Concrete Contractor January 2020

18

Placing & Finishing Warehoue Slabs on Metal Deck

January 2020

THE LEADING TRADE MAGAZINE IN THE CONCRETE INDUSTRY

TECHNOLOGY

on the Jobsite

TRENDS IN COLORED

24

CONCRETE Choosing Between Dyes, Stains & Pigments 36

WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/CONCRETE

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Come see us at the World of Concrete booth # O31226 and # S11447

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- UPPER DECK - RESIDENTIAL - SLAB ON GRADE - 3D SURFACES

weight, power, navigation, and leveling capabilities.

A tubular aluminum main and screed head frame makes the SPIDERSCREED the lightest drive-in screed with an auger screed head.

High speed electric actuators drive Ligchine’s patented machine leveling system that produces superior numbers.

Ligchine’s Versa-Drive™ system allows for unmatched machine movement, screeding control, and speed.

SPIDERSCREED offers one of the best ROI models for a screed in its class. Ask us how!

SPECIFICATIONS: Weight:

1280 lbs | 581 kg

Width

94 in | 239 cm

Length

69 in | 175 cm

Height (To Lift Lugs)

Extended: 70 in | 178 cm Retracted: 59 in | 150 cm

Power:

Honda GX630 - 20.8 HP | 15.5 kW

Screed Head

10 ft | 3.1 m 8 ft | 2.4 m (optional)

Leveling Systems

Laser | two Topcon LS-B110 receivers Tracker | two Topcon ST-2 sonic trackers (optional) LPS | Topcon robotic total station control (optional)

Screed head: • Aluminum frame • Hardened steel auger • Floating vibrate finish blade

Independent hydraulic front wheel drive Drive System

Electronics

Wheels linked together in unison achieving zero-turn, parallel, and lateral steering and drive motions Eaton keypad for operator controls Parker MD4 7” touch-screen display for systems/diagnostic status Operator Controls

+1 (812) 903 4500 | sales@ligchine.com | www.ligchine.com

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WHAT’S INSIDE

January 2020 | Issue 1, Volume 20

Cover Photo Credit:Prosoco

Departments 6 Editor’s Letter 8 World of Concrete Products 74 The Last Placement

What’s Online How to Take Advantage of the Concrete Delivery Ticket

Cover Story 36 Colored Concrete Trends Understanding the differences, benefits and pitfalls of each colored concrete application is important in determining which is best for your project.

Features 14 New Slab Joint Tool Reduces Concrete Cracking Trak Joints is a contraction joint system for residential concrete slabs.

32 Thermal Breaks Provide Energy Efficiency A luxury concrete reinforced condominium insulates heated interior slabs using structural thermal breaks to meet Passive House standards.

18 Placing & Finishing Warehouse Slabs on Metal Deck

Innovative solutions are helping contractors better collaborate, ensure safety, monitor productivity and track assets.

Avoid the Settlement Table with Cloud-Based Project Documentation With the hundreds, if not thousands, of documents contractors are tasked with tracking during a project, document collection is crucial to the success or failure of a company.

Search: 21107309

54 Saws & Blades Product Roundup A compilation of the latest in concrete saws and blades.

Contractors are working harder and smarter to achieve the necessary flatness and levelness standards.

24 Technology on the Jobsite

Understanding the delivery ticket can help contractors solve problems before they ever arise.

Search: 21104683

56 Specification Guides: Grinders 44 Good Vibration Equals Quality Concrete Proper use of an internal vibrator will minimize surface defects and blemishes.

A compilation of technical information when choosing your next grinder.

50 Stringless Curb and Gutter For Lenard Powell Inc., the move to a stringless paving solution has resulted in a better product, improved production rates and a smaller workforce.

4 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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Visit us at World of Concrete Booth #C5483

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LEADERS IN CONCRETE SLIPFORMING

›››

Concrete Slipform Pavers for Every Construction Project.

W W W. M I L L E R F O R M L E S S . C O M CONC0120_02-5_TOC AW.indd 5

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EDITOR’S LETTER Published by AC Business Media

In High Spirits

C

onfidence is high as we head into a new decade of construction. In fact, 58% of contractors surveyed for the United States Gypsum (USG) Corporation’s Q3 Commercial Construction Index (CCI) hold a positive outlook for their business over the next 12 months.

This positivity comes despite concerns over the hiring of skilled workers, cost and production of materials due to tariffs, and rumblings of an economic recession.

“Given the susceptibility created by enormous levels of indebtedness and elevated asset prices, there is still a chance that the economy will enter recession late next year or in 2021, which would create a new breed of challenges for many contractors at some point in 2021-22,”says Anirban Basu, chief construction economist for Marcum.

Certain building materials and producers of repair and remodeling products such as cement and aggregates would be least impacted, however, in an economic slowdown or a recession A new report by Moody’s Investors Service credits this to the industry’s application in both infrastructure and commercial construction, as well as consolidation and environmental regulations that keep competition in check.

The Portland Cement Association’s annual Fall Forecast predicts moderate growth for cement consumption into 2020.

PCA Market Intelligence expects cement consumption will grow by 1.7% in 2020 and 1.4% in 2021.

“Public construction continues to receive Facebook.com/ ConcreteContractor

Advisory Board

Amy Wunderlin, Associate Editor AWunderlin@ ACBusinessMedia.com

the benefit of the 2018 federal budget that allowed for $20 billion in spending on roads, bridges, water and rail projects over 2018 and 2019,” says Ed Sullivan, PCA senior vice president and chief economist. “These gains come in the context of increased challenges at the state level to manage deficits as entitlement spending growth continues at a strong pace.”

PCA’s analysis adds that the labor market continues to power the United States economy and on a monthly basis has generated 161,000 net new jobs since the start of 2019. Coupled with mild inflation rates and the continued rise of home prices, it will take some time before the economy takes a significant downturn.

“The economy is now the longest economic expansion post-World War II history. Some of the pent-up demand zip that invigorates the initial stages of economic recovery are long past. As such, the economy is now more vulnerable to economic shocks,” says Sullivan. “While PCA does not believe data revealed by the economy suggests a recession is near, it does point to a gradually weakening economy.”

PCA forecasts real GDP will weaken to 2.1% in 2020 and 1.7% in 2021.

Follow us @ Concreteinsider

Kim Basham KB Engineering Cheyenne, Wyo.

Jim Cuviello Cuviello Concrete Polished|Stained|Crafted Stevensville, Md.

Jim Baty Concrete Foundations Association Mt. Vernon, Iowa

Chris Klemaske T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc. San Diego, Calif.

Search: Concrete Polishing

Dennis Purinton Purinton Builders, Inc. East Granby, Conn.

Craig Coppersmith, P.E. Nox-Crete Omaha, Neb.

201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 • www.ACBusinessMedia.com

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete PUBLICATION STAFF

Associate Editor Contributing Writers Senior Production Manager Art Director Audience Development Director Audience Development Manager

Amy Wunderlin, (800) 538-5544, ext. 1267 awunderlin@ACBusinessMedia.com Kim Basham, Jim Baty, Brad Humphrey, Chad White, Gigi Wood, Sheena Ingle Cindy Rusch April Van Etten Wendy Chady Angela Franks

ADVERTISING SALES (800) 538-5544

Jon Sison Eric Servais Erica Finger Nikki Lawson Sean Dunphy Denise Singsime National Automotive Sales

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FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM

Digital Operations Manager Digital Sales Manager Editor Managing Editor

Nick Raether nraether@ACBusinessMedia.com Joel Franke jfranke@ACBusinessMedia.com Larry Stewart lstewart@ACBusinessMedia.com Kimberly Hegeman khegeman@ACBusinessMedia.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS & SUBSCRIPTIONS

PO Box 3605, Northbrook, IL 60065-3605, Phone: (877) 201-3915 Fax: (847) 291-4816 • circ.ConcreteContractor@omeda.com REPRINTS Sean Dunphy, (800) 538-5544 , sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com LIST RENTAL Jeff Moriarty, SVP, Business & Media Solutions Infogroup, Phone: (518) 339-4511 Email: jeff.moriarty@infogroup.com AC BUSINESS MEDIA

Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Digital Officer Chief Revenue Officer Director of Digital Operations & IT Director of Digital Strategy

Barry Lovette JoAnn Breuchel Kris Heineman Amy Schwandt Nick Raether Joel Franke

Published and copyrighted 2019 by AC Business Media.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR (USPS 021-799, ISSN 1935-1887 (print); ISSN 2471-2302 (online) is published 7 times a year: January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Concrete Contractor, PO Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 January 2020, Issue 1, Volume 20 One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: U.S. 1 year: $35, 2 years: $70. Canada & Mexico 1 year: $60, 2 years: $105. All other countries 1 year: $85, 2 years: $160 (payable in U.S. funds drawn on U.S. banks). Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International).

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®

6 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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PRODUCTS

World of Concrete

PREVIEW

Slated Feb. 4-7 in Las Vegas, the event features indoor and outdoor exhibits from leading commerical concrete and masonry construction suppliers. The following is a compilation of select products from scheduled exhibitors.

Find more featured products and exclusive show coverage at ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete.

Wirtgen SP 60 Series Slipform Concrete Pavers

The SP 62/SP 62i (track steering) and SP 64/SP 64i (four crawlers on swivel arms) can pave concrete up to 20-ft. widths in thicknesses up to 18 in.

• Three- or four-crawler version of the SP 61/SP 61i can slipform medium to large profiles to the left or right of the machine • 241-hp Deutz Tier 4 Final engine with Eco mode • Efficient hydraulic system concept makes energy available for trimmers and a large delivery screw for offset applications • Optional Paving Plus package allows swivel arms to actively circumnavigate obstacles during paving • Optional hydraulic rotational drives provide a 90° or 120° steering angle of the crawler tracks

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Northrock Pro 3+ Concrete Vibrator

The work horse of our electrical vibrator line the Pro 3+ was designed to handle the most demanding concrete vibrating applications. Able to run up to 60 ft. of flexible shaft with a 2 1/2-in. head the Pro 3+ has earned a reputation of the must have vibrator when pouring bridge colums, levies, dams, sky scraper cores, and any demanding vibrator job. The Pro 3+ is the most powerful flexible shaft vibrator available.

ForConstructionPros.com/21015899 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #S12517

ForConstructionPros.com/12315442 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #B51404/C5426

GOMACO Commander II with G+ Digital Control System

The Vehicle Series Pickup 70 (VSP 70) concrete pump truck features a ThomKatt TK 70 pump mounted on a Dodge Ram 5500 chassis.

• Chassis has a 19,500-lb. GVWR and 11.3-ft. side decks with folding side panels and a flat center deck • Lighter chassis weight eliminates need for a CDL to drive the truck, and the shorter design improves the pump truck’s maneuverability • Maximum volume output of 74 cu. yds./hour with a maximum concrete pressure of 1,130 psi • Can handle aggregate sizes up to 1.5 in. and has a hopper capacity of 9.5 cu. ft.

• 100-hp Cummins QSF3.8 diesel engine

The Commander II curb and gutter machine now combines the simplicity of a two-track paver with the operator-friendly G+ digital control system.

• Capable of slipforming over 40 fpm with a travel speed of up to 82 fpm • 60-in.-wide sectional direct drive trimmerhead for exacting grade preparation • G+ control allows independent track drive • Concrete fed into the hopper by a 20-in.wide, 6-ft.-long conveyor belt with a a belt speed of 350 fpm • Vibration-isolated operator’s platform with pivoting control console • 102-hp Kohler Tier 4 engine • GOMACO Remote Diagnostics (GRD) system

ForConstructionPros.com/21045785 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C5726

ForConstructionPros.com/10078544 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C5150

Putzmeister VSP 70 Pickup Pump

Cyclonic Dust Extractor with HEPA Filtration

The iQ426HEPA utilizes iQ’s Power Management System offering the ability to control amp draw automatically. In addition to the auto start feature the iQ Smart power management system automatically balances power between the power tool receptacle and the vacuum maintaining optimum tool and dust collection performance.

The IQ 426 HEPA has 4 stages of filtration: • First stage large cyclone captures larger particle sizes • Second stage small cyclones captures medium to small-sized particles • Third stage filtration system captures the tiniest particles • Fourth and final stage is HEPA ForConstructionPros.com/21091943 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C3327

8 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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Las

Las

Zero Turn for Mobility

Visit with us in Vegas about your 2020 project needs!

Central Hall -- C5150 Las Vegas Convention Center February 4-7, 2020

Central Hall -- C30384 Las Vegas Convention Center March 10-14, 2020

info@gomaco.com x www.gomaco.com Long, straight runs are nice. But many of you have curb and gutter projects with short runs, radii, and corners in parking lots or tight locations. GOMACO’s Xtreme curb and gutter machines have Zero-Turn capabilities for maneuverability.

You’ll be able to place more curb than ever before and move your machine in ways you have never moved before. You’ll be able to pour a tight radius that you could only dream of before.

GOMACO’s proprietary G+ controls makes your concrete paver smoother and easier to operate.

Have fun paving curb and gutter with your new Zero-Turn GOMACO paver. Our worldwide distributor network and our corporate team always stand ready to serve and assist you.

CONCRETE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS x AIRPORT RUNWAYS x CURB AND GUTTER x SIDEWALKS RECREATIONAL TRAILS x SAFETY BARRIER x BRIDGE PARAPET x BRIDGE DECKS x IRRIGATION CANALS GOMACO CORPORATION IN IDA GROVE, IOWA, USA x 712-364-3347

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PRODUCTS

Kubota SVL65-2 Compact Track Loader

The 68-hp SVL65-2 features an advanced multi-function valve, slide-up overhead front door and easy on/off self-leveling function.

• Advanced Multifunction Valve (AMV Valve) provides smooth operation when using simultaneous functions, such as auxiliary, boom and bucket circuits • Boasts a rated operating capacity of 2,100 lbs. at 35% or 3,000 lbs. at 50%, a reach of 34.9 in. and a hinge pin height of 118.5 in.

• Standard self-leveling feature can be engaged with the flip of a switch • Multi-function levers provide fingertip control of all major vehicle and attachment operations • Easy-open sliding front door can be opened regardless of bucket or loader arm position ForConstructionPros.com/21046374 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C5877

Sakrete Pro-Mix Concrete Repair

Sakrete's Pro-Mix Concrete Repair is a high-performance concrete engineered for commercial and industrial repair projects from 1/4- to 6-in. in application thickness.

• Vertical, horizontal and overhead applications • Modified polymers deliver smooth workability and bond strength • Strength ratings of more than 7,000 psi • High early strength • Faster set times and twice the working time • Open to foot traffic in under an hour ForConstructionPros.com/21088809 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #S10827

Pettibone Mobile Elevating Work Platforms

Pettibone is entering the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) market with a total of 13 models with work heights ranging from 18.4 to 46 ft.

