sprayer, as opposed to other options such as trap-rock or dry shake pigments. Five days after the pour, Fanello Concrete cleaned the surface with SlabArmor Plus Condition & Restore and prepared and sealed the joints. The floor was fully refined by diamond polishing and protected with SlabArmor Plus Seal & Shine seven days after the pour. Only ten days after placing concrete, over 1,500,000 pounds of manufacturing equipment was moved into the building – including a 55,000 pound crane. The new 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility was delivered eighteen days ahead of schedule!
“Having our manufacturing equipment in place a full two weeks ahead of schedule is an enormous benefit for us,” says Leedy. “We were able to ramp up production sooner and meet our customer’s delivery requirements.” “Additionally, the polished
surface we required is sustainable and doesn’t degrade even after several months of heavy use providing huge savings over the long run. This is the only system I’ve seen to deliver a high performance surface for our manufacturing environment.”
ENGINEERED CHEMICALS FOR POLISHED CONCRETE PROFESSIONALS
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Oh My, What a
DiFFERENCE A Year Makes
Peter Wagner of Curecrete Distribution offers his observations of the state of the polished concrete industry.
L
ooking back at 2017, and having just come back from the World of Concrete after missing a year. I was one of the 58,222 registered professionals and 1547 Exhibitors who were impressed with the turnout, the exhibits, and how far our industry has stretched, now able to present ourselves as a maturing industry, not just a niche market. In a satisfying turnaround, we are starting to see other industries and niches looking to see where they might fit in Our Industry – polished concrete. How’s that for a change? During an industry sponsored get together the second night, Chad Gill (President of the CPAA as it transitioned into being the Concrete Polishing Council, a Specialty Council of ASCC), and Todd Scharich, Director of Membership for ASCC, announced the creation of new standards for the industry. Anytime I hear “new standards” my normal reaction is to cringe, but in this case, I was pleasantly surprised in how they made sense. Along with providing a greater sense of consistency, order and professionalism to our industry. In my initial reaction, I think I had
Todd questioning whether I was going to vocally be a pain in the rear, and he didn’t even know me well yet. In reality, I am absolute supporter of the updated, and sensibly refined AGGREGATE EXPOSURE CHART and the POLISHED CONCRETE APPEARANCE CHART. For what may be a first for our industry, these guidelines provide consistent and understandable direction, they aren’t influenced by one vocal group or company, and they are fair and repeatable. Guidelines shouldn’t be written in a manner that they favor a select group, chemical or tooling; nor should they make it hard for all contractors to follow… nor to do so profitably. To learn more about the changes, please read Jim Cuviello’s article, “Understanding the New Polished Concrete Appearance Chart”, which appeared in the December 2017 issue of Concrete Contractor, page 68. It can also be found online at https://www. forconstructionpros.com/concrete/ article/20983634/understanding-the-new-polished-concrete-appearance-chart
The industry constantly changes, constantly surprises. We never thought we’d see the ability to provide clarity in fewer steps, any more than we thought we’d see five different Shades of Gray dye being offered. Photo Credit: RetroPlate System
CHANGES Sometimes we fight, struggle and drag our feet when changes occur. If we do not understand them, or if they go against our training, education and knowledge, we tend to fight them. True not all changes are positive, but to be an intelligent and successful businessperson you must at least entertain them and thoroughly investigate them. If after taking these steps, and you still can’t embrace them, then at least you know how to position yourself against them. Know your competitor as well as you know yourself, maybe even better, and you will survive and thrive. What changes have we seen in the past one to two years? Are we asking about processes, or are we talking about paradigm shifts in who and what our markets are? If we’re looking at processes, then look no further than Three Step Polishing processes. Do they work? Going into our third year I know that I stand behind our Clarity Enhancing System
38 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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almost more than anything else I’ve ever been part of. That said, you need to understand these systems and what manufacturers are saying or implying. Is it truly a Three Step System for delivering salt ‘n pepper day in and day out, from beginning to end? Or is it a Three Step Polishing System where prep and/ or grinding stages are additional? Research. Question. Know what your true costs of chemicals, tooling and labor will be before you jump in feet first without a safety line. WHAT ABOUT PARADIGM SHIFTS? It’s unfortunate that a potentially negative stigma exists regarding growth. Being a more mature market, the concern is that other companies, and maybe industries, will want to come and play in what you considered to be your own backyard.
