A L A BAMA CO NCR E TE I NDUSTRIES ASSOC IATION M AGAZ IN E | FA L L 2015
FALL 2015
ConcreteWorks is a publication of the Alabama Concrete Industries Association and features articles and photographs pertaining to product applications, educational opportunities, as well as innovative construction techniques impacting the industry. Please email rlindsay@ alconcrete.org with any comments regarding featured articles in ConcreteWorks or to suggest a story idea for a future edition. Rebecca Lindsay,
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Barbers Bridge
This past spring, Barber Motorsports Park
20
Another Look at Cracking Concrete
Even with many advances in concrete
added a jaw-dropping feature for park
technology over the past several years,
patrons. The new 460-foot long concrete
there are still basic concrete issues that
bridge allows spectators to get a bird’s eye
linger. Bill Goodloe takes another look at
view of the action on the track.
some of these issues while explaining steps
(ON THE COVER)
to resolve them.
7
22
Architect Spotlight
After living in New York for several years
Art Director & Editor
after college, Scott Steen came back to his
John Sorrell, Editor
Southern roots. With an extensive resume
Concrete News
For all of your up-to-date member and industry news
of notable projects in NYC, he’s now making quite a mark on the River Region. www.alconcrete.org www.mysaferoom.org
12
On The Rock
The use of concrete promises a strong
23
Legislative Recap
Read about the legislative issues in this
and stable structure, just what you would
past year’s Session, as well as what bills
want in a church. Read about how two
were passed and what issues were left on
Montgomery churches used the product
the table.
when building a firm foundation.
16
2015 Truck Rodeo
The 2015 Truck Rodeo was held this year in Talladega, and was the best one yet. Read all about the event, complete with pictures and a full list of participants and winners.
24
2015 Calendar
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
B a r s b e r s r e b r Ba ’’ bbbrrriididdg e g e ge Just when you thought things couldn’t be
and 12 feet wide is the latest upgrade for
development for Barber Companies said that
more exciting, exhilarating or entertaining
the 830-acre racing venue. It connects the
founder George Barber thought the bridge
at Birmingham’s Barber Motorsports Park,
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, which
would be an interesting architectural feature.
they stepped it up a notch and installed a
was last year given the title of the world’s
pedestrian bridge over the track, allowing
largest motorcycle collection by Guinness
When Daniel Franklin, PE, Project Manager
park patrons to view the action below.
World Records, with the track infield.
with LBYD began work on the new concrete observation bridge at Barber Motorsports
The bridge, which measures 460 feet long
Don
Erwin,
vice
president,
corporate
Park, he was faced with the challenge of
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
meeting the owner’s desire of a bridge with zero
“This was really a fast-moving project,
had about three and a half months to
joints. Including no joints in a concrete bridge
with the project just starting up right
finish up the bridge.”
of that size, ready mix is asking for a problem.
around
Based on modern jointing techniques, a
Franklin. “Mr. Barber asked that the
To control cracks in concrete, Franklin and
project of this magnitude would likely include
bridge be in place before the Indy race in
his team incorporated control joints not to
a joint every 10 feet. Some designers might
April, and we had only three weeks to put
prevent the crack but instead to hide the
even recommend a longitudinal joint down the
the design together in order to stay on
shrinkage cracks inside the joint.
center line of the bridge.
schedule. From that point, the contractor
Thanksgiving
2014,”
says
The new observation bridge overlooks the track at Barber Motorsports Park | Birmingham, AL
FALL 2015 3
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
“The design of the bridge substructure
aesthetics, water tightness, and durability
was fairly straightforward – the main
of the concrete. Finally, research has found
challenge was the fast-track nature of the
their use to have minimum impact on
project. This was especially true because
compressive strength.
we had drilled pier foundations and had to work through the additional geotechnical
One area of caution for the designer is freeze
coordination that comes with having deep
thaw problems that could result in the project.
foundations,” Franklin says. “One notable
Some manufactures of shrinkage reducing
design feature was that we used shrinkage-
admixtures recommend that preliminary tests
compensating concrete on this project in
be performed on the concrete mixture prior
the concrete substructure - Mr. Barber was
to their use. Another area of concern when
adamant that he did not want to see cracks
using the admixtures is requiring a concrete
in the concrete, so we wanted to do what
testing firm who can properly run shrinkage
we could to minimize any cracking. “
testing.
