Concrete Contractor April/May/June 2022

April/May/June 2022

2022 TOP PRODUCTS

Award winning innovations, tools, equipment, and products THE LEADING TRADE MAGAZINE IN THE CONCRETE INDUSTRY

THE KEY TO PAVING TWO RUNWAYS AT THE SAME TIME?

THE GOOD, THE BAD &

Consistency

THE BETTER Factors influencing the year’s construction and cement growth

➜ How To A LOOK INSIDE: WATERPROOFING A CONCRETE WATER TANK WWW.FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM/CONCRETE

WHAT’S INSIDE

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022 | Issue 3, Volume 22

COVER STORY 22 The Good, The Bad

& The Better

Factors influencing 2022 construction and cement growth

DEPARTMENTS 4 Editor’s Letter 6 New Products 32 Product Focus

Batch Plants, Pumps & Trucks

41 Specification Guide

Curb, Gutter, Pumps & Trucks

42 The Last Placement Cover Photo Credit: AC Business Media

FEATURES 12 Concrete

Contractor’s 2022 Top Products The innovative products helping concrete contractors work smarter ... not harder.

28 Consistency Key

to Paving Airport Runways Atlantic Contracting uses multiple concrete plants at Dulles International and the Andrews Air Force Base.

33 The Gypsum Solution How a gypsum underlayment pump played part in safety and allowing the business to expand.

34 To Maintain Or Not

To Maintain (That Is The Question) Defining preventative maintenance for concrete pavement and the issues being prevented.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

36 Why Heavy-Duty

HOW TO

Diesel Engines Are Transitioning To Lower Viscosity Oil

8 Tanks For

SAE 10w-30 is gaining popularity in heavy-duty applications for fuel-efficiency advantages and a number of engine reliability advantages.

38 Curb & Gutter

Jobs: Answers to 7 Common Questions From slipform pavers to walkbehind machines, if you’re considering curb and gutter jobs to expand your services—aside from how profitable you can be—let’s explore some common questions.

Everything: Waterproofing Our Concrete Infrastructure The repair and re-waterproofing of a concrete water tank might just buy another decade or two.

FORM YOUR BUSINESS 26 Rebuilding America:

The Challenges Subcontractors Face Within The Infrastructure Plan

WHAT’S ONLINE The Importance of Ground Penetrating Radar for Concrete Contractors

Insider Details: The Future of ViewpointOne & Trimble Construction One

ForConstructionPros.com/22131446

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APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

Spring Cleaning: The 5 Tabs Open On My Phone

Published by AC Business Media

201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 • www.ACBusinessMedia.com

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete PUBLICATION STAFF

Editor

W

here yours is working with concrete, part of my job consists of attempting to keep a cursor over the pulse of interesting findings of (and adjacent to) the industry. Like most, I use my phone for most of my personal social media and to wander through the maze of internet content. I’ll find a post and leave it as an open tab JONATHAN KOZLOWSKI, EDITOR in hopes of returning to it later. Sometimes that JKOZLOWSKI@ doesn’t happen. In the interest of spring cleaning, I ACBUSINESSMEDIA.COM thought I’d share those here. ➊ Scientists from the University of Manchester set their minds to figure out how construction on other planets could work. Their proposal included AstroCrete–a concrete 300% stronger than ordinary concrete (so they say) made from human fluids from the astronauts themselves. Now, ask yourself, how much water did you need to use on your last placement? ➋ In efforts to reduce the carbon footprint, engineers in Britain urged the government to avoid (but they really mean limit) demolishing buildings. Citing concrete’s natural ability to absorb CO2, they suggested to reuse structures and any concrete infrastructure as much as possible. ➌ Also addressing reducing carbon emissions is the use of “mass timber” in building construction. At 6-in. thick, mass timber is made of planks of wood placed perpendicularly to each other and according to the report, using it in construction can reduce the amount of steel and concrete. Opponents to the concept say that it would more demand for wood products and increase deforestation. ➍ Aimed at use in decorative, countertops, flooring, and more, researchers from Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (Spain) have designed and patented HTRANS—a “translucent concrete” made with resin-based 3D printed reinforcement, reducing the production cost by 80% vs. traditional methods. ➎ With a grant from the Department of Energy, an investigation is underway to “explore the electrochemical corrosion degradation science of concrete as it applies to high-level nuclear waste.” The goal is to create a new cement-based material to protect against contamination. The hope is to better understand corrosion in concrete and “prevent corrosion over thousands to, potentially, millions of years.”

Now maybe my phone will run better. Stay safe out there.

Contributing Writers Senior Production Manager Art Director Audience Development Manager ADVERTISING SALES (800) 538-5544

Facebook.com/ ConcreteContractor

Twitter.com/ ConcreteInsider

Advisory Board Kim Basham KB Engineering Cheyenne, Wyo.

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

FORCONSTRUCTIONPROS.COM

James Baty II Concrete Foundations Association Mt. Vernon, Iowa

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

4 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

Wayne Grayson wgrayson@ACBusinessMedia.com Larry Stewart lstewart@ACBusinessMedia.com

Editor-in-Chief Editor 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 Bart Piccirillo, Sr. Account Manager, Data Axle, Phone: (518) 339-4511 Email: bart.piccirillo@infogroup.com AC BUSINESS MEDIA

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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 6 times a year: January, February/March, April-June (Spring), July-September (Summer), October/November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, 5th Fl., 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 APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022, Issue 3, Volume 22 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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®

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YOUR CONCRETE

Effective concrete repair solutions that provide strength, flexibility, and lasting performance.

We are constantly innovating new concrete products through ongoing research in order to provide our customers with the most reliable, highest-quality products on the market for repairing concrete.

We offer a variety of concrete repair materials to meet your needs. Helping you find the right product solution is our commitment.

Expert field support, product demos, and nationwide sales, service and rentals.

Concrete Cures strengthen newly paved concrete surfaces. Easily spray-apply to produce a hard, stable concrete.

TechCrete™ provides flexibility, strength, and durability. Its exceptional ability to bond to concrete is a perfect repair for slab cracks, corner breaks, joint deterioration, and other distresses. Unmatched performance, this is a once-and-done repair.

Reactive Form Release effectively prevents the bonding of fresh concrete mix to forms and equipment.

HP Concrete Cold Patch™ is a fast, flexible repair solution to get the job done quick.