You hustled, you took risks and you created something for yourself, your family and your employees, but now new kids are showing up on your block.
successfully sold the merits of polished concrete into their markets; say the grocery industry for example. Well, you were so successful penetrating their market, that to grow
The change eliminates the medium aggregate surface exposure, and the approximate surface cut depths for all classes. The new classes are A – cement fines; 85-95% cement fines, 5-15% fine aggregate; B – fine aggregate; 85-95% fine aggregate, 5-15% blend cement fines and coarse aggregate; and C – coarse aggregate; 80-90% coarse aggregate, 10-20% cement fines and fine aggregate. Photo Credit: Concrete Polishing Council
Who are these new kids? What is this market opportunity? You’ll notice that I slipped in opportunity? I didn’t say that these new kids wouldn’t leave their back door open, allowing you the opportunity to slide into their market. If you haven’t figured out, I’m talking about the Contract Cleaner, the Jan San industry. You have
and remain profitable, even survive, they must invade yours. Now instead of competing against other classic polishing contractors who utilize heavy grinders with metal / hybrid / resin matrixed diamonds, you may be competing against auto scrubbers and burnishers with scrubbing and polishing pads. When you saw those whirly bird
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40 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2018 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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guys polishing concrete while visiting the outside lots, was your water glass half empty or half full? Did you see an opportunity or more competition? I’m not talking the polish of years past when they excelled at burning the slabs, I am talking ride-on equipment equipped to utilize the same diamonds and densifiers that you do. It all depends on what services you want to offer, how you are capitalized, and whether you want to specialize in local, possibly more moderately sized projects versus staying on the road; traveling for the Big Bucks to keep the equipment busy? Open your eyes, look around and determine what you want to do, and are comfortable and capable of investing in- look at your market with a magnifying glass and turn over ever stone of knowledge seeking opportunities. Changes and opportunities
abound if you are serious and look for them. Know more than your competition. Know what you can do, and want to do. Understand the changes such as the new CPC Aggregate and Appearance standards. Do you know how Distinction of Image (DOI) differs from Gloss? When you read the new Polished Concrete Appearance Chart do you know what Haze is when the standard requires a Haze reading of less than 10 for all four levels? Personally, I had to ask a friend, so now I know that is a simple setting on the DOI Meter. If you’ve questions please contact me, or call John Imbault of IMBOTEC at 866-4626832. They are the Master distributors of the Concrete Clarity Meter that is a Dual Read Meter for Gloss and DOI, and provides the Haze calculation. The industry constantly changes,
constantly surprises. We never thought we’d see the ability to provide clarity in fewer steps, any more than we thought we’d see five different Shades of Gray dye being offered. Ride-on with diamonds? Contract Cleaners coming into the Polishing Industry? The vortex is open both ways, why not take a page out of their book and look for opportunities in their world. Have a great 2018. Peter Wagner is Director, Supporting Products Development for Curecrete Distribution, the creators of RetroPlate 99, the first chemical densifier for polished concrete, and CreteClean Plus, the first polished concrete cleaner. Wagner has been involved in the flooring industry for over 30 years, focusing on polished concrete since 1999. He has written over 40 articles on the industry since 2006, and frequently delivers seminars at industry events. He can be reached at peter.wagner@curecrete.com.
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5Myths in Coating Removal Which Can Cost You Time and Money
Learning from the school of hard knocks in coating removal can be a very expensive school to attend.
