June '10 Concrete Openings

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Step by Step Cutting five-Story Stairwell Cut Free in Cleveland Famous Mural Removed from Pittsburgh Subway Wall Concrete Walkway Cut with Wall Saw at Texas Hospital wine headquarters Building Renovation in New Zealand w w w. c s d a . o r g

President’s Page

Douglas H. Walker CSDA President

W

inter is over, spring has sprung, and already it is summer. This

needed some help, we could call another member anywhere in the country,

is a busy time for many of us and, with the current economic

and someone would give us the answer to our question.

climate, it is even more important to analyze costs—costs

We also put a great emphasis on training and CSDA really helped us

of everything from paper clips to saw blades—to see what the value of

with that. We started to send operators to CSDA training classes in Florida,

the item really is. So what value does CSDA membership hold for you?

and now we have 10 men who are Certified Operators. Our Certified

Being part of the CSDA membership brings value through the wealth

Operators wear their badges with a great sense of pride. What was the

of additional information you can get, like slurry analysis reports, safety

value of getting these employees trained properly? Better workers doing

procedure documentation in safety manuals and handbooks, and studies

better work and the company being more profitable as a result.

on cutting tolerances and limits. You have access to training classes at

With regard to safety, our company has added pre-employment

a discounted rate, either online, hands-on or even at your own facility.

and mandatory drug testing, extensive pre-employment physicals and

Membership also provides access to an insurance captive that is only open

toolbox safety talks. We hold weekly on-site safety inspections, monthly

to CSDA members—one of the largest values offered, in my opinion.

safety meetings and we offer bonuses to employees when safety goals

The biggest value, as regular member surveys conducted by CSDA show,

are reached. This combination has helped us achieve better safety ratings

is the networking that is done at the convention and regular Board and

for the company as a whole, has produced fewer insurance claims and

committee meetings. When you go to these events, you meet with many

has given us an experience mod that is half the industry standard. We pay

of your peers from all over the country—even the world. Everyone is free

less for insurance and we get onto job sites that our competitors cannot

to give advice and share information. This is information that you would

qualify to enter.

be hard pressed to get anywhere else.

In summary, we joined CSDA because we became aware of some of

When my wife Nancy and I went to our first convention, we were so

the benefits of membership as noted in Concrete Openings. Once we got

surprised and impressed that people would actually share information

involved in the convention and started participating on the committees,

and talk with relative strangers, that we decided to learn more about

we really began to see the true value of membership. We found that we

the association and join. We then started going to the seasonal meetings

were a better trained, safer and more profitable company. Along the way

and participated on many of the committees, particularly the Safety and

we have made lifelong friends in the business and have had some great

Training Committees. We learned so much in these meetings that our

experiences. So, if you are wondering what value you get from the CSDA,

company started to grow. Also, we began adding new services and applying

go to a convention or a seasonal meeting and see for yourself.

techniques to help us do certain jobs. If we didn’t know how to do a job or

w w w.CSDA. ORG

concrete openings | 1

DELIVERING INNOVATION CWS-200 CHAIN WALL SAW

LEADING THE INDUSTRY WITH NEW IDEAS TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS. • Long, narrow horizontal openings • Near ceiling, floor or wall • Confined spaces • Cuts through sill or overhang For more information visit icsbestway.com or call 800.321.1240 © 2010 ICS | Blount Inc. All rights reserved.

the official magazine of the concrete sawing & drilling association

CSDA OFFICERS

concrete cases

President, Doug Walker Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc. dwalker@atlanticconcretecutting.com

The Art of Concrete Cutting

Vice President, Jim Dvoratchek Hard Rock Concrete Cutters, Inc. jimd@hardrockconcretecutters.com

CSDA Member Goes Underground to Remove Famous Mural

Secretary/Treasurer, Judith O’Day Terra Diamond Industrial joday@terradiamond.com Past President, Tom Stowell Norton Pro Diamond thomas.stowell@att.net Executive Director, Patrick O’Brien Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association pat@csda.org CSDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Terms expiring 2011)

6

Larry Liddle Diamond Products Limited lliddle@diamondproducts.com Mike Orzechowski DITEQ Corporation mikeo@diteq.com John van Dyk Canadian Cutting & Coring Ltd. info@concretecutting.ca Kellie Vazquez Holes Incorporated kvazquez@holesinc.com

12

Kevin Baron Western Saw, Inc. kevinb@westernsaw.com Tim Beckman Cutting Edge Services Corporation beckman@cuttingedgeservices.com

20

Steve Garrison Hilti, Inc. steve.garrison@hilti.com Donna Harris Concrete Renovation, Inc. donna.cri@sbcglobal.net Ron Rapper Husqvarna Construction Products ron.rapper@husqvarna.com Jack Sondergard Central Concrete Cutting, Inc. jacksondergard@sprynet.com

w w w.CS DA. ORG

Opening up the Wine Concrete Cutting Helps Create New Home for Wine Makers

Kevin Warnecke ICS, Blount Inc. kwarnecke@icsbestway.com CSDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Terms expiring in 2012)

Hospital Operation Contractor Performs Incisions for Concrete Walkway Extraction

Roger Allen Diamonnd Tools Technology roger@diamondtoolstechnology.com

Step by Step Cutting CSDA Member Removes Hospital Stairwell

24 concrete openings | 3

Concrete Openings Magazine Official Magazine of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association Volume 19, Number 2 ISSN: 1093-6483 Concrete Openings magazine is published by O’Brien International, Inc., four times each calendar year in March, June, September and December. Editorial contributions are welcomed and advertisements are encouraged. Please contact the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association 13577 Feather Sound Drive, Suite 560 Clearwater, FL 33762 Tel: 727-577-5004 Fax: 727-577-5012 www.csda.org Magazines, newspapers and private individuals are welcome to reproduce, in whole or part, articles published herein provided that acknowledgements are made in the following manner: “Reprinted courtesy of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association, Concrete Openings magazine, Issue Date.”

No alterations should be made in the text of any article.

Publisher Patrick O’Brien Editor

contents

1

President’s Page

16

Tech Talk

18

Core Health

Preventing Heat-related Illness

30

The Business of Business

34

Safety Counts

36

Insurance Corner

How Safe is Your Power Cutter?

Leadership 2.0: Building Trust, the Forgotten Application

Hearing Conservation Program

Overcoming the Challenges of Differing Site Conditions

Cherryl O’Brien Assistant Editor

40 Industry Bits

Russell Hitchen CONCRETE CASE Contributors

50 Certified Operator Companies

Dan Matesic Donna Harris Penny Simons Geoff Russell Barbara Ford

52

New Members

53

Calendar

56

Directors Dialogue

Editorial Review Committee Skip Aston Rod Newton Pat Stepanski The information and recommendations in this magazine are provided for use by fully qualified, professional personnel.

The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association and the publisher disclaim any responsibility as to their use by readers and shall not be liable for damages arising out of the use of the foregoing information.

All bylined articles published in this magazine represent solely the individual opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association.

Cover Photo: Hillcrest Hospital stairway removal in Cleveland, Ohio.

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34

The “Pittsburgh Recollections” mural is valued at $15 million.

CSDA Member Goes Underground to Remove Famous Mural

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n late 2009, a project to expand an existing subway station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, drew national media attention because of one unique feature.

The expansion of this particular section of the city’s rapid transit, or “T” network was no different to most other underground rail projects except for one thing, and its importance was such that a specialist concrete cutting contractor was required to successfully remove it.

The item was a ceramic art mural consisting of 780 tiles that had been valued at $19,230 apiece!

The multi-phased project was tendered by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, with the intention of expanding the existing subway from its current routes to include a passage from downtown Pittsburgh, through a newly constructed tunnel under the Allegheny River, to the North Side of the city. However, one of the subway stations affected by this new route was home to an important piece of art that would require extreme caution and precision during its removal and relocation to keep it in tact.

The Gateway Center subway station contains a ceramic mural by artist Romare Bearden. The mural, entitled “Pittsburgh Recollections,” stands 13 feet in height and measures 60 feet in length, and consists of 780 12-inch by 12-inch tiles attached to a 3-foot-thick concrete wall. Commissioned for $90,000 by the Port Authority in 1984, the late

The 780 12-inch by 12-inch tiles were labeled for removal. w w w.CS DA. ORG

concrete openings | 7

Bearden designed the large mural to depict historical and cultural life

pated wire sawing numbers due to the methods we proposed, devel-

in the city. Around 25 years later, during the planning of the subway

oped and ultimately performed,” said David Matesic, owner of Matcon.

expansion works, the port had the the piece appraised for insurance

“Furthermore, the conservator now only had to remove an inch of con-

purposes and was amazed by the result. Following his death in 1988,

crete rather than 12 inches or more,” Matesic added.

Bearden’s work had dramatically increased in value to $15 million.

“Cutting with diamond tools was the only feasable way to remove

The tiles were grouted to the existing 3-foot-thick reinforced con-

the tiles from the wall,” said Dan Matesic of Matcon. “They were

crete wall with little or no spacing. The plan was to cut and remove each

adhered in a grout bed so attempting to pry the tiles from the wall

of the 12-inch by 12-inch tiles individually and store securely, before

would have cracked them.” Chipping the tiles from the other side of the

reinstalling the complete piece of art in the shell of the new Gateway

wall had also been considered, but was deemed to be unsuitable due

Center Station upon completion of the construction works. North Shore

to the wall thickness and the heavy reinforcement contained within.

Constructors, a joint venture of Trumbull Corp. of Pennsylvania, and

Using specialized cutting equipment provided the minimum amount of

Japanese company Obayashi Corp., acted as the general contractor for

vibration together with lower levels of noise and debris, a much more

the project. North Shore Constructors needed to find a cutting contrac-

suitable method to handle such a delicate and expensive mural.

tor to remove the tiles from the wall under the supervision of CSDA

First, using a specially designed track saw with ultra-thin ceramic

member McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory, Inc. of Oberlin, Ohio.

discs, Matcon scored each grout joint horizontally and vertically to

Diamond sawcutting was required perpendicular at the grout joints then

depths of 1.5 to 2 inches. Then, directly adjacent to one side of the

parallel behind the tile, and so local CSDA contractor Matcon Diamond,

mural, the cutting contractor completely removed a 4-foot-wide panel

Inc. was contracted to perform its own form of art.

of the plain concrete wall, top to bottom, for access of the chain saw

During the planning stages of the job in 2006, it was thought that

rig. The cutting team set a Diamond Products track mounted Corner

the required diamond cutting would be performed by wire saw, and

Cut chainsaw in the new access panel and began cutting the tiles away

would cost over $500,000. This method would also leave approximately

from the wall, leaving approximately 0.75 to 1 inch of concrete attached

12 inches of concrete on the back of the tiles for the conservator to

to the rear of the tiles. Matcon modified the track pedestals to allow

remove. “Our contract price was substantially lower than the antici-

mounting for parallel cuts. As the tiles were not placed by professionals,

Matcon used a track mounted Corner Cut chain saw to remove the mural.

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The 60-foot by 13-foot mural took 10 weeks to remove.

A total of 1,487 linear feet of concrete was cut.

the number of tiles scored would vary from five to 20 tiles per day because of the differing spaces between them.

The chainsaw cuts were slightly angled towards the wall. Matcon painstakingly removed the tiles one by one from top to bottom, in each of 60 vertical columns. As each column was removed, a “saw tooth� look was created on the remaining wall. This cutting method was employed to allow access for the chainsaw on the subsequent columns. The cutting team removed each of the tiles individually, after which they were handed to a representative from McKay Lodge who would carefully wash them to ensure they were free of slurry before examining them for damage. The tiles were then packaged and sent to the conservation laboratory for the removal of fine concrete and final restoration. Like the scoring of the tiles, the progress of back cutting could vary depending on just how much concrete was behind each column and where any reinforcing steel had been placed.

As the tiles had little or no grout joint between them, it was of great concern to the owner and conservator to have as little impact on the sides of the tiles as possible. Matcon Diamond, Inc. procured a track mounted circular saw. This saw was modified to allow for a water port, and the track was reinforced for rigidity. The cutting team employed a

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concrete openings | 9

K2 Diamond 10-inch-diameter, 0.060inch continuous rim tile blade, as this was the thinnest curf that could be used to minimize the side wear on the tiles.

The modified circular saw and tile blade created the perpendicular relief cuts while providing minimum impact on the tiles.

The cutting contractor also fabricated two 18-foot steel posts by welding a gear rack onto them. These posts were secured in place from floor to ceiling, before a core drill carriage was attached to each one. The track for the circular saw was then fastened to the carriages, creating a “floating” track, which could be moved from one horizontal grout joint to the next without having to anchor to the mural. A similar configuration was used for the vertical grout joint cutting.

While performing cuts on the tile columns with the chainsaw, the team from Matcon encountered reinforcing steel. During the original placement of the concrete wall, the reinforcement had “floated” to within 1 inch of the face of the wall in some locations. At

McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory, Inc. assessed the cut tiles.

these points, the contractor had no choice but to slow the travel speed of the saw. This way, the saw would shave the reinforcing steel rather than

Gateway Center Station shell when the expansion works are completed

ride it and have it be pushed into the back side of the tiles.

in January 2011. The project proves there is a definite art to concrete

The cutting work at the Gateway Center Station was performed using track mounted equipment. The cutting crew was trained and

cutting, and is a great job for this CSDA member to have been involved in as Matcon celebrates its 25th anniversary.

aware of the safety issues inherent to the types of saws employed during the work. The team had to work off one buck of scaffold in order to reach the upper portion of the mural, and was required to be tied off during this time. The tag line and retractable lanyards were

Company Profile

provided by the general contractor, and Matcon provided harnesses

A CSDA member since 1987, Matcon Diamond, Inc.

for its personnel to wear.

celebrates its 25th year in business this year. The company

Matcon Diamond, Inc. began performing cuts for the removal of

is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, employs up to 75

the mural in October 2009, and the work lasted for 10 weeks with two

operators and laborers and has a fleet of 40 trucks. Matcon

teams running back-to-back shifts. In total, 12 horizontal cuts were

offers concrete cutting services of slab sawing, wall sawing,

made at 60 feet in length and 59 vertical cuts made at 13 feet in length.

hand sawing, wire sawing, core drilling and joint sealing.