RoadSaverTM Hot-Applied Sealants and Silicone Joint Sealants

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DISCOVER OUR FAMILY OF QUALITY PAVEMENT PRESERVATION BRANDS

NEW PRODUCTS Milwaukee Tool's M18 FUEL Wet/Dry Vacuum

Ideal for cleanup of drywall dust, concrete dust, and wood/metal shavings and designed to outperform 3.5 to 4.25 Peak HP corded wet/dry vacuums with durable wheels and hoses for maximum durability, Milwaukee Tool's M18 FUEL Wet/Dry Vacuum features 6, 9 and 12-gallon models.

• Reinforced casters increase the longevity of the wheels • The flexible vacuum hose, constructed of durable, crush and twist-resistant materials • The hoses are also built with anti-static material

The HEIDENHAIN Digital ESR Structural Strain Sensor

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RimRiser Bolt-Adjusted Manhole Leveling Solutions

The RimRiser adjust-to-grade systems for manholes, catch basins and precast tops makes the process of leveling cast iron manhole rings, inlet frames/grates and precast concrete tops simpler, faster and more accurate.

• More than 35 RimRiser-ready castings available including models specified for 15 states • Eliminates hazards from lifting with prybars, overhead machines or slings and prevents accidental drops on hands or fingers • Castings all utilize the same bolt-adjustable system so there’s no need to order special sizes in advance ForConstructionPros.com/21603084

Hillman Medium-Duty Concrete Fastening Systems

The Hillman Companies has announced its latest addition to the Power Pro family, Concrete Anchors.

Designed for light and medium-duty concrete, block and brick applications, these durable, corrosion resistant anchors are ICC-ES Code Compliant and are available in three colors, blue, white and black in various lengths and 3/16-, 1/4- and 5/16-in. diameters.

Power Pro Concrete Anchors feature a fully-threaded tip to enable quick penetration into wood and other materials.

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Developed to help prevent civil disasters and save lives, HEIDENHAIN’s ESR digital strain sensor is available to monitor the structural health on structures, such as on bridges and buildings, in order to provide preventative maintenance information. With a renewed emphasis on improving the national infrastructure, this digital ESR strain sensor is the perfect option as it offers significantly higher accuracy and increased robustness when compared with conventional strain and vibration gauges. It also offers transferable mounting allowing users to move the one-gauge sensor to multiple locations.

The ESR series is a fatigue-free measurement concept providing high-resolution digital input into a system of choice. This sensor offers structural engineers and inspectors the ability to detect and analyze acute risk and continual loading on a bridge or building, thus monitoring strain and allowing them to make necessary adjustments in order to avoid potential tragedies.

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Distributed by: Brokk Inc. | Monroe, WA | 1-360-794-1277 | info@brokkinc.com | www.brokk.com

6 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

Help falling walls stand tall.

Introducing Heli-Tie™ helical wall and stitching ties from Simpson Strong-Tie. Our helical wall tie stabilizes damaged masonry walls by anchoring the facade to structural members, while the helical stitching tie repairs cracks. Both stainless-steel ties install quickly and easily, providing an expansion-free, inconspicuous repair that preserves the appearance of the building — allowing you to avoid rebuilding or unsightly fixes. And with our jobsite load testing, follow-up evaluation and widespread product availability, you’ll maximize the effectiveness of your repair and regain the stability of your walls. ®

For more on how Simpson Strong-Tie Heli-Tie helical wall and stitching ties can help you easily and quickly restore your damaged walls, visit go.strongtie.com/helitie or call (800) 999-5099. © 2022 Simpson

Strong-Tie Company Inc. HELITIE21C

HOW TO

»

BY GREGORY MAUGERI

Tanks For Everything: Waterproofing Our Concrete Infrastructure measurable and meaning metric greater than 25%. Contractors can use different Gregory Maugeri / Bill Della Sorte methods depending on what is discovered water for a 24-hour period. In large and how much degradation. Reinforcetanks, this can be negligible and typiment should be cleaned via brushing, cally within the evaporative levels. For grinding and blasting and then treated a 750,000-gallon tank, 0.1% would be with the inhibition agent. The areas were 750 gallons of allowable leakage. finished with a crystalline mortar out to In Vergennes’ case, the square tank flush with Kryton International’s Bariwas experiencing leaks from cracking, cote or Krystol Repair Grout crystalline spalling from freeze-thaw cycling, and cementitious mortar or high strength morjoints that had separated. New England tar with NEDC Type E mortar admix.

Dry Concrete worked with the VerThe interior was pressure washed primont-based engineering firm DuBois or to applying the surface waterproofing & King Inc. on what slurry. The pressure has become the state’s washing contained Gregory Maugeri / Bill Della Sorte approved method for sporocidin (a phenoldealing with such based bactericidal, problems. Based on the virucidal, moldicidal, repairs done for similar fungicidal and tubersized and aged tanks, culocidal) as a broadrepairs were estimated spectrum disinfecting to take approximately agent. This allowed two to three weeks. workers to continue to New England work in the tank enviDry Concrete LLC ronment safely. removed all deterioThe Kryton Krysrated and weakened tol line of crystalline spalled concrete along repair materials were with any loose and used exclusively– foreign material. The requiring a cure of 72 surface was chipped hours depending on by mechanical means conditions. The tank to expose a minimum could then be refilled of 1/16-in. of new with water after 48 aggregate concrete (curing will continue). with a minimum depth of repair up to At that time, leakage testing was con1/2-in. with neat saw-cut dovetails at the ducted using the AWWA standard for perimeter. concrete tanks and disinfected using Industrial-grade corrosion inhibitors AWWA 652 Method 3. were applied to any exposed reinforceThis situation extends beyond ment that showed signs of corrosion or municipal tanks as there are many priloss of circumference, thickness or other vate and public industries that maintain The Allnex water tank

T

housands of municipalities are facing the fact that their concrete infrastructure is deteriorating.

Waste, potable, and other water systems are approaching the later phases of their lifecycles. They typically show signs of cracking, positive or negative side leaks, spalling, reinforcement deterioration, freeze-thaw cycling, and all other manifestations of weathering and aging.

For towns with aging concrete water tanks, the dilemma is usually the same: repair or build new. In repair, re-waterproofing can buy another decade or two so they can budget for the new expense.

A solid example of this is the Vergennes-Panton Water District in Vergennes, Vermont. At 750,000 gallons, the 38-year old tank serves as the drinking water for the towns of Panton and Vergennes (serving 4,198 people); sourcing its water from Lake Champlain.