• Offered in electric or hydraulic drive configurations • ANSI A92.20-compliant • Enable safe work at height in indoor or outdoor applications • Key features include a universal drive control box with LED screen, platform extensions with foot pedal control and large scissor arms for optimal stability and durability ForConstructionPros.com/21105917 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #XXXXXX

Ergo Rotolance Series Attachments

Aquajet's Ergo Rotolance series of attachments for the Ergo system cleans, removes and roughens concrete to create a better bonding surface for new concrete or alternative materials. It also removes rubber coatings, paint, rust, plastic and other materials.

• Handles water pressure between 1,450 to 43,500 psi • Specially designed patterns of nozzles • Compatible with Ergo Climber and Ergo Spine • Rotolance 30: self-rotating tool with four nozzles and a 1.2-in. spray pattern; multibracket system with adjustable span of .5 to 2 in. for use on hand-gun tools • Rotolance 130 and 130S: up to 8 nozzles for a 5.1-in. spray pattern; hydraulically driven swivel for control of rotation speed; 130S features suspension system to follow uneven or curved surfaces ForConstructionPros.com/21087477 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C4547

Xtreme Concrete Sprayer Model 19049

The 17.4-lb. TE 500-A36 cordless breaker provides the power of a corded breaker with the mobility and productivity of a cordless solution.

• Couples a 36-volt 9.0-ah lithium-ion battery with a high-efficiency brushless motor • Single impact energy of 5.8 ft.-lbs. and a full hammering frequency of 3,300 impacts per minute • Active Vibration Reduction (AVR) technology reduces tool’s triaxial vibration by more than 30% • Can be coupled with the VC 75-A22 cordless backpack vacuum system for an OSHA-compliant virtually dustless cordless solution

Chapin's Xtreme Concrete Sprayer Model 19049 is used for applying form oil, curing compounds and sealants.

• Extreme-Viton seals and gaskets are resistant to the strongest chemicals • Exclusive 3.5-gal. TRI-POXY tank provides triple protection against rust, corrosion and damage from denting • 4-in. mouth opening • Unique Tri-Lock seal ensures pump cap locks tightly into place • Brass spray handle with “Lock-on” and quick release design • Brass nozzle delivers fan spray for even coverage.

Wooster NITEGLOW Treads

ForConstructionPros.com/21104124 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #O30699/O30700/C4840

ForConstructionPros.com/21086664 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #S10738

ForConstructionPros.com/21104975 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C7482

Hilti TE 500-A36 Cordless Breaker

NITEGLOW treads with high-quality photoluminescent offer two-stage anti-slip stair nosing suited for exit path markings, steps and leading edge of landings when finding pathways in the dark is a necessity.

• Suited for new construction or retrofit interior stair applications • Include a bright, long-lasting photoluminescent epoxy filler top insert and mill finish extruded aluminum base with sure-hold anchor • Available in lengths to order to a maximum of 8 ft.

• Optional wood insert keeps aluminum base clean during initial construction

10 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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PERFORM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL THE PUTZMEISTER 38Z-5-METER TRUCK-MOUNTED CONCRETE BOOM PUMP

LEARN THE DIFFERENCE AT

PutzmeisterAmerica.com VISIT US AT WOC BOOTH

C5726

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PRODUCTS

Lavina 20G-X Cordless Dust Collection System Lavina 20G-X is a propane vacuum designed for use with 20-in. or smaller grinders.

• FS481V 14.5-hp Kawasaki engine • Conical main filter • HEPA H13 • Manual filter cleaning • Longopac bagging system • Anti-static hose with metal camlock • Air flow: 212 cfm • Max vacuum: 4 psi • Weight: 441 lb.

• Dimensions: 51 in. (L) by 26 in. (W) by 56 in. (H) ForConstructionPros.com/21096845 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #O30840/O31034/S10539

MCI-2020 Gel Offers Deep-Reaching Solution for Corroding Rebar

Cortec’s MCI-2020 Gel is designed to work when proper surface preparation cannot be achieved or is economically undesirable.

MCI-2020 Gel is an injectable corrosion inhibitor that provides a robust dose of corrosion protection. Once inside the concrete, the inhibitor can also move laterally through the concrete along the embedded reinforcement via liquid and vapor diffusion. MCI molecules deposit across metal surfaces, forming a molecular layer that acts as a barrier to corrosive elements such as chlorides and carbonation.

ForConstructionPros.com/21105016 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #S12050

Oztec RubberHeads Line Oztec Industries reintroduces its 1 1/8and 1 1/2-in. RubberHeads, both of which are available with an optional rubbercoated extension piece.

• Extension piece reduces the chance of the head becoming entangled in the rebar • Protect epoxy-coated rebar and delicate form faces • Designed to produce better consolidated concrete ForConstructionPros.com/21105025 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #N2237

Aztec UltraGrind Spray Mist Skirt for Dust Control

The new Spray Mist Skirt for the Aztec UltraGrind was specifically designed to operate at 1000psi with the appropriate nozzle size to generate the optimal quantity and size to effectively trap dust particles that would otherwise escape traditional dust control systems. Misted water droplets knock down the dust particles, so they are contained on the floor without creating a slurry.

The new spray skirt will be a standard feature on the Aztec UltraGrind and will be available for handson demo at the World of Concrete 2020 show in Las Vegas, February 4-7. Visit Aztec’s outdoor booth # O-40843 in the Silver Decorative Concrete lot to see the UltraGrind and the rest of Aztec’s concrete and terrazzo polishing machines.

ForConstructionPros.com/21105024 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #O40843

Construction Management Solution Wireless Telematics System

Earthwave's Construction Management Solution (CMS) is a wireless telematics system, featuring the GS-364 hardware platform that connects directly to the computer/bus of off-road equipment to deliver real-time data.

• Breadcrumb Trail shows detailed location information • Geozone automatically tracks machine's activity • Maintenance Due Report shows the number of run-time hours before maintenance is due • Weekly Productivity by Project report provides a side-by-side comparison for all equipment ForConstructionPros.com/21091712 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #N1055

Miller Formless M-8800 Slipforming System

The M-8800 can pour up to 102-in. barrier walls and bridge parapet walls and up to 20-ft. in straddle or side-mount configuration.

• 173-hp Tier 4 Final diesel engine • Latest generation MFS Control System includes sensors and handheld remote and is 3D ready • Four tracks with independent steering • Two-speed hydraulic drive motors • Includes 10-spool vibrator control, hydraulic frame widening (48 in.), heavy-duty dual transfer augers, 45-in. elevation tubes, high-volume water wash down system and triple grouser track pads ForConstructionPros.com/21093588 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C5483

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Lind Equipment Beacon Infinity Floodlight

The Beacon Infinity floodlight combines a flashlight, task light, floodlight, wide area light and more into a single versatile, highly durable unit.

• Built-in clickable attachment allows the lighting mount to be changed from a tripod to a floor stand or magnet attachment within seconds • Boasts a bright 5,400 lumens of light output while only using 40W of power • Inner shell’s light housing can swivel in 360° without having to move the base • Constructed with high-impact plastic on the outer shell • Measures only 14 in. long and 4.5 in. wide and weighs just 2.25 lbs.

ForConstructionPros.com/21106094 World of Concrete 2020 Booth #C6906

12 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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12/26/19 8:05 AM

The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction The fourth edition of the best-selling Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction is now available in printed and digital formats.

Published jointly by ACI and ASCC, this guide is now 262 pages—over 100 pages longer than the previous edition—and includes full-color photos and illustrations, a new, easier-to-read layout, and substantial content updates.

A summary, review questions, and an additional recommended reading list accompany each of the 12 chapters. To learn more about the new Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete Construction, contact ACI at concrete.org, or ASCC at ascconline.org.

Written by and for contractors, and referenced by many licensing authorities, this guide details proven practices to produce quality concrete construction.

concrete.org

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ascconline.org

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FLATWORK/SLABS

M

By Gigi Wood

New Tool for Slab Joints Reduces

CONCRETE CRACKING

Trak Joints was named the World of Concrete Most Innovative Product in 2018.

Photo Credit: Aaron Hilbert

A

California-based consultant with 52 years of experience in the concrete industry has invented a device that, he says, makes installing ground slab joints easier, cheaper and safer than using traditional saw cuts.

“The kind of work that I do as a concrete consultant has a lot to do with concrete cracking problems and concrete slab cracking problems,” says Harvey Haynes, inventor of Trak Joints. “Quite a few years ago, I realized there's got to be an easier method, a better method of putting joints in concrete that's going to be so much less expensive.”

After a few years of trial and error in his garage, he came up with Trak Joints, a contraction joint system for residential concrete slabs. Compared to saw joints, contractors can install more joints with Trak Joints, he says.

“That's one of the things that happens today, when you're doing saw cuts,” says Haynes, who has earned 15 patents. “They’re expensive so you try to minimize the amount of saw cuts you put in and the spacing of the joints can get too far apart. The closer together the joints are located, the

better chance you have of not getting random cracking. The spacing of joints is really critical, is really important.”

Contraction joints create weakened planes in concrete slabs to help control the location of cracks and reduce random cracking. The most popular ways of creating contraction joints is by using saw cuts, tool cuts and zip strips. The American Concrete Institute offers criteria on contraction joint construction and practices.

“Joints are needed in concrete slabs in the ground because when concrete dries out the material shrinks,” Haynes says.

“It gets a volume decrease, and cracks are going to occur in the slab randomly; and people tend to not like the random cracks. A way of minimizing the random cracks is by intentionally installing these contraction joints.”

Haynes and his son, Benjamin Haynes, created the company Aaron Hilbert (a combination of their middle names) to sell Trak Joints. The first product model was completed in 2011, and a patent was granted for the design in 2014. Trak Joints was named the World of Concrete Most Innovative Product in 2018.

HOW DO TRAK JOINTS WORK? Trak Joints are installed using a manually-operated tool, called the Traker, to embed a strip of plastic tape into fresh concrete, earlier in the process than saw cuts.

“The product is the whole tool, it's actually a whole method of installing contraction joints in concrete slabs in the ground,” Haynes says.

When the Traker is in operation, a roll of tape rides on an insertion disc.

As the Traker moves forward across a slab, friction between the insertion disc and concrete causes the disc to rotate.

A strip of tape is spooled off the roll and folded as it is embedded into the concrete.

The tape remains in the slab to create the weakened plane where the crack will occur. Slab finishing operations are performed over the embedded tape.

The final appearance of the joints depends on the depth of concrete cover over the top of the embedded tape.

When the top of the tape is located right at, or close to, the surface of the slab, the final appearance of the joints is a relatively straight line in the concrete. If the top of the tape is further down in the slab, the crack can appear jagged, but still relatively straight.

Concrete slabs typically experience shrinkage of 1/8 in. for slab sections 20 ft. long. If joint spacing is 10 ft., then each joint would open 1/16 in. wide.

Comparably, saw cuts are typically the width of the diamond blade at 1/8 in., plus the shrinkage amount at 1/16 in., for a total 3/16 in. If joints are to be filled with epoxy or polyurethane, less material is needed to fill Trak Joints, Haynes says.

The Traker can install contraction joints from 1 to 2 in. deep. This relates to slabs 4 to 8 in. thick. The depth of the insertion disc is adjustable to allow for the different contraction joint depths.

Typically, one or two workers operate a Traker on a worksite, he says.

14 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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Minnich Manufacturing

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FLATWORK/SLABS

ELIMINATION OF SILICA DUST

Trak Joints are typically used in residential development construction.

Photo Credit: Aaron Hilbert

“If one person can install these joints, and if one person is doing it, they usually want more than one tool, one Traker,” Haynes says. “If two people are there, then one tool, one Traker, is fine because one person pushes the tool across the slab. The other person would retrieve the tool, move it over 10 ft. and then push it back to the first guy. But if only one person is doing it, then that person is going to push a tool across the slab. And if he has two tools or even three tools, then he just steps 10 ft. away and pushes another tool across the slab, moves 10 ft. away and pushes a third tool across the slab.

Now he walks around to the other side of the slab, retrieves the tools and moves them to a new location.”

APPLICATIONS Trak Joints is typically used in residential developments, Haynes says.

“Residential house slabs usually receive floor coverings, so this application is ideal,” he says.

Utility slabs, farm shed slabs, small commercial building slabs, strip malls, multi-family housing and parking lots are other applications.

Slabs containing radiant heating tubes are another application where the possibility of a saw blade nicking a tube is eliminated.

In the pavement field, Trak Joints can be used in lean concrete bases and city/county roads.

When used in roads, an advantage is minimizing rainwater entry into the joints, where flooding the sub-base area can create pumping problems. The tape prevents rainwater from getting to the base. When residential slabs are exposed to weather, the tape also keeps the base dry. This is important in minimizing later problems with water vapor emissions under floor coverings.

Another advantage, Hayne says, is that the joints don’t produce silica dust when installed.

“A big thing these days is it doesn't produce any dust,” he says. “Silica dust is created when you saw cut concrete, and that dust has a health hazard.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has come in and recently, within the past couple of years, put some strong stipulations on how contractors have to capture that dust and can't let their employees be exposed to too much dust. Our method kind of avoids that, and it's a real advantage."

The final rule on Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica was published in 2016 to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America's workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The rule is comprised of two standards — one for construction and one for general industry and maritime.

Trak Joints are one-fourth the cost of saw cut joints, Haynes adds. The installed cost of Trak Joints is 15 cents per linear ft. while, in comparison, most saw cut joints cost a minimum of 60 cents per linear ft. and zip strips cost 30 cents per linear ft.

CHALLENGES OF THE NEW PRODUCT So why don’t you see Trak Joints on every shelf at your hardware store?

Haynes says the joints can, at times, be a hard sell because they involve a change in procedure at sites.

“Usually there's about 10 late finishers and laborers on the jobsite,” he says.

“And they each know their job. Timing with concrete is really important, depending if it's a hot or a cold day, how they move, when they have to get back on concrete to finish it. Everybody just knows their job, and it becomes a sequence. So, to interrupt that sequence throws things off for awhile.”

That sequence changes when using Trak Joints.

“For the first slab that has been cast, once that concrete is on the ground, you want to put the Trak Joints in, if it's a hot day, within a half an hour,” he says.

“So somebody, one of the workmen, one of the finishers, needs to stay with that first slab or go back to that first slab and put the joints in it. That would be a break from the way they're doing it now.

If it's a cold day, where you don't have to worry about the concrete stiffening up very quickly, well then you don't have to come back to the slab. You can come back to the slab two hours later and still be able to put the joints in.”

Another hurdle for the inventive family is marketing. The small company built a website and recorded videos of how the Trak Joints work, but driving people to the site is not an easy task.

“We don't have that kind of response,” Haynes says. “When we were at the World of Concrete, it really was phenomenal the number of contractors we had around our booth just saying, 'Oh, this is incredible. What an invention,' you know, so people get it right away.”

Trying to sell it on an every day basis is tough, he says.

“What we're encountering out in the field is contractors have their crews, they're used to doing it a certain way and now to change and start doing it a different way is really disruptive to the production work,” Haynes says. “There are some contractors out there that have made that transition, and when they make the transition, it's like, ‘yes, wow.’

They really liked the tool and then the method and they're staying with it,” he says. “But it's getting that initial transition, that change, is what we're encountering.”

Haynes says he and his son will travel to demo how the Trak Joints work.