Myth #3: Some acrylic sealers burn at temperatures below that which a dry grinding will reach. It can glaze over the tool face and create black splotches on the floor surface. Photo Credit: Diteq
by Mike Orzechowski
S
ome floor coatings are very durable and guaranteed to last for years and years of daily use. When the job is to pull up a perfectly good coating, I have heard many horrific stories of costly problems in performing this seemingly simple task. Like many experienced contractors, I too have learned from the school of hard knocks in coating removal, many times it is a very expensive school to attend. There are lots of misunderstandings and myths regarding the generic all-encompassing term of â&#x20AC;&#x153;coating removalâ&#x20AC;?. A contractor can be financially burned by underestimating a job, but can lose the bid if they pad the bid for too many unknowns. One of the myths is thinking you know everything you need to know about coating removal. My suggestion is to slow down. Create a plan that includes some
contingencies. Only the shipping companies reap benefit from next day air shipping charges of heavy metallic tooling, and the downtime for your job adds to your costs. When you are performing the work, make certain you fully work your plan and make timely changes when necessary. A word of caution from an old engineer like me, some tooling has a very specific purpose and its true value might not be evident on every job. No one tool does everything and if you only have a few different tools in your toolbox, you might be at a competitive disadvantage. Myth #1, I did a job in the past with a similar looking coating and I have a tool that works every time. Many contractors can be (quite frankly) very lucky and do a series of jobs without any problems until they discover to the contrary, ignorance of what those potential problems are can be bliss. It is not uncommon for
Most of the time it is the PCD tooling that causes machine damage because of the load concentration on the tips of the PCDs. Many PCD tooling also have shapes to spread out the working load from the machine to also minimize the pounding. Photo Credit: Diteq
me to receive a telephone call from a colleague or a customer on a jobsite that ran into some coating removal problems they never anticipated, and unanticipated problems frequently end up driving up the labor costs. Understanding coating removal can be simplified to the two basic
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areas of concern, the coating and the machine (aka the “tool”) to remove it. As we can address in other myths, the skill of the operator as well as many other variables can also have a major impact, but for Myth #1, I will address the coating and the tooling. The coating can look very similar to other coatings, yet have very different properties like how hard, how tough, the tensile strength, the gumminess, how brittle (or flexible) and how abrasive (or non-abrasive) the coating is. Some high build up coatings may have different properties in each layer. More importantly might be how well the coating is bonded to the substrate. More frequently than not, parts of the floor will have a better bond to the substrate and can be much more difficult to pull up. Sometimes areas on the floor might have a damaged substrate that was filled and covered with a coating thus creating a very different bond. There are four distinctly different types of coatings, including synergistic
coatings (chemical/petroleum/organic stains, acid stains, dyes, densifiers, curing agents, admixtures), topical coatings (sealers, paint, epoxy, polyaspartics, urethanes, elastomeric/waterproof membranes, waxes), caps (polymer modified cements, overlays, trowel down epoxies) and coverings (tile thinset, carpet glue). There are different tools and techniques specific to each of these types of coating removal. Because there are so many different coatings, there are various tools available for coating removal. This article is limited in scope to grinders (rotary and planetary) but other tools are available including chemicals, chisel scalers, scrapers, shot blasters, scarifiers, scabblers and shavers. Tooling from grinders range from metal segmented diamonds (different mesh size/grit, bond, contact area and shape/orientation), beads, spikes, vacuum brazed tools, bush hammers, scrapers and polycrystalline diamonds (PCDs). The selection of the tool should
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be based on both the properties of the coating and the machine it is used on. Rotary and planetary grinders are very different in the mechanical grinding action and the effectiveness on coating removal. Rotary grinders are much better at cutting into the coating, especially with the orientation of the tooling, whereby the planetary machines are designed more for polishing with a cutting pattern more like a Spirograph. The effectiveness of a planetary machine can be optimized for coating removal with the right tooling but it is still primarily a polishing machine. The speeds and contact pressure on the tooling can also have a huge impact on the effectiveness. It is also important to note that many slabs have a natural undulation of about 12” whereby a small rotary grinder with a head diameter of 12” or less
can follow the contour of the slab surface and machines that are larger will need to knock down the high spots in the floor undulations to fully remove the coatings in the valleys between the high spots.