According to a March 2021 presentation by the district, the water distribution system includes 54 miles of district- and privately-owned waterlines plus 3 miles of waterline owned by the Ferrisburgh Fire District. The tank’s interior dimensions are 70 by 70 ft.

The standards that govern tanks vary but usually want to limit any leaking to at or below 0.1% of the total volume of

8 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

THE STINGER The Stinger electric flex shaft vibrator is rugged, lightweight, and powerful. The 115v electric motor has been designed to run cool with the power and torque to handle todays concrete loads.

The stinger attaches to competitor core and casing with quick disconnect adapters.

www.minnich-mfg.com

HOW TO CONTINUED members or strapping. In any case, if there is an engineering recommendation; that is followed.

New England Dry Concrete’s spall repair preparation involves the following: The balance of the repairs is done in • Remove deteriorated and weak concrete and remove all loose and foreign material. crystalline products. The use of surfaceChip substrate by bush hammering or other mechanical means acceptable to the applied materials, admixes, or other repair concrete/mortar manufacturer to obtain a minimum surface profile of 1/16-in. specifically formulated products to with a new aggregate fractured surface. Minimum depth of repair shall be 1/2-in. with deal with cracks, leaks, and spalling are a neat saw-cut perimeter. Feather edging will not be permitted. employed. Done correctly, these repairs • If steel reinforcing is exposed, chip out behind the reinforcing steel. Chip a minimum are solid and should endure. of 3/4-in. behind the bar and 3-in. past the point where the bar is exposed. Concrete While the Vergenned tank was about behind bars shall be removed enough to allow for entire bar to be cleaned. Remove 25-ft. high with 5-ft. below grade, the concrete to the point past where sound material begins. same methods of applying crystalline • For areas where rebar is to be cleaned, exposed steel reinforcement shall be free of waterproofing to the negative (the inside all rust, scale, oil, paint, grease, loose mill scale, and all other foreign matter which of the tank) can be employed when will prevent bonding with the repair concrete. Use power chipping or power-driven below grade. brushes and clean to an SSPC-SP2 or SP3 surface preparation. Apply a corrosion inhibitor to all exposed cand cleaned bar prior to patching.

The concrete water tank is a class of infrastructure that can be vulnerable if • For areas where rebar is to be replaced, rebar shall be cut to the limits of severe deignored. Replacement costs are trementerioration as directed by the designer. Rebar ends with minor deterioration shall be cleaned. Proposed rebar shall be welded to existed sound rebar in all locations where dous and getting in front of repairs is rebar has been removed. All new and existing exposed rebar shall be coated with a essential. Contractors do have an arsenal corrosion inhibitor prior to patching. of specialized products engineered to • Where additional reinforcement in shown to be anchored in and for patches greater address the conditions that plaque this than 1 and 1/2-in. in depth and overhead patches, install stainless steel threaded rod J class of infrastructure. In addition to hooks set in epoxy paste adhesive. Anchor is to be 3/4-in. clear minimum from finished these, there are reliable methods for staface of repair. Hooks are to be embedded a minimum of 3-in. into concrete and shall bilizing water-challenged assets. Tanks, be installed diagonally to plane of concrete surface. Holes are to be drilled 1/8-in. larger tunnels, dams, even deep foundations than rod diameter and shall be cleaned thoroughly. Space hooks at 16-in. of center. all can benefit from this approach. As remarkable as crystalline products and concrete tanks for various purposes as This is a process that systems are, firms specializwell. Allnex, a chemical company locatwraps a continuous cable ing in these kinds of repairs, ed in Wallingford Connecticut, specialaround the outer walls of designers and asset owners izes in coating resins. They maintain a the concrete tank, and then would be well-served to tem750,000-gallon tank to serve as surplus the wrapping is typically per expectations. Products water for their fire-fighting operations. covered in a cementitious and methods are solid, but The large circular dome-lid circular material, perhaps shotcreted there are limitations. tank was showing signs of its age. or stuccoed over. EventuRemember to get in Billy Della Sorte, a partner of New ally, either weathering or front of it. If you are after England Dry Concrete, explains “Tanks internal leaks begin to corthe tipping point or miss that are 40+ years old begin to show rode the wire and spalling the window completely, it significant signs of deterioration, in occurs. This process accelcan be very expensive or The Vergenesfreezing climates or wastewater tanks erates over time. irreparable; “an ounce of Panton concrete it can show much sooner.” However, prevention is worth a pound water tank. repairs are easier and far less expensive if REPAIR of cure” is especially true in Gregory Maugeri / Bill Della Sorte you get out in front of them. Once you Remediation involves removal concrete. reach a certain tipping point, the repairs of all loose and deteriorating Greg Maugeri is the co-founder and are extensive and much more costly. material for a more thorough evaluamanaging partner of New England Dry Where early repairs could be X, two tion of the condition and professional Concrete LLC. years later they can be five times that. It engineering consult if required. The next is not a linear progression. step is to stabilize any reinforcement The Allnex tank was experiencincluding the wire cabling. Depending For more on information ing the same type of deterioration as on the extent of the corrosion, this might on waterproofing, visit observed among tanks of its age. The simply be applying a rust-inhibiting agent CONC.me/ circular tank was older and wire-wound. to any steel or might be replacing actual waterproofing.

Repair Spalling for a Concrete Water Tank

10 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

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TOP PRODUCTS

The 2022 Top Products Awards

Recognizing the innovative ideas and ingenuity helping contractors be successful for years to come.

Find this announcement online at CONC.me/2022TopProducts.

The GOMACO GP3 Slipform Paver

The GP3 can slipform up to 30-ft. wide, is available as a two-track or four-track paver and now includes selfprogramming valves that can automatically react and self-adjust to the dynamics of the machine.

• Paver elevation, steering, pivoting, travel control, antislip positive traction of tracks and more automatically corrected based on operator adjustments • Navigator display software brings all G+ paver accessories together for easy control and monitoring on an optional touchscreen display • Fully Wi-Fi capable to allow wireless control from multiple display screens anywhere on the paver • Vibrator monitoring system provides ability to monitor, control and diagnose each individual vibrator via the touchscreen display • Machine-to-Machine communication possible using the display and paver's G+ control

Kipper Crete's KPR 11.5 Collapsible Pan Attachment Kipper Crete, LLC's attachment The Kipper KPR-11.5-CP (Collapsible Pan) features six blades.