Shrinkage tests are much more
complex than standard concrete test and The concrete design used on the bridge
mandate ASTM approved labs.
is a typical concrete mix design, but TOP: Ribbon cutting to celebrate the
approximately one gallon of shrinkage
From a construction standpoint, shrinkage
completion of the bridge
reducing admixture was added per yard.
reducing admixtures will not substantially
BOTTOM LEFT: Construction on the
In addition, a midrange water reducer was
impact slump. However, increased set time
bridge at Barber Motorsports Park
added to the mix to further reduce water
of 1 -2 hours can be expected. Also, expect
content by 15%. The midrange reducer
much higher per yard cost on the project.
also made the pumping and finishing of the
Thirty five to Forty five dollars per yard would
concrete simpler.
not be uncommon.
From a design perspective, use of shrinkage
Like any complex concrete project, it is
reducing admixtures will significantly reduce
highly recommend a pre pour conference
dry shrinkage by up to 80% at 28 days
take place to insure the contractor,
and 50% at one year. The admixture will
engineer, and supplier are on the same
also reduce warpage due to curling of
page and have the same expectations.
the concrete. Other benefits of shrinkage reducing
admixtures
are
improved
“We designed the substructure frames
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
based on the superstructure loads that we
superstructure was a major issue in the
The park, which opened in 2003, has a
received from the design-build contractor,
design.”
17-turn, 2.38-mile (3.83 km) road course,
and had to design for the weight of the
designed by Alan Wilson, viewable from
bridge as well as for the lateral wind and
This project follows last year’s new addition
several naturally wooded or grass-covered
seismic loadings, and had to design the
of the $4 million Barber Proving Grounds,
banks. This centerpiece of the park draws
foundations for these loads as well,” says
a new track area and wet/dry skidpad that
auto and motorcycle races, including an
Franklin.
can accommodate additional events at the
annual Indy race, as well as conventions
park while the existing track is in use.
and festivals throughout the year.
“Coordinating
these
loadings
and the support connections with the
FALL 2015 5
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Fun Facts about the Bridge • The bridge is 408 feet long, excluding patios, and is believed to be the longest continuous bridge of its type in Alabama. • The time required to construct the entire bridge was only four months. Construction
was
completed
for
Barber’s hosting of the 2015 Indy The track has hosted numerous motorsport
Grand Prix of Alabama
races including Grand-Am, Pirelli World
• The bridge is three stories above the
Challenge, Vintage Racing Series events,
racetrack.
AMA SuperBike and the Verizon IndyCar
• The longest free span of the bridge
Series. It serves as the home of the North
is 175 feet.
American Porsche Driving School, along
• Bridge structural design would allow
with various track day events. It is also
3,000 people to be on the bridge at
home to the newly-built “Barber Proving
one time, or vehicles up to 5 tons.
Grounds”, which includes a new track area
• Each of the long bridge sections
and wet/dry skidpad that will accommodate
weighs over 200,000 pounds.
additional events while the existing track is
• Concrete slab on the bridge weighs
in use. Mercedes-Benz USA is one of the
145 tons.
customers taking advtantage of the Proving
• The concrete flooring of the bridge
Grounds for its employees. Barber is
contains special polymers and fibers
noted for its landscaping and greenery; the
to prevent cracking from movement of
track has been referred to as “The August
the bridge.
National of Motorsports”.
• Occasional movement felt when walking on the bridge is expected and
This past spring, the finishing touches on
safe. The movement is a combination
the pedestrian bridge were completed, and
of wind, those walking on the bridge,
it was open just in time for the Honda Indy
and
Grand Prix of Alabama held late April.
underground – such as cars on the
movement
transferred
from
race track. This occurs because the Barber Motorsports Park annually draws
columns supporting the bridge are
more than 250,000 visitors from around the
anchored into bedrock over 20 feet
world to the Birmingham area, with more
underground
projects being planned for the future.