There are various tools available for coating removal. Pictured here is a scraper. Photo Credit: Diteq
Many machines use a system to change tooling quickly. One of the advantages of this type of tooling is that it allows the operator to work the floor with the best value tooling (considering both labor and tooling cost)
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and work the floor at a normal pace leaving behind islands of areas that need more attention or a different tool, then go back and work those areas with a more effective tool. Myth #2, when you are removing an old coating, it doesn’t really matter what they plan to do with the floor when the coating is gone. In my early days in this industry I was constantly reminded that I was either removing a coating or prepping for a new one. Look at the big picture and know that if you save time on the coating removal but damage the substrate in doing so, thus creating more work on the surface prep for the new coating, you gain nothing. Myth #3, wet or dry, it is just for dust control and doesn’t matter for the tooling. Dust control is a very important part of the job and many contractors set up trucks with dry HEPA vacuums and are not prepared for wet grinding steps. In coating
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removal, this can be a costly mistake. On thick gummy coatings using carbide scrapers, it is ok to run the machine dry to minimize the mess. On some coatings you might even lift the dust skirt to keep the gummy material from packing under the machine head. You can also use a fine sand for the gummy coating to bond to and ball up instead of smearing. For diamond grinding steps, the grinding speeds can be increased with changing the disk speed (usually slowing it down to allow the bond to act softer and expose new sharp diamond crystals on the tooling face) or adding just enough water to create a slurry paste to help increase the abrasiveness. Some acrylic sealers burn at temperatures below that which a dry grinding will reach. It can glaze over the tool face and create black splotches on the floor surface. Adding a little water will greatly increase the effectiveness of the tool. Myth #4, a good test patch on the floor will tell the whole story. It continues to surprise me on how many times contractors do a test patch to bid the job on a cold day and perform the work on a really hot day, with the properties of the coating drastically changing based on the temperature. I also see jobsites with different similar looking coatings on different parts of the slab. The coating they use to designate forklift traffic might be totally different than the pedestrian paths. Another consideration might be the machine, tool and operator that performed the test patch might not be the same when the job is performed. The planning process should include some contingency plans. Myth #5, the machine doesn’t communicate. Coming from an engineer, the machine speaks volumes. If the substrate has many cracks and the weight of the machine is bearing down on the tips of PCDs, the pounding on the machine can be heard and felt by the operator. This is one downside to remote controlled
machinery, the vibration felt in the handle of a standard machine can let the operator know they have a problem. Sometimes the labor savings of the tooling can be offset by the damage to the machine from the pounding vibration. Most of the time it is the PCD tooling that causes machine damage
because of the load concentration on the tips of the PCDs. You can also get PCDs with a wearbar to minimize the amount of drop of the PCD point into a crack in the slab. The idea is to prevent excessive pounding. Don’t be afraid to ask questions from the technical support folks at your diamond tooling source.
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Polished Concrete
Maintenance part 2 This is the second part of a two-part series giving an overview of the maintenance of polished concrete. by Jon Hughel
I
n part one, we discussed why proper maintenance is important to long term customer satisfaction, basic housekeeping guidelines and one of the three main concerns of maintenance: the abradability of concrete and how to address it. In this article, we will cover the remaining two main concerns: porosity and reactivity, as well as the importance of matching a floor to its owner’s expectations. This includes maintenance capabilities before work begins – the floor's risk profile and the floor owner's aesthetic requirements. CONCRETE IS POROUS Concrete looks like a sponge under magnification. The surface is riddled with pores - capillaries and micro-fissures that are access channels for oil- and waterbased liquids to infiltrate into the interior of the slab, causing discoloration and staining. Although the process of polishing does mechanically “tighten” the floor and the application of a densifier helps to seal off theses access channels, further effort is required to address this issue. HOW TO ADDRESS POROSITY During Installation: The application
Pairing the floor owner with a polished concrete system that meets their aesthetic requirements and fits with their maintenance capabilities, while fully informing the owner of what the maintenance requirements of that system will be, is critical to the floor owner's long-term satisfaction. Photo Credit: Runyon Surface Prep
of a stain protector as a final step in the application process will help to prevent oils and water from infiltrating into the concrete slab, keeping the discoloring substance on the surface until cleanup and removal of the liquid is possible. There are two main categories of stain protectors: guards, which fill in tops of the access channels and form a thin membrane with acrylic polymers, and penetrating stain protectors, which seal off the interior of the access channels with a build-up of silicone. During On-Going Maintenance: Timely cleanup of any staining substance is critical, even when a stain protector that has its integrity intact is present. The exact window for acceptable surface dwell time prior to cleanup will vary, based on the floor itself as well as the characteristics of the liquid spilled including viscosity and surface tension. However, a good rule of thumb is to clean up any spill as soon as possible. Reapplying the stain protector is also an important factor in stain prevention. Both guard and penetrating type stain protectors will lose integrity and efficacy with time, and a manufacturer's recommended reapplication schedules should be followed.