Specs Size: 11.5in. troweling diameter • Weight: Under 22 lbs. - The lightest power trowel in the industry when attached to Milwaukee-brand equipment (see image) • Blades: Six The size of the Kipper Crete LLC allows contractors to easily get in smaller areas, work around obstacles, and get close to edges. All of Kipper Crete's trowels can be attached to a variety of variable speed controlled drills or polishers, turning them into a walk-behind or handheld power trowel.

•

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Euclid Chemical's Solvent-free Dural Aquatight 100 Plus Epoxy Coating

The Somero S-28EZ Laser Screed

As one of the most technologically advanced Laser Screed machines available in the world, the S-28EZ is packed with features that give you a competitive advantage.

Equipped with 360-degree machine rotation, a 25 ft. (6 m) telescopic boom, and your choice of pivoting screed heads, the S-28EZ continues the tradition of delivering the industry’s highest quality and production rates. The customized OASIS laser control system is simple to operate and is upgradeable as technology advances. A redesigned, EZ Clean Head reduces clean-up time and improves long-term maintenance. New convenience features and redesigned storage compartments improve ergonomics around the machine and operator efficiency.

Options include, but are not limited to a 12- or 14-ft. head width, roller plow, spray bar, and the Somero Floor Levelness System.

The Somero S-28EZ replaces the discontinued S-22EZ Laser Screed machine.

ForConstructionPros.com/21136302

12 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

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To combat water-related damage and ensure optimal concrete protection and repair, The Euclid Chemical Company adds Dural Aquatight 100 Plus to its line of epoxy-based products.

Concrete moisture mitigation systems are widely accepted as a critical part of the flooring system, used even when the moisture content of concrete or vapor transmission rate are not high at the time of flooring installation. Dural Aquatight 100 Plus is a solvent-free modified epoxy coating designed to seal concrete surfaces and reduce moisture vapor emissions prior to applying a finished flooring system.

Concrete treated with Dural Aquatight 100 Plus is well protected and prepared for the installation of most floor covering systems, including cementitious underlayment, carpeting, wood, and more. It can be applied to new and existing concrete slabs in warehouses, industrial/retail facilities, office spaces, supermarkets, and more.

ForConstructionPros.com/21207326

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Cortec's CorrVerter MCI Rust Primer

Corroded reinforcement is the chief cause of concrete deterioration, which prompts subsequent repairs.

For repairs to be sound, contractors must ensure adequate adhesion of new patch repair materials by proper preparation of exposed reinforcing steel. ICRI’s 310.1R-2008 “Guide for Surface Preparation for Repair of Deteriorated Concrete Resulting from Reinforcing Steel Corrosion” states that exposed reinforcing steel should be free of any materials such as concrete, dirt, and corrosion products that could interfere with repair material adhesion, although a tightly bonded light rust on the rebar surface is usually not detrimental to the bond of patch materials.

When it comes to tackling reinforcement surface prep and ongoing protection, CorrVerter MCI Rust Primer stands out with clear performance and application advantages to mitigate rebar corrosion.

Without the need for abrasive, water blasting, and intensive labor, CorrVerter MCI, which is recommended for application to rusty or poorly prepared steel surfaces where further corrosion protection is required and good surface preparation is difficult to achieve.

ForConstructionPros.com/21244696

The Ligchine SCREEDSAVER MAX PLUS

The SCREEDSAVER MAX PLUS screed builds upon the SCREEDSAVER MAX with new features such as a built-in diagnostic touchscreen, Topcon laser receivers, a totally revised wireless remote-control system, a quiet Honda iGX800 24.9 hp gasoline engine, and pivoting frame.

“With the development of the MAX PLUS screed, we wanted to build upon the key strengths of the original SCREEDSAVER MAX, while enhancing the machine with many of the key innovations we have pioneered over the years,” says Pete Ligman, co-founder and head of Ligchine product development efforts. “The most significant new development is the SWINGBOOM pivoting frame, which provides unmatched screed head maneuverability, resulting in reduced machine movements necessary to screed a given area.

Custom Drum Designs by Curb Roller Manufacturing

Custom drum solutions can be applied to applications as wide as 26 ft. and as deep as 4 ft. and can be created in a variety of shapes to meet job specifications.

• Can pair with the Hydra-Screed 3000 twooperator hydraulically powered screed system to allow for faster production times and a higher quality finish • Suited for unique shape requirements or large pours on jobs like drainage systems or spillways • Designed to exact specifications and built to spec • Includes removable drive ends to quickly change different lengths of pipe or profile shapes ForConstructionPros.com/21378292

Strong Mfg.’s FloorMate80E

Milwaukee Tool’s MX FUEL Backpack Concrete Vibrator

The MX FUEL Backpack Concrete Vibrator provides consistent starts and the most reliable pours, with the power to push up to 2 1/2-in. heads at over 11,000 VPM. It provides instant power, requires no regular maintenance, runs 50% quieter than its gas counterparts, and produces zero emissions for a safer workspace indoors or outdoors. The MX FUEL Backpack Concrete Vibrator consolidates up to 70 yds3 per charge with a 1 1/2-in. head and 7-ft. whip but can accept whips up to 21-ft. long without sacrificing power.

• Features a POWERSTATE brushless motor pushing up to 2.5-in. heads at over 11,000 vpm • Compatible with Oztec shafts and heads • Weighs 34.5 lbs. with battery

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

The Diablo 6-1/2-in. 24-Tooth Tracking Point saw blade produces accurate, smooth cuts on framing materials without bogging down cordless power tools. With the introduction of Tracking Point, a “rudder” like tooth design that reduces vibration and tension, users can produce true, straight cuts. In addition, Diablo says the saw blade delivers up to 65% more cuts per charge in cordless saws.

Optimized for corded and cordless saws, the blade features Perma-SHIELD nonstick coating and a super-thin kerf, which minimizes material removal and produces a fast, clean cut. While the thinner blade is lightweight, the custom formulated carbide, sharp cutting edges, and the Tracking Point tooth design classify this blade as a heavyweight when it comes to durability.

• Specially formulated TiCo Hi-Density Carbide • Tracking Point “rudder” like tooth design provides straight cuts and doubles the carbide surface area for greater impact resistance and double the durability in nail-embedded wood.

ForConstructionPros.com/21112052

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ForConstructionPros.com/21366277

Diablo's 24-Tooth Tracking Point Saw Blade

Designed with the contractor in mind in addressing emission restrictions, Strong Manufacturing's FloorMate80E changed the game by providing a fully electric-zero emissions mobile batch plant option.