This came to a total of 1,487 linear feet of cutting at depths of 1.5 to 2 inches. The 780 12-inch square tiles were shaved from behind, and one of the most pleasing aspects of the work from Matcon’s point of view, was that none of the tiles were damaged during or due to sawcutting operations. Work was completed exactly as bid and within budget. The contractor has since been awarded additional work on the same project, performing wall and wire sawing to assist in the continued demolition of the existing station.

The “Pittsburgh Recollections” mural is due to be returned to the

Resources

General Contractor: North Shore Connectors, a Joint Venture Sawing and Drilling Contractor: Matcon Diamond, Inc. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Phone: 412-481-0280 Email: estimating@matcondiamond.com Website: www.matcondiamond.com Methods Used: Hand Sawing, Chain Sawing

REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.concreteopenings.com/FORUM.CFM

1 0 | J UNE .10

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The cut sections were carefully lowered onto flat bed trucks for disposal.

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Contractor Performs Incisions for Concrete Walkway Extraction

M

embers of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association will often tell you that their work is clinical in its nature. The remodeling works at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, required the removal of a 150-foot concrete pedestrian walkway in order to construct a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) building on the grounds, and the general contractor needed to find a cutting contractor who had a steady hand to perform some concrete surgery. This CSDA member had the opportunity to prove just how clinical they could be when they were placed in a medical environment.

A 150-foot concrete pedestrian walkway was to be removed.

Cranes were used to hold the cut sections in place while cutting.

The Northeast Methodist Hospital offers cardiovascular services that

the work. “Concrete Renovation has had a good relationship with the

include open heart surgery and cardiac catherization. The hospital is

general contractor for some time, working together on a number of

also home to the Breast Care Center, one of the busiest mammogra-

projects. Because of this, Skanska was confident that we could complete

phy centers in San Antonio. Other services available include inpatient

the project in the time frame allowed,� said Patrick Harris, owner of

and outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy, imaging services,

Concrete Renovation, Inc.

in- and out-patient mental health services and a 24-hour emergency

The removal of the walkway was not going to be a simple task as it

department. A project was launched to create a new 97,000-square-foot

was located between two fully operational buildings. Noise and vibra-

building that would incorporate an advanced MRI room and medical

tion had to be kept to a minimum so as not to distrub physicians or

offices, however this would require some renovation of existing build-

interfere with patient recovery. Removal of the walkway in sections was

ings and structures.

imperative to limit the amount of impact to the exterior of the build-

A concrete pedestrian bridge connected two existing buildings

ings. Traditional demolition of the bridge with jackhammers would have

on the hospital grounds. The bridge measured 150 feet in length,

increased the chance of debris damaging the walls or windows of the

stood 14 feet tall and was supported by two 2-foot-diameter concrete

surrounding buildings. Dust also had to be kept to an absolute minimum.

columns. This walkway needed to be removed in order for the building

A meeting was set up with all parties to establish a plan for the proj-

modification to take place. Skanska USA Building, Inc. of Nashville,

ect. It was decided that the best way to split and remove the walkway

Tennessee, was named the general contractor for the construction

was to cut it into three pieces, then cut each of the support columns

project. After deliberating the various methods available to demolish

at 2 feet above grade. The largest section would weigh around 73,000

and remove the walkway, Skanska began its search for a concrete cutting

pounds, while the other two sections would weigh between 30,000 and

contractor who could perform precise saw cuts to disect the walkway

45,000 pounds. The cut sections could then be lowered to the ground

and carefully remove the cut sections from the job site. CSDA member

by crane. All relevant safety procedures and backup contengency plans

Concrete Renovation, Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, was chosen to complete

were established during the discussions. The cutting team studied the

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concrete openings | 1 3

cut from the column base, so Concrete Renovation set a guideline in place by attaching a length of rope around the column that was held by a member of the cutting team. This helped the crane operator steady the piece and minimize uncontrolled movements. Any excessive movement could have caused damage to the surrounding buildings or seriously injured an operator, so a crew member helped guide the crane operator to lower the piece to the

Operators performed 47.5-inch cuts on the walkway walls.

ground using the rope. This proas-built drawings to get a full understanding of how the bridge was

cess took around two hours to complete. These steps were repeated for

constructed, to determine where the cuts would be placed and how the

the third section until the whole walkway was removed and all pieces

crane rigging would be handled. The cutting team devised its plan to

were safely on the ground.

limit the amount of time cranes would be needed on the job, minimizing safety concerns and lowering costs.

For both the Concrete Renovation operators and people that used the bridge on a daily basis, a number of safety precautions were taken.

The first task for Concrete Renovation was to rig the middle section

All exterior doors that led to the walkway were locked to avoid any

of the walkway, which would be removed first, to the larger 120-ton

anauthorized persons entering the work area. Another concern was for

crane. The team would then rig the section of the walkway with the

the safety of the cutting crew, both on the ground and at height. Since

column below to the smaller 40-ton crane, close to the building. The

operators would be working out of boom lifts, safety harnesses were

crew made two 9-foot 8-inch cuts, 3 inches apart, on either end of the

required and operators were tied off whenever the boom was elevated.

section that was to be removed first. The next step was to wall saw the

The crew on the ground had to remain alert to the movement of the

walkway walls. Operators were positioned level with the cuts by boom

cranes and the lifts, and were trained accordingly.

lift, and were tied off with safety lanyards and harnesses.

One operator and a helper were stationed on each side of the walkway. For safety reasons, the contractor did not want any people or equipment under the walkway once work had begun. Each operator made one 47.5-inch cut on the walls of the walkway using a Cushion Cut wall saw from Husqvarna. The cuts were performed on opposite ends and opposite sides at the same time, taking two hours to complete.

The cuts were at a slight angle, so that when the walkway section was lifted out there would be no chance that the concrete would bind up. After the first section was cut loose, the cutting crew worked with the crane operator to guide the piece to the ground.

The second section removed was a piece that was 5 feet from the exterior wall of the hospital. This piece had a column that was to be cut loose 2 feet above grade. The wall saw was set up and the opertor began cutting through the column. It was anticipated that the cut section would swing free once completely

1 4 | J U NE .10

The contractor cut and removed approximately 150,000 pounds of concrete.

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The cutting work did draw a lot of attention from hospital staff,

This project is another example of how concrete cutting with dia-

patients and visitors. The cutting team remained ever-vigilant to their

mond tools can provide the necessary levels of delicacy and precision

surroundings and contained slurry and waste properly. The whole site

to make any operation a success. The accuracy of the incisions and dis-

was taped off. All crew wore reflective vests, hard hats, safety glasses,

sections performed by this CSDA member would not have looked out

ear plugs, safety harnesses and lanyards.

of place inside a hospital operating room.

Concrete Renovation employed two Cushion Cut 360 wall saws from REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.concreteopenings.com/FORUM.CFM

Husqvarna with accompanying power units and one Meco 35-horsepower slab saw to dissect the concrete walkway at the Northeast Methodist Hospital. To lower the cut sections, one 120-ton and one 40-ton crane were used, while two 60-foot, 4-wheel drive straight boom lifts elevated operators to the cutting area.

The cutting contractor completed 50 linear feet of 10-inch-deep wall saw cuts, two 8-foot by 16-inch-deep wall saw cuts and 32 linear feet of 4-inch-deep slab saw cuts. Approximately 150,000 pounds of concrete were removed. The project was completed in one 10-hour day, even

Company Profile

Concrete Renovation, Inc. is based in San Antonio, Texas, and has been a CSDA member since 1991. The company has 14 employees and owns 11 trucks. Concrete Renovation offers concrete cutting services including slab sawing, wall sawing and selective demolition.

though it was interrupted by a rain storm that delayed the setting up

Resources

of equipment. A total of 64 man hours were needed to complete the

General Contractor:

job between the five men on site. The project was completed on time

Skanska USA Building, Inc.

and the only change order issued was for the cost of an additional crane

Sawing and Drilling Contractor:

that was required for safety reasons.

Concrete Renovation, Inc.

“We are very pleased with how well the crew maintained good

San Antonio, Texas

communication with the general contractor,” said Donna Harris, office

Phone: 210-653-6120

manager of Concrete Renovation and CSDA Board member. “This helped

Email: ptharris@sbcglobal.net.

ensure the job went like clockwork, even with the freak rain storm. The

Website: www.concreterenovation.com

cutting work was a great success and was performed safely and effi-

Methods Used: Wall Sawing, Slab Sawing

ciently,” Harris concluded.

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concrete openings | 1 5

Tech Talk Tech Talk is a regular feature of Concrete Openings magazine, focusing on equipment, maintenance and operational issues of interest to concrete cutting contractors. Readers wishing to have a particular subject addressed can call or email CSDA with their suggestions at 727-577-5004 or rhitchen@concreteopenings.com.

How Safe is Your Power Cutter?

By Mike Ward

W

hen a contractor has a project that includes cutting indoors, planning is a crucial step to ensure the cut-

ting work is a success. Each job carries its own unique set of circumstances that need to be taken into consideration if the job is to be a success. In all jobs, especially when cutting indoors, the aspects of safety, choosing the right equipment and planning are the keys to proper preparation and ultimately a job well done.

Knowing all the requirements and specifications of the job is central to successfully completing the project. Cutting indoors means considering everyone’s safety, operators and occupants. It also means considering the equipment to be used. Since indoor work generally means disrupting a place of business, school or home, contractors have to be sensitive about the time of day the work takes place and how quickly it can be accomplished.

It is important to plan and help identify all hazards to make sure a job stays on or ahead

Air/Ventilation •

Knowing if there is proper ventilation

Dust and debris • If the indoor area is not properly

or air flow in the work space will help

ventilated, dust can accumulate in the

determine if a gas or electric power

space and can be hazardous to the

cutter is better to use on the project.

• Gas engines produce carbon monoxide

operator.

•

Dust and debris can make it difficult to

of schedule. Identifying hazards will reduce

and can be fatal if operators are

see if it accumulates in an area for a long

the chance of accidents, delays, unexpected

exposed to this gas in an area not

period of time. It is also dangerous to

costs and loss of profits. Most indoor jobs call

properly vented.

the operator’s health if inhaled for an

for cutting window or door openings in walls but they can also include spaces for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) units, duct work or plumbing and electrical renovations. Most of the time, these types of projects will require the use of a hand-held power cutter. Typical areas to be concerned about when working in indoor, potentially confined, spaces include:

Type of material to be cut • To help determine which tool is best to use, operators should determine how thick the material is. If a project calls for making deep cuts in walls, a chain saw or a hand held saw that can cut and break would be better to use than a typical power cutter.

• The type of material will also establish what type of blade should be used. If the proper blade is not used for the material to be cut, the number of safety hazards increase and the power cutter can potentially perform poorly and lose productivity.

1 6 | J UNE .10

extended amount of time.

The best tool to use in an area that has poor air flow and has dust and debris, would be an electric power cutter. This piece of equipment can help to control debris as it is lightweight and can be used either wet or dry. However, how safe is it to use an electric power cutter, especially if the contractor is going to cut wet?

It is important to choose a power cutter that has been designed and approved for wet cutting.

An electric power cutter specifically designed to cut wet will have a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed to help protect the user if there is damage to the electric circuit.

Saws that are intended to cut with water are

designed in a way to protect the electrical components from water that can interfere with the safe operation of the power cutter.

Power cutters that are intended to cut with water have special features that keep the electrical components away from the water used to help make the cuts and therefore prevent potential accidents. An important feature to consider when selecting a power cutter designed for wet cutting is that wet cutting power cutters can be used for dry cutting but a dry-cutting power cutter cannot be used to cut wet.

When cutting wet, it is important to monitor the amount of water used as this is a big factor when it comes time to clean up. Too much water will result in excessive amounts of waste water that will need to be mopped, shoveled, dried, swept or vacuumed. On the other hand, if a power cutter with reduced water flow is used, the dust and debris will be in the form of a paste-like slurry that can be easily swept or scooped up.

It is essential to use the appropriate blade for the material to be cut as well, since this will reduce the amount of slurry to clean up. The speed at which the cut is made will reduce the amount of dust and debris generated during cutting, and also reduce the amount of time it takes to clean up this debris. The longer a blade rotates to grind away the material while making the cut, the more the air is disturbed and the longer the dust and debris travels through the air and ultimately settles farther away from the cut.

If a contractor does not plan a way to contain debris, more time will be required to complete the job. For this reason, it is very important to choose the right blade for the material and application. Information about the recommended application; dry cutting, wet cutting or dry/wet cutting, along with the material the blade cuts, should be specified on

and outdoors, making them very versatile

into consideration at the planning stage of

the blade by the manufacturer. Choosing the

machines. Electric power cutters also produce

the project and the right tools are selected.

appropriate blade in the planning stage will

less noise which is necessary if cutting in an

save money and time in the long run, as blade

outdoor or indoor area where noise needs to

quality and price go hand-in-hand.

be kept to a minimum.

An electric power cutter is an efficient

Once all requirements and safety issues

choice for almost all indoor cutting jobs when

have been addressed, it is time to execute the

paired with the correct blade. Electric power

plan for a successful job. The issues involved

cutters can cut anything that a gas-powered

with indoor cutting add new elements that

cutter can, but unlike gas power cutters, the

need to be addressed. However, the job will be

electric versions can be used both indoors

completed with ease if these issues are taken

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Mike Ward is employed by Husqvarna Construction Products as the product manager for power cutters. Ward is based out of the company’s branch location in Columbia, South Carolina, and can be reached at 803-788-8860 or mike.ward@husqvarna.com.

concrete openings | 1 7

CORE HEALTH

Preventing Heat-related Illness

By Erin O’Brien

W

ith the arrival of the summer

Dehydration occurs when the body has

months, the warm weather and

lost a significant amount of fluid and electro-

shining sun is a welcome contrast

lytes (mainly sodium and potassium) and can-

to the cold, dark days of winter. However,

not perform normal body functions.

along with this change in seasons comes an

Heat illnesses are broken down into

issue with which all outdoor workers must

three types: heat cramps, heat exhaustion

contend—heat-related illness. The sun, high

and heat stroke. Heat cramps are an early

temperatures and high humidity become

sign of heat illness and are easily recognized

enemies to a worker who is not properly

by the spasm or cramping of skeletal mus-

protected against these elements. Sunburn,

cle, seen most often in the lower extremities.

dehydration and three types of heat illness are

Heat cramps are made worse when the body

severe threats to outdoor workers, especially

is already in a state of dehydration. Heat

those in the extreme climates of the southern

exhaustion is characterized by sudden and

United States. Workers in Texas, Florida and

extreme fatigue. Occasionally a person suf-

the Deep South should be especially careful

fering from heat exhaustion will faint. This

and take extra precautions to prevent against

is due to the fact that the body is attempt-

skin; have a weak, rapid pulse and headache.

heat-related illnesses.

ing to supply blood to the brain, muscles and

Heat stroke is the most severe type of heat

Sunburn occurs when the skin becomes

skin and is dealing with a reduction in the

illness and with heat stroke, the person is in

over-exposed to the harmful ultraviolet rays

amount of fluid in the body, caused by dehy-

extreme danger and will require immediate

of the sun for a prolonged period of time.

dration. A person who is experiencing heat

medical attention. Heat stroke is the failure

Sunburn can range from mild, where the

exhaustion will have an internal body tem-

of the body systems to function properly and

skin is red and sensitive, to severe, where the

perature of over 103 degrees, suffer from pro-

indicates a total shut-down of the body’s tem-

skin can blister, swell and become extremely

fuse sweating which causes cool and clammy

perature regulation system. The person’s core

painful to the touch.

temperature will be above 105 degrees. They will have hot, dry skin, dilated pupils and may exhibit violent or irrational behavior. They will likely be unresponsive and will eventually lose consciousness. A person experiencing these symptoms must be cooled immediately and needs advanced medical support. If untreated, a person can die from heat stroke within 20 minutes.