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Remediating Existing Issues: Once a discoloring or staining substance has penetrated into the concrete, it can be difficult to remove. The two most common methods of treatment, which can be used in conjunction with each other, are to draw out or remove the staining substance with a poultice, or to treat the stain in place with a chemical reaction. A poultice is a compact of absorbent solids moistened with a solvent that will wick or draw a staining liquid up and out of the interior of the concrete. There are commercially available poultices on the market or it can be made, typically using diatomaceous earth or trisodium phospate (TSP) as the absorbent base. Stains can also be treated in situations by introducing a treatment that will chemically break the substance down. Depending on the composition of the staining substance, an oxidizer or enzymatic treatment can be appropriate. CONCRETE IS REACTIVE The cement paste component of concrete has a large amount of calcium in it, making it susceptible to reactions with any substance that is acidic (less than 7pH) or alkiline (greater than 7pH) on the pH scale. This is of particular concern with highly mechanically refined or polished concrete, as these reactions can chemically profile the area where they interact with the concrete, leaving a less reflective surface or an etch as a result. Further complicating this aspect of maintaining polished concrete, is that reactive substances can not only chemically profile the concrete, they can also create byproducts from the reaction that can discolor the floor. An example being acetic acid, found in vinegar, reacting with the calcium component of concrete and leaving deposits of calcium acetate, which is a white crystal embedded in the matrix of the concrete. HOW TO ADDRESS REACTIVITY During Installation: The
application of a stain protector as the final step in the polishing process can help to prevent or minimize chemical etching after the floor is put into use. A guard will create a protective membrane between the surface of the concrete and reactive substances that the floor might encounter. However, to be effective the guard must be maintained through reapplication, to ensure its integrity. The acrylic polymers used in most guards are also not terribly chemically resistant and if an etching substance contacts the floor in enough quantity for enough time, the etching substance can eat through the protective membrane of the guard and get to the underlying concrete, where it can deleteriously interact with the floor. A penetrating stain protector will not typically create a similar protective membrane, as they are by nature subsurface. However, by sealing off the access channels into the interior of the concrete, a penetrator can suspend the etching substance on the surface i.e. limiting the damage to that of a superficial stain, making remediation much easier. During On-Going Maintenance: The most effective way to deal with etching is prevention – keeping etching substances from interacting with the floor at all and timely cleanup to limit the concrete's exposure to them. For floors protected with a guard, maintaining the integrity of that guard via reapplication “as needed” will keep the protection offered at its most effective. For floors protected with a penetrating stain protector, consider using specialty abrasive cleaning pads on the cleaning equipment. This will re-refine areas where superficial etching has taken place, remediating the etching as part of the regular maintenance schedule. Remediating Existing Issues: Once etching has occurred, excepting the ones that can be remediated during the routine maintenance procedures as described above, it will be necessary to periodically address them. For floors that are protected
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with a guard product, it is often best to strip guard from the area surrounding the etch being fixed, as many guards will leave a visible cut line where a new application meets existing product. Consequently, stripping the guard from control joint to control joint will allow you to reapply in a seamless fashion once the etch has been repaired. Once the guard has been removed, or as a first step on an impregnated floor, abrasives will need to be used to re-refine the area that has been etched. To do this, begin with the least aggressive abrasive that will eliminate the etch and work progressively finer, with each step being used in a slightly larger area than the previous to feather in and blend the repair into the surrounding floor. To remove discoloring byproducts that may have been introduced during the reaction, such as the calcium acetate example above, the application of an oxidizer