Powered by the partnership of Mitsubishi Motors, it provides pumping capabilities of over 12 stories, 220V single phase power, all while working indoors.

• Twin ribbon paddles with wiper blades • Twin, interconnected, horizontal drums • Empties without tilting • Mixer capacity: 5 ft3 • Hopper capacity: 5 ft3 • Adjustable output rate: 0-30 GPM • Dimensions: 6 ft. 9 in. wide, 2 ft. 9 in. tall, 1,350 lbs.

ForConstructionPros.com/21259897

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 13

TOP PRODUCTS

SupraShine Maintenance Pads by Superabrasive

SupraShine, the new generation of maintenance pads by Superabrasive, were designed to restore and upgrade any floor, delivering outstanding results and savings. Four types of pads for all your floor care needs, from deep cleaning and restoration to daily maintenance include the SupraShine Regular for coated, uncoated, hard, and resilient floors; High-Performance feature a flexible material for daily maintenance of high traffic floors; Heavy Duty feature a tough material meant for surface preparation and removing extreme dirt; and Hybrids eliminating stains and scratches achieving a smooth surface.

• Simple and easy process with fast results.

• Use with auto scrubbers, buffers, burnishers.

• No chemicals required - use with water.

• Minimum environmental impact.

• Offered in all popular sizes from 5-in. up to a 28-in. diameter.

• Made in the USA

AMS-Merlo DBM 3500 Cement Mixers

The compact, self-contained DBM 3500 has a 1,321-gal. drum that delivers 4.6 cu. yds. of concrete, plus a self-loading bucket that handles up to 25 cu. ft. of aggregate at each load cycle.

• Pump moves 66 gpm of water into the drum, enabling up to 37.7 sq. ft. of concrete to be made in less than 15 minutes • Can discharge concrete up to 330 degrees around the machine • Features a 100-hp Tier 4 engine, 4WD with three steering modes and a hydrostatic transmission • Spacious, ROPS-certified cab with front controls for driving and a seat that spins 180 degrees to access the rear controls to manage the mixing drum and bucket ForConstructionPros.com/21549889

ForConstructionPros.com/21392119

The MARSHALLTOWN Vibratory Plate Compactor

Giatec's Web-based SmartMix Concrete Mix App

Giatec's SmartMix is a web-based dashboard that enables producers to optimize concrete materials and predict the performance of their mixes.

With the SmartMix dashboard, producers can adjust the proportions of their concrete mixes, such as the use of chemical admixtures and amount of cement. With millions of datapoints used to train Roxi, Giatec's artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, the program's suggestions ensure that these adjustments will meet a mix's designed compressive strength and other performance criteria.

"This means that a producer can meet concrete mix specifications set out by a project engineer, while cutting down on both material costs and CO2 emissions. SmartMix can help address the sustainability issues in the concrete industry that are responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions," says Andrew Fahim, Senior Manager of R&D, Giatec..

ForConstructionPros.com/21283158

14 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

The MARSHALLTOWN Vibratory Plate Compactor was designed to be faster and compact better (up to 25% more centrifugal force) than other units. This results in more compaction force and faster traveling speed, helping contractors save valuable time over the course of a year. Its durable design was made to hold up in intense situations while still being affordable. The key to success comes from the single-piece plate and exciter. The heavy-duty plate is tough and long-lasting–perfect for gravel, sand, aggregate, and a variety of granular fill materials. The foldable handles make it easy to unpack and go, but also offer efficient storage.

• Produces over 3,800 lbs. of centrifugal force • Frequency of 5,000 vpm • Travels at up to 110 fpm • 23.7 in. x 18.9 in. plate size • Two models are available: with or without a 2-gal. water tank • A folding handle that locks in place • Two lower handles for multiple lifting points • A throttle lever located on the handle • Three-year warranty ForConstructionPros.com/21366843

MudMixer Multi-use Mixer

MudMixer is one of the fastest, easiest, multi-use mixers on the market. It is lightweight, easily mobile (like a wheelbarrow), extremely consistent, and has the ability to chew through over 40 bags of premixed concrete, mortar, or stucco per hour.

MudMixer replaces the cumbersome barrel mixer and the wheelbarrow.

Simply plug the mixer into your power source, attach the water hose and you can mix as many bags as you need at the slump level you desire. The water dial provides tremendous variability in the water delivered. The machine features a chute that swivels 330-degrees to make delivery straight to your forms easy. Cleanup is a breeze.

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TOP PRODUCTS The Husqvarna K1 PACE Battery-powered Cut-off Saw Topcon’s Robotic Solutions for Curb & Gutter Paving

Designed to support curb and gutter paving by maintaining productivity and accuracy, even when facing difficult GPS coverage issues, contractors can augment their Millimeter GPS concrete paving solution and remedy issues such as foliage canopies, large buildings, tunnels, overpasses, and more.

• Can be used with the GT-1200 series standalone robotic total station or self-leveling LN-150 robotic layout navigator • Temporarily turns control of paver over to a robotic instrument to ensure production is maintained when GPS coverage is blocked

The K1 PACE high-power battery cutter is designed to handle heavy-duty jobs with the power and performance equivalent to gasoline-powered cutters.

• Diamond blades in 12 in. and 14 in. optimized for battery operation • Equipped with X-Halt brake function capable of stopping the rotation of a blade in a fraction of a second for enhanced safety • Provides lower vibrations, smoother cutting and a low weight and optimal center of gravity

Allen’s SP446 Walkbehind Trowel

The SP446 Walk-Behind Trowel comes equipped with a variable torque converter clutch allowing for low-speed torque and high-speed finishing. With an efficient helical gearbox, this heavy-duty, highspeed walk-behind can tackle the most demanding of projects. The SP446 is also equipped with a plow handle design for the operator’s ease when pitching the blades to an all-new height of 28-30 degrees.

ForConstructionPros.com/21508855

• • •

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Wirtgen Group’s SP 94i Inset Slipform Paver with TeleMold

The SP 94i is a fully modular, 32-ft. class inset slipform paver can be used for in the construction of wide roads and highways, airport aprons, taxiways, and runways. The 4-track paver can be fitted with TeleMold enabling fast and flexible alteration of the working width by up to 3 ft. on each side. Short reconfiguration times mean that paving contractors can look forward to high machine availability and utilization rates.