“That is something we are really open to do because of the importance of somebody seeing this in action,” he says. “We will come out and we will do a demonstration.”

16 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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FLATWORK/SLABS

By Chad S. White

Placing & Finishing Warehouse Slabs on

W

Drive-in laser screeds can be used for controlled elevation raking and strike-off.

Photo Credit: Chad S. White

As more warehouses call for slabs on metal deck, contractors are working harder and smarter to achieve the necessary flatness and levelness standards.

arehouses are not high rises, and vertical pumping of concrete rarely is a problem— but they do pose their own challenges.

Defined and stringent Ff/Fl numbers and burnish requirements, high daily production, continuity of work and limited site access are just a few of the challenges encountered.

Modern warehouses are incorporating more and more slab on metal deck (SOMD) into their warehousing footprint. Flatness, levelness and burnish requirements established for warehousing operations on grade can be much more difficult to attain when off the ground. Mix designs get more complicated due to pump/place issues, and the finish floor elevation is somewhat of a moving target. Despite these variables, consistent uniform finishes can be installed with predictability. Great strides have been made in the placing and leveling of SOMD, and under the best conditions and appropriate deck design specified, warehouse slab flatness and levelness standards are attainable.

PLANNING OF SOMD PLACEMENT Access, reach, truck and equipment staging, and movement across deck are critical aspects that must be established prior to the start of project. Usually boom pumps and all-terrain reach forklifts are the main vehicles for moving concrete and equipment from ground to upper levels, although on some projects, light cranes may be utilized.

Movement of equipment and material

across decks is done using small lightweight tug vehicles or by manpower and wheel assemblies.

Lay-down and staging areas along with all-weather access points to the edge of the building will determine deck placement lay out, as well as size and sequence of placement.

Establishing placement rates, staging areas that will be required and total length of pumping system are critical when planning slab placements.

In addition, pump grout disposal needs to be discussed and agreed upon.

The best practice is to not incorporate it into slab placement. Consider how you are cleaning and moving hose, clamps and pipe.

SLAB MIXES AND FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTIES FOR PUMPABLE DECKS When designing elevated slab mixes, evaluate mix design specifications, pump/place/finish requirements for the project and conditions to be expected during placements. Local aggregates and the length of the pumping system (vertical and horizontal) will greatly impact mix design. Oftentimes, a hybrid of synthetic fibers and steel reinforcement is an integral component of a warehouse SOMD design due to the crack minimization provided. Pumpability and finishibility are the main drivers in developing the concrete mix design.

Here are some guidelines for an elevated warehouse slab mix: • Slump 6 to 8 in. at point of placement • Adequate cement content to achieve pumpability/finishibility

18 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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FLATWORK/SLABS

Pan floating of slab.

Photo Credit: Chad S. White

• Minimum bleed water exhibited • Use largest aggregate that meets slab thickness restrictions and can be pumped and uniform set time Things to look out for are excessive bleed water and over-sanded mixes.

Don’t get caught up in complicated admixture additive solutions; simple is better.

SLAB DEFLECTION AND SOLUTIONS Most warehouse slabs on metal deck will require strike-off to a fixed Ff elevation with minimum and maximum slab thicknesses specified. Gauging the slab for a specified thickness without

Ff control can be a challenge to overall slab levelness that must be discussed and understood prior to construction.

Teamwork between steel erection and slab installation is critical.

Important steps to take include surveys of beam and decking elevations pre-placement and post placement and review of camber and anticipated deck movement. This information is critical to managing your loading and placement procedures. Concrete placing foreman should receive slab loading instructions regarding time and area placed before strike-off, min/max slab thickness requirements and any other special instructions prior to placement.

Devote extra attention at construction joints to ensure the joint is at finish floor elevation after deck is loaded. SOMD steel structure will take time to deflect with the concrete loads.

Deflection is very hard to calculate and predict. Review the designer’s intent in the specifications and the manufactured camber. Concrete yield should not be more than 5% overage.

When loading the deck, understand what the weight of your equipment is; size and weight does matter.

Construction joint layout, concrete place/finish means and methods, and equipment to be used should be both understood and approved by the design team.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS AND CURRENT PRACTICES If you are placing medium to large SOMD placements, puller/placer equipment for moving pump hose will save on labor and improve safety.

Boom pump-slickline-rubber hose, puller/placer equipment is currently the most common set-up for placing large SOMD. Practical production rates of 80 cu. yd. per hour for large deck placements is attainable. The increase in the amount of rubber hose that can be used with puller/placer units is substantial. Skid plates/Dragon Eggs are essential to facilitating movement of rubber hose.

Drive-in laser screed machines are currently the state-of-the art for placing high production SOMD that are designed without significant deflection and are approved for use by the design team. Screed widths will vary from 6 to 10 ft., machine weights 1,100–1,700 lb. Recommendation would be for a controlled elevation rake machine with

Warehouse slab on metal deck finishing process.

Photo Credit: Chad S. White

20 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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FLATWORK/SLABS

8-ft. screed head and strike-off with 10-ft. screed head with auger. Rake pass elevation should usually be 1/2 in. higher than finish pass. Hand held vibratory screeds are used for strikeoff of edges and off-sets. Oftentimes, a hand-held vibratory screed will be used to cross-check drive-in screed landings.

Slab thickness and Ff elevation should be continuously monitored.

Ride-on trowel machines will vary in weight from 1,500-2,500 lbs.

Smaller 8-ft. ride-on trowels are easier to move around, but 10-ft. panning capabilities will help Ff numbers. Make certain that your planned equipment usage for placing and finishing SOMD is reviewed and approved by the design team.

PLACING & FINISHING OF SOMD Managing placing slump is crucial.

Set times are tied directly to the placing

slump and placement rate. Experience dictates that an 8-in. slump max at point of placement is a good guideline.

You must minimize unwanted bleed water. You want some bleed water at the surface to facilitate finishing operations, but excessive bleed water will

cause differential set times and weaken the surface, especially if machined into the floor.

Managing differential set is one of the most critical finishing challenges to overcome for a successful warehouse SOMD placement. Direct sunlight

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22 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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Puller and placer equipment.

Photo Credit: Chad S. White

and wind are the enemy and can be mitigated by careful pre-planning.

Steps to take include: • Avoiding weather events • Shading/screening of placement area • Use of evaporation retarders Pan tight before first trowel pass with combination blades. Plastic trowel blades used properly will diminish the effects of differential set and reduce blemishes.

Using plastic trowel blades too early in the finishing process may not achieve the surface density desired, so for best results, use plastic trowel blades only for the last pass and final burnish of the floor. Edge troweling machines should be a key component of the finishing process. The use of roller tamps to minimize aggregate shadowing typically doesn’t help much due to the higher placing

slump required for pumping, although they should be considered depending on the local aggregates and required surface finish.

Burnish and gloss requirements specified will be similar to requirements for warehouse slabs on grade. Gloss meter readings may be specified.

Some final tips for a successful placement: • Get the mix right. Most mixes will require some tweaking to be pumpable and have the finishing characteristics desired. Allow enough time in the schedule prior to start of placements so that trial batches/mock-up panels can be properly evaluated.

• Access, reach and staging usually dictates what you can do more so than pump/place capability.

Ensure that production goals and site logistics requirements are clearly understood by all.

• Treat it like an exposed warehouse floor. Most SOMD are not exposed and have minimal Ff/ Fl or slab finish requirements.

The mind-set of the place/finish crew sometimes needs to be recalibrated.

• Maintain slab elevation surveys.

Documentation and a robust data base will confirm specification compliance, improve deck loading procedures and provide greater predictability of in-place deflection during place/finish operations.

References: 1. ACI 302 1R.15 “Guide to Concrete Floor

and Slab Construction” Bruce A. Suprenant, “Construction of elevated slabs” Concrete Construction Magazine 1990 Bryan M. Birdwell, “Committed to Producing the Finest” Concrete Contractor Magazine April/ May 2011 Bryan M. Birdwell, authored technical paper for SSI Bulletin “Floor Flatness and Levelness Testing-The Complete Specification” 2018

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www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor 23

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TECHNOLOGY

By Amy Wunderlin

Technol

on the J

Productivity has remained stagnant in the construction industry over the last decade. Technology is being deployed today that can change that.

24 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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W

ology

e Jobsite Innovative solutions are helping contractors on the jobsite better collaborate with the office, ensure safety, monitor productivity and track assets.

hen Milwaukee Tool began development on its One-key Bluetooth Tool and Equipment Tracker in 2014, most contractors didn’t even have smartphones on the jobsite.

Now, there seems to be a mobile app claiming to simplify almost every task on the job.

In addition, the construction industry is being revolutionized by technology that leverages sensors, IoT platforms, artificial intelligence and machine learning, augmented reality, and more to change how the jobsite operates. Some of the most innovate solutions are helping contractors better collaborate with the office, ensure safety, monitor productivity and track assets.

Milwaukee Tool is among several industry leaders on the forefront of that revolution. The tool manufacturer is working to align its solutions with this infiltration of technology.

“There have been advances in AR and VR and apps like plan grid that are driving general need for more infrastructure and technology such as tablets and smartphones. What we're trying to do is align with that,” says Steve Matson, director of project management at Milwaukee Tool. “So, I don't want to sell you a separate scanner. If you're already buying phones or tablets for your team, how can we utilize the technology that a contractor has to give them the solution?”

INVESTING IN PRODUCTIVITY The answer is Milwaukee Tool’s One-Key mobile app, which uses Bluetooth tracking, barcode scanning and geofencing to enable tool and equipment users to gain complete control and visibility of their inventory.

The app also sends real-time alerts to help prevent loss, theft and other expensive setbacks.

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TECHNOLOGY

SMART SENSOR ALLOWS FOR QUICK, REAL-TIME STRENGTH DATA Flood Testing Laboratories long ago bought into the maturity method, eliminating the need for concrete cylinder break tests. However, the tools available to monitor concrete maturity haven’t always met their needs.

“We’ve been using the maturity method to monitor in-place concrete strength since 1985. The issue has been that we need something that is rugged enough in the field that will withstand the construction atmosphere but also as minimally noticeable as possible,” explains Walt Flood III, principal engineer at Flood Testing Labs. “We’ve tried to minimize the exposure of the sensor to workman so that it doesn’t get in the way. Their operation is going to be the more important operation even though they probably don’t realize how critical the sensors are.”

The Chicago-based construction materials tester has tried many different sensors and tools over the years to combat this issue, from sensors that require you to leave an instrument in the field to monitor data to a wired sensor to a sensor that required a special instrument to download its data.

About four years ago, Flood Testing began a transition to Giatec’s SmartRock wireless temperature and strength sensor. They now exclusively utilize the smart sensor, having used about 3,000 to 4,000 sensors over that time period.

SmartRock is a rugged, mobile-based wireless sensor that is fully embedded in fresh concrete to monitor its in-place temperature and strength during construction. These sensors are installed in the concrete formwork (on the rebar) before pouring to monitor in-situ temperature and maturity according to ASTM C1074. While the logger continuously records the measured temperature of any concrete pour in real time, these results can be analyzed automatically onsite to determine the in-place concrete strength using the free SmartRock app (available for both Android/iOS mobile devices.)

The sensor has been used in a wide range of applications, including: • Formwork removal timing • Post-tensioning • Optimizing curing conditions • Saw cutting • Controlling quality in the field • Monitoring temperature gradients in mass concrete • Opening roads to traffic Flood Testing Labs primarily uses the sensors to ensure quick turnaround time on tensioning strength for post-tension structures. They’ve also used them to monitor max temperature differentials in mass concrete applications.

The biggest benefits SmartRock offers Flood Testing Lab over other technology they’ve used in the past is there small size and wireless capability, which allows them to bury the sensors in the concrete with no wires sticking out.

“Workers don’t have to be careful around them,” notes Flood.

The other benefit for Flood Testing Lab is the ability to access information on the sensors from any smart device through Giatec’s mobile app, meaning they don’t require a special instrument or piece of equipment to read.

“Sometimes we have 6 to 8 projects going all at once where we would need 6 to 8 read-out devices to be able to read the sensors. This has been a very simple solution for us and saves a lot of cost on read-out devices that you would otherwise need,” says Flood.

The elimination of special equipment to read the sensors also gives contractors the ability to read the results.

“We have certain contractors who are actually interested in what the values are, and they have the ability to read the results from their phones because we share the information,” says Flood. “Most of the contractors would rather have you monitor the sensors, but now they have the ability.”

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to 26 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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TECHNOLOGY

Milwaukee Tool’s One-key equipment management platform helps to address the industry’s productivity problem.

“At its core, it is an equipment management program for contractors of any size,” Matson says. “We work with people who are sole proprietors and in business for themselves to some of the largest commercial and industrial contractors in the United States and everywhere in between.”

The idea behind the program is wrapped around looking at productivity on the jobsite.

Unlike manufacturing and related industries, the construction industry historically has underinvested in technology to improve productivity. For the last couple decades, the manufacturing sector has invested heavily in automation and other technologies to get more output per worker. But because demand in the construction business can be so volatile, the industry has shied away from capital intensive investments.

“The construction industry grows by employing more people, not by buying more equipment,” explains Brian Moore of FMI Corporation during a recent webinar hosted by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). “It’s easier to hire more labor when the economy is good and lay-off employees when it falls than make big capital investments in technology and equipment.”

The industry, Moore adds, has also found it easier to simply raise costs and prices than invest in becoming more efficient.

With its One-key platform, Milwaukee Tool has made it a priority to identify how it can contribute to solving this productivity problem on jobsites.

According to Matson, every person on the jobsite experiences about 18 minutes of downtime or waiting time per day. This could be time spent waiting for a delivery, being locked out of the site, or in the case of equipment, something is broken and needs to be fixed.

“When you look at industry statistics that show productivity remaining pretty much flat within the skilled trades for the last 10 years, this starts to become a major hindrance that says, ‘Okay, well equipment is at the center of a lot of these downtime issues.’ If we can start to solve some of the problems with equipment, we can start to really get some grease back in the gears and get this jobsite moving more quickly, more efficiently and more safely,” Matson says. “It starts from that idea of equipment management…What can we do to start bringing more smart technology in with the lens of making management and use of our equipment simpler?”

BARRIERS TO ADOPTION REMAIN While the industry has generally resisted technological investment in the past, Moore expects this trend will increasingly change over the next decade as the construction business faces a significant labor shortage while at the same time continuing to grow.

Companies that are unable to find labor will be constrained by what types of projects they can take on and, therefore, how much they can grow. In turn, they will look to technology to solve their people problems.

For these reasons, Moore says technology will infiltrate the construction industry more quickly in the next decade than it has in the previous five decades.

“Our industry, our national economy is demanding it,” he adds.

Venture capitalists also see the construction industry as one ripe for a digital transformation, investing nearly $1 billion in construction technology

in the last year. This means that the prospect of construction technology is no longer science fiction. In fact, much of it already exits, and it is beginning to be deployed today.