• The glass floor is actually 20% stronger than the concrete walking surface surrounding the glass.
AR CHI TE CT S P O T L I G H T
Scott Steen
M ONT G O M E RY b y w ay o f
NE W Y O R K
FALL 2015 7
A R C H ITE CT S P O T L I G H T
Very few young architects in the South
While living and working in New York,
can say they’ve designed projects in New
the issues of
York City, but Scott Steen is one of them.
introduced early in his career, and under
‘green building’ were
the guidance of Bob Fox and Richard Born and raised in Montgomery, Scott
Cook, principles of Cook Fox Architects,
graduated from Auburn University in
Scott acquired his LEED AP accreditation
1997 and moved to New York with his
and knowledge to design projects in a
wife, Heather, who is an interior designer.
responsible manner in regards to building
Fresh out of college and living in the
life cycle, impact on the environment, and
‘concrete jungle,’ Scott was hired by
energy efficiency.
Cook Fox Architects where he worked for eight years before moving back to
Scott’s passion is sustainable architecture
Alabama.
and the ‘urban experience,’ and he relies heavily on concrete for many of his
“As a kid who just liked to draw, I became
designs. During his time with Cook Fox,
enamored with the tools of the trade at
Scott worked on several notable projects
an early age, and I had a scaled down
including Historic Front Street, which is
TOP: AIDT Maritime Museum
version of a drawing desk by the time
a mixed-use neighborhood of 95 rental
BOTTOM LEFT: Historic Front Street
I was seven, and completed my first
apartments and small-scale, independent
Project in New York City
house plan shortly thereafter,” he says.
retailers. The project incorporated three
“Ever since then, it’s always been clear
new buildings into the empty lots among
to me what I wanted to pursue, and
11 original buildings, and demonstrated
after graduating from Auburn I’ve been
a commitment to modern environmental
practicing architecture ever since.”
stewardship.
AR CHI TE CT S P O T L I G H T
FALL 2015 9
A R C H ITE CT S P O T L I G H T
TOP: Exposed concrete exterior wall at
“Concrete is one of the few materials that
Emergency Operations Center.
Elmore County Emergency Operations
can be used for strength, permanence,
two-thirds of the building is a tornado
Almost
Center was designed to express strength.
and aesthetics simultaneously,” he says.
shelter enclosed by poured-in-place 12”
“It also lends itself to creating sculpted
thick concrete walls and 5” thick roof.
shapes more than any other material.”
The concrete wall has been left exposed in several exterior and interior locations
After he and Heather moved back home
in order to express the “strength” of the
in 2005, Scott accepted a job with
building.
Goodwyn Mills & Cawood where he worked until 2012, before joining 2WR.
“I choose to use concrete in certain
In 2015, he and a fellow colleague, Lee
designs
Sims (formerly of Barganier Davis Sims
capabilities,
Architects)
formed
studioScarab,
because
of
because
its of
structural its
readily
a
accessible nature, and for its familiarity
boutique design firm dedicated to high
to general contractors,” Scott says. “It
quality architecture, where he continues
has also proven to be especially useful
to practice today.
for tornado shelters that are becoming more commonplace in these commercial
He is still working on the completion of a
projects.”
couple projects for 2WR on a freelance basis,
including
the
Elmore
County
While with GMC, Scott was the design
AR CHI TE CT S P O T L I G H T
Get to Know Scott Steen What’s the last book you read? Treehousing:
The
Instructional
Guide by Tom Nelson from the TV show Treehouse Masters. What’s your favorite food? Cuban sandwich and grilled corn from Café Habana in New York City. What is an interesting fact that most people don’t know about you? I’ve never been a skater, but I’m completely fascinated by inground concrete skateparks; both architect for AIDT’s (Alabama Industrial
AIA Honor Ward and the 2010 AIA
for the sculptural quality of them
Development Training) Maritime Training
Alabama Design Award for the Maritime
and their precise execution. I would
Center in Mobile. This was a favorite
Training Center, as well as the 2008
love to design one for the city of
project using concrete, mainly for its
AIA National Housing Award for the
Montgomery.
aesthetic nod towards the wood planking
Front Street Project. He is a member
of an old ship expressed on the main
of the American Institute of Architects,
What are your hobbies? Collecting
entrance facade.
the USGBC Alabama State Board, the
robots and woodworking.
