Message from Monica
As we observe the current economic climate in Canada, it's clear that the economy has slowed down, primarily due to a deceleration in the residential sector. High interest rates have contributed significantly to this slowdown, impacting both consumer spending and investment in residential construction.
However, there are signs of optimism on the horizon. Interest rates are expected to be cut over the second half of the year, which should help stimulate economic activity and open new growth opportunities. Despite these challenges, the horizon looks promising with several large-scale infrastructure projects announced across Canada. These initiatives are anticipated to spur substantial development and economic growth, providing a renewed sense of optimism for the future.
We are also pleased to report that our Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for
Mississauga has improved by 3% (see page 3), aligning us more closely with our sustainability targets. This progress is a testament to our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and reaching our carbon reduction targets by 2025.
In addition to our sustainability efforts, our newly launched Concrete College (see page 10) has proven to be a valuable resource, allowing us to engage directly with you and gather essential feedback. This platform not only enhances our relationship but also ensures that we stay informed about your needs and expectations. The feedback we receive helps us innovate and improve our products and services, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. As we move past the halfway point of the year, we look forward to connecting and collaborating with you even more closely. Together we can reinvent how our world is built.
Monica Manolas Region President – Ash Grove East
Manufacturing Institute Honors Monica Manolas
In the month of April 2024, the Manufacturing Institute recognized 130 women as recipients of the 2024 Women MAKE Awards, and we are thrilled to announce that Monica Manolas, our Region President – East, was among the honorees!
Monica was recognized for her significant impact and contributions to Ash Grove, the community, and the development of the future generation of female talent in the manufacturing industry.
At Ash Grove, we are proud to have Monica as part of our team, and we fully support #MFGwomen and their efforts to close the gender gap in manufacturing.
Congratulations, Monica, and thank you for being a role model and inspiring the female talent around you!
The full list of 2024 Women MAKEAward winners is available here:
Mississauga Cement Plant Environmental Product Declaration Update!
At the Mississauga cement plant, we strive to deliver the lowest possible global warming potential (GWP) on all our products.
Our original Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) came out in late 2020 with a GUL GWP of 834 kg CO2 / tonne. With some enhancements made to the plant, we were able to improve the GWP on our GUL by 11%, reducing the number down to 742 kg CO2 / tonne.
As we continue our path to carbon neutrality by 2050, we are continuously working on improving the plant year after year. In 2023, we made some changes to our fuel sources, optimizing the use of lower carbon footprint fuels to deliver the same high-quality cement to our customers.
This helped us lower our GUL GWP by an additional 3%, reaching 721 kg CO2/ tonne! You can refer to the graph below for updated 2023 GWP data for Ash Grove Mississauga cement plant materials.
Reporting is becoming more and more detailed and with the goal to be more transparent, we have adopted a new reporting method defined by the Ontario government: the Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program. The EPS program is tailored to Ontario's environment and economy and encourages industries to reduce their emissions without driving away
businesses and job creators. Unfortunately, this change in reporting led to a lower-than-expected reduction in our GWP. However, going forward we should see improved reductions as Ash Grove continues to optimize its fuel sources, prioritizing low carbon impact, and sources more raw materials locally to help reduce transportation distances. Finally, finding ways to use other industry waste products will help to further reduce our overall carbon footprint.
We will continue to update our EPDs to give our customers the best advantage when bidding on low carbon concrete projects. If you would like more information on low carbon concrete, EPDs and how to calculate the GWP of your mix design, please feel free to reach out to the technical services team at Ash Grove.
Ash Grove Mississauga Plant EPD – 2023
Production Stage EPD Results: Mississauga Plant – per Metric Ton
Ash Grove Supports Women on Site
Women on Site (WOS) aims to be a beacon of support and community for women and gender diverse individuals in construction, manufacturing and building sciences. WOS fosters a welcoming community that has a unique focus on networking and mentorship, with the aim to build meaningful partnerships.
On June 1, WOS held their annual bIWOSom Summer Social that connected and empowered women from across all industries. The day was filled with engaging events and inspiring conversations to help women spearhead important change.