ForConstructionPros.com/22005387

• •

A 13 hp Honda GX390 gasoline engine 46-in. rotor diameter Rotor speeds up to 225 rpm for greater job site efficiency Easy to use plow handle design when pitching the blades Lifting point for easier transfer Efficient helical gearbox Heavy-duty frame

ForConstructionPros.com/21551493

The Hilti DD 250-CA Diamond Core Drill

The DD 250-CA diamond core drill is paired with the Cut Assist Auto Feed unit to give operators an assisted experience by intuitively guiding the drill through the entire drilling process.

• Intelligent features include automatic surface detection, tracking of drilling depth, water management and hole starting and through-hole detection • Integrated technology provides operator guidance for proper drill setup, real-time drilling feedback and productivity data once drilling is completed • Capable of drilling penetrations for ducts, pipes and cables, as well as blind holes for setting anchors or post-installed rebar • DD AF-CA H auto feed unit can be used to assist with the drilling process ForConstructionPros.com/21627647

Oztec Electric Motors

Oztec Electric Motors are manufactured to exacting specifications to withstand the rough day-to-day abuses associated with construction sites. Lightweight, compact and fitted with Oztec’s Quick Disconnect system, this one-man power unit will speed through the stiffest concrete. All Oztec vibrators meet or exceed ACI specification # 309 and come standard with the Quick Disconnect system.

ForConstructionPros.com/21139403

16 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

“It is like a concrete grinder on steroids” Mark Hunt Central US Coatings

Introducing the WerkMaster RAIDER XL5 $8985.00 Our latest innovation to the WerkMaster lineup of professional grinding & polishing machines

Up to 40% in labour savings on every job!

A compact and powerful Edger, Grinder and Polisher that gets to 1/8” of the wall, complimenting any large floor machine on concrete, stone and terrazzo.

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TOP PRODUCTS The Pro-Plus Trench Drain System from Josam

The PRO-PLUS trench drain is an SMC/GRP material manufactured using glass-fiber reinforced polyester pressed from sheet molding compound.

Its compressive, flexural, and tensile strength is unmatched, and its unique properties allow for less thermal expansion than polymer concrete, polypropylene, or high-density polyethylene.

The PRO-PLUS system can withstand extreme hot or cold weather conditions and high fluid temperatures preventing shape distortion before and after the concrete pour.

• 1.5 times stronger • 70% lighter, • 1.7 times less thermal expansion than polymer concrete • Available with/without slope, with a variety of grating options such as the PRO-SNAP grate securing system with no bolts • Suitable for load classes A-F Rebar supports are molded into the channels, saving time during installations. Additional features include; locking-bar slots in neutral channels for when DI Frames are specified.

ForConstructionPros.com/21648257

Bosch's Dedicated Tuckpointing Grinder and Dust Guard

Bosch Power Tools 5-in. high-powered, high torque dedicated tuckpointing grinder with a dust guard is designed specifically for tuckpointing. It significantly boosts the power over the previous model from an 8.5-amp motor to a 13-amp motor, producing 9,300 RPM. The GWS1352TG is engineered for high performance and improved durability with a metal guard mounting flange collar, dust protection with directed airflow, and an enclosed spring-loaded guard for maximum dust capture.

• Motor is protected from dust and debris with epoxy-coated field windings and four-stage dust seals protect the gears • A viewing window on the dust guard makes it easy to see the cutting line • Works with Bosch PRO+GUARD Dust Solutions • The tool-free guard adjustment allows full access to the diamond blade for quick and easy blade changes ForConstructionPros.com/21648098

18 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

WerkMaster’s RAIDER XL5 Mid-Sized Floor Grinder

WerkMaster’s RAIDER XL5 is designed to maximize results and minimize the time you spend behind a machine. Contractors can find up to 40% in labor savings on every job. The RAIDER XL5 is a compact and powerful edger, grinder and polisher that is capable of getting to 1/8-in. of the wall.

WerkMaster’s six counter-rotating heads make the XL5 an aggressive and powerful surface prep and polishing machine that is budget friendly. It is compact and easy enough to transport, but powerful enough for the commercial contractor.

ForConstructionPros.com/21648106

The Diamond Devil Concrete Restoration & Polishing System by Malish

The Diamond Devil Concrete Restoration and Polishing System, developed by The Malish Corporation, represents an advanced approach to concrete and terrazzo floor maintenance. Chemical-free and designed to work on most standard floor machines, the Diamond Devil system saves time and money while producing outstanding results.

The Diamond Devil system’s 3+1 polishing process uses a series of three tools, each with permanently precisely designed and angled blades, to achieve unparalleled results on concrete or terrazzo floors. The Diamond Devil system is so advanced that without chemicals and in just three steps.

The system’s “+1” shine tool is an optional step that elevates the floor’s polish to a shine, providing superior image gloss and clarity. Using the Diamond Devil system’s 3 +1 polishing process, maintenance staff can grind, hone, polish, and shine more efficiently and effectively than ever before—saving time and money.

ForConstructionPros.com/21648275

The DEWALT POWERSTACK 20V MAX Compact Battery

The DEWALT POWERSTACK 20V MAX Compact Battery is a nextgeneration technological breakthrough that marks a new era of performance for DEWALT cordless power tools. Featuring pouch cell batteries designed for the construction industry, the DEWALT's POWERSTACK battery delivers one of the lightest and most powerful compact batteries from DEWALT. • 50% more power enabling broad application capabilities and fast performance • 25% more compact and 15% lighter, designed to provide tool maneuverability, high precision, and reduced fatigue when used in tight workspaces • Twice the lifespan—providing more overall investment value The battery includes several features to optimize functionality with an LED fuel gauge that displays the battery's state of charge, helping the end-user avoid unplanned work stoppages, and is designed with a durable, nonmarring rubber overmold that provides impact resistance while helping to protect finished surfaces.

ForConstructionPros.com/21772036

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

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TOP PRODUCTS The Minnich Control Speed Concrete Vibrator

The Control Speed Vibrator (CSV) is a lightweight, durable, electric flex shaft concrete vibrator controlled through connectivity.

• Operator can use Bluetooth and the Minnich app on an iOS or Android device to choose between set speeds of 6,000, 8,000, 10,500 and open vpm • Maintains preset speed as the concrete load changes • 15-amp (115-volt) universal motor drives a full line of the company's shafts and heads and comes with a quick disconnect to adapt to many other vibrator brands • Soft start feature saves energy and mechanical wear on the motor and power system ForConstructionPros.com/21710799

Brokk Connect 2.0

Brokk Connect 2.0, the next evolution in the online platform for connected Brokk robots, was released in 2021. It was developed to help owners remotely manage their machines by providing access to real-time information about the location of the robot, the status, operational data, and service needs. It also lets owners leverage the data to manage fleet utilization and optimize project planning.