USGBC
Central
Branch
Leadership
Even though he can’t take any of the
Group and a former member of the
What is the one tool you can’t live
design credit, the Highline Park in New
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Junior
without? Sadly, I think I have to say
York City, serves as great inspiration
Executive Board.
my iPad. I use it constantly for work,
for how versatile concrete can be in
research, and play.
an urban setting. Its use of a concrete
“The
plank walkway system that morphs
architecture is that it allows you to
Are any other members of your
into everything from benches to water
visualize
intended
family architects? No, but my wife is
fountains
location,” he says. “Then watch it grow
an interior designer. It’s nice to be able
to occupy the space that used to be just
to discuss architectural issues with
empty sky.”
someone who understands the industry
is
a
powerful
idea
while
maintaining simplicity.
best a
thing project
about in
its
practicing
Scott has been recognized for several projects, including the 2011 Gulf States
FALL 2015 11
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
T
herefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like
A WISE MAN WHO BUILT HIS HOUSE ON THE ROCK. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. - Matthew 7: 24-25
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
I
n May of 1924 in Montgomery,
church grounds were located at 3017
under a tent on the corner of
Lower Wetumpka Road.
Lower
Wetumpka
Road
and
Pickett Street in the old cedar grove
In late 1984 the decision was made to
where Park Plaza Shopping Center now
sell the property at Lower Wetumpka
stands, Eastern Meadows Church of
Road in order to build at 4050 Fairground
Christ began meeting.
Road, about a half mile away. Following several months of meeting in the Faulkner
Until its first building was completed at
University Rotunda, the church, held her
100 Park Avenue in 1925, the church
fist service in the new building on July
met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzhugh
30, 1986. In 1992 seven new classrooms
Ferguson. Over the next several years, the
were added.
congregation grew and moved into a new two-story building in 1941, followed by an
The Fairgrounds Road property was sold
additional two-story classroom building
in 2006, and a property at 8460 Vaughn
that housed an office, nine classrooms,
Road was purchased. Again, Eastern
two bathrooms and a furnace that was
Meadows met at the Faulkner University
completed in 1957.
Rotunda while then new building was under construction.
And in November
Finally, the main auditorium was finished
2008 Eastern Meadows held its first
in 1960, and for the next 24 years the
service at the Vaughn Road location.
FALL 2015 13
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Just last year, construction began for
steeple on the original building remaining.
the new auditorium at the Vaughn Road location with plans to have it completed
“The design is very heavy, and wanted
fall 2015.
a solid building with concrete, CMU exterior walls and steel,” says Black.
“The project took three months to design
“The design concept of the building was
and twelve months to construct,” says
actually created years ago when we
Lance Black, architect, with Black Design
designed the first phase building, and we
Architecture. “We did a phase one
wanted everything to blend together as if
building that served as a Sanctuary with
it had been built at one time. The overall
classrooms and the phase two building,
design incorporates high ceilings and lots
now under construction, is the church’s
of natural light.”
permanent Sanctuary. The phase one building is now being converted to a
Due to soil conditions, concrete piers for
Fellowship Hall with commercial kitchen
the foundation were used on both the
and still retaining the classrooms.”
phase one and two buildings.
The original building was designed to
“Concrete was the only way to go,” says
transform over time into the Fellowship
Black. “It performed perfectly.”