As a proud WOS Bronze Sponsor for 2024, Ash Grove would like to take the opportunity to recognize four resilient women working in construction and supporting the growing community.
Meet the Directors in Charge:
Tessa (Co-Founder & Director of Finance), a Red Seal Bricklayer Tessa is currently Canada's youngest female 402A Brick & Stone Mason with a specialization in Heritage Masonry.
Constanza (Co-Founder & Director of Strategy), an Environmental Technician Constanza is an environmental specialist, and she dedicates her online presence to talking about equity in the workplace, good women's workwear, and WOS.
Samara (Co-Founder & Director of Communications), a Red Seal Sheet Metal Worker
After completing the Welding program at Algonquin College, Samara joined SMART Local 285 as a sheet metal apprentice. While completing her apprenticeship, she has been an active member of her union and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Rylie (Director of Marketing)
Rylie works in operations for a North American rubber surfacing company. Her role encompasses a wide range of duties from installation, training, marketing, and even distribution. She obtained her BA in Marketing in 2019 and fell in love with troweling rubber after taking on a communication role with the company.
Want to Get Involved?
WOS hosts monthly meetups where women in construction and related fields can connect in local, personal settings. The meetups are free to attend and are held on the first Wednesday of every month. Throughout the year, there are also ticketed events that are specific to important themes and additional opportunities to unite women across the industry.
If you would like to find a location close to you, please visit: womenonsite.ca/meetups
Permeability Testing Changes in the Industry
What is Permeability?
A measure of how easy it is for water, air, and other substances such as chloride ions to enter concrete. Concrete contains microscopic pores that allow these substances to enter. Larger pores allow easier entry, while smaller pores decrease the rate at which these substances enter the concrete. Evaluating the concrete prior to pouring for any structure is necessary to make sure you are mitigating any durability issues.
The Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCPT) determines chloride permeability by measuring the number of coulombs able to pass through a sample. This is a standard test method for electrical indication of concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration. The more permeable the concrete, the higher the coulombs; the less permeable the concrete, the lower the coulombs.
The Rapid Chloride Permeability and Bulk Resistivity Test tests the permeability of the concrete sample. It is an electrical indication of the concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration.
Contractors may be asked to provide test results on the permeability of proposed concrete mix designs. The RCPT is a crucial assessment method in civil engineering, specifically employed to determine the permeability of concrete and other construction materials.
This test provides valuable insights into the durability and quality of concrete structures.
During the RCPT, concrete samples or cores extracted from existing structures are subjected to an electrical charge. This process stimulates the penetration of chloride ions, a common cause of concrete deterioration. By measuring the electrical resistance, the test quantifies the chloride permeability of the material.
Significance:
• Durability Assessment: RCPT results help engineers evaluate the durability of concrete mixes and predict the potential for corrosion of reinforcing steel.
• Quality Control: It can be used as a quality control measure during construction to ensure that the concrete used in the structure meets specified durability requirements.
• Research and Development: Researchers also use RCPT to study the effects of various admixtures and construction techniques on concrete durability.
In the new CSA A23.1:24-A23.2:24 standard, changes were proposed to include Bulk Electrical Resistivity (BR) testing limits in Table 2 of CSA for C-1, C-XL, A-1, and A-XL concretes, to be tested according to A23.2-26C. This new testing method promotes a much quicker turnaround. The typical RCPT (23C) is a very lengthy, time-consuming test
(~2.5 days including preparing), which caused major delays in laboratories. The new Bulk Resistivity testing method is a fraction of the time (~1 hour).
Regardless of what method is used, here are some helpful tips to lower coulomb readings and decrease the permeability.
Having good practices in place lowers the chloride permeability.
• Low water-cement ratio
Note: Too low of a w/c ratio may also promote internal micro cracking leading to poor RCP values
• Use of optimal binder contents including silica fume
• The use of supplementary cementitious materials such as slag and fly ash
Note: the higher the percentage of slag/fly ash cement in a concrete mixture, the lower the permeability of the concrete
• Use of chemical admixtures such as corrosion inhibitors
• Good consolidation (helps decrease permeability)
• Having lower air content without compromising the spec
• Optimal paste content with a well graded sand to stone ratio (particle size distribution)
• Curing, curing, curing!