“We launched [One-key] to a lot of resistance,” Matson notes. “But we've been kind of slowly seeing this shift of conversation from, ‘I'm going to meet you with resistance about the technology you're pitching me to I've got about 100 questions for where this is going and how this can work with other programs.

“You're starting to see contractors more and more understanding how they can use technology to their benefit,” he adds.

John Somers, senior director, utility for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, adds that while they have been hearing there is a lot technology available, the adoption rate is much lower than it should be.

“What's that barrier that only 10 to 30% of all end users are using it?” he asks. “Is it cost, proving the ROI? Is it the generation and the workforce kind of pushing back against data? Is it Big Brother watching?

“From the association side, we're trying to figure out how we get that message across and get over that hump,” he adds.

To some extent, Matson agrees that implementation has been slow, but he attributes that to imperfect solutions.

“It's such a unique challenge to create something that works in new construction, new commercial construction, industrial construction, service, renewable energies, government projects. They're all so different that they really require a close touch to make sure that the solution works across all these different places that the built world exists in,” he explains.

Usability is another hurdle equipment manufacturers are trying to overcome.

“There is a huge onus on usability simplicity and making it something that somebody actually wants to pick

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TECHNOLOGY

up and get into and try and that they can figure out how to use and it's a big deal for this industry,” Matson says.

“We’re coming out of the stone age where all of the programs that were created came with these thick manuals or week-long training and it's just not feasible to do anymore. It's not enough to just have this feature; it needs to be simple and easy to use as well.”

This is true for even some of the industry’s biggest players. Software company Trimble has a reputation for developing innovative solutions, but not as great of a reputation for implementing them, says Tom Austin, Americas OEM Business development manager for Trimble.

In response, the company began hiring video game designers to create training and demonstration materials that help users better understand what the technologies are and how to use them.

“You put a system on a machine, and then you try it out and you're going to buy it after that. Where you might not buy it if you read about it on a brochure or something like that,” Austin explains.

UNDERSTANDING ROI According to Trimble’s Austin, most major construction companies have in fact by and large adopted technology well at this point. Medium-sized companies are becoming very active, and now even very small construction companies are getting on board.

The challenge Somers adds is that “if you're a smaller midsize contractor, you might just be concerned with your margins or getting the job done right.

“Companies are just really busy; everybody's still rolling and…they're not necessarily taking the time to ask, ‘How can I be more efficient?’ They're just worrying about what's happening today,” he continues.

Those slim margins are exactly why Matson says solutions like One-key should be taken seriously.

“Industry standards on margin are

like 2 to 5% that you take home. Once all the bills are paid, your two biggest cost centers are labor and materials, and you have this little sliver of expense called tooling and equipment that affects both of those cost centers in a really big way,” Matson explains.

The challenge is helping contractors understand the real impact of equipment management.

“We're really trying to wrap a better understanding around the idea that you pay for your replacement product out of profit and not revenue because that sheds light on how big of a deal that little tiny line in a budget is,” Matson says, adding that “the dollars don’t always tell the story.”

For example, contractors often see equipment management as something as simple as going to Home Depot or wherever they buy tools from and buying a replacement unit. They look at a $200 drill and decide its easier to just buy another one because it’s so inexpensive compared to the cost of downtime. Why have an employee waiting an hour or two for a drill, when you can just buy a new one?

But Matson notes that those replacement costs add up.

“If you're running two to five points of margin on a job, think about how much more margin you need to create to pay for $200. Whatever your replacement cost is in a year, it starts to stack up pretty significantly,” he says.

For example, Matson says for a field team of 50 people spending around $100,000 a year in tools and equipment, it will cost about $1 million of new work to replace those costs.

Equipment management is just one way that technology has the potential to positively impact the bottom line, but it is a great example of a simple solution to a complex problem.

“In an environment where there's such a shortage of skilled labor, you don't want to be looking at a backlog that's two and a half years long necessarily as a good thing. That leaves an opportunity for a competitor to come

in and take some of your business down the road. There’s a lot of things that need to be done to address it, but equipment management is such an important piece,” Matson adds.

Milwaukee Tool’s One-key platform provides the opportunity to build a better inventory solution with the understanding that a lot of contractors still use a notebook or Microsoft Excel to manage their tooling and equipment.

“A big piece of what we're doing here is just making your inventory more accessible, more tangible, and helping drive accountability down the field to start to address some of these problems that we talked about,” Matson says. “If I can solve for you the issue of where is my stuff ? The next question is, ‘What's going on with it? Is it being used? How is it be used? This thing came back broken; what happened to it? What can I do differently to make sure that it doesn't happen again when I send a replacement? Do I need to train my team differently?’

“So, we’re looking through a lens on these tools to say, ‘What can this thing tell you about itself that helps you be a better, more effective manager of your tools?’”

In addition, Matson says it’s about “finding things that we can do in a tool to help it be a little bit smarter of an application and deliver a high quality of work.”

Trimble is taking a similar approach by employing the philosophy of “We started with the machine and we're working our way out,” Austin says.

“First, we helped improve very specific processes, and now we're moving in on the entire jobsite itself.

We want to make things more efficient, everything from inner communication between contractors and subcontractors and better service ability for machines by the dealer's foreman,” he says.

“We're trying to give better visibility and just a better understanding of what exactly is going on instead of the fragmented picture that you've gotten so far.”

30 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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FOUNDATIONS & WALLS

By Tracy Dacko, Schöck North America

Thermal Breaks Provide Energy Efficiency in Concrete Reinforced Condo Candela Lofts insulates heated interior slabs from exterior balconies, slab edges and awning using structural thermal breaks to meet Passive House standards.

B

uilt on the site of a former two-story candelabra factory, Candela Lofts is the first luxury, multifamily building in the New York Metropolitan area built to international Passive House standards.

Passive House is the world‘s leading standard in energy efficient construction. Measures taken in the lofts to achieve Passive House (and LEED Platinum) status include lowwater consumption fixtures, a “green roof,” triple-glazed windows, and use of recycled and locally sourced materials.

Each unit also receives filtered fresh air through dedicated ventilation units that recover heat from exchanged air.

The 30,000 sq. ft., seven-story structure offers nine two-, three- and four-bedroom luxury loft residences from 1,545 to 3,400 sq. ft. The units feature high ceilings, cantilevered

balconies, open floor plans, oversized windows, state-of-the-art kitchens and master suites with walk-in closets.

Some enjoy panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.

PASSIVE HOUSE MEASURES CRITICAL AT THE ENVELOPE The building's exterior wall is part of its reinforced concrete structure. Facade clips, made of fiberglass to minimize thermal bridging, secure the exterior cladding and, in turn, 9.5-in.-thick mineral wool insulation.

The sealed concrete exterior wall, insulation layer and exterior cladding form a cementitious barrier to rainwater/moisture penetration. The wall sections also have a vapor barrier, which structural engineer Richard Christie of Christie Engineering says "helps avoid condensation inside.”

Left: In addition to the the thermal breaks, energy efficiency is gained thanks to triple-glazed windows, reinforced concrete exterior walls, and 9.5-in.-thick mineral wool insulation.

Middle: Isokorb Type CM thermal breaks are installed between the balcony and interior floor slabs before concrete is poured.

Right: About 350 linear ft. of structural thermal breaks are laid between the balcony and interior floor slabs, preventing thermal bridging.

Structural thermal breaks played a key role in the Passive House strategy, preventing thermal bridging at the balconies, the awning roof, and a slab edge that abuts a neighboring building.

“The only way we could meet Passive House standards in these areas was by designing in structural thermal breaks,” adds John Nastasi, project architect and principal at Hobokenbased Nastasi Architects.

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FOUNDATIONS & WALLS

Nastasi wanted the concrete to extend from the inside of each residence onto each balcony. “We didn’t want to build balconies from a secondary structure and then clip them onto the building, because they could seem like fire escapes,” he explains.

“We wanted the concrete to seamlessly transition onto the terraces. The only way to achieve this design and meet the Passive House standard was to thermally isolate the balconies with structural thermal breaks.”

Thermal breaks prevent thermal bridging that occurs where cantilevered structures such as balconies penetrate a building’s insulated envelope. Drawing heat through the envelope from heated interior concrete or structural steel, the thermal bridge dissipates that heat into the exterior environment.

Adjacent interior surfaces chilled by the penetration can form condensation and support mold growth.

pouring the concrete.

According to Schöck, structural thermal breaks reduce heat loss at balcony penetrations by up to 90% and up to 14% for a building overall.

Isokorb Type CSE slab edge thermal break mitigates thermal bridging in a tight space against an adjacent building

Candela Lofts installed 350 linear ft. of two structural thermal break types: Schöck Isokorb Type CM for the concrete balconies and roof awning structure and Isokorb Type CSE along the slab edge opposite the neighboring building.

The thermal breaks consist of a graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene module with stainless steel rebar running through the insulation for tension and shear resistance. The bars tie into the rebar of the interior floor slab and the exterior balcony slab prior to

INACCESSIBLE WALL PROVES CHALLENGING One side of the Candela building abuts a neighboring structure for 20 ft., which raised a challenge for the Passive House designers.

“The thermal breaks for slab edges really came into play for us at this party wall where we had a structural separation with the neighboring building," explains Ed May, principal at BLDGTYP and instructor at the North American Passive House Network. "We wrestled with how to provide thermal insulation at that wall, as we couldn’t access the back side of it; there wasn’t enough space between the buildings. The exposed slab edge otherwise would create a thermal bridge

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along the continuous insulation of the building envelope."

Type CSE structural thermal breaks, a one-sided, slab edge thermal insulator with stainless steel rebar, was selected to tie into the floor slab rebar. The module insulates the interior floor slab from the exposed slab edge while transferring the loads imposed on the exposed slab edge back to the interior floor slab.

“These thermal breaks were laid in, the concrete was poured, and 8 in. of reinforced concrete now protrudes like a mini-balcony," May says. "This allowed us to build our fire-rated separation wall from the inside but still get thermal separation at that narrow space between the buildings. It solved one of the critical head-scratchers we faced at the outset.”

electrical loads) to reach only 19.5 kBtu/ft2 per year. That compares to the average multi-family energy use intensity in the area for an existing building at 125 kBtu/ft2 (“New York City’s Energy and Water Use 2014 and 2015 Report,” October 2017”).

Candela Lofts also offer: • Annual heat demand of less than 4.75 kBtu/ft2/year; • Annual sensible cooling demand of less than 4.75 kBtu/ft2/year; • Whole-building airtightness of fewer than 0.6 air-changes-perhour (ACH@50Pa); and • A 20,000 kWh/year gain from the solar-thermal domestic hot water system.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION

PASSIVE HOUSE TAKES HOLD

May's energy modeling projects that the building’s energy consumption (including heating, cooling and

Structural engineer Christie sees thermal breaks as vital for the future of Passive House in New Jersey.

“In the past, we were less concerned about insulation and its ramifications and left it with the architects. But with LEED and Passive House, we’re moving deeper into insulation and its value to designers and owners," he says.

"Thermal breaks are an integral part of that and are proving to be a great tool for us. They will almost certainly become part of the building codes here in the future.”

Nastasi Architects Project Manager Juan Rodriguez agrees, seeing structural thermal breaks playing a vital role in Passive House application.

“I can’t imagine being able to provide the look we were going for without these isolators. To have exposed concrete in a Passive House building—on the outside of the building—I don’t know how else you could do that," he adds.

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www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor 35

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DECORATIVE CONCRETE

By Sheena Ingle

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Dyes come in a wide range of color options, leaving room for creativity.

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COLORED CONCRETE TRENDS: Should I Use Dyes, Stains or Pigments?

Learn about the differences, benefits and pitfalls of each type of colored concrete application to determine which is best for your project.

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rom intricate residential patio work to decorative flooring to multi-hued columns in sports stadiums, plenty of today’s projects require contractors to use colored concrete. But how do you decide whether to use dye, stain or pigment?

First of all, you’ll need to understand the differences between the three.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, dyes, stains and pigments differ significantly from one another.

We spoke with industry experts from Curecrete, Ameripolish and Prosoco about decorative colored concrete trends, common misperceptions, the differences between applications and how to select the right one for the job.

COMMON MISPERCEPTION: CONFUSING DYE WITH STAIN The terms “dye” and “stain” are often used interchangeably, causing

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DECORATIVE CONCRETE

many people to confuse the two products–while they are, in fact, very different.

Ameripolish digital marketing manager Greg Cabot credits part of the confusion to the fact that the word stain is more broadly used than the word dye. “A lot of contractors say the word ‘stain,’ but they're actually

Stained concrete with Curecrete’s Retroplate polishing system over it.

Photo Credit: Curecrete

referring to what we know as a dye.”

He goes on to say, “Stains have been around a lot longer than dyes, so it’s common for people to use the word stain even though they're not necessarily talking about a stain.”

DYES, STAINS AND PIGMENTS DEFINED In order to determine which colored concrete application is best for your project, you need to understand what they are and how they differ from each other.

DYES In many ways, dyes are the simplest type of colored concrete application.

They come in a wide range of color options, dry quickly and can be used on existing concrete. Raw dye typically comes in powder form, which can then be dispersed into water or a solvent for application.

STAINS Stains are typically used to tint, shade or change the texture of existing concrete. There are three types of stains: film-forming, acid and penetrating.

Film-forming stains coat or lay on top of a concrete surface in a similar way to paint but can peel or chip away with exposure to things like heavy foottraffic and harsh weather conditions.

Penetrating stains are a more permanent solution than film-forming because they penetrate deeper into the porous concrete surface. Available in a wide range of tints and shades, penetrating stains can even be used to impart boldly colored hues onto concrete (though they are typically still translucent).

Acid stains react chemically with concrete. This results in etching of the surface that creates a marbled, mottled or textured appearance. @diteqcorporation

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Close-up view of aggregate and acid stain.

PIGMENTS While dyes and stains are typically in a solution for concrete application, pigments are dry particles of color. For this reason, they can have trouble penetrating hardened concrete surfaces and must be used when mixing the concrete.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DYES, STAINS AND PIGMENTS Cabot says one of the biggest differences between dye and stain is color predictability. “Stains are reactive. It's a chemical that reacts with the concrete itself and produces an unpredictable color, and dyes are just like the dye that’s in your shirt.

It's a predictable color. If you select brown, then you're going to get brown.

Whereas with stain, you sometimes don't know exactly what the outcome of that product is going to be,” he says.

coloring with acid stains or dyes, rather than pigment. Also, on an existing floor, the only way to color the floor is with acid stains or dyes–integral color can only be used on a new concrete pour.”

Talbot’s colleague, Curecrete tooling specialist Brak Carman says, “Acid stains are a color reaction. Dyes and

pigments are particles of color and are more topical unless mixed into the concrete at time of placement.”

Prosoco concrete flooring group leader Nick Savage adds that acid stains typically require more safety precautions and experience to apply than the film-forming and penetrating stains. “Dyes are easy to use, have

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Vice president of sales for Curecrete Distribution Vernon Talbot echoes this sentiment, saying, “The truth is that dyes are much easier to use and have far more colors to choose from.”