The best way to treat heat-related illness is to do as much as possible to prevent it from happening. While working in hot, sunny environments, workers should stay hydrated by drinking water or a sports drink containing five to seven percent electrolytes (sodium and potassium), continuously throughout the day.

Workers should also try to stay hydrated while not working. Beginning the workday already dehydrated will increase the risk of dehydration and heat illness for workers during the day. They should avoid working in direct sun-

Figure 1—Heat Index

1 8 | J UNE .10

light as much as possible. If working in direct

sunlight is necessary, workers should take short, frequent breaks in the shade to rehy-

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worker is sensitive to the sun, he or she should be sure to wear sunscreen, with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, to protect against sunburn. In addition, workers should avoid caffeine, alcohol and large amounts of sugar, as these will accelerate dehydration.

Temperature alone is not enough to mea-

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feels, or the “heat index” (see figure 1). The heat index is a calculation combining the air temperature and the humidity percentage in the air. A 90 degree day will feel much hotter if there is high humidity. The humidity, or amount of water in the air, makes it harder for the body to cool itself through natural cooling mechanisms such as sweating. Therefore, when humidity is high, and the temperature is too, the risk for heat illness is drastically increased.

Direct sunlight can also increase the temperature by as much as 20 degrees. Extreme caution should be exercised when the heat index climbs above 100 degrees.

The saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is especially appropriate when discussing heat-related illnesses. Simple practices such as frequently drinking water, wearing light-colored, loose clothing and taking short, frequent breaks will drastically reduce a worker’s chance of developing a heat-related illness. If a worker begins to develop the signs of heat illness, great care should be taken to hydrate and cool the person immediately to reduce the risk of developing heat stroke. If heat stroke is suspected, attempt to cool the person immediately and call 911.

Erin O’Brien, MS, ATC is a Certified Athletic Trainer. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Ohio University and her Master of Science degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida. O’Brien can be reached at erin@csda. org or 727-577-5004.

w w w. CSDA. ORG

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1250 NW Main • Lee's Summit, MO 64086 concrete openings | 1 9

Opening up theWine Concrete Cutting Helps Create New Home for Wine Makers

The completed Delegats office in Auckland, New Zealand.

D

elegats, one of New Zealand’s top wine makers, recently acquired new office space on the ground and first

floor of a building in central Auckland. The main contractor, Stanley Group Ltd. was given the job of refurbishing both floors before Delegats employees moved in. This included the installation of a curved staircase and ellipse-shaped viewing area to the floor below.

To aid in the installation of both the staircase and ellipse, sections of the floor had to be cut out in specific shapes. The ellipse was approximately 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter and the curved staircase was 6 meters (19.5 feet) long by 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide. The structure of the floor consisted of double-T beams with a concrete slab on top, ranging from 150 to 350 millimeters (6 to 13.8 inches) in thickness. Due to other occupants in the building, all work had to be completed outside of normal working hours.

Stanley Group enlisted the help of CSDA member A1 Kiwi Cutters & Drillers Ltd. of Auckland, New Zealand, to perform the required cutting work. “We were chosen because not only did we have 3-phase equipment in the form of hydraulic hand saws, ring saws and a bar saw along with an electric floor saw, but also because we had the experience and team to be able to carry out the work in the timeframe specified,” said Penny Simons, joint owner of the concrete cutting firm.

2 0 | J UNE .10

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Concrete cutting was the chosen method to create the specified openings, as it was the only way to protect the structural integrity of the building. Electrically-powered machinery was also the favorable choice, due to the fact that this type of equipment is quieter than gas-powered machinery and can be operated inside the building. This way, cutting work could be performed without disturbing residents in surrounding apartments. As both the staircase and ellipse have curved edges, a satisfactory way to achieve the desired cuts was to use a hydraulic bar saw. This saw was able to easily navigate throught the varying thicknesses of the slab.

An alternative method of cutting the concrete slab to create the openings was suggested; however, the use of jackhammers to break through the floor was deemed too loud and the vibrations too destructive for the building. Diamond tools were decided to be a better choice, as they are flexible and versatile enough to cut to over 350 millimeters (13.8 inches) deep where necessary. This type of equipment also cuts

The cutting team split the area into 50-kilogram (110-pound) pieces.

with almost no vibration, and is able to get close to vertical surfaces.

Once all plans had been drawn out and approved for the cutting work, the team from A1 Kiwi Cutters & Drillers got to work.

The first task was to draw an outline to mark the cut for the ellipse opening, after which an operator used a bar saw to score the outline.

The contractor then used an electric CC1800 floor saw from Diamond Products to split the cut section into smaller, more manageable pieces.

This cutting work took six hours, and the pieces created each measured 500 by 500 millimeters (19.5 by 19.5 inches) and weighed 50 kilograms (110 pounds). These pieces were then removed from site by a demolition team. The whole underside of the slab was supported using a crash deck while the ellipse was being created. This crash deck consisted of a series of support scaffolding and boards that were positioned immediately below the slab to prevent pieces from dropping and trapping the blade or chain.

As the cutting team moved closer to the scored outline of the opening, the floor saw was swapped for a Husqvarna hydraulic hand saw and ring saw to cut and remove the remaining area of concrete. Once again, the slab was cut into several smaller pieces so that it could be

A slab saw was used to cut concrete over 12 inches thick.

easily removed from the work area. This cutting work continued until 150 millimeters (4 inches) remained before the contractor reached the scored outline. At this point, the bar saw was utilized to achieve a smooth curve on the final finished edge. This finish was achieved by repeatedly plunging the bar saw while the cutting work around the ellipse was performed. It took a team of three a total of six hours to cut and remove the pieces of concrete slab from the work area to form the elliptical opening.

The cutting contractor then prepared to cut the required opening for the curved staircase. The same methods were applied to the cutting of this opening as the ellipse shape, scoring the outline before dissecting the area that was to be removed into manageable sections. The opening for the curved staircase covered a larger area than the ellipse opening, approximately 6 by 1.2 meters (19.6 by 4 feet) at its widest point, therefore it took the cutting team from A1 around nine hours to completely section off and remove the cut pieces.

During the course of the work, the team from A1 was wary of slurry building up on the floor of the concrete sawing work and spilling to the

w w w. CS DA. ORG

An ellipse-shaped area was cut first.

concrete openings | 2 1

The finished viewing area and staircase.

floor below. All slurry and waste material was controlled and collected

Unfortunately, the team from A1 were not able to sample the wine

using wet vacuums on the floor below. Any debris from the cutting

after successful completion of the job. Simons commented, “I believe they

work was removed and disposed of by qualified demolition contractors.

make great wine, but being from Manchester, England, I’m happier with

To create the openings for Delegats, A1 Kiwi Cutters & Drillers used

a cold beer after work!” The real reward for the contractor, however, was

a Core Cut™ CC1800, 20-horsepower electric floor saw from Diamond

achieving a satisfactory result from a challenging project, and the company

Products, a Husqvarna K2500 hydraulic hand saw and K3600 ring saw

took great pride in its work when the finished area was unveiled in the

and an 11.5-horsepower ICS hydrualic bar saw. A Numatic twin-motor

middle of 2009.

wet vacuum was used to collect slurry.

REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.concreteopenings.com/FORUM.CFM

One of the main concerns this CSDA member had on the job was to control noise. Any noise created from the cutting and removal of the concrete slab had to be kept to an absolute minimum, especially as the work took place in the evenings and residents lived in the adjacent buildings. In addition, the team had to contend with a reletively tight working space and closely monitor the removal of debris and slurry. A great deal of thought was dedicated to the setup of a support structure for the floor and for the collection of debris and cut sections. A combination of training, experience and the right equipment ensured that this phase of the building project was completed without any problems.

In order to protect operators and other employees against any falls from height once the openings had been created, a series of 1-meter (3.3foot) safety barriers were erected. In addition, all personnel in or around the work area were required to wear personal protective equipment, including steel toe-capped boots, ear defenders, eye protection and work gloves.

The cutting team from A1 Kiwi Cutters and Drillers Ltd cut and removed

Company Profile

Established in 2005, A1 Kiwi Cutters & Drillers Ltd. merged with Access Concrete Cutting in 2008 to become one of the biggest concrete cutting companies in Auckland, New Zealand. The company joined CSDA in 2009 and is also a member of the New Zealand association (NZCSDA). A1 Kiwi Cutters & Drillers have 14 operators and 10 trucks. The company offers the concrete cutting services of bar sawing, grinding, core drilling, slab sawing, ferroscanning, hand sawing, ring sawing, wall sawing, wire sawing and floor polishing and preparation.

Resources

General Contractor:

approximately 11 metric tons (12 tons) of concrete slab from the floor of

Stanley Group Ltd.

the Delegats building over the course of three six-hour shifts, working

Sawing and Drilling Contractor:

from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM each shift. The project finished ahead of the

A1 Kiwi Cutters & Drillers Ltd.

scheduled time frame, and due to the success of the cutting work the

Auckland, New Zealand

contractor has developed a healthy relationship with the general and

Phone: 64-9 420 3386

demolition contractors.

Email: thegirls@kiwicutters.co.nz Website: www.a1kiwicutters.co.nz Methods Used: Hand Sawing, Slab Sawing, Bar Sawing

2 2 | J UNE .10

CSDA Member Removes Hospital Stairwell

2 4 | J UNE .10

Core drills created 8-inch-thick picking holes in the steps.

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A $163 million expansion and renovation project at Hillcrest Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, will be completed this year. Its expansion includes a new 72-bed patient tower, a total redesign of the emergency department and operating rooms and the development of a new neonatal intensive care unit. A number of steps had to be taken to ensure the project remained on schedule.

For one concrete cutting contractor, this statement was literally true.

The removal of a five-story concrete stair system was required to create a new 8-foot-wide hallway that would run from an existing facility to the new construction, while the remaining area was to be used as mechanical shaft space. One story consisted of 21 steps that each measured 4 feet in width, with one main landing and two smaller landing areas. Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. of Cleveland, was chosen as the general contractor for this project. Whiting-Turner determined that specialized equipment would be required to cut the stairs cleanly and efficiently, and specified that the steps should be saw cut. CSDA member Precision ProCut of Independence, Ohio, stepped in to perform the cutting work.

Saw cutting the concrete with diamond tools offered the general contractor reduced vibration and noise, two features that were of great importance to the hospital administrators who requested minimal disruption during the expansion works. Following a site visit and review of the 11-foot by 20-foot by 74-foot-tall shaft, the team from ProCut made the necessary considerations for working in a closed space and determined the equipment required. The task was to cut the concrete steps and landing areas, then lower and remove the cut sections from the job site.

The cutting contractor began by constructing a water-tight rubber membrane in the basement level of the shaft in order to contain all waste water and slurry. The stairwell and landing areas were then

CSDA member Precision ProCut cut and removed a five-story concrete stairwell from a 74-foot-tall shaft.

shored with steel beams before a 2-ton electric hoist system was installed to lower the cut concrete pieces to the basement floor, where the con-

Steps were removed in pairs utilizing a Core Cut 1600 series wall

crete could be loaded onto flat carts for removal. Slurry pumps were

saw. Each section took approximately two hours to cut and remove.

also installed in the shaft to transfer slurry and other waste material

Safety was a major concern, so workers used DBI fall protection anchors

into 55-gallon drums for safe disposal. Once the preparatory work had

at various locations to secure safety lanyards. The contractor then cut

been completed, ProCut got to work.

each landing area by making two 4-inch cuts through the 8-inch-thick

Preliminary core drilling was performed

concrete, taking one operator two hours to cut. This process was

on the 8-inch-thick concrete landing areas

repeated for each of the remaining stories

and steps using two Weka 30-amp core

in the stairwell.

drills by Diamond Products. The core drill-

The cut sections of concrete, weighing

ing consisted of 150 holes measuring 3

approximately 1,000 pounds for the stair

inches in diameter. Steel chokers could then

pieces and 800 pounds for the landing

be fed through the picking holes to con-

areas, were lowered to the basement

nect to the hoist. Preliminary cuts were also

level by the hoist system and placed onto

made in areas where the stairs were tied

reinforced steel flat carts. The cut sections

into the shaft walls using an 850 ICS flush

of concrete were transported from the

cut chainsaw. Cutting work commenced on

work area and disposed of in line with state regulations.

the 5th floor, and the team worked its way down each floor from this point.

w w w. CS DA. ORG

Precision ProCut performed 1,580 linear feet of cutting at Hillcrest Hospital to prepare for the new facility.

concrete openings | 2 5

The 1,000-pound cut sections were lowered to the basement by hoist.

It was clear from the start of the job that the limited access in the shaft would be a challenge for ProCut. The team planned the works to include a shored hoist system that would be secured to the shaft walls, and operators took care to avoid any excessive side-to-side movement by the hoist and chains as they lowered each of the cut pieces to the basement. The rubber membrane installed in the basement area successfully kept slurry and waste material contained, protecting the shaft floor area against the potential hazards of water and slurry that could have flowed into occupied spaces. For the operators, safety harnesses were required at all times in addition to the standard items of Cut sections consisted of two steps that each took two hours to wall saw.