Ask The Tech Team
Hey tech team, How can I keep my concrete strong in the heat of summer?
Sincerely, Hot tamale
Getting the Best out of Your Concrete in the Summer
Ambient factors like high temperature, low humidity, high wind, or a combination of all these factors are typically observed during hot weather and can significantly impact concrete properties and the processes of mixing, transporting, and placing concrete. Hot weather can accelerate moisture loss and cement hydration, leading to poor strength development and workability issues. During these periods the following can likely occur:
• Increased water demand
• Accelerated rate of slump loss, often leading to the addition of water at the job site
• Faster setting rate, causing more difficulty in handling, consolidating, finishing, and increasing the risk of cold joints
• Higher likelihood of plastic shrinkage and thermal cracking
• More challenging control of entrained air content
Failure to address these issues can have adverse effects on the hardened concrete's properties, such as:
• Decreased strength due to water addition on site
• Reduced durability & wear resistance
• Increased permeability
• Increased potential in surface defects on hardened concrete
As per CSA A23.1, hot weather is defined as ambient air temperature that is at or above 27°C, or when there is a probability of the temperature rising above 27°C during the placing period (as forecast by the nearest official meteorological office). When this condition is met, additional measures must be taken.
A good plan and preparation are essential to ensuring high quality concrete during hot weather.
Meeting with the contractor ahead of time is highly recommended as both parties can agree to mitigative steps, such as:
• Plan for the quickest route to transport, place, consolidate, and finish the concrete
• Have all the equipment tested and materials ready to be used on site to avoid any finishing and curing delays
• Moisten the subgrade and forms to prevent them from pulling water from your concrete
Controlling concrete temperature is crucial to reach proper strength potential, quicker surface evaporation, set time of concrete and, most importantly, to help avoid rejection of loads. The concrete producer is responsible for delivering concrete in accordance with CSA A23.1 You can refer to the table below.
Altering the mix designs and materials being used can help slow down set times, maintain slump, and keep concrete cool. This can be achieved by:
• Wetting and ensuring aggregates are in SSD condition prior to batching the concrete
• Using higher slag replacement levels to slow heat generation from cementitious materials
• Utilizing admixtures to help slow evaporation, extend set time and maintain slump Note: a retarder can help prolong workability but can also leave the surface more exposed to evaporation, increasing your probability of shrinkage cracking
• Using a chiller to keep mixing water as cold as possible
• Using liquid nitrogen or ice in concrete to help keep initial concrete temperatures low
The most important step to achieving high quality hardened concrete is proper curing. Mitigating steps can be completely nullified if the concrete is not properly cured after placement. Uncured concrete can continue to lose moisture and build heat via solar radiation leading to surface defects, strength loss and durability issues. The goal is to begin curing immediately after placement to maintain internal and external moisture levels. The longer the cure is in place the higher the likelihood of greater strength and stronger surfaces. Good finishing practices include:
• Shielding concrete from the elements such as sun and wind
• Applying liquid curing agents
• Spraying or misting water above the concrete
• Covering with sheets/water-retaining covers and ensuring they stay damp Note: this can result in staining if covers are not kept flat
As always, every jobsite should include a curing box which maintains the concrete samples at a temperature between 15°C and 25°C. This will allow for a controlled strength development in concrete cylinders to prevent significantly lower 28-day strength breaks.
Permissive Concrete Temperatures at Placing
Table 14 – CSA A23.1
Scarborough Line 2 Subway Extension
As billions of dollars worth of new transit is being built across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), one such project, which has been in the works for the past years, is finally starting to take shape with a portion of nearing its end. The Scarborough Subway Extension (SSE) for Line 2 in Toronto, a major transit project managed by STRABAG Canada, is on track to finish by fall of this year under Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario.
This 7.8-kilometer extension will connect Kennedy Station with Sheppard Avenue/McCowan Road,
enhancing transit efficiency for those traveling to and from downtown Toronto and within Scarborough.