• Sophisticated geofencing function • User customization of the platform • A weekly status report that helps Brokk owners to stay up to date on their fleet’s status.

• Available on all new machines and can be retrofitted on older models ForConstructionPros.com/21821213

N OT A L L T R E N C H D R A I N S ARE CREATED EQUALLY PRO-PLUS® TRENCH DRAINS

Innovative and Labor-Saving SMC/GRP Drainage Channels made from glass-fiber reinforced composite.  Lightweight

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When comparing PRO-PLUS® to polymer concrete its strength, weight, and thermal expansion is unmatched.

P RO-PLUS® Strength 1.5 times Stronger 35% greater Compressive Strength 80% greater Flexural Strength 78% greater Tensile Strength P RO-PLUS® Weight 70% Lighter P RO-PLUS® Thermal Expansion 1.7 times less

20 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

800.36.JOSAM | www.josam.com

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

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The M-6040 Concrete Slipform Paver from Miller Formless

Designed to be one of the world’s most versatile and productive concrete slipform paving solutions, the M-6040 from Miller Formless has a dual-telescoping main frame, hydraulic variable-width paving mold, advanced machine control system, and other state-of-the-art features.

The M-6040 consistently produces smooth, high-quality concrete surfaces and maximizes cost-effectiveness and flexibility on projects of all scope and scale. It is the only paver capable of extending from 8 ft. 3 in.to 16 feet 5 inches wide without frame or mold inserts; for larger jobs, bolt-on mold inserts can be used to expand the system to 20 ft. wide.

• Bolt-on mold inserts can expand width to 20 ft. in under an hour without requiring added frame extensions • Can pave up to 15 3/4 in. deep with an operating speed of 22 fpm • 176-hp Caterpillar C4.4 Stage V turbocharged, air-cooled diesel engine • Four hydraulically actuated square-to-round leg columns • Electronic control panel includes two steer sensors and steer wands, four grade proportional sensors with grade wands and proportional slope control ForConstructionPros.com/21993334

BossTek’s DustBoss Atom

The DustBoss Atom is a fan-less mobile dust control design incorporating remote control and 4G LTE telematics technologies as standard equipment to deliver an unprecedented combination of suppression and monitoring. With a throw of 100 ft., the adjustable elevation angle and user-defined oscillation allow precise aiming of a powerful dust-capturing mist. The compact, diesel-powered unit fits in the back of a pickup truck, so it can be quickly positioned to address dust-generating activity directly at the source. Well suited to demolition projects, recycling operations, crushing/screening, concrete curing and even indoor use.

ForConstructionPros.com/21244272

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APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 21

COVER STORY

»

BY BECKY SCHULTZ

Factors Influencing 2022 Construction & Cement Growth: The Good, The Bad and The Better

D

espite the start of a new year, the U.S. continues to face some all too familiar challenges that threaten to weigh down growth in the months ahead. Yet, opportunities exist, as the economy continues to expand and as the construction industry eagerly awaits disbursement of funds

22 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

under the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Given ongoing risk factors, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) has taken a conservative approach to its annual forecast for cement consumption, which Ed Sullivan, senior vice president and chief economist, projects

will expand just 2.5% in 2022, after rising 3.6% through November 2021.

“We’re expecting 2.5% growth this year. That’s in the context of the prevailing interest rate forecast, which we suggest might have room to rise,” Sullivan said in a press conference at World of Concrete 2022. If rates accelerate more

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employment gains, great debt-to-income ratios, wage gains, etc.” These and other factors helped to elevate confidence among buyers of consumer goods in 2021—at least until the omicron variant struck.

Omicron’s emergence in the latter part of the year quickly dampened public confidence. Yet, according to Sullivan, barring any further variants, the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, estimates the U.S. is already approaching a peak in daily COVID-related death rates. Currently in the thousands, the Institute projects numbers to peak in early February, followed by a steady decline to as little as 7 by May. “If the death rate continues to slide, [becomes] negligible, that’s going to boost consumer attitudes/sentiment. So now, what you have is a willing and able consumer, and we think that’s going to drive growth stronger in the second half of the year,” said Sullivan.

ACBM staff

quickly, a softer outlook would emerge based on the impact on residential construction—the growth leader throughout 2020 and 2021.

Interest rates aren’t the only factors threatening to curtail growth in construction activity and thus cement consumption. Yet, there are reasons for positivity in 2022, as Sullivan pointed out in a follow-up discussion.

THE GOOD: STRONG ECONOMY BUILDS CONFIDENCE AND CONSTRUCTION The economy is fundamentally strong, said Sullivan, with a U.S. GDP in excess of 5% in 2021 and expected to exceed 4% in 2022.

“It’s strong based on the shoulders of the consumer,” he stated. “You have

THE BAD: INTEREST RATES COULD SQUEEZE RESIDENTIAL A legacy of the pandemic, inflation has become a significant threat to U.S. economic stability. “If you heard the forecast that I did a year ago, I was fully in that camp [saying] ‘Inflation is transitory. We're going to get that supply chain right back up and running and this inflation is going to disappear,’” said Sullivan.

“Guess what? It's embedded. It's going be a long time before we wean ourselves from the supply side inflation.

“That's the reason why the Fed is probably going to be more aggressive and that's why the pressure [will be] on the private side with interest rates,” he added.

The Fed has signaled it is likely to raise rates at least once in 2022, but this may not be sufficient to stem the tide.

As Sullivan commented, inflation could prove harder to cure than COVID.

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“It’s going to stick around longer, and it’s likely the Fed is going to act more aggressively. That means that as those rates rise, you will see increases particularly in mortgages rise,” he projected.

As home prices increase in the context of higher interest rates, Sullivan expects it to generate an “affordability squeeze” that will gradually depress residential growth. Though not anticipated to happen this year, there is a solid risk of negative growth in 2023.

“Residential has been the key factor with which we’ve achieved growth over the last couple of years,” Sullivan added.

THE BETTER: LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES The “white knight” for construction, and cement consumption, rode in last Fall in the form of the IIJA. “We passed the infrastructure bill last year but planning and distributing it, bid reviews, all that stuff takes time.