Concrete Sawing and Drilling Professionals A DiGeronimo Company

Wall Sawing Slab Sawing Wire Sawing Core Drilling

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5500 Old Brecksville Road, Independence, Ohio 44131

216.573-2400 phone

www.precisionprocut.com

2 6 | J U NE .10

•

216.573-2401 fax

personal protective equipment associated with the cutting of concrete and refractory material.

To keep the cutting work in step with the main project, ProCut employed a Core Cut 1600 series wall saw by Diamond Products, while an 850 flush cut chainsaw by ICS was used to score the preliminary cuts.

Picking holes for steel chokers to be used in the lowering process were created using a Weka 30-amp DK 22 core drill. Slurry was collected by two pumps.

In total, the cutting contractor core drilled 150 3-inch-diamter holes to 8 inches in depth, performed 1,580 linear feet of wall sawing on the stairs and landing areas and cut 690 linear feet of 12-inch-thick wall sawing to create space for the new connecting northeast hallway. Work commenced in October 2009 and lasted for almost three months. The work was completed on time and within budget, but more importantly, it was completed safely with no injuries.

“Minimal disruption of daily hospital functions was essential during the renovation project. ProCut’s team considered every detail, from reduced noise and vibration issues to specialized tools that were low in emissions and dust free,” said James Senick, administrative director of support services for Hillcrest Hospital. “The concern shown by the contractors for the safety of our patients, visitors and staff was evident in all phases of planning and execution. This concern, together with their overall professionalism, helped complete a complicated project with apparent ease.”

Hillcrest Hospital is due to open the doors to its new buildings in late 2010. This CSDA member is proof that if a cutting contractor takes the right steps, any concrete sawing and drilling project can be a success.

The James R-Meter MK III & Mini R-Meter Professionals Know Before They Start

REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.concreteopenings.com/FORUM.CFM

Company Profile

Precision ProCut, a DiGeronimo Company, has been in business for almost 10 years. The company is based in Independence, Ohio, and has been a CSDA member since 2001. The company has 24 employees and 18 trucks.

Precision offers concrete cutting services of slab sawing, wall sawing, wire sawing, core drilling, shot blasting and grinding, concrete removal and replacement, selective demolition and ground penetrating radar.

Resources

General Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. Sawing and Drilling Contractor: Precision ProCut Independence, Ohio

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Mini R-Meter An economical Rebar Locator for professionals

Phone: 216-573-2400 Email: gr@penv.net Website: www.precisionprocut.com Methods Used: Wall Sawing, Chain Sawing, Core Drilling

w w w. CS DA. ORG

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concrete openings | 2 7

The Business of Business

Leadership 2.0: Building Trust, the Forgotten Application

By Vanessa Winzenburg, Tim Tokarczyk and Willie Hepworth

T

he advent of new technologies in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has transformed the landscape of human

interaction. The world is smaller now than ever before, and people are more connected than at any previous point in human history.

Globalization, for example, has enabled us to outsource non-essential business functions overseas or to share resources within multinational corporations across borders. The proliferation of cell phones has connected us; workers can now communicate with each other almost instantaneously around the world at the touch of a button.

Further, social networking sites like Facebook and Linkedin have brought together millions of people into centralized locations, where access to their lives is open to all. These advances in technology have changed the way businesses operate. They provide both additional tools for leaders, as well as newfound obstacles to develop trust with their people. To truly increase the speed and efficiency of their organizations, leaders must be careful not to overuse technology, but instead, to develop a trusting culture.

vices, enable citizens of countries around the

countries’ citizens. Paradoxically, at the very

world to become citizens of a global commu-

point when humanity is more connected than

nity. Advances in medical technology have

ever before, people around the world are feel-

greatly improved the quality and length of

ing more isolated and alone.

life for millions of people around the world.

In the United States, depression is on the

With technology improving and increas-

Faster and easier access to a wealth of infor-

rise, affecting almost 19 million Americans (or

ing exponentially, we are living in times unlike

mation has transformed education as people

10 percent of the adult population) each year.

any before. The world will only continue to

have more options and resources for learning.

This disorder costs U.S. businesses as much as

grow smaller as technology becomes more

All of this communication comes at little cost

$51 billion in absenteeism and lost productiv-

powerful, cheaper and more readily accessible

today. Internet-based telephones have allowed

ity. Within the U.S. construction industry, com-

to the billions of people living in the Third

people separated by thousands of miles to stay

panies will replace at least one in four employ-

World. In fact, the wireless communications

in touch at virtually no cost. Social networking

ees annually, as a result of employees’ failure

industry grossed over $115 billion in 2006, with

sites have provided a forum for many people

to bond with the company and its leaders.

just nine percent of that revenue attributable

to reconnect and to build connections with

The quality of the connection that tech-

to North American users. Eighty-five percent

people they would not have met or other-

nology has provided requires further exami-

of cell phone users currently reside in Asia,

wise stayed in contact with. Technology has

nation. Face-to-face conversations have been

Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

provided an economic boom to countries like

replaced by expressionless and often ambig-

Virtual Connectivity

Technology has dramatically increased the

India and China, opening opportunities for

uous email. More conversations take place

quality of life around the world. The Internet,

education and commerce and greatly increas-

on cell phones than in person. Three billion

along with email and instant messaging ser-

ing the economic fortunes of many of these

telephone calls are made every day, and over

3 0 | J U NE.10

60 billion emails are sent worldwide every

While technology can increase speed and

day. Text messaging has severed personal or

connection in business, there is a fundamen-

face-to-face connection even further, allow-

tally different tool that leaders must use to

ing short messages to be sent in text rather

increase speed and connection with their peo-

than communicated verbally or in longer, more

ple, to inspire them to reach their full poten-

formal email communication. Amazingly, the

tial and to achieve remarkable business results.

number of text messages sent and received

That tool is trust.

every day exceeds Earth’s population.

Trust

The rise of newer and faster technological breakthroughs has both proponents and critics. It would be foolish to believe that technology has not vastly improved the lives of billions of people around the globe. However, it is similarly foolhardy to believe that technology is a panacea to solve mankind’s troubles. The proper place of technology comes up in many places in our society, but its role in leadership is often overlooked. Can technology be used to improve the quality of leadership, or is it a barrier, preventing peak leadership within an organization? While technology’s focus is increasing speed and connection in the business world, leadership is fundamentally about connecting with people.

Leaders who function at their peak level of effectiveness are driven by a strong set of values and beliefs and are skilled at many of the things you hear and read about in the press today—articulating a compelling vision of the future, setting clear strategy, getting the right people into the right roles within the organization, ensuring organizational goals are established and achieved, inspiring people to reach their potential and building the skill and competence of the next generation of workers. Each of these leadership tasks can be enhanced through the appropriate use of technology. However, while leaders should harness the benefits of technological advancement, especially in communications, they should also consider critical issues that arise in today’s high-tech/low-touch business environment. While email and smart phones are great tools for enhancing a leader’s accessibility—increasing frequency of communication between leaders and followers and expanding a leader’s access to information—they are frequently overused. We view this technology like a hammer, and therefore most issues, concerns or items on task lists appear like nails, or things that can be resolved with this trusty sidekick and thick thumbs.

Trust, simply put, is about confidence and credibility. Trusting someone comes from faith and a belief in that person. A credible person inspires confidence as someone that can be depended on, even in a pinch. Jack Welch once said, “I could give you a dictionary definition, but trust is something that … you know it when you see it.” Trust is often thought of as a social virtue and something of a soft skill that may be nice to have, but that isn’t an economic engine. Trust does have considerable economic impact. Consider the purchase of McLane, a Wal-Mart subsidiary, by Warren Buffet and Berkshire Hathaway. After only two hours of meetings between the parties, a deal was reached. Buffet and Wal-Mart’s representatives shook hands and two weeks later the transaction was completed. There was no due diligence in the $23 billion deal.

This deal closed quickly because Warren Buffet’s word is his bond, and Buffet trusted Wal-Mart representatives to uphold their promises. Stephen M.R. Covey has coined a term for this expediency as operating with the “speed of trust.” On the flip side of this coin, when trust is low, speed goes down and costs go up. For example, in the aftermath of the 9⁄11 tragedy, trust in the airlines was lost due to terrorism. The speed of transportation went down and travelers must now wait in long security lines to reach their departing gate. Costs increased, and travelers now pay for the upgraded security in order to make traveling by air safer.

Similar situations happen on construction projects. When a contractor submits a second dubious change order within a short time, the project owner may begin to lose trust in the contractor and hire a construction manager to keep an eye on his or her interests. The owner and design team will likely now ask for verification on all pricing. The contractor begins documenting everything in preparation for claims and litigation. At this point on, whenever there is a bump in the road, the process

www. C SDA.ORG

will be filled with conflict, negotiation and disputes. Over time, unless trust is restored, it will become increasingly difficult for this particular project to be brought in on-schedule and within budget. How might the situation be different if the owner, design team and contractor were all on the same boat and rowing in the same direction due to mutual trust?

Research indicates that total shareholder return in high-trust organizations is almost three times higher than the rate of return in low-trust organizations. According to the 2007 Great Places to Work survey, conducted by the Great Places to Work Institute in partnership with Fortune magazine, trust between managers and employees is the No. 1 defining characteristic of the best workplaces. A key ingredient for building organizational loyalty among the best employees is a trustworthy leadership team. Enron, Martha Stewart, WorldCom and The New York Times scandals are a few of the recent events that have chipped away at society’s trust in institutions, organizations and leaders. In a recent survey, only 54 percent of

c onc rete o penings | 3 1

consumers in the United States trusted busi-

erode trust. People that feel (or know) infor-

Tenacity involves determination and perse-

nesses, and only 39 percent trusted govern-

mation was withheld, positioned or postured

verance even in difficult situations. This attri-

ment to do the right thing.

will be much more suspect of future informa-

bute is a key component of consistency, one of

The construction industry also has its trust

tion they receive. Building trust requires com-

the core elements of trust. People trust lead-

issues. In a recent survey, contractors were

plete honesty, even when it is painful for one

ers who behave predictably. Tenacity requires

third from the bottom on a list of the most

or both parties of the communication. Over-

that leaders prioritize their commitments and

trustworthy occupations, surpassing only used-

communication is preferable; the more people

meet them, regardless of other emergencies

car salesmen and television evangelists. This

feel they understand the facts and motives, the

that arise. It is not always possible to maintain

is as much a perception problem as anything

more readily they will trust.

every commitment, so a good rule of thumb

else since the term “contractor” is used to

Integrity, the second behavioral attribute,

is to ask: Which commitment, if broken, will

describe disparate enterprises from remodel-

involves people doing what they said they

have the greatest long-term impact on rela-

ers working out of the back of pick-up trucks

would do. Making a commitment builds hope.

tionships and trust? Often the last-minute

to global firms building infrastructure. But in

Further, agreeing to a request either implicitly

owner or client request, if unmet, will do less

the end, it is up to each individual leader to

to erode trust than failing to deliver on a long-

build the relationships necessary to ensure

ago promised dinner with a spouse. In fact,

that they are cultivating trust on their teams,

when individuals say they can’t promise x, y

in their organizations and in their communi-

or z because of a prior commitment, it builds

ties. Understanding how to build trust is one

trust. The other person sees this as evidence

of the most valuable skills a leader can possess.

of the person’s character and tenacity about

Building Trust

fulfilling commitments.

Accountability means taking responsibil-

Trust is a key competency for construc-

ity for any unkept promises. Renegotiate any

tion leaders in the new era of globalization.

deadlines as soon as possible—before missing

Construction companies are facing greater

it. This requires honesty and candor about

competition and opportunities from overseas

the situation, rather than hopefulness. It also

firms. The speed of business is increasing due

requires courage for the person to admit he or

to these factors, and leaders that have built

she is unable to meet expectations. However,

trusting relationships in their organizations

this will help to clarify priorities by distinguish-

will be better suited to adapt to the rapidly

ing which projects the person can extend. Still,

changing times. The core elements of trust

the most important piece of being account-

are character, competence and consistency.

able is not the renegotiation. It is apologizing

Most people consider themselves to be of

for failing to fulfill the commitment and tak-

strong character, highly competent and con-

ing responsibility to “right” the situation and

sistent. This is because people generally hope

rebuild trust with the offended party.

others will judge them based on their inten-

Repairing Trust

tions. Unfortunately, trust is not built through intentions, but rather through behaviors and

or explicitly connotes a promise. Therefore, it is

Regardless of an individual’s diligence and

actions.

critical that leaders make commitments explicit

dedication, there are probably times when

Five specific behavioral attributes play the

so there is no confusion or misunderstand-

that person has failed to fulfill commitments,

strongest role in a leader’s ability to build and

ing regarding what has been promised. Then,

been caught in a “white lie” or has otherwise

maintain trust: honesty, integrity, accountabil-

leaders must fulfill those promises. Doing so

damaged trust in a relationship. People make

ity, tenacity and authenticity. These attributes

builds trust and models the behavior they

mistakes. That’s life. What is important is the

do not imply that a person simply doesn’t lie

expect to see in others. If employees sense

response. All types of relationships are built

and tries to do the right thing; they require

the leader allows, accepts or values behaviors

and nourished by trust. The key to rebuild-

much greater dedication and discipline.

other than those requested, they will begin

ing trust is to start with accountability and

Honesty means consistently telling the com-

to doubt his or her sincerity and lose trust.

honesty. Admit the mistake. Take appropri-

plete truth, and it involves communicating

Again, it is not merely intentions that will be

ate responsibility and commit to righting the

the facts clearly in order to be understood and

judged but the ability to deliver. So it is better

wrong. Clearly explain what is intended to

leave the right impression. It is often easier to

to promise the report by Friday and deliver on

remedy the situation. Follow this with integ-

avoid telling the whole story, hoping that the

Thursday than to promise Thursday and miss

rity and tenacity. Follow through on those

individuals involved will come to their own

the deadline. “Over-promising” is a leading

promises, no matter what. The more frequent

conclusion or that the situation will resolve

killer of trust. People will not trust others they

and/or severe the violation, the longer it will

itself and no more disclosure will be neces-

feel cannot deliver, especially if the individual

take to restore trust. Trust is not restored or

sary. Yet, these situations often backfire and

has failed to deliver in the past.

repaired often through a single “right” act,

3 2 | J U NE.10

but typically requires demonstrating a pattern of trustworthiness and over-delivery on promises. Despite the effort, it is almost always worth the investment to restore trust. It is critical for maintaining trust in other relationships (word travels fast), and for generating speed

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and efficiency in the workplace.