GRINDING & POLISHING
REPAIR WORK & EDGING
maybe required. Once the area affected by the etch is brought up to and blended into the level of refinement of the surrounding floor, the stain protector should be reapplied. MATCHING A FLOOR OWNER WITH THE CORRECT SYSTEM Pairing the floor owner with a polished concrete system that meets their aesthetic requirements and fits with their maintenance capabilities, while fully informing the owner of what the maintenance requirements of that system will be, is critical to the floor owner's long-term satisfaction, but is rarely done. Due to each floor owner's capability and tolerance for maintenance, their aesthetic requirements, and their floor's unique traffic pattern, it is important to be able to tailor the floor as installed to meet these factors and avoid the temptation to provide a cookie cutter “one size fits all” approach. To illustrate
The application of a stain protector as a final step in the application process will help to prevent oils and water from infiltrating into the concrete slab. Photo Credit: Runyon Surface Prep
the concept, we will consider two different floors: A. A clothing retailer with very high aesthetic requirements, light foot traffic, medium tolerance for maintenance cost, and limited capability to provide their own maintenance and B. an industrial facility with low aesthetic requirements, frequent heavy wheeled traffic, low tolerance for maintenance cost, and janitorial equipment and staff on site. For situation A., A highly refined polish level (3000 grit+) with
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Reactive substances can not only chemically profile the concrete, they can also create by products from the reaction that can discolor the floor. An example being acetic acid, found in vinegar, reacting with the calcium component of concrete and leaving deposits of calcium acetate, which is a white crystal embedded in the matrix of the concrete. Photo Credit: Runyon Surface Prep
a guard stain protector will fulfill the high aesthetic requirements and a maintenance system incorporating minimum input from in-house staff (daily dust mopping, weekly spot mopping) and quarterly periodic maintenance from an outside
vendor who would remediate stains, UHS burnish with a high grit diamond impregnated pad and reapply guard during the service would be appropriate. For situation B., a floor refined to 400 grit and protected with a penetrating stain protector and a maintenance system that has in-house personnel auto scrubbing the floor with appropriate cleaner and pads weekly and bi-annual reapplication of the impregnating stain protector would fit the bill. It can take some creativity and forethought to make the correct match of floor system with owner requirements and capabilities, and it can be difficult to ensure that the floor owner understands what the appropriate maintenance system for the floor provided requires. However, the payoff is customers that are satisfied long-term and the reputation and recurring business that stems from that.
Proper maintenance of polished concrete does not have to be expensive or difficult but it does need to be addressed and implemented, and the sooner in the process that it is addressed the better, as a neglected floor will eventually turn into a failed floor and lead to unhappy floor owners. Ed.Note: Part 1 of this series can be found online at https:// www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete/decorative/polishing-materials-equipment/article/20982147/ polished-concrete-maintenance. Jon Hughel has been in the polished concrete industry for 11+ years, working for a major equipment and tooling manufacturer, a chemical producer and a national distributor. He has focused on the installation process from the contractor side as well as specializing on the maintenance of polished concrete.