A large tunnel boring machine (TBM), named “Diggy Scardust” following a public competition, is driving the project. The TBM, shipped in parts from Germany and assembled at the Scarborough launch site in 2022, has created a 10.7-meter-wide tunnel, Canada’s largest subway tunnel once completed.
Construction began in 2021 with preparatory work for the TBM launch shaft. The TBM commenced tunneling in January of 2023 from the launch site at Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road, excavating approximately 6.9 kilometers of the planned tunnel.
The TBM was transported from Germany by cargo ship, arriving at the Port of Oshawa in November of 2021, and then moved by truck to Scarborough. A Mammoet Gantry crane, with a lift capacity of 2,000 metric tonnes, was used to install
the TBM in the shaft. The tunnel has been constructed with an Earth Pressure Balance TBM and features a 10.7-meter diameter Precast Concrete Tunnel Liner (PCTL).
The TBM has been advancing 10 to 15 meters daily, covering about 6.9 kilometers of the total 7.8 kilometers required. STRABAG engaged GFL for shoring work on the shafts and headwalls, with the launch shaft measuring approximately 28 meters wide, 80 meters long and 26 meters deep. The extension project includes one launch shaft, one extraction shaft, five headwalls for future stations and 14 headwalls for emergency evacuation.
Ash Grove has supplied over 15,000 metric tonnes of cementitious materials for this project, with roughly 20% used onsite for grout applications to fill cavities, address geological voids and secure tunnel liners. Ash Grove is proud to support STRABAG with high-quality cement for this significant infrastructure project.
Stellantis Battery Plant Construction in Windsor
Construction on the multi-billion-dollar venture NextStar Energy battery plant in East Windsor, Ontario, will mark its two-year milestone in August. This facility, a joint project between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis, is set to achieve an annual capacity of 49.5 gigawatt hours, equivalent to powering 450,000 vehicles per year once fully operational.
Over the past two years, Lakeshore and Lake Erie Concrete Supply Ltd., long-time and valued customers, have contributed significantly to the project by supplying concrete for the plant’s foundation and exterior slabs. East Elgin Concrete Forming, another key partner, played a crucial role in maximizing Ash Grove’s cementitious supply to help complete the interior floors. Lakeshore Concrete Supply alone has delivered over 60,000 cubic meters of concrete, utilizing Ash Grove’s Portland Limestone Cement and Duraslag.
Interior slab pours were conducted three to five days a week, with each pour averaging around 500 cubic meters, and some reaching nearly 800 cubic meters. During these operations, Lakeshore and Lake Erie Concrete Supply maintained a delivery rate of 150 cubic meters per hour, while continuing to balance their commitments to their other clients.
Upon completion, the 4.23-million-squarefoot plant will become Canada’s first large-scale, domestic electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility. Ash Grove is proud to support this landmark project in the Canadian EV industry by providing high-quality cement and supplementary materials in collaboration with Lakeshore and Lake Erie Concrete Supply Ltd., and East Elgin Concrete Forming.
Remediation of Sinkhole on Highway 400 Series
Navigating the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) can be particularly challenging, especially during peak hours, with the major 400-series highways often congested. These highways are primarily divided roads, most featuring at least four lanes. Notably, Highway 401, stretching across Toronto, reaches a width of 18 lanes – nine in each direction – making it North America's busiest highway. From an aerial perspective, it resembles the continent's largest parking lot.
The week leading up to Canada Day, CeMix Concrete Ltd. was urgently engaged to address a sinkhole issue at the intersection of Highway 401 and McCowan Road. The project required collaboration among three key clients of Ash Grove to swiftly remediate a significant sinkhole that had disrupted traffic on Highway 401.
The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) discovered substrate voids
beneath the pavement after observing cracks on the eastbound collector lanes. To address this, STRABAG Canada was called upon, which then enlisted Keller (North America) for specialized compaction grouting techniques.