The concept of a united owner-designercontractor team all dedicated to the common purpose of a successful project is essential in today’s construction environment, and the foundation of all real teamwork is trust.

Absence of trust is the failure on the part of team members to understand and open up to one another. It stems from not admitting mistakes, weaknesses and concerns for fear of reprisal and is evidenced by a lack of healthy debate within the team. People view technology often as the solution to the majority of problems businesses face daily.

Technology can bring people together, but it also can leave them feeling more disconnected and isolated. While technology is an important tool for leaders, over-reliance and misuse can be costly. In the current rapidly changing business environment, “softer” skills like trust carry even greater importance. True credibility and confidence cannot be created through emails or text messages. Character, competence and consistency reveal them-

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selves in the every day, face-to-face interactions between people. To build truly powerful and trusting relationships, leaders must focus their energy less on their smartphones and laptop and more on developing deep personal relationships with their followers. The majority of communication occurs through nonverbal means, and relying too heavily on technology to communicate can create miscommunications, lead to procrastination and create a

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than relying on technology alone.

Vanessa Winzenburg is a senior consultant with FMI Corporation. She may be reached at 813-636-1256 or via email at vwinzenburg@ fminet.com. Tim Tokarczyk is a consultant with FMI. He may be reached at 303-3987260 or via email at ttokarczyk@fminet.com.

Willie Hepworth is a staff consultant with FMI. He may be reached at 303-398-7262 or via email at whepworth@fminet.com.

www. C SDA.ORG

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c onc r ete openings | 3 3

Safety CountS

Hearing Conservation Program

E

mployees in the concrete sawing and drilling industry are exposed

Hearing Protection

to high noise levels as part of their everyday work environment.

Employees are required to wear hearing protection when operations

This exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss. A Hearing

reach 85 dBA or above. This would include operation of wall saws, slab

Conservation Program (HCP) has been developed by the Occupational

saws, core drills, wire saws, chain saws and hand saws unless determined

Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) to protect the hearing of

by noise exposure monitoring to be below 85 dBA. Employees should be

employees, which includes noise exposure monitoring, audiometric

given a choice of hearing protection devices, providing these devices supply

hearing tests of employees, hearing protection devices, training and

adequate attenuation.

record keeping.

Training Program

Noise Exposure Monitoring

Employees should be trained initially, and annually thereafter, including

Operations such as wall sawing, core drilling, slab sawing, chain

instruction in the following:

sawing, hand sawing and wire sawing may present noise exposures

•

Effects of noise exposure

that exceed an eight-hour, time-weighted average of 85 decibels (dBA).

•

Purpose of hearing protection including advantages, disadvantages

Periodic noise monitoring should be conducted for each operation to accurately determine the noise levels to which employees may be exposed.

Monitoring should be repeated whenever a change in production or new equipment is used. Employees should not be subject to noise levels

and attenuation of various styles of hearing protection •

Proper use, care and fitting selection of hearing protection

•

Purpose of audiometric testing and explanation of testing procedures

in excess of the following noise level limits without proper hearing protection.

Recordkeeping Noise exposure measurement records should be retained for two

Duration (Hours)

8

6

4

3

Decibel

90

92

95

97

2

1.5

100 102

1

0.5

≤ 0.25

105

110

115

years. Audiometric test records should be retained for the duration of the employee’s employment. Audiometric test records should include: •

Name and job classification

•

Date of audiogram

Employees who are exposed to an eight-hour, time-weighted average

•

Examiner’s name

of 85 dBA should be included in any audiometric testing program

•

Date of last calibration of the audiometer

provided. The testing should be performed at no cost to employees. A

•

Employee’s most recent noise exposure assessment

licensed or certified audiologist, otolaryngologist or physician should

•

Access to records shall be made available upon request to employees

Audiometric Testing

perform testing.

Within six months of an employee’s exposure to noise levels at or above 85 decibels, they should be given an initial audiogram. This will establish a baseline against which subsequent audiograms will be compared. Each employee should have a new audiogram on an annual basis.

and former employees Premature hearing loss is a condition that can be prevented if correct safety precautions are taken. The careers of concrete cutting contractors can vary in length, but one certainty is that if a person’s hearing starts to worsen, the chances are it will never return to what it once was. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide the appropriate safety equipment to help prevent hearing loss, and it is the responsibility of the employee to make sure this equipment is worn correctly and whenever required.

This information was provided by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). CSDA and OSHA have been part of an Alliance to maintain the safety and health of workers in the sawing and drilling industry for over four years. The Alliance produces new products and documents designed to increase the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards and develops ways of communicating that information throughout the industry.

For more information, contact CSDA at 727-577-5004 or visit www.csda.org.

To contact OSHA, call 800-321-6742 or visit www.osha.gov.

3 4 | J U NE.10

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Insurance CornER

Overcoming the Challenges of Differing Site Conditions

By Stephen A. Melcher, Esq.

G

enerally speaking, a “differing site condition” is a physical condition encountered at the project site that

is materially different than indicated in the contract documents (or materially different than what would ordinarily be encountered in the type of work being performed). A “material” difference is one that affects the project cost or time for performance. This article demonstrates how one contractor overcame the challenges presented by differing site conditions, both in the field and in the courtroom.

Site Conditions Disclosed to Bidders It looked like a reasonably straightforward dredging job to the bidders. During the five years preceding the solicitation, the Army Corps of Engineers had been dredging the navigational channel of the river and depositing the dredged sand on a small

in the center of the island to further enhance

this would require the contractor to litigate

nearby island. After receiving some 70,000

the island’s capacity. Three soil borings taken

the Corps’ denial of the claims in the Board

cubic yards of sand, the island had reached

from the perimeter of the island were included

of Contract Appeals, a process that would

capacity. Now the Corps was soliciting bids

in the bidding documents. The borings

ultimately consume five years.

to make two changes to the island so that it

indicated that the native soils that would need

could continue placing dredged sand on the

to be dredged to create the cavity consisted

Debris in the Sand Pile

island in future years.

of silty clay ranging from very soft to medium

To restore the island’s original capacity,

stiff. Again, clay with these characteristics

the stockpiled sand would be removed and

ought not to present any especially difficult

transported to the riverbank. The contract

challenges.

documents indicated that the sand “might

However, what the contract documents

contain minor amounts of debris including

told the bidders about the sand and clay and

stones, rubble, wire rope, stumps and trees

what the contractor actually encountered

from snagging operations and other debris.”

when dredging the sand and clay were two

Basically, this was sand that had been dredged

very different things. Dealing with these

from the channel, so dredging the sand again

unanticipated conditions would require

to the riverbank ought not to present any

every bit of ingenuity and determination the

unusual challenges. In addition to removing

contractor could muster. To make matters

the sand pile, a large cavity would be created

worse, getting the Corps to acknowledge

3 6 | J U NE.10

While dredging the sand pile, the contractor soon found that significant amounts of sand bags, plastic sheeting and riprap were fouling up the dredge’s cutterhead and plugging up the dredge’s pump. The dredge would have to be shut down frequently so that debris could be disentangled from the cutterhead teeth. Detailed records maintained by the contractor enabled it to distinguish the additional downtime caused by this unanticipated debris from downtime for normal maintenance and repair. In all, downtime caused just by this debris was nearly 50 hours.

Debris Not Disclosed In denying the contractor’s differing site conditions claim, the Corps took the position that this debris had been disclosed in the

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contract documents. After the contractor presented its case to the Board of Contract appeals, however, the Board agreed with the contractor that the debris was materially

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what was indicated in the contract documents.

First, nothing in the contract documents suggested that the sand would contain sand

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previously dredged sand. Second, the phrase

• • • •

“other debris” would not have put bidders

•

bags, plastic sheeting or riprap. These sorts of materials would ordinarily not be found in

on notice of this kind of debris, and the word “stones” would not have indicated riprap ranging from fist-size up to 2.5 feet. Third, the amount of this debris was not “minor.”

The contractor encountered hundreds of large riprap rocks, hundreds of sandbags and hundreds of square yards of plastic sheeting.

Mechanical Dredging The Corps also argued that bidders should have anticipated large rocks because at least some of the dredging over the previous

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The Board rejected this argument, also. There was no indication of mechanical dredging in the contract documents. The only mention of mechanical dredging was buried within pages of detailed spreadsheets contained in

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mechanical dredging.

Man-Made Drop Structure In any case, it turned out that the rocks and other debris were not placed in the sand

C.O.ExpertEquipAd10.indd 1

1/15/10 7:46 AM

pile through mechanical dredging. Photos

pipes abandoned on the shore of the island

island, the bidder would not have concluded

and confidential internal emails disclosed by

suggesting that a drop structure had been

that the drop structure consisted of riprap,

the Corps during the trial indicated that the

dismantled. The Board, however, agreed with

sandbags and plastic sheeting, much less that

riprap, sand bags and plastic sheeting had

the contractor’s argument that it was not

those materials were abandoned beneath

probably been placed on the island as part of

reasonable to expect bidders to make such

the sand pile when the drop structure was

a drop structure constructed by the Corps. In

assumptions based upon the discarded steel

dismantled.

response to this evidence, the Corps argued

and pipes, in part because even the Corps’

that bidders ought to have anticipated such

contracting officer was unaware that there

a drop structure was beneath the sand pile

had been a drop structure on the island.

because there were several steel risers and

Moreover, even if a bidder had suspected a drop structure existed at one time on the

www. C SDA.ORG

Stiff Clay The debris in the sand pile was not the only problem the contractor faced. Dredging the native clay was also much more difficult

c onc r ete openings | 3 7

than anticipated. Although the contractor

Surcharge Consolidation

However, the evidence submitted by the con-

foresaw the possibility that the dyke at the

The Corps also argued that the contractor

tractor, including detailed contemporaneous

entrance to the sand repository might be

ought to have foreseen the stiffness of the clay

field logs concerning reasons for downtime,

compacted, it otherwise expected soft clay

because the clay had been under surcharge

persuaded the Board to reject each of these

for the vast majority of the native clay beneath

from the sand pile for a few years. After the

arguments.

the sand pile. Instead of being very soft, soft

contractor gave notice of the stiff clay, the

and medium as indicated in the soil borings,

Corps took several soil borings of the clay

Timely Notice

the clay was predominantly stiff and got

and confirmed its stiffness. Undaunted by this

stiffer as the dredge moved further into the

finding, the Corps did some remarkable mental

clay beneath the sand pile. The stiff clay was

gymnastics. Using a complicated formula

very difficult for the cutter to remove and

(which required knowing information not

often clogged the cutterhead. Some of the

known by bidders, such as the actual heights

clay was so stiff, in fact, that it could not even

and distributions of the sand pile over time,

be removed with an excavator.

how long the various configurations of sand

Change of Operations

pile had been in place and the plasticity of

In order to maintain as much productivity as possible, the contractor had to completely change its operations. The contractor had planned to use the dredge to cut the clay underlying the sand pile and to use water cannons to wash the sand from the pile down to the dredge. Instead, it had to use an excavator and bulldozers to remove sand from the pile and push it to the dredge. defending

its

rejection

of

the

contractor’s differing site conditions claim, the Corps made the usual argument that the bidders could not rely upon the soil borings, and pointed to admonishments in the boring reports to the effect that the borings were only representative of the subsurface conditions at their respective locations, that normal variations between the borings would not be considered as differing site conditions and that the contractor was responsible for making a determination of the characteristics of the native soils.

The Board had no difficulty rejecting such arguments on the grounds that giving effect to such boilerplate disclaimers would completely undermine the purpose of the differing site conditions clause, which is to eliminate speculation in the bidding process by shifting the risk from the contractor to the Government and thereby deter the contractors from adding contingencies to their bids to cover worst-case scenarios. Foster Constr., C.A. and Williams Bros. v. United States, 435 F.2d 873, 887 (Ct. Cl. 1970).

stiffness for the clay. Finding the predicted stiffness to be reasonably consistent with the actual stiffness of the clay, the Corps argued that an experienced contractor should have used such a formula and predicted the stiffness of the clay.

The Board rejected the Corps’ argument that the stiff clay was foreseeable. Although a reasonably competent bidder would

Boilerplate Disclaimers In

the clay), the Corp computed a “predicted”

understand there likely would be some degree of consolidation of the clay beneath the sand pile, bidders could not have ascertained the level of stiffness without hiring geotechnical experts who would either take soil borings beneath the sand pile or use soil strength prediction formulas.

Bidders are not expected to go to such lengths in their pre-bid site investigations, nor

stiff clay, thereby depriving the Corps of the opportunity to propose remedial actions that would have minimized the impact of the stiff clay. The contractor, however, established through a series of field records and letters that it had orally informed the Corps as soon as it encountered stiff clay and that it had given written notice as soon as it reasonably believed the stiff clay was affecting its productivity.

Moreover, the actions the Corps claimed it would have recommended were essentially identical to the remedial actions the contractor had taken on its own accord.

Final Victory After

struggling

to

overcome

the

difficulties the debris and stiff clay caused to its dredging operations on the project, and after five years of litigation against the Corps, the contractor finally received a well-deserved seven-figure sum in compensation for its two differing site conditions claims. In addition, the Corps was required to pay the contractor’s legal expenses. Ultimately, the contractor was made whole.

Conclusion

are they expected to assume a less favorable

Still, given the choice, one might ask

condition than reflected by the soil borings

whether it would have been preferable to

and then to speculate as to how much

have been spared the ordeal. The problem,

worse it would be. That would reintroduce

however, is that encountering a differing

the gamble of windfalls and disasters that

site condition is never a matter of choice. It

differing site conditions clauses are intended

is something that is thrust upon you without

to alleviate, forcing contractors to revert to

warning. When that happens, the only safe

the practice of increasing their bids to cover

course of action is to give prompt notice of the

such contingencies. The Board concluded,

differing site condition, take corrective steps

therefore, that the contractor was justified in

to minimize its impact and carefully document

relying upon the indications in the soil boring

any impact that can not be avoided so that,

concerning very soft to medium clay.

like the dredging contractor, you too can be

Miscellaneous Arguments The Corps also argued that the contractor’s planned method of operation, its selection of allegedly undersized equipment and allegedly high amounts of downtime for maintenance and repair substantially contributed to lost productivity during the clay dredging.