He goes on to explain that stains and dyes both have advantages over pigment. “Acid stains and dyes give us some artistic advantages over integrally colored concrete. We can create designs, logos and more intricate

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DECORATIVE CONCRETE

Dyes have become the most popular option amoung contractors.

Photo Credit: Prosoco

a large selection of colors and are nonreactive,” he continues. “They deliver color by penetrating concrete or other porous cementitious surfaces, such as overlays. Dyes are much smaller in particle size than chemical stains, thus allowing for easier penetration and color saturation. Dyes typically come in a liquid dispersion or a powder. They

come in water-based or solvent-based options.”

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF EACH APPLICATION Each type of colored concrete application has its primary benefits and pitfalls.

With dyes, the obvious consensus is

that they deliver reliable color results and are easy to use. But, they can be susceptible to UV light fading.

Stains present slightly less predictable color options and require more safety precautions but are much more UV-stable than dyes. Talbot says, “Stains do have one tremendous advantage–UV stability. The dyes will disappear under UV light. While the acid stain may lighten slightly under UV light, it won’t disappear like a dye would.” He adds, “Also, acid stains give a bit of a mottled color, so it looks kind of rustic in my opinion. I like this and find many architects who prefer this mottled look over a consistent color that looks more like paint.”

Pigments must be applied when concrete is being mixed, which limits decorative and timing options–but they offer great depth of color since they are mixed all the way throughout the concrete slab.

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• What conditions will the colored concrete be exposed to once completed?

If your concrete will be exposed to a lot of UV light, you may want to opt for a stain. But if you’re looking for a wide range of color options, dye could be the best way to go. Conversely, if you want to color your concrete while mixing, or want color that goes all the way through the slab, use pigment.

“It really depends on the customer’s expectations and desired aesthetic outcome,” Savage says. “Decorative concrete contractors have traditionally gone with reactive acid stains. The variance in colors as well as the UV stability of acid stains are a popular choice for homeowners and smaller decorative finishes.”

Ameripolish’s Cabot and Curecrete’s Talbot both agree that dye has become most popular option for the typical contractor.

“To be honest, I see more contractors using dyes than stains,” Talbot says, noting that this is because dyes offer more color choices and are easier to use. “Most of our contractors today use dyes, as opposed to acid stains.” In fact, when referencing Curecrete, he says, “We currently carry and sell dyes. We used to sell acid stains, but when dyes started to take over, we stopped selling the acid stains.”

The same is true for Ameripolish, which offers dyes and pigment products.

However, Talbot also says, “Acid stain

Dye was used to achieve a vibrant appearance and unique polished floor design.

Photo Credit: Prosoco

etches into the concrete because of the acid used. This can give a much stronger, deeper color than using a dye. But from another angle, the etching of the floor by the acid can make it harder to polish properly because we are now trying to polish something that is etched, rather than polishing something smooth.”

Both Savage and Cabot say the best use for pigments (or even integrally colored dyed concrete) is in overlays, such as logos and stencils. “When you use an integral color in a concrete mix design, it can be really expensive, but it pairs well with overlays because there's not as much material that's being colored,” Cabot says.

Savage echoes this, saying, “Integrally colored polishable overlays are increasing in popularity. Customers like the consistent color and results an integrally colored overlay provides.”

Whatever application you choose, you can now achieve a nearly endless variety of decorative colored concrete outcomes.

Thanks to the wide selection of products, methods and colors available on today’s market, contractors can craft stunningly artistic results for their customers.

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www.collomix.com www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor 43

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CONCRETE EQUIPMENT

By Kim Basham, PhD PE FACI

C

Good Vibration =

QUALITY CONCRETE Proper use of an internal vibrator will minimize surface defects and blemishes.

I

nternal vibrators, sometimes referred to as “spud” or “porker” vibrators are the most common tools used to achieve concrete consolidation in foundations, columns and walls. In addition to consolidating freshly placed concrete and ensuring concrete completely flows into corners of the formwork and around reinforcement, vibrators blend different concrete lifts together into a single solid mass of concrete and

minimize surface voids (bug holes) and lift lines on exposed concrete surfaces.

When concrete is first placed into forms, it is honeycombed or contains up to 20% by volume of entrapped air bubbles created by the mixing and placing operations. These entrapped air bubbles are the “bad” air bubbles that must be removed by proper vibration to achieve maximum concrete density or good concrete.

During the process of removing the “bad” air, proper placing and vibration techniques will also minimize lift or placement lines and surface voids.

STAGES OF CONCRETE CONSOLIDATION Consolidation using an internal vibrator occurs in two stages: 1)

Best practice includes a form watcher measuring wall form deflections associated with concrete pressures due to the height of concrete and vibration. Not only a safety issue but monitoring form deflections can avoid out-of-tolerance walls.

Photo Credit: McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

leveling and 2) de-aeration. During the first stage, concrete is temporarily liquefied due to the rapid oscillatory motion transmitted to the concrete by the vibrator as illustrated in Figure 1 on page 46. Due to the energy imparted to the concrete, coarse aggregate particles become suspended, large voids between aggregates fill with mortar and concrete settles due to gravity. During this stage, concrete flows into corners of the forms and around reinforcement.

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Figure 1. Rapidly recurring compression waves radiate out perpendicular from the vibrator. These waves reduce the internal friction so the concrete behaves more like a liquid. Wave energy dissipates with increasing distance from the vibrator.

In the second, or de-aeration stage, the remaining entrapped air bubbles rise to the surface and escape, especially the large bubbles as illustrated in Figure 2. It is not possible to remove all the entrapped air bubbles; however, vibration should continue until the cessation of large air bubbles occurs.

Use the largest and most powerful internal vibrator to systematically vibrate the concrete area through the full depth of the lift. Be sure to penetrate the previous lift and limit the distance between insertions so the area visibly affected by the vibrator overlaps the adjacent just-vibrated area.

Continue vibrating until the coarse

aggregate particles become embedded, a thin film of mortar forms on the top surface and along the form faces, and large air bubbles stop escaping from the surface.

Also, listen to the pitch or tone of the vibrator. When the vibrator is first inserted into the concrete, vibrator frequency drops but then increases and finally becomes constant when the concrete is basically free of entrapped air bubbles.

Many times, untrained operators only level the concrete and fail to complete the de-aeration phase of

consolidation resulting in unwanted surface blemishes. It is important for operators to understand the stages of vibration and indicators of wellconsolidated concrete.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT OVER VIBRATING In addition to the “bad” or entrapped air bubbles in concrete, purposely entrained air bubbles or “good” air is commonly added to exterior concrete to

Figure 2. Rapidly recurring compression waves drive entrapped air bubbles out to the form faces and up to escape the concrete.

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increase the freeze/thaw resistance when the concrete is exposed to winter conditions (water and freezing temperatures).

Air-entrained concrete is produced by adding air-entraining admixtures during batching, and the microscopic size bubbles form during mixing. Entrained air bubbles are considerably smaller in size than entrapped air bubbles.

Workers commonly under vibrate concrete from fear that over vibration may reduce the entrained air content or damage the microscopic air void system decreasing the freeze/thaw resistance of the concrete.

The greater the slump, air content and vibration time, the more entrained air is lost. However, research has shown that most of the entrained air loss is the larger bubbles that do not contribute to the freeze/thaw resistance of the concrete. Basically, some of the larger entrained air bubbles are lost with the entrapped air bubbles and the freeze/

HOW TO VIBRATE CONCRETE 1. Deposit concrete with a maximum lift thickness of about 20 in. Make lifts as level as possible and do not use the vibrator to move concrete horizontally.

2. Plunge the vibrator vertically into the concrete. Use a uniform spacing not to exceed about one and a half times the radius of influence over the entire placement area as illustrated in Figure 3 on page 48. Radius of influence is the plan-view area where the vibrator has liquefied the concrete. Select the vibrator size and insert spacing to ensure all concrete is vibrated.

3. Let the vibrator sink by means of its own weight to the bottom of the lift and penetrate the previous lift about 6 in. as illustrated in Figure 2.

4. Manipulate the vibrator with an up-and-down motion for 5 to 15 seconds to knit the two lifts or layers of concrete together. Constant manipulation is required to prevent the possible formation of a harmonic motion that can distort, deflect or cause failure of the form. Do not worry about over-vibrating the concrete; most concrete is under-vibrated.

5. Withdraw the vibrator gradually with a series of up-and-down motions so large air bubbles are worked upward in front of the vibrator.

6. Rapidly extract the vibrator from the concrete when the head becomes partially exposed. If the vibrator hole does not close, partially and quickly reinsert the vibrator a short distance away from the hole.

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CONCRETE EQUIPMENT

Figure 3. Radius of influence (ROI) typically varies with the type of vibrator (i.e. frequency and amplitude), properties of the concrete and diameter of the vibrator head. For ¾ to 1 ½ in. dia. vibrators, ROI about 3 to 6 in. For 1¼ to 2½ in., ROI about 5 to 10 in. For 2 to 3½ in., ROI about 7 to 14 in. Typically, the radius of influence can be estimated by visually observing the actions of the vibrator or how the concrete reacts to the vibrator.

thaw resistance of the concrete is not significantly affected.

Therefore, workers should vibrate between 5 and 15 seconds to ensure the second phase of consolidation or de-aeration is achieved. Doing so will reduce the amount and size of surface voids, including bug holes, and in general, improve the overall quality and appearance of the concrete. Instead of worrying about over vibrations, workers should worry about under vibration.

BEST PRACTICES Some best practices to minimize surface defects and blemishes associated with consolidating concrete include:

1. Use a minimum of two vibrators for wall placements. The first worker and vibrator should follow the concrete placing hose to facilitate the concrete placing operation. This worker is not concerned about insertion spacings, penetrating the previous concrete lift or achieving the second phase of consolidation or de-aeration. When the pump hose moves, so does the worker and vibrator.

The second worker is not at the point of concrete deposit. This worker is concerned with the vibrator insert spacings, penetrating the previous lift about 6 in., and

VI

vibrating at each insertion between 5 and 15 seconds to ensure complete consolidation including the de-aeration phase. This worker is primarily responsible for vibrating all the concrete to minimize honeycombing, lift lines and surface voids and in general, responsible for the final surface appearance of the concrete.

2. Best practice also includes a form watcher monitoring forms for both safety and tolerance issues. This form watcher is using string lines and a measuring tape to measure and monitor out-of-plane deflection of the wall form.

3. To improve appearance of the final as-cast concrete finish, especially architectural concrete, reduce the lift height (less than 20 in.) and extend the vibration time but not beyond 15 seconds. These modifications will provide a shorter distance and more time for the “bad” air to escape.

S I T US

S13108 AT

B O OTH

RC PRO 9 30” REMOTE CONTROLLED PROPANE GRINDER Join us at booth #031146 in the Outside Silver Lot for a live look at our powerful machines in action! www.ASLMachinesUSA.com | info@ASLMachinesUSA.com | (866) ASL- 0446 48 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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4. For areas congested with reinforcement or conduits, consider prepositioning vibrators in areas difficult to access before closing the forms. If needed, vibrators can also be placed in rigid or flexible tubes prepositioned before placing concrete. During concrete placement, either vibrators or vibrators inserted through tubes can be pulled up and eventually removed as the concrete height rises.

When using tubes, pull the tube and vibrator together, but the head of the vibrator must extend slightly beyond the bottom or end of the tube.

5. Install inspection and/or vibrator access openings in forms that can be easily closed and sealed as concrete rises.

6. If concrete delivery is delayed, keep the top zone of the placed concrete in the form alive by periodically vibrating to a depth of 6 to 12 in.

After concrete arrives, check placed concrete by inserting a vibrator or

SIGNS OF ADEQUATE CONSOLIDATION OR VIBRATION 1. Concrete around the vibrator becomes level and exposed large aggregates particles sink into the concrete.

2. Zone along the perimeter of the radius of influence blends with the previous vibrated concrete.

3. Thin film of mortar forms on the top surface of concrete.

4. Layer of cement paste forms along form face.

5. Air bubbles stop escaping from surface of concrete.

6. Pitch or tone of the vibrator changes. The frequency changes and finally becomes constant when the concrete is free of entrapped air bubbles. rebar to ensure the top zone is still plastic. Then place a short lift of fresh concrete (8 to 10 in. thick) on the existing concrete and vibrate through by reducing the insertion spacing and penetrate into the previous lift a minimum of 6 in. to blend the lifts together. Then resume normal concrete placing operations.

For more information, consult: • ACI 309R-05 Guide for Consolidation of Concrete, American Concrete Institute,

www.concrete.com • ACI 309.1R-08 Report on Behavior of Fresh Concrete During Vibration, American Concrete Institute, www.concrete. com.

Kim Basham is president of KB Engineering LLC, which provides engineering and scientific services to the concrete industry. Basham also teaches seminars and workshops on concrete technology, construction and troubleshooting. He can be reached at KBasham@KBEngLLC.com.

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor 49

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CONCRETE PAVING

By Larry Trojak

Stringless Curb and Gutter

For Lenard Powell Inc., the move to Topcon’s stringless Millimeter GPS Paving System has resulted in a better product, improved production rates and a smaller workforce.

L

enard Powell has been building curb and gutter for better than two decades. In that time, he has poured more than 630 miles of curb—enough to stretch from his offices in central Florida to Nashville, Tenn. Until recently, the overwhelming majority of that work

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LPI added Topcon Positioning Systems' Millimeter GPS Paving System to its Power Curber 5700-C in 2018.

Photo Credit: Larry Trojak

had been done using a tried-and-true technique: a stringline-based system.

Accepting that all things change, however, Powell and his company, Lenard Powell Inc. (LPI), made the move to a stringless, millimeter-grade GNSS solution. That move, he says, has resulted in a better product, less reliance on a survey crew, improved production rates and a smaller workforce. Though it’s only one machine in a larger fleet, they’ve begun cutting ties with older technology—in every sense of the word.

A CAREER CHANGE Almost every professional working today has a story of what led them to their respective occupation. Often, it’s just being the next in line for succession; sometimes it’s finding a way to deal with career burn-out. Lenard Powell’s story is not as common—but it’s a whole lot more compelling.

“I could have written the perfect country song in 1996,” he says. “At that time, I was a farmer and there wasn’t much that went my way that year. A broker took me for a quarter million dollars, my house burned down, my wife left me, my favorite dog got killed by a poacher; it was an unbelievable string of events. But I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and I soon found out what that was.”

Lamenting his situation to a fellow parent at a youth rodeo event where his child was competing, Powell happened to mention that as much as he loved farming, he needed to find a new profession.

“The guy I was talking to, Ike Rainey, told me, ‘Well, I could use a curb man,’ Powell recalls. “I had

no clue what a curb man was, so he explained that his company was trying to build up the road building part of its business and they needed someone to create curb and gutter for them."

Interested in the job description, Powell rode with Rainey for a week to see how things were done and give it a shot.

"I copied a phone number off a Kurber5000 I saw in use elsewhere, called them and, using a portion of the insurance proceeds from the house fire, made a down payment on my first curb machine," he says.