Hall. The unique feature of the current building under construction is a large
The church is scheduled to open in
steeple tower that highlights the main
September.
entrance. Eventually, when phase 3 is built, there will be three steeples, with the
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
P
ROJECT OVERVIEW OF VAUGHN FOREST CHURCH OF CHRIST
Project Budget: $14,000,000 Square Feet: 75,000 Worship Seating Capacity: 1,600
C
huck Jones, formerly of Godwin Jones Architecture & Design in Montgomery was the lead
architect for Vaughn Forest Church of Christ, located at 3800 Vaughn Road. The design process took eight months, with construction lasting one year. The church was completed in 2008, with Phase III being the completion of the current and future worship facility. Jones, now with Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, discusses the use of concrete in the design. What are some unique features incorporated into the design of the building?
can
Unique features include an expandable
concentric rings while using the same
concept. The building seating capacity
stage and stage equipment. There is great
grow
outward
and
upward
in
expense in the stage and audiovisual and allowing the seating to grow while saving the performance area will be very cost effective over the life of the church. How did you go about creating the design for the building? The design was worked out through much
prayer
and
coordination
with
the Staff and congregation. Several strategies
were
explored
including
stand alone additions, smaller venues
FALL 2015 15
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
that would have to be repurposed later as new larger venues were built and finally the current plan which allows for uninterrupted expansion. Why did you choose to use concrete in certain areas of the building? We used concrete tilt-up panels because at the time the building was being designed, this type of system was more cost effective than structural steel and stud wall systems. The schedule was also enhanced by the speed of construction the tilt-up systems afforded. What are some components of concrete that make it a good product for this architectural structure? Tilt-up construction gave us the ability to create the entire wall system and building envelope as well as the structural support for steel roof joists thus saving the crossover of several major trades. What is your favorite design aspect of the building? The large concentric lobby allows for easy flow in and out after events and the use of large windows on the north elevation of the sanctuary fills the room with pleasing natural light and black out shades allow these windows to be mechanically cover when ark conditions are required during performances.
F E AT U R E
On a beautiful Saturday in April, some of the state and industry’s best concrete truck
drivers
gathered
at
Talladega
SuperSpeedway to compete in the Alabama Concrete Association’s 2015 Truck Driver Championship, commonly known as the “Truckin’ Rodeo.” The annual event is held each spring, and the drivers are encouraged to bring their family members and friends to cheer them on. The rodeo gives the drivers an opportunity to show-off their skills with a chance to win a cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the national competition in
TALLADEGA,
AL
San Antonio in August.
FALL 2015 17
F E AT U R E
This
year,
33
drivers
from
member
came out to support their favorite drivers,
companies including Ready Mix USA,
and the kids enjoyed video games, face
Webb Concrete, Sherman International,
painting and Big Sam the Balloon Man!
Kirkpatrick Concrete, Gulf States Ready TOP: Drivers get ready to start the
Mix, Reed Ready Mix, and Bama Concrete
As always, these events wouldn’t be
participated in the contest.
possible without the help of our generous
competion
sponsors. A special thanks to Beck
LEFT: John Sorrell with Jody Johnson
To further challenge the drivers a written
Industrial,
RIGHT: Winners pose after competion
test had to be completed before the driving
Nextran, Ready Mix USA, Thompson
portion, which included various obstacles
Tractor and Truckworx.
and maneuvers, began. To keep things fair, Alabama State Troopers judged the event. More than 125 family members and friends
Lehigh
Cement,
McNeilus,
F E AT U R E
Truck Driver Championship Participants
Gaylon Lovelace Shannon Mattox Jeremy Johnson Ashley Gassaway
BAMA CONCRETE
Timothy Ray
Robert Slaughter
Melvin Kennamer
Toney Riley Lee Cook
SHERMAN INDUSTRIES
Addison Nelson
Buddy Batson -3rd Place Winner*
Clifford Richey
Kenneth Edwards Tony Peoples
GULF STATES READY MIX
Billy Keith
Joe Norman-2nd Place Winner*
Kerwin Looney
Isaac Johnson WEBB CONCRETE KIRKPATRICK CONCRETE
Brian Newton
Sean Mattox
Tim Bryant
James Adams Kevin Box
COMPLETE LIST OF WINNERS:
Rex Keeling
Two highest scores from
Jason Murphy
a company – Jody Johnson and
James Sanders
Gaylon Lovelace
William Flippo
Front Stop Challenge – 100 –
Donald Brasher
Jeremy Johnson – Ready Mix USA
Maurice Carr
Parallel Park Challenge – 100 – Brian Newton – Webb Concrete
REED READY MIX
Back Stop Challenge – 100 – Toney
David Bradford
Riley – Bama Concrete
Mark Howren
Highest Written Score – 100 – Mark Howren – Reed Ready Mix
READY MIX USA
Team Competition Winner – Ready
Jody Johnson-WINNER*
Mix USA
FALL 2015 19
T echnical R E V I E W
e t e r c n o C Cracking A n o t h e r Lo o k at
Bill Goodloe T e c h n i c al S e r v i c e s M a n a g e r - CE M E X
We
in
Typical concrete, by its very nature, shrinks
very practical to use aggregate larger than a
concrete technology over the last twenty
have
made
as it sets up and cures. Constraints to
size #67 or # 57,but you should avoid using
to thirty years. Plants have become
movement of the concrete result in the
anything smaller in size, unless required for
computerized,
have
development of tensile stresses and when
an application such as a topping mixture.