3 8 | J U NE.10

Finally, the Corps argued that the contractor failed to give timely notice of the

made whole.

Mr. Melcher is a shareholder in the firm of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A. based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He concentrates his practice in negotiating, mediating, arbitrating and litigating construction issues, claims and disputes. He can be reached at 612-359-7629 or smelcher@fwhtlaw.com.

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Industry Bits Husqvarna Diagrip™ Blades for Concrete Cutting Husqvarna has refined its Diagrip™ technology for the construction industry with the introduction of the HG3 high-speed blade and the R1220 and R1245 ring saw blades. The Husqvarna Diagrip™ HG3 high-speed blade is perfect for fast, smooth cutting of a wide variety of materials including heavily reinforced concrete. The Diagrip™ ring saw blades cut hard concrete, abrasive materials and stone. Diagrip™ blades include large coarse diamonds, increasing the thickness of shavings and resulting in gentler and faster cutting.

Diamonds are treated to ensure they hold in the segment longer, and are optimally distributed throughout the segment so they are exposed constantly. Segments are designed to promote efficient cooling of the blade to help dispose of slurry while expelling fragments and chips, saving blade life and ensuring a consistent cutting speed. For more information, call 913-928-1442 or visit www.husqvarnacp.com.

Roger Allen Named National Sales Manager for Diamond Tools Technology (DTT) Diamond Tools Technology (DTT) based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Allen as the national sales manager of its professional products group effective April 1, 2010.

Allen, a Board member and Past President of CSDA, has Roger Allen over 35 years of sales and management experience in the sawing and drilling industry. He will lead the expansion of the DTT sales group to provide diamond tools and services to professional sawing and drilling contractors throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, contact Allen at 612-408-9253 or email roger@diamondtoolstechnology.com.

CentralPoint Solutions Introduces New Software CentralPoint Solutions, LLC introduces CenPoint Software, a complete computer software package for operations and job management. Created for subcontractors, field services and construction businesses, CenPoint centralizes information to track job costs and manage tasks. The software organizes large scale and contract jobs in addition to small service and routine maintenance jobs. CenPoint’s features include an electronic job board, work order scheduler and a tool to transfer invoice and payment summary data to QuickBooks for integration. For more information or to arrange a free demonstration, contact Jay Shaver at 801-232-9768 or email jay@cenpoint.com.

New Diamond Wire from ICS® ICS® adds a new diamond wire to its line of professional concrete chain saws, diamond chains and accessories. The 10.5-millimeter (0.4-inch) wire uses 12 diamond impregnated beads per foot along with vulcanized rubber injection over a spring composition to hold the beads in place and protect the wire cable from abrasion. The combined effect of this engineering is faster and more consistent cutting over the life of the wire, along with a lower cost per square foot of cutting. Compatible with commonly used wire connectors, ICS diamond wire is available in convenient 50-foot and 100-foot lengths as well as custom orders in continuous lengths. To order, or for more information, call 800-321-1240 or email orders@icsbestway.com.

4 0 | J U NE.10

Industry Bits Pentruder Introduces New Wall Saw Cart

New Drill Motor Introduced by Diamond Products Diamond Products is pleased to introduce the addition of the Weka SR 35 drill motor to its product line. The SR 35 Electric drill motor allows drilling with a 2- to 18-inch bit capacity when mounted on a drill stand. The SR 35 motor does not require carbon brushes or rotating windings, resulting in reduced maintenance, and has nine optimal speeds. The motor is water-cooled with water protection. The 230-volt, 16-amp motor is suitable for high production applications and mounts onto the Core Bore™ M-2 drill stand. For more information, call 800-321-5336 or visit www.diamondproducts.com.

Pentruder introduces a new trolley/cart for its wall saw systems. The easy-to-maneuver, lightweight cart transports a complete wall saw, including tracks, and eliminates the need for multiple trips to and from the work area.

Pentruder trolley/carts have been designed to reduce the amount of time taken to complete a cutting job and to help contractors use space more efficiently in their trucks.

For more information, contact Terry Martin at 562-445-6429 or email terry@pentruder.com.

Hilti Introduces New Heavy Breaker Designed for heavy breaking applications and demolition work at floor level, Hilti unveils its newest electro-pneumatic tool, the TE 3000 active vibration reduction (AVR) Breaker. The TE 3000-AVR has the power of an air tool and is the same weight, but can provide power without the need for an air compressor.

Weighing 65 pounds, the breaker delivers 50 foot-pounds of impact energy to break up to six tons of material per hour. The TE 3000-AVR accepts standard 1.125-inch chisels. The new breaker incorporates Hilti’s AVR system to reduce vibration passed along to the operator during operation, reducing fatigue and allowing longer periods of work. An active cooling system reduces wear and tear on the motor, electronics and hammering mechanism.

Plus, the TE 3000-AVR features a brushless switched-reluctance motor that eliminates the need to replace carbon brushes — allowing longer intervals between service and twice the expected motor life. For more information, contact Hilti customer service at 800-879-8000 in the U.S., 800-461-3028 in Canada, or visit www.us.hilti.com in the U.S. or www.hilti.ca. in Canada.

4 2 | J U NE.10

Sensors & Software Releases Range of SPIDAR Products Sensors & Software introduces SPIDAR, a complete range of products and system architecture for networking any number of Noggin or pulseEKKO PRO ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems. SPIDAR provides full concurrent data acquisition, giving fast synchronized measurements. Integrated positioning, including capture of multiple GPS data streams and odometer triggering, are standard.

Data rates for each system are constant, and data volume increases as the number of channels increases. The DeckMap platform deploys seven Noggin 1000 systems spaced 4 inches (0.1 meters) apart.

Operating through menu driven, touch screen controls, the system can be operational in minutes. Using the DeckMap configuration, an operator can cover 5,000 square feet (465 square meters) per hour, revealing embedded elements like rebar, conduit, post-tension cable and even voids in concrete slabs or bridge decks. Concurrent operation of EKKO Mapper provides depth slice views created instantly. For more information, contact 905-624-8909 or email sales@sensoft.ca.

INDUS T RY

D-Drill Appoints New Branch Manager D-Drill (Master Drillers) Limited has expanded its team in the United Kingdom by appointing Jimmy Smith as the new Plymouth area manager. Smith has over 30 years experience in the diamond drilling industry and will apply this experience to develop the Plymouth branch of the UK-based company.

Smith began his career at Cut-a-Way in Luton, where he learned the techniques of diamond drilling, concrete cutting and track sawing. He then moved to Kilnbridge in London, before working for Drilltec as a contract manager. He was soon promoted to contract director. The appointment coincides with the expansion of D-Drill’s southwest branch to incorporate a new office and workshop facility in Plympton, Plymouth, UK. For more information, call +44 1752-341364 or email juliewhite@d-drill.co.uk.

www. C SDA. ORG

B I T S

Own a C-150?

ICS offers diamond chains and guidebars compatible with the RGC® C-150 Hydracutter™.

Call ICS for the best quality chains at a great price.

1.800.321.1240 Orders@icsbestway.com © 2010 ICS | Blount Inc. All rights reserved. RGC® is a trademark of Reimann & Georger Corporation.

c onc rete o penings | 4 3

Accurate Concrete Inspection.

StructureScan Optical is the only concrete inspection tool on the market with an optical barcode reader and patented Smart Pad technology designed for highly accurate 3D scanning.

Every time with the StructureScan Family from GSSI. TM

StructureScan Standard is a compact

Locate: • • • •

system that provides clear and reliable 2D and 3D data, while remaining userfriendly.

Rebar Metallic and non-metallic conduits PT cables Voids

StructureScan Mini is a field rugged,

easy-to-use, handheld GPR system that provides ultimate portability and superior data quality.

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. www.geophysical.com • sales@geophysical.com

INDUS T RY

New Roller Carriage from Expert Equipment Expert Equipment Company introduces a newly designed 2.875inch heavy duty roller carriage for the professional user. The roller adjustment is performed from the outside and the carriage can be easily disassembled for service.

The four-spoke handle can be mounted left or right, while the Cardi servo feed can be attached as an accessory. A four-hole motor mounting surface with a 0.5-inch key way accepts all traditional motor mounts and spacers on the market. For the first time, Expert has added two additional holes to accommodate a new quick-connect motor-mount plate for three- and single-phase double motors from Cardi, as well as heavy duty aluminum 8- or 12-inch spacers. The roller carriage also features a 2.875-inch anchor base with a tilting option. For more information, call 713-797-9886 or visit www.cardi.biz.

Grabber Introduces Patented Joint-Cleaning Tool The patented joint-cleaning tool created by Grabber Power Products allows professionals to pressure wash and vacuum saw cut joints at the same time. The joint cleaner is a time saving tool, and is suitable for meeting industry EPA standards. The tool uses a high concentrated blast of pressurized water to remove slurry from saw cut joints.

While the product removes slurry, it automatically sucks up anything left behind for a professionally clean, adhesive-ready surface. For more information, call Grabber Power Products at 480-967-2545 or visit www.grabberpower.com.

88 Percent Landfill Diversion Rate at WOC 2010 Outstanding results were achieved from the recycling program implemented at this year’s World of Concrete. Hanley Wood, LLC and Freeman indicate that 88 percent of the post-show waste collected at World of Concrete was diverted from local landfills and recycled.

Materials recycled included carpet, concrete, ferrous metal, carpet pads, glass, paper, wire/cable, plastics and wood. In addition to this post-show effort, WOC once again featured “Greensite.” In this high-traffic area, exhibitors showcased green build technologies and products along with interactive displays, daily live educational sessions and video presentations highlighting information on this important topic for the commercial and residential construction industries. For more information, call Steven Pomerantz at 972-536-6423 or email spomerantz@hanleywood.com.

www. C SDA. ORG

B I T S

Possible Tax Breaks for Contractors Certain companies can take a six percent deduction (increasing to nine percent in 2010) for U.S.-based business activities. Every business in manufacturing or construction should be looking at this tax deduction. While the Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD) comes with a very complex set of rules, the chances are that small and medium-sized businesses will qualify for the deduction much easier than the rules depict.

The Basics: Businesses with “qualified production activities” can take a tax deduction of six percent for 2009 from their net income. This is a tax break—pure and simple. The more complicated the business, the more complicated the math for calculating DPAD. All types of entities are eligible for the deduction.

Qualified Production Activities: A business engaged in the following lines of business may qualify for the Domestic Production Activities Deduction. These are the “qualified production activities” eligible for claiming the deduction under Internal Revenue Code, Section 199: • Manufacturing based in the United States • Selling, leasing or licensing items that have been manufactured in the United States • Selling, leasing or licensing motion pictures that have been produced in the United States • Construction services in the United States, including building and renovation of residential and commercial properties • Engineering and architectural services relating to a U.S.-based construction project • Software development in the United States, including the development of video games.

General Rules: The deduction is limited to income that is attributable to qualifying activities. If there is a net loss for the year, then there is no deduction. If any part of the manufacturing or production activities is outside the United States, then businesses can use the safe harbor rule (at least 20 percent of the total costs are from U.S.based production activities) or allocate costs using the facts and circumstances of their business.

Example: A company with a net income of $500,000 may qualify for a $30,000 deduction, saving $10,500 in taxes (based on a tax rate of 35 percent).

This information has been provided by Porte Brown, Certified Public Accountants, based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Porte Brown is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association. For more information, contact Russell Wilson, CPA, CCIFP, Partner, at 847-956-1040 or email rjw@portebrown.com.

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INDUS T RY

B I T S

Choice of Soff-Cut速 Blades from Husqvarna Husqvarna offers contractors an expanded choice of Soff-Cut速 diamond blades with the introduction of a new line. Excel blades are designed and tested to work in all aggregate conditions. New for 2010, the line of Excel blades has been improved for greater performance and 20 percent longer life. Blades are now color coded with a translucent paint according to the blade name and type of material it cuts. Excel blades are designed with a unique triangular shaped safety arbor that fits precisely on the saw arbor.

For more information, contact Cate Stratemeier at 913-928-1442 or email cate.stratemeier@husqvarna.com.

New Connector System from Pentruder Pentruder introduces a new digital connector system for its range of wall saws. The connectors are manufactured in-house from solid, aircraft-quality aluminum for maximum quality control. The new connectors are fitted with serviceable components, and maintenance can be performed by the end user with simple hand tools. The connectors allow the entire Pentruder product line to be run from the same Pentpak power inverter, cables, remote control and hi-cycle motor. This way, a contractor can add components instead of buying a completely separate system. For more information, contact Terry Martin at 562-445-6429 or visit www.pentruder.com.

4 6 | J U NE.10

INDUS T RY

New Gas Saws Introduced by Hilti Hilti introduces the Hilti DSH 700 and DSH 900 hand-held gas saws, giving operators more productivity with less downtime.

These Hilti gas saws perform in a variety of construction materials including cutting wet/dry concrete and asphalt for small repair projects, expansion joints and curbs, as well as brick and concrete block for small floor or wall openings. The saws also cut metal deck, rebar, bolts dowel bars, grating and other metals. The new DSH 700 and 900 saws have isolated handles with metal springs to minimize vibration and maximize saw control. With a counterclockwise starting procedure and a primer bulb for fewer pulls, starting these gas saws is simple. A cyclone filtration system and simple rope replacement system come as standard for easy maintenance and maximum durability.

For more information on the Hilti DSH 700 and 900 hand held gas saws, contact Hilti customer service at 800-879-8000 in the U.S., 800-461-3028 in Canada, or visit www.us.hilti.com in the U.S. or www. hilti.ca. in Canada.

www. C SDA. ORG

B I T S

Diamond Products Introduces New Vacuum Bonded Blade Diamond Products announces the addition of its new Core Cut™ A2Z Vacuum Bonded blade to its line of specialty diamond blades.

The new blade cuts materials like asphalt, concrete, fiberglass, metal and stone. The A2Z blade is also suitable for rescue and emergency situations. The blade is offered in 4.5-, 7-, 12-, 14- and 16-inch diameters and is compatible with the SpeediCut-XL high-speed hand saw. For more information, contact Diamond Products at 800-321-5336 or visit www.diamondproducts.com.