Rainey is now retired, but Powell still works as a subcontractor to his company, Rainey Construction. Today, one of its biggest clients, The Village, is constructing new homes on the same land Powell used to plant watermelons—and he's doing the curb for those roads.

LESSONS LEARNED LPI’s growth was slow but steady, and Powell soon had his company tackling a decent schedule of projects, running eight curb machines and employing more than 100 workers during peak

season. Faced with the Great Recession in 2008, they downsized, and unlike many others, were able to survive.

“That downturn forced us to correct ourselves and get to a more manageable size," Powell explains. "Since then, we’ve kept under 50 employees, and it’s worked out well.”

Most of Powell's work is done in The Villages, Florida, a region located between Orlando and Ocala in central Florida. Offering a wealth of amenities, including recreation centers, softball fields, a polo stadium, as well as 12 championship-level and 38 executive

More than 75% of the company’s curb work is now done without string, and production rates have been averaging about 4,000 ft. per day.

Photo Credit: Larry Trojak

The stringless solution has enabled LPI to reduce labor by as many as four men on select projects.

Photo Credit: Larry Trojak

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor 51

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CONCRETE PAVING

golf courses, the community was the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States between 2010 and 2017, growing 32.8% in that period.

A STRINGLESS SOLUTION Even though LPI was moving along nicely with its fleet of existing curb machines, Powell was not oblivious to the discussion around him of a stringless solution revolutionizing curb and gutter work. He had, in fact, seen a system demonstrated in the past but was apprehensive about making a move at that time.

“I saw it several years ago at World of Concrete in Las Vegas and felt there was no way it could be as accurate as we needed, using just GPS,” he says. “But when Roger Croft from Lengemann, our Topcon dealer, showed me that Topcon had combined it with laser technology to bring it to millimeter grade, I decided it was time to give it a serious look. We added it last year on a Power Curber 5700C and are really impressed with what we are able to do now.”

The catalyst for turning LPI’s PowerCurber unit into a stringless curbing solution is the Millimeter GPS Paving System from Topcon Positioning Systems. Millimeter GPS

The Millimeter GPS offers the benefits of GPS positioning technology combined with zone laser reference for improved accuracy.

Photo Credit: Larry Trojak

provides Powell’s crew with the benefits of GPS positioning technology, bolstered by a zone laser reference to improve the accuracy of the curb machine to the levels needed.

“When we pour curb, our design calls for a .5% slope—it cannot have any dips, it has to run,” he says. “That’s attainable with string, but you need to have stakes every 25 ft. with the offset and the grade on each, then literally get down on your hands and knees to eyeball it.

Running the stringless system, we only have an occasional reference stake; the rest is all automatic. Putting all our faith in that system took some getting used to, but it’s proven itself on every job we’ve done, and the benefits are substantial.”

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SIZE MATTERS Powell’s view of the term “benefits” differs from that of other similar contractors who tend to focus solely on a financial equation. In fact, when pressed for an estimated return on investment for the stringless solution, he chooses instead to offer an alternative way to frame his savings.

“The truth is, it’s getting tougher and tougher to find good workers,” he says.

"Pouring curb and gutter is hard, hot, nasty work, and here in Florida, summer days are generally 90-plus degrees with high humidity. Very few people—let alone new, younger workers—want to work outside in those conditions. So, for us, reducing the size of our labor force through the use of the Topcon stringless solution is a much bigger benefit than any straight financial payback.”

To illustrate just how that savings is realized, it’s best to look at the way in which LPI approaches its stringlinebased jobs. For such projects, a survey crew must stake the entire job rather than just periodically. Survey is followed by a stringline crew and then the curb crew.

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“With the Topcon system on the Power Curber unit, we’ve eliminated the stringline crew entirely and cut the survey crew by about two-thirds," Powell explains. "If we weren’t so adamant about checks and balances, we could probably cut our dependence on survey even more. But we subscribe to the ‘measure twice, cut once’ principle, and it’s served us well. So reducing crew size on certain projects by as many as four men is how we are seeing payback.”

DEALING WITH HICCUPS According to Powell, he and his crew are admittedly far from tech savvy, so the transition to the stringless solution was not without its bumps.

While one particular issue was resolved by increasing the sensitivity in the curb machine’s slope leg to improve reaction times, gaining a basic familiarity with working in a GNSS environment was really at the root of it all.

“We were expecting some hiccups and we got some,” he says. “However, Roger Croft, Lengemann’s sales manager, is an amazing asset for us. He understands that we are concrete guys and that learning to run this new technology was a bit of a challenge at the outset. Despite being extremely busy, he’s been here whenever we’ve needed him and always takes our calls—in many cases helping us solve an issue over the phone. He genuinely knows the technology and backs up the sale. Power Curber has also been great. They have a tech in Webster, Florida who helped us through problems that have come up— everyone has been very responsive.”

Millimeter GPS has definitely found a home with LPI. Since making the move, more than 75% of the company’s curb work is now done without string, many of those eight curbing units have been reconfigured for other work, and production rates have been averaging

about 4,000 ft. per day. While those rates were attainable with the old system, getting there would have taken a significant amount of manpower. The overall process has been so streamlined and efficient, that working on projects outside of The Villages, draws some strange comments.

“When we pour elsewhere and tell them we want to pour curb and gutter at 9 a.m., we need 200-plus yards of concrete, and we need trucks delivering mud at 20 minute intervals, they literally laugh,” Powell says. “They are thinking we can’t possibly need it that quickly—but we do. The new stringless system has us just humming along. It took us a bit to get into a groove, but we are definitely in one right now."

Powell adds: "On most projects here in The Villages, the contractor has eight or 10 pipe crews working, and they still can’t outrun us. We made the right move."

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PRODUCT FOCUS

Product Focus ››››› A compilation of the latest in concrete saws and blades.

Premium Diamond Blades Makita's Premium Diamond Blades features a new bond formulation and increased segment heights to cut faster and last longer.

• Premium quality diamonds increase durability and extend blade life • Segment heights increased from 7 to 13 mm • Cooling slots/gullets engineered to keep blade cool during operation • Available in various sizes and rim types • Segmented general purpose blades deliver fast cool cuts in multiple applications; may be used wet or dry • Turbo general purpose blades deliver a smoother finish by providing constant contact with base material; may be used wet or dry • Continuous Rim general purpose blades were designed for fine cutting in marble, granite, porcelain tile and ceramic tile; may be used wet or dry • Dual Purpose blades feature harder bond ideal for cutting asphalt and concrete

Hilti Electric Diamond Cutter DCH 300

The Hilti Electric Diamond Cutter DCH 300 sets standards in performance, safety and comfort for applications where cutting dry is a must. With a 2.6 kw motor and cutting depth adjustment, the DCH 300 reaches a depth of 4-3/4 in. Consider pairing the DCH 300 with the new Hilti VC 300-17X vacuum, which includes a 17-gal. tank, filter cleaning mechanism and 99% filter efficiency for a dust controlled dry cutting option.

ForConstructionPros.com/20863165

ForConstructionPros.com/21095813

iQ Power Tools 16.5” Dry-Cut Masonry Saw with Integrated Dust Collection

The iQMS362 is the newest in iQ Power Tools’ iQ360 line of masonry saws.

Whether the materials are small or large, this tool is designed to save cutting time and increase productivity.

Tests have shown the saw’s 16.5-in. Q-Drive blade cuts up to 40% faster than its competitors and with more accuracy.

The blade cuts masonry materials in a wide range of shapes, sizes, weights and densities—from soft, manufactured stone to very dense pavers or granite.

The iQMS362 also eliminates the dust cloud, allowing workers to increase their efficiency and productivity while staying compliant with the new OSHA regulations. The iQMS362 meets the OSHA Silica Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms of respirable crystalline silica per cubic meter of air (μg/ m3), averaged over an eight-hour day.

• 16.5-in. blade with a 5.5 in. depth and a full 24 in. length of cut • Runs on 120 volts and 20 amps • 270° Dust Reduction System • 3 Stage Cyclonic Filtration ForConstructionPros.com/21022172

MK Diamond MK-1800 Portable Concrete Saw Designed for wet or dry, general application sawing, the MK-1800 has a maximum blade capacity of 18 in., providing a 6 5/8-in. depth of cut.

• Hinged blade guard allows for easy blade changes • Depth control assembly allows blade to be easily raised and lowered to the desired cutting depth • Ergonomic vibration-dampening handlebars and crank assist reduce operator fatigue • Ride-on-the-blade water distribution system with 6-gal. water tank • Available with a Honda, Vanguard or Kohler engine, with the option for propane ForConstructionPros.com/21050336

ICS, Blount 695XL Gaspowered Power Cutter

The 695XL features an easy to start engine with higher energy ignition system and durable, long-lasting components including a new muffler, carburetor and piston and cylinder.

• Available with 12-,14- and 16-in. guide bars and the entire line of MAX, ProForce and PowerGrit series diamond chains • 6.4-hp, 94cc two-stroke, air-cooled gasoline engine • Designed for frequent-use by general construction, utility contractors and concrete professionals ForConstructionPros.com/21007375

309-114 Silver Streak Turbo Blade 7" Turbo Blade

The Silver Streak 7-in. Turbo Blade features quality performance, speed and versatility.

• Cuts green concrete, block, concrete, brick, pavers, hard concrete and field stone • Diameter: 7 in.

• Cutting Width: .095 in.

• Segment Height: 10 mm • Arbor Size: 5/8 in.

• Wet/dry cutting • 8730 max RPM • Weld Type: Sintered • Branded clamshell packaging • For angle grinders ForConstructionPros.com/21027846

54 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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Husqvarna K 535i Battery-Powered Cutter

Guarda Edge Power Cutter

The Edge Power Cutter features Tri-Vac technology, a built-in extraction system that eliminates carbon monoxide from the exhaust and greatly mitigates silica dust levels. The technology is built into the blade guard and extracts most of the slurry that would normally escape from the blade guard while cutting. Exhaust fumes are funneled down the waste tube and cooled with airflow and water. The lightweight saw is suitable for general-purpose concrete cutting, is quick and easy to set up and is suitable for 15-in. blades with a 6-in. cutting depth. Saw and blade guard move independently, allowing the blade guard to sit flush to the cutting surface for more of each cut.

ForConstructionPros.com/21044687

SKILSAW TrueHVL Cordless Worm Drive Saw SKILSAW claims that its new TrueHVL Worm Drive Saw is the first and only cordless saw that is true worm drive, noting it is the only cordless saw you will find with Worm Drive gearing. Powered by the TrueHVL battery, the brushless motor responds to challenging applications by boosting power and torque. Allmagnesium construction makes it lightweight and tough.

• Built for high torque applications • High voltage lithium ion battery and charger design • Battery utilizes STAY COOL technology to keep the cells cooler, which helps extend the runtime and lifetime of the battery for high-torque application.

• Battery can be fully charged in one hour ForConstructionPros.com/21104484

The K 535i battery-powered cutter builds on its fuel- and electric-powered equivalents with added benefits such as low vibrations, low weight and user-friendly ergonomics. It is suited for quick, efficient cuts and can easily be used for wet or dry cutting. The slim design and low weight (7.7 lbs) make it easy to lift, control and maneuver, while the centered-placement of the blade provides increased stability and control. The electric blade brake can stop blade rotation from full throttle to zero in 3.1 seconds. The handles are specially developed to be comfortable and increase control for extra safety while cutting. An intuitive keypad is designed for quick command and features a save function. Side-fed placement of the battery maximizes cooling.

ForConstructionPros.com/21070707

U.S. Saws Core EZ Core Drill

Skid Steer Saw by Cuts Inc. This one-of-a-kind skid steer saw can be mastered in minutes, requires minimal maintenance, and operates in all terrains.

The saw is designed to cut flat surfaces. It can also cut some vertical surfaces, as well as concrete pipes, light poles and sewer and drainage pipes. Compatible with any diamond saw blade, it can cut depths from 10 to 20 in. Attachments for core drilling are available. Additionally, tests against some of the industry's leading diesel flat saws prove the skid steer saw cuts faster and travels further, all while reducing risk of injury to the operator.

The Core EZ has a unique mounting guide in the center of the bit that keeps the drill perfectly straight even through rebar.

• Core retained for easy removal and safety • One person can easily transport, set up and operate the unit • Can drill holes from 3 to 10 in. and is powered by 120V or a 36V battery • Entire unit setup fits into a rolling carry case and weighs 50 lbs.

ForConstructionPros.com/21018197

ForConstructionPros.com/21106431

Milwaukee Cordless 7 1/4-in.

Rear Handle Circular Saw Milwaukee Tool's M18 Fuel 7 1/4-in. Rear Handle Circular Saw features the most run-time of any cordless rear handle circular saw, capable of making up 570 cuts per charge.

The new saw combines three exclusive innovations: the Powerstate brushless motor, Redlithium battery pack and Redlink Plus intelligence.

The brand-new Powerstate Brushless Motor delivers 5,800 RPM to rip through tough applications without bogging down. A redesigned Redlink Plus Intelligence package ensures maximum performance of the saw under load and prevents against overload and overheat.

When equipped with Milwaukee’s new M18 Redlithium High Output HD12.0 Battery, the saw can power through up to 570 cuts on just one charge, eliminating the hassle of cords or constant switching-out of multiple battery packs. The new battery provides 50% more power, runs 50% cooler, and delivers 33% more run-time than the M18 Rredlithium HD9.0 Battery.

The saw also features a cast magnesium construction, as well as an electric brake to quickly stop the blade after a cut, as well as gears that don’t require oiling.

ForConstructionPros.com/21080776

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor 55

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SPECIFICATION GUIDE: GRINDERS

Grinders

A compilation of technical information when choosing your next grinder.

1. CONCRETE POLISHING SOLUTIONS G-320D AND G-320D PRO GRINDERS With more than seven years in production, the G-320D and G-320D PRO set the standard in polished concrete equipment. With powerful motors, upgraded slip-clutches, and flex head technology, these machines not only have more than enough torque to grind through heavy mastics and coatings, but also make excellent polishing machines.

ForConstructionPros.com/12152035 World of Concrete Booth #O40827 Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

G-320PRO Planetary

43” x 34” x 48”

896 lbs.

31 hp

N/A (Propane)

32”

565 to 715 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

Propane Rover

48” x 34” x 63”

1100 lbs.

31 hp

N/A (Propane)

32”

760 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

Electric Rover

48” x 34” x 63”

1300 lbs.

20 hp

30 amps

32”

800 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

2. EDCO MAGNA-TRAP, HEAVY-DUTY FLOOR GRINDER/POLISHER EDCO introduces Magna-Trap Systems, opening a new era in concrete grinding surface preparation equipment and tooling specifically designed for the rental industry. With both rental and retail opportunities, EDCO’s Magna-Trap System solves virtually every concrete grinder surface preparation application. The combined capabilities of the 4 core MagnaTrap tools, (Dyma-Dots, Dyma-Segs, Dyma-PCD w/ Backing Segment, Strip-Serts) are designed to solve most surface preparation applications. These options are available in the new Magna-Trap Rental Packages.

ForConstructionPros.com/12140683 Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

EDCO Magna-Trap

48” x 26” x 40”

330 lbs.