self-consolidating
those stresses exceed the ability of the
Finishers will likely complain if there is too
concrete,
high-
concrete to resist them, cracks form. Drying
much coarse aggregate in the mixture.
performance concrete, and the list goes
shrinkage cracks in flatwork are probably
The maximum volume of coarse aggregate
on. But with all of our improvements,
the most common cracks we have to deal
that can be used while still maintaining
there are still some basic concrete issues
with, so let’s focus on this particular type
workability should be determined by trial
that never seem to go away. One of
of cracking.
and error. . Fine aggregate gradation is also
improved,we concrete,
many
advances
communications have
pervious
these, of course, is cracking concrete.
very important in keeping the water content
You would think after all these years’ that
The first step in controlling cracks is to
to a minimum. If the sand is excessively
engineers, contractors, and finishers (and
reduce the potential for cracking by using
fine or gap graded, the amount of water
ready mix producers) would have this one
the right concrete mixture design. One of
required for a given slump will increase.
figured out. Unfortunately, this is still one
the most important factors is to reduce the
Sand gradations should be watched closely.
of our most common issues, so it never
amount of water in the mixture. Increasing
Normal water reducers, mid-range water
hurts to take another look at the basics of
the size and volume of the coarse aggregate
reducers, or super plasticizers should be
preventing or controlling concrete cracks.
will minimize the amount of water needed
used to maintain the lowest possible water
for a given concrete slump. It is generally not
content and provide a workable mixture.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY RAPTOR CENTER | AUBURN, AL
T echnical R E V I E W
The use of calcium chloride accelerators
brick) section and create restraint.
is known to increase shrinkage. If its use is
this as possible. Thicker concrete can be spaced further apart. The configuration of
necessary, the dosage should be kept to a
Control joints are installed in concrete to
the flatwork may require special attention
maximum of 2% of the cementitious content
cause the cracks to occur where you want
when planning the control joint layout.
by weight.
them to and to be aesthetically appealing.
Inside, or reentrant,corners always need to
Control joints can be installed prior to placing
have control joints coming off the corners
Subgrade preparation is also very critical
the concrete by using wood, or metal strips,
in both directions. Columns located within
in preventing or reducing the potential for
or some other preformed jointing material.
a floor slab should have isolation joints
cracking. A slab, driveway, or sidewalk
Typically, however, control joints are installed
around them and the slab should have joints
should only be placed on soil or granular
in flatwork after it has been placed by
designed to avoid uncontrolled cracks at
fill that is well compacted, and level. If the
utilizing saw cuts or tooling. The depth of the
the corners. Driveways with curves in them
subgrade is irregular, withlow spots and high
joint should be at least . the thickness of the
will require special consideration.