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CSDA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

PRINCIPAL BUSINESS ACTIVITY

$525

$1,090

$810

$855

$1,375

$1,030

$1,285

$2,040

$1,525

$1,730

$3,295

$2,175

$4,420

$2,750

$5,495

$355

$630

$2,465

*AFFILIATE: A person, firm, corporation, society, government agency or other organization providing services to the concrete sawing and drilling industry.

$130

C S D A • 1 3 5 7 7 F eather S oun d Drive , S uite 5 6 0 , C lear w ater , F l 3 3 7 6 2 tel : 7 2 7 . 5 7 7 . 5 0 0 4 fa x : 7 2 7 . 5 7 7 . 5 0 1 2 w w w . cs d a . or g 4 8 | J U NE.10

17reasons

t o b e c o m e a CS D A M e m b e r

Networking at Annual Convention and Quarterly Meetings

Roundtables

The number one benefit for members has always been the opportunity to network with cutting professionals at the annual convention and quarterly meetings.

The roundtable sessions at the annual convention and selected regional meetings give members a chance to share their wisdom and acquire additional knowledge. Information gleaned at the roundtables often saves members money.

Training Programs and Materials Over 1,500 members have graduated from nine classroom and handson training programs: Cutting Edge, Slab Sawing and Drilling 101, Wall Sawing 101, Wire Sawing 101, Operator Certification courses, OSHA Construction Safety and Estimating. Five training and safety videos/ DVDs are available to members at a discount. CSDA also offers online training at www.csdatraining.com for those members who are not able to afford the time off or the money required to send operators to remote classes. The site provides owners/managers with testing, scoring and documentation for employees.

Manuals and Promotional Literature

Concrete Openings Magazine

Specifications, Standards, Tolerances and Best Practices

Concrete Openings is the voice of the cutting industry with a circulation of 16,000 per quarterly issue. Members can advertise at significant discounts and have the opportunity to have their job stories reach 7,000 architects, engineers, general contractors and government officials in the only professional magazine dedicated to concrete cutting.

Complimentary copies are available for company promotion.

Specifications, Standards, Tolerances and Best Practices are available for the whole spectrum of cutting disciplines including core drilling, flat sawing, wall sawing, hand sawing and wire sawing. Twenty documents have been developed and new ones are in production.

Insurance Program The CSDA Insurance Program offers members coverage that includes Workers’ Compensation, auto, comprehensive general liability, environmental pollution, professional liability, equipment, Employment Practices Liability (EPL) and other lines specifically geared for the concrete cutting industry.

CSDA Website The CSDA Website at www.csda.org contains a wealth of information available 24/7 in the members only section. The online discussion boards also provide members a forum to discuss technical issues, sell equipment, hire employees or any other relevant topics.

Members have access to manuals developed specifically for them.

Members can make presentations with the Diamond Advantage Seminar Planning & Presentation Manual and find out how to market their company with the How to Market Your Concrete Cutting Business Manual. Four-color brochures, flyers and a video/DVD are ready for member use to promote their business to customers. Materials are designed so members can easily personalize them and avoid the cost of developing their own.

Resource Guide and Membership Directory The CSDA membership directory is available in print form and on the website at www.csda.org. The searchable web directory is especially valuable as the CSDA Website averages 150,000 pages viewed per month. The Specifications, Standards, Tolerances and Best Practices are included in the print version.

Membership Profile Analysis Periodic survey of members to collect statistical information on operating and financial information such as wages, profit and loss, safety, equipment and diamond tool costs.

Slurry Analysis Report

New members can receive personalized assistance from a current CSDA Board or committee member during their first year of membership.

This is an association-sponsored, 60-page report for members. The slurry analysis was performed by an environmental engineering firm with data compared to federal standards and recommended guidelines for slurry management.

CSDA Safety Resources and Toolbox Safety Tips (TSTs)

FREE World of Concrete Registration

The 230-page CSDA Safety Manual and CSDA 57-page Safety Handbook are designed specifically for concrete cutters and are available to members at a significant discount. TSTs are a positive way of communicating to your employees that your company is serious about their health and safety. They can be used in employee safety meetings and can be an important part of your company’s safety program.

Members receive free registration and reduced seminar fees for the industry’s annual exhibition of concrete-related equipment and supplies.

Mentor Program

Representation with Governmental Organizations CSDA have formed an Alliance with OSHA to advance the safety of cutting contractors. This partnership includes issuing Best Practice documents, joint exhibitions at trade shows, review of safety materials and the OSHA Joint Design for Safety Construction Roundtable. CSDA also actively participates with NIOSH on field testing and the NORA Construction Workgroup.

www. C SDA.ORG

Discount Programs CSDA offers its members exclusive programs for insurance, equipment leasing and online training, plus discounts on credit collection services, drug testing and safety services.

Cooperation with Industry Associations CSDA is a founding member of the International Association of Concrete Drillers and Sawers and works with other associations around the globe to promote concrete cutting and the use of professional cutting operators.

c onc r ete openings | 4 9

Certified Operator Companies Companies listed here have invested time and money to send their operators to CSDA’s Operator Certification. If you are committed to professionalism in the concrete cutting industry, consider sending your operators through the training programs offered by the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association.

A.E. BRICE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

CAL WEST CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.

CUT-RITE CONCRETE CUTTING CORP.

1510 Aspen St Baltimore, MD 21226 Tel: 410-354-8890 Fax: 410-354-8894 www.sawconcrete.com

3000 Tara Ct Union City, CA 94587 Tel: 510-656-0253 Fax: 510-656-8563 www.calwestconcretecutting.com

22 Lockbridge St Pawtucket, RI 02860 Tel: 401-728-8200 Fax: 401-727-2953 www.cutriteccc.com

ABC CUTTING CONTRACTORS– BIRMINGHAM

CENTRAL CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.

CUTTING EDGE SERVICES CORP.

W719 Leroy St Edgar, WI 54426 Tel: 715-352-2552 Fax: 715-352-2625 www.centralconcretecutting.com

1535 Old S.R. 74 Batavia, OH 45103 Tel: 513-388-0199 Fax: 513-732-1248 www.cuttingedgeservices.com

CONCRETE CUTTING SPECIALISTS, INC.

DEANDREA CORING & SAWING, INC.

10333 Hercules Rd Freeland, MI 48623 Tel: 989-695-5344 Fax: 989-695-5345

9630 Dallas St Henderson, CO 80640 Tel: 303-422-3885 Fax: 303-431-9661 www.deandreacoring.com

3060 Dublin Cir Bessemer, AL 35022 Tel: 205-425-7711 Fax: 205-425-7769 www.abccuttingala.com ABC CUTTING CONTRACTORS–MOBILE

26181 Equity Dr Daphne, AL 36526 Tel: 251-625-1100 Fax: 251-625-1103 www.abccuttingala.com ADVANCED CORING & CUTTING CORP.

1766 Route 34 Farmingdale, NJ 07727 Tel: 732-681-7733 Fax: 732-681-8733 www.advancedcoringandcutting.com AMBERCROFT LABOURERS’ 506 TRAINING CENTRE

1600 Major Mackenzie Dr E Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1P4 CANADA Tel: 905-883-4268 Fax: 905-883-4894 www.506tc.org ATLANTIC CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.

PO Box 98 Mt. Holly, NJ 08060 Tel: 609-261-7200 Fax: 609-261-7246 www.atlanticconcretecutting.com B.T. RENTALS LIMITED

#13 Buller Street Woodbrook TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Tel: 868-628-2703 Fax: 868-622-4244 CAL WEST CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.

1153 Vanderbilt Cir Manteca, CA 95337 Tel: 209-823-2236 Fax: 209-823-0740 www.calwestconcretecutting.com

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CONCRETE PENETRATING CO.

2303 Shorecrest Dr Dallas, TX 75235 Tel: 214-634-2990 Fax: 214-634-0953 www.concretepenetrating.com CONCRETE RENOVATION, INC.

6600 Randolph Blvd San Antonio, TX 78233 Tel: 210-653-6120 Fax: 210-590-2316 www.concreterenovation.com CORE SOLUTIONS LTD.

PO Box 3349 Maraval TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Tel: 868-622-8334 Fax: 868-622-3074 www.coresolutionsltd.com CORING & CUTTING SERVICES, INC.

1107 N Redmond Rd Jacksonville, AR 72076 Tel: 501-779-4072 Fax: 501-985-9781 www.sawconcrete.com CORING & CUTTING SERVICES, INC.

2711 SE Otis Corley Dr Bentonville, AR 72712 Tel: 479-271-9672 Fax: 479-271-9674 www.sawconcrete.com CORING & CUTTING of springfield, inc.

2074 N James River Ct Nixa, MO 65714 Tel: 417-725-4534 Fax: 417-725-0073 www.sawconcrete.com

DELTA CONTRACTORS & ASSOCIATES, LLC

605 S Caton Ave Baltimore, MD 21229 Tel: 410-624-0990 Fax: 410-624-0991 www.deltacontractorsllc.com DERRICK CONCRETE CUTTING & CONSTRUCTION LTD.

7039 Gateway Blvd NW Edmonton, AB T6H 2J1 CANADA Tel: 780-436-7934 Fax: 780-435-4389 www.derrickconcrete.com DIXIE CONCRETE CUTTING CO.

5297 Port Blvd S College Park, GA 30349 Tel: 404-761-1100 Fax: 404-669-2550 DIXIE CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.

16 Maple Creek Cir Greenville, SC 29607 Tel: 864-299-6600 Fax: 864-299-5009 E. LUKE GREENE COMPANY, INC.

619 E Maple St Johnson City, TN 37601 Tel: 423-926-1151 Fax: 423-926-5558 www.elukegreene.com

EAST COAST CONCRETE CUTTING CO., INC.

7229 Montevideo Rd Jessup, MD 20794 Tel: 410-799-4540 Fax: 410-799-1978 www.eastcoastconcretecutting.com EASTERN CONCRETE CUTTING CORP.

37-31 29th St Long Island City, NY 11101 Tel: 718-361-6123 Fax: 718-361-6101 www.easterncutting.com GRONEMEIER CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.

22 White Pl Bloomington, IL 61701 Tel: 309-829-7991 Fax: 309-829-2685 www.gronemeier.com HAFNER AND SON, INC.

90 Atlas Rd Northampton, PA 18067 Tel: 1-800-ANCHORS Fax: 610-262-4809 www.hafnerandson.com HARD ROCK CONCRETE CUTTERS, INC.

601 Chaddick Dr Wheeling, IL 60090 Tel: 847-699-0010 Fax: 847-699-0292 www.hardrockconcretecutters.com HARD ROCK SAWING AND DRILLING SPECIALIST CO.

PO Box 718 Keshena, WI 54135 Tel: 715-799-3823 Fax: 715-831-7840 www.hardrocksawanddrill.com HOLES INCORPORATED

9911 Franklin Rd Houston, TX 77070 Tel: 281-469-7070 Fax: 281-469-6207 www.holesinc.com HOLES OF SAN ANTONIO, INC.

118 Braniff Dr San Antonio, TX 78216 Tel: 210-349-5256 Fax: 210-349-0727 www.holesofsa.com

INTERNATIONAL DRILLING & SAWING, INC.

OKLAHOMA CORING & CUTTING, INC.

6025 N Douglas Blvd Arcadia, OK 73007 Tel: 405-715-2500 Fax: 405-715-2504 www.sawconcrete.com

PO Box 250013 Montgomery, AL 36125 Tel: 334-288-2355 Fax: 334-288-7299 www.idscuts.com

PACIFIC CONCRETE CUTTING & CORING, INC.

K.C. CORING & CUTTING CONSTRUCTION, INC.

PO Box 662261 Lihue, HI 96766 Tel: 808-245-7171 Fax: 808-245-9393 www.pccchawaii.com

7240 Central St Kansas City, MO 64114 Tel: 816-523-2015 Fax: 816-523-8493 www.sawconcrete.com

PENHALL COMPANY/CONCRETE CORING COMPANY OF HAWAII

LOMBARDO DIAMOND CORE DRILLING CO., INC.

99-1026 Iwaena St Aiea, HI 96701 Tel: 808-488-8222 Fax: 808-487-6679 www.penhall.com

2225 De La Cruz Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95050 Tel: 408-727-7922 Fax: 408-988-5326 www.lombardodrilling.com

PROFESSIONAL CONCRETE SAWING

M6 CONCRETE CUTTING & CORING

1030 S McComas St Wichita, KS 67213 Tel: 316-263-7251 Fax: 316-264-3517 www.conacc.com

ROUGHNECK CONCRETE DRILLING & SAWING

8400 Lehigh Ave Morton Grove, IL 60053 Tel: 847-966-6666 Fax: 847-966-6577 www.roughneck1.com TRUE-LINE CORING & CUTTING– KNOXVILLE LLC

1902 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN 37921 Tel: 865-637-2131 Fax: 865-637-1973 www.sawconcrete.com TRUE-LINE CORING & CUTTING– NASHVILLE LLC

280 Hermitage Ave Nashville, TN 37210 Tel: 615-255-2673 Fax: 615-255-9685 www.sawconcrete.com

8539 Oliver Rd Erie, PA 16509 Tel: 814-566-5555 Fax: 814-866-5555

FS20 Saw w/ Upright Handle Kit

CSDA Operator Certification November 15-19, 2010 The CSDA Operator Certification courses allow operators to become certified in one or all disciplines. The custom course offerings provide classroom and handson instruction covering slab sawing/core drilling, wall/hand/ chain sawing and wire sawing.

These courses are geared towards experienced operators who want to gain top-notch proficiency and productivity in these disciplines.

For more information, contact CSDA at 727-577-5004 or visit www.csda.org.

MiniSaw w/ 13” Bar

CD616 HydraCore Drill

Block e h t n o w a S The New

HV1810XL HydraPak

S16 HydraSaw

www.rgcproducts.com • 1-800-RGC-TOOL www. C SDA.ORG

c onc rete o penings | 5 1

New Members

Siempelkamp Nuclear Services

GFC-Golden Frond Co., LLC

Patrick Kennedy 153 Lott Court West Columbia, SC 29169 Tel: 803-796-2727 Fax: 803-939-1083 Email: pkennedy@siempelkamp-na.com www.siempelkamp-na.com

Waymark Concrete Cutting & Coring Ltd.