Given the slow and precise nature of this process, volumetric concrete mixers were deemed essential. CeMix Concrete Ltd. was rapidly mobilized to provide support. A tailored compaction grouting mix was employed, with concrete delivered continuously in 12-hour shifts (around-the-clock), including over the Canada Day long weekend. The process involved injecting grout beneath the highway through holes drilled to a depth of up to 15 meters. During each shift, up to three holes were drilled, requiring up to six cubic meters of grout. Multiple holes were drilled across the eastbound and westbound collector lanes, as well as the westbound express lanes of Highway 401, just east of McCowan Road.
The compaction grouting effectively stabilized the soil, resolving the issue and preventing potentially severe disruptions or accidents. We extend our gratitude to Ash Grove’s valued clients for their prompt action, which averted further delays and enhanced road safety on the 400-series highways.
Attend Concrete College
The Mississauga plant has been successfully hosting a valuable full-day seminar called “Concrete College”, which includes an in-depth plant tour and covers technical topics including the fundamentals of concrete.
Understanding the basics of a successful concrete structure requires knowledge about materials, properties, mixing, placing, curing, protection and testing. “Concrete College” raises awareness about the cement manufacturing process, including an overview of current and new SCMs, the advantages of using them, as well as EPDs, just to list a few of the exciting topics covered during the seminar. During this valuable learning experience at the Mississauga cement plant, our focus is to give our customers the opportunity to participate in a highly informative tour.
Please contact our technical services team to arrange this fun and exciting lunch and learn.
Ogden Point Hosts Open House and Celebrates 65 Years
On June 15, 2024, Ash Grove's Ogden Point Quarry in Colborne, ON, celebrated its 65th anniversary with an open house, marking its first in six years.
Established in 1959, the quarry welcomed the community to gain insight into its operations and daily activities. Guests enjoyed tours via buses, with some even riding heavy-duty dump trucks, alongside complimentary lunch and a birthday cake.
The event attracted over 400 attendees from the local area and garnered coverage in local newspapers. The Deputy Mayor, Sandra Arthur, presented a certificate honoring the quarry's milestone achievement.
Visitors had the unique opportunity to descend 150 feet below lake level on a tour bus to the third quarry level, with plans for two additional levels, totaling 120 feet, indicating approximately 85 more years of reserve limestone.
We extend our gratitude to our dedicated employees, community members, and the Deputy Mayor for their participation, contributing to the event’s success.
For those who missed the open house, the following video offers insights into the Ash Grove Ogden Point Quarry experience.
Gord's Journey to Gold and Beyond: A Triumph at the OSGA
On February 8, 2024, Gord experienced a momentous occasion at the Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) event in Orillia.
Selected as a player for the Brampton Falcons Hockey Team, Gord and his teammates demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, going undefeated throughout the competition. Their hard work and dedication paid off as they brought home the coveted gold medal.
This victory marked a significant achievement for Gord and his team, but it was just the beginning. Gord's outstanding performance earned him the honour of representing Ontario in the Senior Canada Games, set to take place in Quebec City during the last week of August.
Lower GWP Value HE Product in the Works
Ash Grove is always looking to provide our customers with new lower global warming potential (GWP) products to help them achieve their sustainability goals. Ready mix customers are currently using GUL instead of GU to help them lower their carbon footprint, but what does the precast industry have? Many pre-casters utilize HE (high early) cement to capitalize on early age strength development. Unfortunately, HE requires more energy and time to make due to
its finer particle size and because of this it is the highest GWP product that the Ash Grove Mississauga cement plant provides. The pre-cast industry is starting to receive GWP requirements on their orders and to help them meet these requirements, Ash Grove is working on a HE limestone product, HEL. Our goal is to provide our customers with equivalent strength and workability that the current HE product provides at a considerably lower GWP value. We are
Gord’s journey from the OSGA to the Senior Canada Games is a testament to his dedication and passion for hockey. As he gears up for the end-of-summer event, the entire community eagerly anticipates more triumphs and thrilling moments from Gord and the Brampton Falcons. Congratulations Gordo!
performing several trials and tests on this product to ensure a smooth introduction to the market. This will help our pre-cast customers be more competitive in this sustainability driven market.
What can we expect from HE once HEL is available? Both products will remain for some time to allow our customers to adjust and transition. HEL is another key stepping stone to helping Ash Grove achieve its 2050 net zero goals.