spots, it will create additional restraint on
concrete. When saw cutting, it is critical that
the movement of the concrete as it shrinks
joints be cut as soon as the concrete has
Concrete
and increase tensile stresses. Polyethylene
hardened enough to prevent the aggregates
in
is typically placed underneath a slab as a
from being dislodged. Early entry saws are
configurations. The control joint pattern
vapor retarder. This makes the use of a low
also available which can cut joints shortly
should always be carefully planned before
water-cement ratio concrete even more
after final finishing is complete. In tooling, it
construction ever begins. This statement
important because excess mixture water
seems to be a common problem that joints
applies to both commercial and residential
can only escape to the surface as bleed
are not deep enough. The finishers have to
construction. The finishers or saw cutting
water. Some contractors have placed a
make sure that they are using jointing tools
crew should not be the ones to decide
compacted layer of fine aggregate over the
of the proper depth, and when they are
where the control joints go and how far to
vapor retarder to allow the concrete to drain
worn down they should be discarded.
place them apart.
concrete shrinkage as well as improve the
Concrete flatwork should have a joint
To summarize controlling cracks in concrete
set-time.
pattern that should create panels that are
flatwork, remember:
flatwork
countless
sizes,
may
be
designed
thicknesses,
and
out of the bottom. This will decrease the
relatively square. If the length to width ratio When forms are being set up for flatwork,
exceeds approximately 10 to 1, then the
any items that would restrain the concrete
panel is likely to crack in between the joints.
from moving should have isolation joints
Think about a dried up mud puddle; have
placed around them. This would include
you ever noticed how it ends up in small,
columns, poles, utility and plumbing pipes,
almost square sections after it has dried
·A void sands that are too fine or gap graded
etc. Isolation joints(often called expansion
out? Concrete seeks to crack into square
· Properly prepare the subgrade
joints) allow flatwork to be separated from
patterns. How often have you seen 12 foot
· Use isolation joints
the more rigid parts of the structure and will
wide driveways with control joints 20 feet
· Properly space control joints
accommodate movement of the concrete.
apart that have a crack in between the
· Cut or tool control joints . depth of concrete
It is common to see a column or pole
joints?
·P ay close attention to the flatwork
protruding from a slab without the use of an
· Use a low water-cement ratio concrete mixture · Maximize coarse aggregate size and volume
configuration
isolation joint and it has a crack coming off
The width between control joints should be
of it. Isolation joints should also be placed
about 30 times the thickness of the concrete.
between a slab and wall, such as in a
For a 4 inch thick slab or driveway, this
basement, or where the driveway meets a
means control joints should be 120 inches,
slab or a retaining wall. If an isolation joint
or 10 feet, apart. It may be hard to convince
is not at these locations, the concrete will
a contractor or owner to place the joints this
likely bond to the other concrete (or block or
close, but they should be kept as near to
· Always carefully plan control joint pattern prior to construction
FALL 2015 21
CONCRETE NEWS
Concrete News
SUMMER 2015 ALDOT LIASON MEETING RECAP On June 11th, representatives of the association’s liaison committee met with Materials and Tests Engineer Scott George, P.E. and the concrete engineer Drew Waldrop, P.E. The purpose of the liaison committee is to discuss problems affecting the concrete industry when providing ready mix on a state job. Topics discussed included use of manufactured sand, C 595 cement, shrinkage
testing
requirements,
and
addition of water at the job site. The
ACIA sponsors ua’s asce regional concrete conoe competition The ACIA is proud to have served as the primary sponsor for the University of Alabama’s American Society of Civil
Vulcan.
concrete
department
competition, students from the university
In
addition
to
the
surrounding
competed in a cylinder breaking program
manufactured sand before approval in
and concrete ladder golf competition.
Alabama.
SUCCESSFUL PARKING LOT SEMINAR HELD IN MAY
Engineers (ASCE) student chapter at this
is
currently
states
researching
acceptance
of
In respect to C595 cement, ALDOT is working to find a test project to research its effectiveness. On the issue of shrinkage testing, the state is in the process of
year’s regional concrete canoe competition.
The association held a two-hour concrete
modifying
its
specification
to
require
The association’s sponsorship allowed
parking lot design seminar for 50 architects
rounding of shrinkage results to the nearest
the 11 person team to travel to the ASCE
and engineers in Birmingham on May 11.