Champion Concrete Services, Inc.

Bob Schmidt 334 53 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2H 0N3 CANADA Tel: 403-291-4773 Fax: 403-291-4912 Email: bschmidt@waymarkgroup.ca www.waymarkgroup.ca

Mike Bevens 11416 E Newton Pl Tulsa, OK 74116 Tel: 918-438-6203 Fax: 918-438-6536 Email: championconcrete@aol.com

Diamondback Concrete Cutting, Inc. Kyle Rea 6216 E Janice Way Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Tel: 602-309-3314 Fax: 480-368-9161 Email: dcc1@cox.net

Glenn Monti PO Box 2837 3554 Bendigo AUSTRALIA Tel: 61-3 5441 5293 Fax: 61-3 5441 5930 Email: glenn@gmconcretesawing.com.au www.gmconcretesawing.com.au

Overseas Contractor

Affiliate

Emem Development

Robert Bosch Tool Corporation

David Tirado Lomas Verdes Ave 1C-14B PMB 108 Bayamon, PR 00956 Tel: 787-361-8185 Fax: 787-963-0180 Email: ememgroup@live.com

McKay Lodge Conservation Lab, Inc. Robert G. Lodge 10915 Pyle South Amherst Rd Oberlin, OH 44074 Tel: 440-774-4215 Email: mckaylodge@gmail.com

GM Concrete Sawing P/L

Edward Pchola 1800 W Central Rd Mount Prospect, IL 60056 Tel: 224-232-2353 Fax: 224-232-2368 Email: edward.pchola@us.bosch.com www.boschtools.com

csd a m e m b e r s h i p ( 1 9 9 3 – 2 0 0 9 )

1993

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Paul Rivera 8312 Lilac Ln Alexandria, VA 22308 Tel: 571-244-3028 Email: npipaul@yahoo.com

Sardar Rawanduzy Diera Salahudden Rd, 301 Rak Bldg Near Mashreq Bank Dubai 39711 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Tel: 971-4 297 8847 Fax: 971-4 297 8846 Email: sales@gfcdubai.com

555

Alexandria Property Inspections, Inc.

540

North American Contractor

of concrete cutting equipment and affiliated companies who provide products and services to the concrete sawing and drilling industry. Founded in 1972, CSDA reached the milestone of 500 member companies in 2006.

523

The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association is a nonprofit trade association of contractors, manufacturers, distributors and affiliates from the construction and renovation industry.

Membership in CSDA is open to concrete cutting contractors, manufacturers and distributors

2009

Are You a Fan Yet?

cutter’s corner This classified section is for use by anyone who wants to sell or buy used equipment, post help wanted ads or advertise business opportunities. Anyone interested in placing ads should send copy to Concrete Openings Classifieds, 13577 Feather Sound Dr., Suite 560, Clearwater, FL 33762. Copy can also be faxed to 727-577-5012 or emailed to rhitchen@concreteopenings.com. Cost: $100 for 10 lines for members; $200 for non-members. Additional lines $10 each. Copy must be in the CSDA office no later than the first day of the month preceding publication.

FOR SALE Target Groovers Two Target PGM 3600 runway groovers, each in its own transportable 20-foot container with tools, spares, water and discharge hose, 2-inch water pump, dollies, asphalt blades and spacers. The groovers are for sale as is, and are located on the island of Guam. They will be available from mid to late 2010. On site training and consulting services can be provided separately. The company has 35 years experience grooving in Asia and the Pacific. Contact John Stallman at 808-239-5539 or email jdstallman@earthlink.net.

5 2 | J U NE.10

CSDA is on Facebook, and we want you to become a fan!

The CSDA page is packed with all the latest news, updates, photos and videos from the association and Concrete Openings magazine. Look out for exclusive content and become “friends” with other fans that are looking to network and promote the sawing and drilling industry. Join our growing fan base and stay in touch with the association through your PC, laptop or mobile device.

Calendar 2010 CSDA Next Gen Meeting

June 10, 2010 Marriott Cleveland Airport Cleveland, OH Tel: 727-577-5004 www.csda.org Email: info@csda.org CSDA Summer Meetings

June 10–11, 2010 Cleveland Airport Marriott Cleveland, OH Tel: 727-577-5004 www.csda.org Email: info@csda.org CSDA Fall Meetings

September 9–10, 2010 Tropicana Casino and Resort Atlantic City, NJ Tel: 727-577-5004 www.csda.org Email: info@csda.org CSDA Operator Certification 201

November 15–20, 2010 St. Petersburg College Clearwater, FL Tel: 727-577-5004 www.csda.org Email: info@csda.org

CSDA Winter Meetings

December 2–3, 2010 Westin Mission Hills Rancho Mirage, CA Tel: 727-577-5004 www.csda.org Email: info@csda.org

2011 World of Concrete 2011

January 17–21, 2011 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 866-962-7469 www.worldofconcrete.com

National Demolition Association 2011 Convention

CSDA 2011 Convention

March 6–9, 2011 The Mirage Las Vegas, NV Tel: 800-541-2412 www.demolitionassociation.com

March 10–12, 2011 Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Bonita Springs, FL Tel: 727-577-5004 www.csda.org Email: info@csda.org

CSDA Spring Meetings

ConExpo/ConAgg 2011

March 8–9, 2011 Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Bonita Springs, FL Tel: 727-577-5004 www.csda.org Email: info@csda.org

March 22–26, 2011 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 414-298-4138 www.conexpoconagg.com

Why I Joined CSDA I was introduced to the concrete sawing and drilling industry when

that are unique to our service

I began working with my husband, Jaime, founder of Core Master,

industry. I doubt I could find

LLC. I knew it would be a challenge to understand the industry,

such a high level of well-prepared

therefore I made the decision to serve one year in the field as a core

documentation and quality

drilling operator to get some firsthand experience. As a woman

materials anywhere else.

working in the field, the year was one of the most challenging yet rewarding times of my career. This experience provided me with a new perspective on concrete cutting, and I learned more about how to manage a concrete cutting business in that time than I would have from any book.

I am often reminded that, “business is won in the office.”With a good team, strong skills, sound knowledge and dedication, you can

Lisa Gonzalez

be successful in running a business.

I was determined to learn all I could about the concrete cutting

I want to be involved with an association that out-shadows the others, is

business and grow a successful company, so my husband suggested I

determined to be the best and supports me as a member. That is why I am a

become a member of CSDA. Since joining, I have acquired a sound

proud member of CSDA.

knowledge of the industry. The benefits include having access to the knowledge of other experienced professionals, while being able to refer to materials, training, safety manuals and an array of other services

www. C SDA. OR G

Lisa Gonzalez Core Master, LLC Rocky Mount, North Carolina Email: info@coremasterusa.com

co nc rete openings | 5 3

the official magazine of the concrete sawing & drilling association

Circulation

Concrete Openings Website

16,000+ minimum, per issue 9,500+ member and prospective member companies made up of sawing and drilling contractors, manufacturers, distributors and affiliates

Concrete Openings now has its own website, which includes all the latest features and job stories from the current issue; contains archived issues; showcases sawing and drilling projects by technique; and provides the opportunity for readers to interact through discussion boards.

Visit www.concreteopenings.com for ad rates or more information.

6,500+ general contractors, engineers, architects and government officials who specify sawing and drilling

Target Your Message

Readership Per Issue An informal survey conducted by Concrete Openings concluded that for every subscriber there are at least 3.75 people who read each issue of the magazine. This gives a total readership of over 60,000 per copy. That works out to at least 240,000 impressions by readers per year.

Concrete Openings reaches sawing and drilling contractors, as well as specifiers of sawing and drilling services including engineers, architects, general contractors and governmental agencies. Why waste your message on unnecessary circulation? Advertising in Concrete Openings guarantees a targeted audience of industry professionals.

Readership by Location

Readership by Profession

51%

•

7% 42%

Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, Government Officials Cutting Contractors Manufacturers, Distributors

5% 4%

86%

• •

5%

• United States • Canada, South America • Europe • Asia, Africa, Australia

To receive additional information about products advertised in this issue, visit the advertisers page on concreteopenings.com, or contact the vendors below.

PAGE ADVERTISER PHONE EMAIL 43

Advanced Cutting Technologies, Inc.

204-222-7400

ted@advancedcuttingtechnologies.ca

35

Brokk, Inc.

800-621-7856

henrik@brokkinc.com

23

Diamond Pauber srl

39-05 85 830425

info@diamondpauber.it

46, 47, Inside Front Cover

Diamond Products

800-321-5336

jpalmer@diamondproducts.com

11

Diamond Vantage, Inc.

816-268-8310

info@diamondvantage.com

19

DITEQ Corporation

816-246-5515

jmiller@diteq.com

31

EDCO-Equipment Development Co., Inc.

301-663-1600

hommey@edcoinc.com

17, 37

Expert Equipment Company

713-797-9886

expertequipment@sbcglobal.net

44

Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI)

603-893-1109

harmonj@geophysical.com

Inside Back Cover

Hilti North America

918-872-3553

bennett.myers@hilti.com

28, 29, Outside Back Cover

Husqvarna Construction Products

913-928-1442

cate.stratemeier@husqvarna.com

2, 43

ICS, Blount Inc.

503-653-4644

joet@icsbestway.com

27

Iowa Wall Sawing

319-934-3280

kelli@iowawallsawing.com

27

James Instruments, Inc.

773-463-6565

angie@ndtjames.com

33

Norton Pro Diamond

800-854-3281

stephen.m.anderson@saint-gobain.com

41

Pentruder, Inc.

562-445-6429

terry@pentruderinc.com

26

Precision ProCut

216-573-2400

bford@precision-env.com

51 Reimann & Georger Corporation (RGC)

716-895-1156

peter.kowalczyk@rgcproducts.com

53

Sensors & Software

905-624-8909

sales@sensoft.ca

39

Toolgal USA Corp

706-283-9556

admin@toolgalusa.com

5

Western Saw

805-981-0999

cole@westernsaw.com

5 4 | J U NE.10

Director’s Dialogue

Safety and Training

Patrick o’brien Executive Director

R

eaders of Concrete Openings magazine, members of the Con-

employees needs to be developed and CSDA provides a number of

crete Sawing & Drilling Association and, in fact, most everyone

offerings to help cutting companies in this regard. Nearly 6,000 copies

I talk to in the industry, are probably tired of hearing me talk

of the 57-page CSDA Safety Handbook have been sold. Topics in the

about the importance of safety and training programs for concrete

handbook range from ladder and scaffold safety to fall protection and

cutting operators. Safety and training of employees must be two key

vehicle safety, as well as specific cutting safety topics that supplement

elements of any company’s business plan, especially to those in the con-

the safety provisions outlined by OSHA.

struction industry. To further illustrate the critical importance of safety

CSDA has also developed 84 one-page Toolbox Safety Tips (TSTs)

and training, CSDA has learned that the new assistant secretary for the

on a variety of safety topics that can be used for employee safety

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Dr. Michaels, will

meetings. TSTs cover topics such as Layouts and Locates, Electrical

focus on the importance of establishing a comprehensive safety program

Safety, Fall Protection and Scaffold Safety. New or updated TSTs are

for contractors. A focus by OSHA in this area will undoubtedly result in

sent to members quarterly. Under the Alliance with OSHA, CSDA has

an increased focus by all in the construction industry.

also developed a series of Best Practices that are available in both

The leaders of CSDA recognized two decades ago the need to provide

English and Spanish.

safety and training programs for cutting operators. Since that time

Five safety and training videos produced by CSDA have been

programs have been created, offered and continually expanded and will

converted to online safety courses for flat sawing, wall sawing, core

continue to do so in the future. The CSDA Safety Manual is one of the

drilling, hand sawing and wire sawing. These courses, along with other

most extensive projects undertaken by the association. This 200-page

courses that have been added to the online training website, make for

manual has been developed to assist cutting contractors in establishing

another comprehensive resource for companies with increasing numbers

safety and health programs that will benefit both employees and owners.

of users and companies utilizing this service. Very recent additions

It has already been reviewed by OSHA and recognized as a very good

include the OSHA 10 and OSHA 30-hour courses.

effort by CSDA. In the past, there has not been a requirement to have

The future of the construction industry will see and increased focus

a formal safety training program in place, and that may have been the

on safety and training programs to protect workers. The leaders of CSDA

reason why only 200 copies of the manual have been sold. However,

long ago recognized what would be needed and put in place a plan to

the focus by OSHA may accelerate the importance of manuals such as

ensure the operators have all the resources they need to conduct their

the CSDA Safety Manual.

jobs in a safe and effective manner.

Purchasing a safety manual is only the first step in implementing a comprehensive company safety program. A plan to continuously train

5 6 | J U NE.10

Hilti DD 350 & DD 500 Diamond Coring Systems

A new class of performance.

The Hilti DD 350 and DD 500 Diamond Coring Systems step up the frequency – and your productivity. Together with Hilti core bits, these systems take performance to another level. Supported by Hilti Lifetime Service which includes 2 year No-Cost coverage, these tools meet the highest demands of the professional user.

Hilti. Outperform. Outlast.

Hilti Diamond Systems 1-800-879-4000 www.us.hilti.com • en español 1-800-879-5000 • www.hilti.ca

DXR 310

NEW DXR 250

Taking it to the next level.

Just one year after Husqvarna unveiled its first demolition robot, the DXR 310, another robot is being introduced - the DXR 250. The DXR 250’s weight-to-power ratio has been optimized to make it both powerful and lightweight. The remote control is easy to operate with one hand, has a 3-1/2 inch color display and Bluetooth technology that is less sensitive to environmental interference. Its low-profile body ensures the operator can see over the machine when working, creating a safer and more efficient working environment.

The DXR 250 is perfect for demolition and small excavation work, both indoors and outdoors. It is also perfect for pile-driving and working in confined spaces. The DXR 250 was built for demolition.

HUSQVARNA CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS 17400 West 119th Street • Olathe, Kansas 66061 • T 800-845-1312 • F 800-257-9284 2077 Bond Street • North Bay, Ontario P1B 8J8 • T 800-461-9589 • F 800-728-1907 www.husqvarnacp.com Copyright © 2010 Husqvarna AB (publ.). All rights reserved. Husqvarna is a registered trademark of Husqvarna AB (publ.).