5 hp (electric) / 18 hp (propane)

23 amps

22”

55 lbs. per tool

Non-Planetary

No, water hose hookup

3. THE PREP/MASTER JR. GRINDER BY STI The Prep/Master Jr. grinder by STI works extremely well in small, hard-to-reach areas that requires a more compact design — perfect for residential garage floors. This grinder is very aggressive, yet extremely easy to operate due to the smooth operation of the STI rotary gear system. In addition, the low price of the Prep/Master Jr. is very affordable and fits any project budget.

ForConstructionPros.com/12298967 Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

Prep/Master Jr.

50” x 23” x 48”

450 lbs.

7.5 hp

40 amps

23”

265 lbs. (with pocket weights)

Non-Planetary

Yes

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EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION GUIDE: GRINDERS

7.

4. LAVINA 38GRE The new L38GRE grinder from Superabrasive is the biggest and most productive Lavina Elite model. It is remote-controlled and propane-driven with Kawasaki FX1000V engine and Lavina Fuel Minder kit, recognized as Blue Sky, based on lower than the standard emissions. Other grinder features include: integrated weights with four positions, misting system for dust supression, heavy duty water pump, LED lights, and low-profile skirt with flexible brush for working under shelves.

ForConstructionPros.com/21107467

World of Concrete Booth #O30840/#O31034/#S10539

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

L38GRE

98” x 38” x 52”

1585 lbs.

35 hp

N/A (Propane)

36.5”

603-898 lbs.

Planetary

No

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

L16E

48” x 18” x 38”

216 lbs.

2.45 hp

16 max

16”

147 lbs.

Planetary

No

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

L14E

47” x 15” x 39”

132 lbs.

2.45 hp

16 max

13.2”

53 lbs.

Single-head

No

H

5. GENERAL EQUIPMENT SG12/E Designed for smaller-scale surface preparation projects, General Equipment Co.’s SG12/E single-head surface grinder offers high performance, durability and ease-of-use, making it ideal for anyone from professional contractors to do-it-yourself homeowners. Powered by a totally enclosed, fan-cooled 1.5-horsepower electric motor, the SG12/E features a single rotating disc with a 12-in.-wide working width. Applications for the SG12/E include grinding concrete surfaces, removing mastics, adhesives, epoxies and urethanes, breaking up deposits of grease and dirt, removing rubber carpet backing and industrial residues, and polishing more delicate terrazzo and marble floor surfaces.

ForConstructionPros.com/12105500

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

SG12/E

39” x 19.75” x 40.5”

242 lbs.

1.5 hp

13.7 amps

12”

Variable

Non-Planetary

No

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

SG24/GH

55.25” x 37.50” x 38”

350 lbs.

11 hp

N/A

24”

Variable

Non-Planetary

No

6. MK DIAMOND SDG-7 SURFACE GRINDER • • • •

Designed to grind concrete surfaces while leaving a smooth finish Uses a diamond cup wheel for grinding, cleaning and leveling concrete Has a 120V, 15 amp motor and a 3,500 rpm disc MK-IXL vacuum dust shroud accommodates diamond cup wheels up to 7 in. in diameter

ForConstructionPros.com/10083344

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

MK Diamond SDG-7

34” x 17.5” x 32”

44 lbs.

1.75 hp

15 amps

7”

7 lbs.

Non-Planetary

No

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

MK Diamond SDG-11

40” x 16” x 42”

212 lbs.

10.7 hp

N/A

10”

70 lbs.

Non-Planetary

No, hose hook-up

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PD

7. HUSQVARNA PG 820 RC WITH DUAL DRIVE TECHNOLOGY Husqvarna Construction Products releases a new, self-driven remote controlled version of Husqvarna PG 820 with patented Dual Drive Technology. The PG 820 RC enables significantly higher productivity and even better work results together with more ergonomic operation and transport. While running, the operator has time to prepare the next set of tools, adjust hoses, etc., which means better use of labor time.

ForConstructionPros.com/12028632

World of Concrete Booth # C4249/#O31611

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

Husqvarna PG 820 RC

88” x 33” x 80”

1182 lbs

17 hp

32 amps

32”

737 lbs.

Planetary

No

8. SASE PDG 5000P 20” PLANETARY FLOOR GRINDER The PDG 9000P features a 20 in. grinding width. According to the company, this machine is pefectly balanced and is built for low maintenance. It includes a powerful Gx390 Honda Engine and connects to the SASE BULL dust extractors for dust-free operation.

Other features include: • Operator-friendly control panel • Standard feature flexible grinding heads • Includes both metal bond QCS and resin bond flex plates

ForConstructionPros.com/12299009

World of Concrete Booth # O41035

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

PDG 9000P

N/A

430 lbs. (without propane tank)

N/A

N/A

20”

220 lbs.

Planetary

N/A

FIND US IN THE SOUTH HALL AT BOOTH #S11020

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EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION GUIDE: GRINDERS

9. HTC 270 EG STAND UP EDGE GRINDER The HTC 270 EG is pioneering a stand-up edge grinding and polishing machine.

It has a maximum head height of only 4.5 in. to fit under shelves. The HTC 270 EG comes standard with variable speed for complete control and a rotating, floating shroud with adjustable wheels to grind and polish up to the wall or slightly away.

ForConstructionPros.com/10247544 World of Concrete Booth #O31324

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

HTC 270 EG

41” x 20” x 33”

90 lbs.

3 hp

30 amps

10.6 in.

90 lbs.

Non-Planetary

No

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

HTC 800 RX

87” x 33” x 48”

1200 lbs.

20 hp

40 amps

32”

530-726 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

HTC 950 RX

53” x 38” x 50”

1323 lbs.

20 hp

40 amps

36”

617-882 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

10. THE AZTEC ULTRAGRIND The award winning UltraGrind is Aztec’s propane-powered, planetary head, gear driven, concrete grinding and polishing machine. The UltraGrind is designed for the more aggressive concrete floor grinding and polishing applications, where the goal is to both remove material and highly polish concrete floors.

• Industry-standard 2-in. exhaust ports for concrete dust vacuums • Powered by the new 20 hp Kawasaki 603cc engine, featuring a heavy duty canister air filter • CE, EPA/CARB, LEED and GS-42 certified.

ForConstructionPros.com/12299019 World of Concrete Booth #O40843 Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

UltraGrind

79” x 32” x 46”

930 lbs. with water tank

18 hp

N/A (Propane)

30”

Up to 780 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

The Refresher

43.25” x 32” x 42.25”

380 lbs.

18 hp

N/A (Propane)

30”

330 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

UltraEdge

50” x 32” x 42”

478 lbs.

18 hp

N/A (Propane)

13”

75-175 lbs.

Planetary

No

11. TERRCO MODEL 3100LP-K The Terrco Model 3100LP-K features a 40 hp Kubota LP gas four head (12 stones) floor grinder.

ForConstructionPros.com/12028642 World of Concrete Booth #O32140

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

Terrco Model 3100LP-K

72.25” x 29.5” x 74”

1590 lbs.

40 hp

N/A

28”

1,220 lbs.

Non-Planetary

Yes

60 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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12. ASL MACHINES USA RT1 REMOTE CONTROLLED The RT1 is a versatile grinding machine that can be controlled manually or through the wireless remote control. The remote control is a useful asset that will save time, money and cause less fatigue on the body. With a remote control, the RT1 can be easily maneuvered and set to auto while the operator prepares the next set of tooling or completes other tasks.

ForConstructionPros.com/21024416 World of Concrete Booth #O31146

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

RT1

63” x 30” x 78”

1002 lbs.

15 hp

40 amps

30”

611 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

T8

48” x 25” x 73”

670 lbs.

10 hp

30 amps

25”

475 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

Model

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight (lbs)

Horsepower

Amperage

Grinding Path (in.)

Grinding Pressure

Planetary/ Non-Planetary

Water Tank (Yes/No)

Pro 9

55” x 30” x 78”

859 lbs.

27 hp

N/A (Propane)

30”

645 lbs.

Planetary

Yes

1

Shape concrete up to 2X faster than traditional methods Thanks to the innovative roller screeds

by Curb Roller Mfg, you can tackle anything from flatwork to v-gutters, and more!

Screeds.

Made For You. Whether you order a Curb Roller, Hydra-Screed, Batt Screed, or Eel Screed, our customized service ensures you have what you need to get the job done.

785-467-3132 curbroller.com

112 S. Main Street Fairview, KS 66425

Booth O32034

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor 61

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WOC Idea File

OSHA Compliant Dry Vacuums

VX1500* VX1050 VX3000* 220V -1PH • 330CFM 110V -1PH • 280CFM 230V-1PH • 330CFM *Additional H.E.P.A. filter, allowing 99.985% particulate capture • Parts and accessories also available

www.reditoo.com • 877-938-2523

62 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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WOC Idea File Chapin introduces two new additions to their industry leading line of concrete sprayers: The Evolution™ Xtreme® Stainless Steel Compressor Sprayer and the Dust Abatement Water Supply Backpack Sprayer.

The Evolution™ 19099 Concrete Sprayer sets a new industry standard with stainless steel construction, Xtreme® seals, a Schrader Valve with PRV, a 19” brass wand with dripless shut-off, and a stainless steel Tee Jet fan nozzle. The Chapin 63863 Dust Abatement Water Supply Backpack Sprayer makes it easy to comply with OSHA regulations for dust abatement.

The 4 gallon sprayer is powered by a 24v Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.

The heavy duty dust abatement hose with a ¾” MGHT fitting connects directly to your concrete saw. A spray wand is also included.

Contact Chapin at 1-800-950-4458 or visit chapinmfg.com

“A global leader in innovative laser-guided and 3D GPS/LPS-guided concrete screeds.”

Work Smarter.

Work Flatter.

Work With Ligchine.

Learn how our boom-operated screeds can dramatically reduce dependence on labor, while yielding a higher-quality end product.

Visit us at booth Booth O32126 and Booth S11447 at the World of Concrete.

Follow Us!

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor

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WOC Idea File

INTRODUCING SAKRETE PRO-MIX – ENGINEERED FOR PROFESSIONALS, FORMULATED FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE

When you’re working on mission-critical industrial, commercial, infrastructure and utility projects, getting the job back in service fast is everything.

That’s why we created Sakrete Pro-Mix™: our fastest-setting, higheststrength portfolio of pro-grade concrete repair products.

Delivering superior workability and exceptionally fast strength gain, Pro-Mix projects are ready for foot traffic in under an hour so you can tackle the challenge and get on to the next job faster.

The Pro-Mix portfolio includes three pro-grade formulations: Accelerated Concrete Mix • Engineered for jobs over 2” deep including sidewalks, form work and footings.

• 7,000 psi ultimate strength All-Purpose Cement Mix • Ideal for repairing uneven, cracked, damaged or spalled concrete surfaces – both horizontal and vertical, from 4” down to feather edge.

• 9,000 psi ultimate strength Concrete Repair • A polymer modified formulation that simplifies repair of the most challenging horizontal, vertical or overhead concrete surfaces from 1/4” to 6” thick.

• 7,000 psi ultimate strength

Visit us online at SakreteProMix.com or in person at World of Concrete Booth S10827 to learn more and see Pro-Mix in action.

River Rock Flooring System Wide selection of colors and blends Easy maintenance- A quick wash is all that's needed to keep it clean Can be applied to an exceptionally wide range of surfaces, even on vertical surfaces Resistant to a wide range of weather conditions including freezing weather Easy to repair Epoxy stone allows water to pass through the system and follow the runoff of the existing structure

McKinnon Materials Price List Open Your Camera App and Click On The Link!

Aurora Epoxy Dust (Metallic Epoxy) Reflects light rather than absorbing it, creating a floor with depth and dimension Many different unique visual effects are possible Ideal for residential use, office complexes, commercial areas, lobbies, or light industrial epoxy applications Used in 100% solids clear industrial epoxy without compromise to the binders physical properties Colors can be intermixed or custom ordered for unlimited color variations

Mention World of Concrete for a special show rate on materials!

Call us toll free at 1-866-622-7031

www.mckinnonmaterials.com|@McKinnonMaterials

64 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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by

THE NEW ELITE GRINDER L38GRE www.superabrasive.com

BOOTH S10539, O31034, O30840

• • • • • •

SUPER LIGHT & EASY TO USE REMOTE CONTROL POWERFUL KAWASAKI FX1000V ENGINE LAVINA FUEL MINDER FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE AND LOWER EMISSIONS DUSTPROOF PLANETARY DRIVE 3 X 13.2” HEADS, GRIND PRESSURE: 603-898 LBS INTEGRATED WEIGHTS, MISTING SYSTEM, LED LIGHTS.

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor

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Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. SET3G17-C

The best adhesive performs in the worst conditions.

®

Rely on the code-listed SET-3G epoxy for your next project.

Visit go.strongtie.com/set3g or call us at (800) 999-5099.

© 2020

Code Listed: ICC-ES ESR-4057

The next generation of Simpson Strong-Tie epoxy adhesive is more reliable and versatile. The high-strength SET-3G™ anchoring adhesive can be installed in extreme concrete temperatures (from 40°F to 100°F) as well as in dry or water-filled holes in concrete to provide the strength and performance needed for adhesive anchor installations on your projects.

Verify ACI Certification The American Concrete Institute’s Certification Verify app allows users to quickly and easily verify the status of ACI-certified individuals through three search options: (1) verify an individual’s certification ID number, (2) search by an individual’s name, and (3) find the total number of ACI-certified individuals in an area.

Accessible through a phone or tablet, the app is the perfect tool to use on the jobsite to verify the status of people working on a project. Using the same functionality of the popular concrete.org/verify webbased verification tool, the ACI Certification Verify app helps the entire verification process become more seamless so jobs can keep moving forward.

The app is currently available in iOS platforms.

An Android version is expected to be available soon.

Learn more about ACI Certification at whyACIcertification.org.

66 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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WOC Idea File

Visit us at World of Concrete Booth #C5483

LEADERS IN CONCRETE SLIPFORMING

›››

Concrete Slipform Pavers for Every Construction Project.

W W W. M I L L E R F O R M L E S S . C O M

THE WORLD’S FIRST CORDLESS BREAKER Hilti’s new tool delivers power, performance and productivity.

Hilti expands its industry-leading cordless tool offering with the addition of the world’s first cordless breaker, the TE 500-A36.

Engineered for the challenges associated with breaking concrete and masonry, the tool gives construction professionals the power of a corded breaker with the productivity of cordless.

Powered by the highest capacity 36-volt 9.0 ah lithium-ion battery on the market, it delivers unmatched power, speed and run-time. The tool uses a brushless motor and high efficiency hammering mechanism to extend the run time of the battery. The TE 500-A36 is backed by an industry’s best tool warranty – 20 years of repair or replacement of defective parts; two years no cost repair including wear and tear; and a guaranteed one-day turn-around on repairs.

1-800-879-8000 en español 1-800-879-5000 www.hilti.com

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor

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NEW OZTEC BP-45 Oztec is proud to introduce the newest edition to its industry leading backpack vibrators.