INDEX ADVERTISER..........................................PAGE Allen Engineering...................................................................... 19 Ameripolish................................................................................ 40 Ardex.......................................................................................... 47 BackSaver................................................................................... 18 Bloom Manufacturing Inc.......................................................... 20 BORIDE Engineered Abrasives................................................ 45 Brickform, A Div. of Solomon Colors....................................... 29 Briggs & Stratton......................................................................... 9 Butterfield Color........................................................................ 28 Calculated Industries Inc........................................................... 20 CDC Larue.................................................................................. 27 Concrete Pump Supply............................................................. 17 Crafco Inc..................................................................................... 7 Curb Roller Mfg. LLC................................................................. 49 Curecrete Distribution, Inc........................................................ 41 Diteq Corp................................................................................. 43 EZ Polish..................................................................................... 44 GelMAXX.................................................................................... 40 Husqvarna Construction Products........................................... 25 Karcher North America............................................................. 51 Kingdom Products..................................................................... 28 Kipper Crete LLC....................................................................... 15 Ligchine International Corp........................................................ 2 Line Dragon, LLC....................................................................... 33 Metzger/ McGuire..................................................................... 34 Multiquip.................................................................................... 11 Oneida Air Systems................................................................... 21 Oztec Industries Inc................................................................... 52 Polished Concrete University.................................................... 34 Reliable Diamond Tools............................................................ 35 Runyon Surface Prep Rental & Supply..................................... 48 Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc....................................................... 5 Solomon Colors......................................................................... 37 Superabrasive Inc...................................................................... 39 Trinic............................................................................................ 48 Xtreme Polishing Systems......................................................... 44
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THE LAST PLACEMENT
5
By Brad Humphrey
Functional Traits of Great Construction Teamwork
Great teamwork stems from trust, direction, influence, transparency and leadership
O
ne of the most consistent requests I get from contractors around the country is, “Brad, how do I really get great teamwork?” There appears to be about five traits that I have found exist within a great team.
TRUST If trust is not present within your crew, project team or executive team, you will not have teamwork. Team members do not have to like each other, but they have to trust one another. Being confident that each member “has my back” when needed and will defend each member is huge toward building a team culture of trust. While trust is often manifested through communication the underlying trust needed is the internal feeling by each member that “we are all on the same page.” When one member disagrees with another member, there is no personal attack but respect for the opposing viewpoint. However, once a decision or action is taken, each team member works from the same understanding.
DIRECTION Direction gives the purpose for the teamwork. When a group of people are all focused on striving for the same end goal there is informal outreach between members on how to make the goal a success. I have found, personally, that providing direction alone is a great motivator for individuals to set their own agendas aside and
figure out how to maximize the talents and knowledge of those on the team.
INFLUENCE Once trust and direction are in play the team members can then impact each other through influence. Influencing a fellow teammate is not to strong-arm or to manipulate. Rather, to influence is to approach other members with helpful insights or expertise that can contribute to greater results. To influence is to present a perspective or solution and then allow the teammate time to understand, adjust and finally to see the advantages in the perspective. In my studying and coaching of teamwork among the construction crew, project team or executive team, I can assure you that there is much influence exerted among members. Sure, some members may be more influential than others but there is still a trust that one member is not taking advantage of another.
TRANSPARENCY Transparency remains one of the hardest things for construction teams to acquire as a team trait. This trait is difficult for many reasons, perhaps,but admittedly to be transparent is to trust others. Therefore, if a team can truly experience trust between its members, the openness to be honest and emotionally “naked” in front of fellow members becomes much easier. Much of my observations on teamwork through the years have
discovered that for the construction team to be transparent it is helped along if one or two of the members will initiate the honesty. This might include one member making an apology to another member in front of teammates or simply one member sharing honestly why they cannot support a decision, goal or action taken. Tough to do for sure, but if you don’t have transparency in your teamwork, I doubt your team is reaching their potential.
LEADERSHIP A fifth trait I have always found within any great team is leadership. In the team, it’s not “leader-follower” living but instead “leader-leader.” This suggests that every team member, no matter their rank and title, can lead one or more of the other teammates in any given situation. The leader-leader does not suggest equal pay among the members but rather a healthy respect for each member, giving way to the member with greater experience, knowledge, commitment, etc. Leadership is desperately needed today in construction. The great teams in construction spend very little time establishing who is “top dog” in control and more about getting all of the “dogs pulling the sleigh” in the right direction. Work to make the five traits of great teamwork part of your work crews, your project teams and even your senior leadership team.
Ed.Note: Brad Humphrey is President of Pinnacle Development Group. He can be reached at humphrey.brad@gmail.com.
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