100th. Therefore, shrinkage results must
Southeast Region Competition March 19 –
Amy Miller of the NRMCA served as the
be .04 or less. Finally, the committee
21, 2015. At the March event, the UA team
instructor for the program. Miller’s program
discussed the need for the industry to
competed with 27 other universities from
included an in-depth review of ACI 330-
add water using an inline water meter
the southeast and Puerto Rico. After all of
08 and a review of designing concrete
versus the industry standard sight gauge.
the scores were added up, the University of
overlays on existing asphalt parking lots.
Removal of the in line water meter would
Alabama team finished 9th. The concrete
Attendees received a joint layout guide
save the industry between $200 to $500
canoe completion includes both a racing
and CPA cost analysis software. The ACIA
per truck per year.
and presentation portion. Pictured are
will hold a similar program in Mobile and
the UA presentation of their boat named
Huntsville before the end of the year.
L egislative R E C A P
L e g i s l a t i v e recap Association Helps Secure Additional Driving Hours for Truck Drivers
Additional Driving Hours for Truck Drivers starting September 2015
Increased HOS
Existing HOS
Hours on Clock
15
14
Driving Hours
12
11
During the 2015 Legislative Session, the
Hours on Clock Per Week
70 in 7 days
60 hours in 7 days or
association was successful in helping
70 hours in 8 days
pass House Bill 298 which will increase
Off the Clock Time
10 Hours after 15
10 hours after 14
the number of hours a commercial driver
Log Books
Required
Required
can drive when intrastate and hours on
Radius from Plant
75 miles
Not Applicable
the clock per week. The new law forced the state to adopt the intrastate variance recognized by the FMSCA. The new law does not overwrite existing options, but only adds a third option should the company need extra hours for their drivers
Additional requirements if new rule is followed;
when intrastate. For ease of explanation,
safety ratings are prohibited from using this exemption. 2) Intrastate Variance will be based on
listed below is a comparison of the new
1) All motor carries operating under this
previous seven days, therefore driver
HOS intrastate variance versus existing
variance as set for in this act must have
must have log book for previous 7 days if
regulations. Some companies will continue
a “satisfactory” safety rating with FMSCA,
checked for enforcement.
to operate under the 100 air mile rule which
or be “unrated”.
will not be affected by the new law.
“conditional” or “unsatisfactory” FMSCA
Motor carriers with
FALL 2015 23
2015 CALENDAR
MARK IT
DOWN
2015 Sept.
21 birmingham, al
BUTCH WYATT CONCRETE CUP
The Alabama Concrete Industries Association will host its 5th Annual Butch Wyatt Concrete Cup, which is held each year in appreciation for architects and engineers who are proponents of designing with concrete products. The event will take place at Inverness Country Club in Birmingham on Monday, September 21.
oct.
20-21
A DAY OF CONCRETE KNOWLEDGE
BIRMINGHAM/ Montgomery, al
The Alabama Concrete Industries Association will host “A Day of Concrete Knowledge,� which is an annual program designed to provide valuable education programs on concrete and masonry concrete topics in October. All architects, engineers, inspectors, contractors and concrete industry personnel who will receive 8 hours of HSW approved education credits. The seminars will take place in Birmingham on Tuesday, Oct. 20 and Montgomery on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Ready Mix Topics to be Covered: Evolution of Concrete Mixes, What the Future Holds for Concrete Technology, Concrete Design Using Fibers, Solutions to Concrete Cracking Problems, Designing Parking Areas using ACI Standards Masonry Topics to be Covered: ICC Changes and the Impact on Concrete Masonry (2 hrs), Low Impact Design using Concrete Pavers
Thank You Alabama Concrete Industries
...for allowing us to serve you for 37 years and counting!
FALL 2015 3
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MONTGOMERY, AL PERMIT NO. 456
1745 Platt Place Montgomery, AL 36117 www.alconcrete.org 334.265.0501
ACIA 5th Annual
Butch Wyatt Concrete Cup Invitational
Monday, September 28, 2015
Inverness Country Club - 1 Country Club Drive - Birmingham, AL 11am Registration & Lunch - 12pm Tee Time 4:30pm Prizes, Drinks and Hors D’oeuvres Please RSVP your name, company, handicap and shirt size to Rebecca (rlindsay@alconcrete.org) *Limited to first 72 REGISTRANTS