The New BP-45 adds a powerful 2HP option, capable of running vibrator heads up to 2” in diameter, in a lightweight configuration. This backpack maintains Oztec’s Job-Proven Rugged design. Built to withstand the demands of concrete construction sites with a sturdy steel frame, dependable Honda engines, fully adjustable padding system and the highest quality components, all designed for easy maintenance and long life.

The BP-45 is an option between Oztec’s lightest weight model, the BP-35, and Oztec’s most powerful option, the BP-50a. As with all of Oztec’s power units, the BP-45 includes our patented Quick Disconnect for easy interchangeability with Oztec flexible shafts and vibrator heads.

New RubberHeads® with Optional Extension Piece In December of 2019 Oztec Industries, Inc. reintroduced its 1-1/8” & 1-1/2” RubberHeads®. Both of these heads are available with an optional rubber coated extension piece. With Oztec extension pieces, you can greatly reduce the chance of the vibrator head becoming entangled in the rebar. These heads were originally designed to meet the needs of the construction of the Hood Canal Floating Bridge in Washington State, where over 30,000 cubic yards of concrete were poured in heavily congested rebar without a single head getting entangled in the rebar.

Oztec RubberHeads®, ranging in size from 1-1/8” to 2-3/4”, not only protect epoxy coated rebar and delicate form faces, but also produce better consolidated concrete and are job proven to be more efficient and effective than any other vibrator head on the market!

Oztec Industries, Inc. 65 Channel Drive · Port Washington, NY 11050 1-800-533-9055 - 516-883-8857 - Fax 516-883-7857 Please visit our booth at World of Concrete #N2237

68 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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MEET BROKK 70 THE NEW MINI SUPER HERO

Packed with demolition power, the BROKK 70 is the perfect solution for safe and efficient demolition in very confined spaces.

Booth C4547

WOC Idea File GelMaxx offers slurry solutions that are quick, organic, and easy to use.

Our AQUAmaxx product is a liquid that attaches itself to dust particles suspended in slurry water and drops them to the bottom of the barrel, leaving reusable water on top. Our ECO-QUICKgel is a fast-working powder that is super absorbant.

Once the slurry is absorbed, it can be thrown away in a standard trash can. Our products are OSHA and EPA compliant and pass all necessary tests with ease. Visit booth #S11020 at World of Concrete for samples and demos of our slurry solutions!

BOOTH # S11020

Brokk Inc. | 1-360-794-1277 info@brokkinc.com | www.brokk.com

The MQ Whiteman PRX achieves levels of floor flatness previously thought to be unreachable. Designed and developed exclusively for power floating, the PRX enables the contractor to increase production and floor flatness in today’s demanding environment. A Ford Power Products V6 engine and high-cycle generator produces the performance required to drive twin 70� rotors through the most demanding panning conditions.

The liquid cooled muliti-phase drive motors deliver high efficiency while developing the optimum torque necessary at break-away RPM.

WWW.MULTIQUIP.COM www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor

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-

A method to install contraction joints in fresh concrete. Trak JointsÂŽ are installed by a manually operated tool called the TrakerÂŽ, at 75% less cost, 4 times faster, and dust-free, when compared to sawcutting.

WWW.TRAKJOINT.COM

1

2

3

4

5

6

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7

8

WOC Idea File FASTFOOT®

WE’VE PUT A NEW SPIN ON CORDED ROLLER SCREEDS!

- 100 times lighter than lumber - Adapts to uneven ground - Rapid setup and strip

ASL Machines USA combines industry experience and creativity to offer its customers innovative technology in floor grinding and polishing machines, industrial vacuums, diamond tooling, and much more. ASL offers propane, electric, and even battery powered machines to suit the need of any contractor on any job.

ASL Machines USA is proud to offer high quality machines and tooling as well as high quality customer service. Join us at booth # O31146 at World of Concrete for live demos of our machines and to meet with the ASL Machines USA team.

BOOTH # O31146

• Transport anywhere with a folding handle • Internal cord storage make transfer a breeze • Built strong with an all-steel housing

To learn more about the Eel Screed, call or visit our website today!

785-467-3132 www.curbroller.com

www.fastfoot.com (888)303-3278

NEW RB611T

• Enjoy simple setup with one-pin connect

The RB611T has the largest jaw size of any battery powered rebar tying tool on the market.

Has the ability to tie up to # 9 x #10 rebar (Varies by rebar manufacturer).

FEATURES/BENEFITS

MULTIPLE REBAR COMBINATIONS

1 MAXIMIZE YOUR REBAR TYING CAPACITY

3 Bars (Ties up to) #9 plus #8 x #8 #10 plus #7 x #7 #11 plus #6 x #6

Largest jaw size of any battery powered rebar tying tool on the market. Ties up to #9 x #10 rebar*. *Varies by rebar manufacturer.

2 DOUBLE THE SPEED

TW1061T TIE WIRE SERIES

4 Bars (Ties up to) #6 x #6 plus #6 x #6

19 ga. Steel Wire

A Dual Wire Feeding Mechanism increases productivity.

3 COST SAVING

19 ga. Poly Coated Wire

19 ga. Electro.

Galvanized Wire

19 ga. Buy American Wire

TW1061T-S- STAINLESS STEEL WIRE IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A SPECIAL ORDER ITEM.

APPLICATIONS

A Wire Pull-Back Mechanism dispenses the precise amount of wire needed to form a tie, reducing wire usage.

4 SHORTER TIE HEIGHT

Road and Bridge Construction Precast Plants Commercial Buildings Retaining Walls Commercial Buildings Electrical Conduits Water Treatment Tanks Basements Water Retaining Structures

A Wire Bending Mechanism produces a shorter tie height.

Less concrete is needed to fully cover a wire tie.

5 LONG LASTING BATTERY

One charge of the battery can yield up to 4,000 ties.

6 ENCLOSED DESIGN

Greater protection against debris and moisture entering the tool.

7 EASY PUSH GEAR RELEASE

Effortlessly open gears to quickly feed wire when loading the tool.

8 QUICKLY & EASILY LOAD TIE WIRE Rapidly load the dual wire coil with the quick load magazine design.

205 EXPRESS STREET, PLAINVIEW, NY 11803 WWW.MAXUSACORP.COM 800.223.4293

Ties up to #9 x #10 rebar*. *Varies by rebar manufacturer.

LEARN MORE AT: WWW.MAXUSACORP.COM

BOOTHS: C3228 AND O31458

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor

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WOC Idea File N EW

!

Gator Tools™ Quick Clasp Float Case™ DECORATIVE CONCRETE BY

EUCLID CHEMICAL

Easy dispensing of the exact water amount for your mixing job Dosing water easy and fast on the construction site with the new AQiX water dosing device.

Measure water up to 50% faster Simply set the water amount, attach it to the bucket and start No longer any need to haul water buckets Device is battery-operated – no cable needed, extremely mobile

Visit us at World of Concrete, Las Vegas South Hall, S 13045

www.collomix.com

Manufactured at our state-ofthe-art facility in Springfield, Illinois, Brickform sealers use the highest quality materials.

Trust Brickform solventand water-based sealers to enhance color, resist staining, and protect your hard work.

Quality sealers, coatings, and cure and seals.

www.brickform.com 800-624-0261

LEVEL TOP PC-AGG Polishable Self-Leveling Topping with Natural Aggregate Level Top PC-Agg takes polishable overlays to the next level. This selfleveling formula provides excellent adhesion, superior toughness and long term durability to either new or worn concrete substrates that need a new look. With the ability to be ground and polished in as little as 24 hours after placement, it is perfect for fast track applications.

•

Features proprietary aggregate suspension technology for less wear on equipment and faster grinding

•

Microfiber reinforced for durability and crack prevention

•

Can be integrally colored

EUCLID CHEMICAL

www.euclidchemical.com

GUIDANCE CONTROL CONCRETE PAVER “TPC-72” • 72” Screed, other screed sizes available • Hatz 74HP, Tier 4 engine • 1.5 Cu.Yd. capacity hopper • Variable speed adjustable vibrators • Self-adjusting floating wings • Adjustable string line sensors • Radio controlled belly pack • Loading conveyor system • Video of the TPC-72 is available on www.salsco.com

Provides a convenient all-in-one kit to organize and transport tools and comes complete with everything you need to float concrete. Hardened molded plastic case securely holds four 1-3/8" or 1-3/4" button handles, user’s choice of GatorLoy™ Square or Round End Bull Float or Channel Float, and a Gator Glide™ Adjustable Leveling Bracket.

See all available kit options at KraftTool.com

Gator Tools™ is a Proud Brand of Kraft Tool Co.®

EZ Polish System is the faster refinement system that allows you to create beautifully polished floors. Our system uses 3 tools and 3 chemicals along with numerical data through the use of an RA Meter to show the quality of the polish after each step.

EZ Polish System offers training courses across the nation to ensure its users are confident in the polished slabs they are creating. Visit us at World of Concrete booth #O31146 to watch EZ Polish System work!

BOOTH #O31146

72 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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INDEX ADVERTISER .............................. PAGE

ADVERTISER .............................. PAGE

Aaron Hilbert, LLC ........................................................48, 70

Ligchine International Corp. .......................................2-3, 63

American Concrete Institute ........................................13, 66

Max USA ........................................................................19, 71

Ameripolish ...................................................................61, 69

McKinnon Materials, Inc. ..............................................37, 64

Aquajet / Brokk Inc. .....................................................35, 73

Miller Formless................................................................5, 67

ASL Machines................................................................48, 71

Minnich Manufacturing ......................................................15

Brokk Inc. .......................................................................23, 69

Multiquip .......................................................................29, 69

Chapin Mfg Inc .............................................................21, 63

Northrock Industries, Inc. .............................................45, 62

Collomix USA ................................................................43, 72

Oztec Industries Inc. .....................................................76, 68

Curb Roller Mfg. LLC ....................................................61, 71

Putzmeister America.....................................................11, 65

Denver Concrete Vibrator ............................................53, 73

Reliable Diamond Tools ...............................................57, 62

Diteq Corp. ...................................................................40, 70

Sakrete of North America ............................................33, 64

Euclid Chemical Company...........................................34, 72

Salsco Inc. ......................................................................47, 72

EZ Polish ........................................................................46, 72

Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc. .......................................75, 66

EZ Screed Tools ..................................................................59

Slip Industries ......................................................................46

Fab-Form .......................................................................52, 71

Solomon Colors ............................................................42, 72

GelMAXX .......................................................................59, 69

Somero Enterprises ......................................................27, 70

Gomaco Corporation ...........................................................9

Stego Industries .......................................................38-39, 68

Hilti .................................................................................17, 67

Superabrasive Inc. ........................................................31, 65

Innovative Concrete .....................................................41, 73

VoidForm Products, Inc. ...............................................49, 70

Kraft Tool Co. ................................................................22, 72

Wirtgen America Inc.............................................................7

WOC Idea File Rapid Form Bracket Our hydrodemolition robots are perfect for efficient concrete removal in a wide variety of jobs including bridge and road repair.

Innovative Concrete takes decades of hard earned concrete experience and mixes it with modern innovation.

Our products increase quality, safety and cost savings.

External Vibrators • Flexible Shaft • Pneumatic • High-Cycle • Backpack Drive Units • Gasoline Powered Stationary Drive Units • High-Cycle Generators • Hand-Held Plate Vibrators...and much more.

rator

crete Vib

on Denver C

Rapid Form Bracket The rapid form bracket is OSHA compliant and is designed to take the place of lumber, eliminating the labor and cost involved in purchasing, layout, measuring, cutting, constructing, and cleaning up after stripping.

See us with Brokk at booth C4547

DENVER CONCRETE VIBRATOR Ph: 303-778-8832 • FAX 303-778-8682 Toll Free: 800-392-6703 info@denverconcretevibrator.com www.denverconcretevibrator.com

Distributed by:

Email: info@iconcrete.us Phone: 484.356.4498 Location: Downingtown, PA

https://iconcrete.us/

Brokk Inc. | 1-360-794-1277 info@brokkinc.com | www.brokk.com

www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | January 2020 | Concrete Contractor

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THE LAST PLACEMENT

By Brad Humphrey

How the Right Performance Review Can Help Employee Retention

Most good workers, even those who can slip occasionally, want their performance to be assessed and discussed.

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hat makes performance review so critical in worker retention is that it might be as much a review of how well we have executed the first six steps to worker retention as it is reviewing the performance of an employee.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONDUCT PERFORMANCE REVIEWS New employees like to get a feel for how their leaders are viewing their performance. The WHY of conducting performance reviews allows the new employee to assess where they are on the learning curve compared against where they thought they’d be. It’s not uncommon for workers, especially those who are objective and sincere, to have a self-imposed expectation for their performance progress. They often can nail down 99% of what their actual performance results are without having it confirmed by the contractor.

Good workers know where they stand in their development and growth.

The performance review allows them to confirm what they think and informs them what their leaders are seeing.

They realize that future opportunities are tied to how an employee is observed to be performing.

The WHY also allows the contractor to assess how well the company has executed on-boarding or provided skill training. It’s important that contractors assess how well their employee retention strategies and tactics are working, looking to adjust and tune-up any effort.

The performance review can expose weaknesses in a contractor’s approach as well as highlight good efforts that need to be maintained.

HOW TO CONDUCT PERFORMANCE REVIEWS The HOW to conducting the performance review is perhaps as important (or more important) to address than the WHY and WHAT combined. Consider several ways to execute the HOW: • Provide a “mini-version” of the performance review at the first 30, 60 and 90 days of a new employee’s tenure.

• Conduct in private to allow and reinforce privacy and establish a comfortable presence.

• Use examples of observations made of the employee’s work practices or behavior.

• Allow the employee to complete a “self-assessment” form of the performance review document, if the same document is not used • Provide several positive observations along with observations about areas needing attention.

• Encourage the employee to ask questions about any concerns or need for clarification.

• Encourage open discussion of areas the employee might feel differently about than what was noted on the performance review.

• Include a discussion about performance and behavior expectations. The leader should make this effort very clear if the employee has deviated from what is required.

• If the performance review is expected to be primarily negative, it might be wise to have two leaders participate in the discussion.

Likewise, be sure to allow more time as the final portion might involve more coaching, counseling, or documenting discipline.

• Should the employee demonstrate “boiling” frustration or anger be prepared to take the discussion in sections. This can allow a bad-tempered worker time to calm down.

• If the performance review is going to be a “Perfect 10” discussion, do not cheat the good employee by shortchanging the setting of developmental goals with action plans.

• Include a proactive goal-setting effort that is unique to each employee.

• Include a brief but clear action plan that further drives goal achievement.

• Conclude with words of encouragement, no matter if the review was positive or negative in nature.

Employees, even those struggling, often can strive to improve when they capture the sincerity of a contractor (or the leader).

The suggestions presented, while exhaustive, barely touch all that can be considered part of the HOW. It is important first to conduct a performance review on each employee, no matter how long their service with your company has been. While this takes time to complete, it is critical to the overall retention of employees to be consistent with conducting regular reviews.

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74 Concrete Contractor | January 2020 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete

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