So, you’re probably not going to see that until the second quarter of 2023,” said Sullivan. “Just as you start to see the decay in the private sector, you start to see the ramp up on the public side. That helps keep the

ACBM staff

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 23

COVER STORY CONTINUED growth rate [in cement consumption] Consider office space. “There were a lot close to 2%. of people working from home before “The IIJA is extremely important COVID. Now, there’s a heck of a lot to maintain healthy growth rates in more and that trend is accelerating,” cement consumption,” he stated.

Sullivan pointed out.

This is especially true in light of The shift to virtual conferencing, the changing dynamics in a number of e-learning and online buying also nonresidential I N N construction OVAT I O N S segments.

I N A R C H I T E Caccelerated T U R A L during the pandemic. This W E AT H E R P R O O F I N G S I N C E 1 8 6 2

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has had a substantial impact on related construction activity and cement demand.

“We went through each of the key categories on the nonresidential side and we estimated that there is as much as a 1.4 million metric ton reduction in demand growth because of e-learning, e-retail and what have you,” said Sullivan.

Yet, while COVID has promoted a negative shift for some aspects of construction, climate change initiatives represent a potential positive shift in the other direction.

“The country is much more aware of climate change, and you have to start building and looking at things a little differently. This gets into a lot of the issues and attributes that concrete has over its competitors. It’s the best insulator,” said Sullivan.

He points to data from the Energy Information Agency (EIA) that projects concrete homes and buildings can significantly cut energy consumption. He also cited MIT research that indicates the miles per gallon for trucks is improved on concrete roads.

With the Urban Institute at the University of Texas projecting an increase of nearly 50 million more drivers by 2024, expansion of U.S. infrastructure, and especially roadways, will be essential to relieve already extensive problems with congestion. This offers further opportunity for concrete and the cement that goes into it.

“When you start planning and looking at areas that are going to grow, I think you have to keep an eye on how does concrete fit into the climate change solutions,” Sullivan stated. “There's a very bright vision that we see in terms of long-term progress.”

Find this article online at CONC.me/2022factors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR PECORA SALES REPRESENTATIVE

PECORA.COM

24 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

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FORM YOUR BUSINESS

»

BY CHRISTOPHER DOYLE

Rebuilding America

Adobe Stock Images

By Andrey Popov

Exploring the challenges for subcontractors in the Infrastructure Plan: Material costs and keeping skilled workers.

L

ast year, lawmakers in Washington passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan, injecting billions of dollars directly into repairing crumbling highways, strengthening shipping ports, modernizing airports, and other vital projects for the next decade.

The new projects now breaking ground, while energizing the construction industry, exacerbate the two core challenges subcontractors face every day: how to pay the rising costs of materials along with how to recruit and keep skilled workers.

Large public infrastructure projects are fantastic for creating jobs, but they also significantly increase demand for materials, which are already under strain. Since 2019, material prices across the construction industry have skyrocketed. In 2021 alone, flat steel prices rose 131%, lumber prices by 32%, and copper by just a little over 50%.

Concrete contractors have been hit particularly hard. During the pandemic, ready-mix concrete prices rose from $128 in January 2020 to $142 today (for the South Region of the U.S.), an 11% increase. Concrete demand rarely falls as it's critical to every building project—residential, commercial, or industrial. Infrastructure investment will only further increase demand.

While steadily rising material prices push subcontractors to the financial brink, an equally critical challenge is the battle to secure skilled workers. A recent study by the US Chamber of Commerce found 91% of contractors had "moderate to high" difficulty obtaining skilled workers with a staggering 62%

26 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

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reporting their difficulty as "high," up 20 points from 2020. To keep up with booming demand, the construction industry needs to add 2.2 million additional workers by 2025.

Other industries are dealing with the labor shortage by simply raising wages, an option often not available for subcontractors. By raising wages, adding in new incentives, plus the sky-high material prices, a contractor will have to raise the price of their project and pass that difference onto consumers. Even then, it would do little to significantly increase the inflow of younger skilled workers into construction.

These highlight the core issue: the payment cycle has been broken for decades. Subcontractors are at the end of the payment road, often waiting 90+ days to get paid for completed work, thus limiting their potential to bid on another project. Relying on cash on hand is far too unpredictable to comfortably pay for labor or materials upfront, much less reliably finance the sizable expenses that come with scaling a construction business.

One way out of the cycle is for subcontractors to go to traditional banks, which are often unwilling to offer financing to subcontracting businesses due to up and down cash flow, let alone younger companies without a proven financial history. Another option is to find some form of an alternative lender, but this choice often ends up being costprohibitive and is not tailored for construction businesses. To not just survive but thrive, subcontractors need more ways to secure capital.

New financing solutions are helping subcontractors’ commercial construction projects come to life. These options are specifically designed for subcontractors, allowing project materials to be purchased with 120-day terms that align with payment cycles.

An effective material financing solution pays suppliers fast and upfront,

providing subcontractors with funding for same-day purchasing, locking in the best prices. Flexible financing options ensure the materials come in, suppliers get paid, and subcontractors have more time to pay. They help build and strengthen a healthy relationship between subcontractors and the suppliers. Material finance solutions also prevent costly price hikes and help subcontractors receive cash discounts.

Subcontractors face similar challenges when dealing with labor costs. When they’re not paid on time—which can happen frequently—subs must pay out of pocket for labor which puts undue stress on their business and strangles cash flow. Advance pay options provide same-day financing to cover labor costs and provide a stable, secure source of revenue, eliminating the responsibility of the subcontractor to float their own capital to fund projects and pay their workforce. Designed specifically for subcontractors to guarantee quick payment, and with up to 120-day repayment terms, labor advance solutions can help subs more effectively manage expenses throughout the entire project.

Subcontractors hammered by skyrocketing material financing costs and the pernicious construction labor shortage need more help. With demand still rising and few options to quickly increase the number of workers, subcontractors need safe, reliable options to help bridge the gap in their outgoing payments and incoming cash flow. Contractors and subcontractors will need to adapt and take advantage of new tools if they want to succeed and grow.

Christopher Doyle is the co-founder and CEO of Billd.

Find more business columns at CONC.me/ business.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

Curb Roller Manufacturing

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

»

BY JESSICA LOMBARDO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Consistency Key to Paving

AIRPORT RUNWAYS

M

ost construction companies you talk to do not voluntarily sign their crews up to complete airport paving projects. It’s grueling, painstaking work that requires intensive training and permitting by your crew. Yet for Atlantic Contracting & Materials, airport paving is their specialty.

“We service anywhere from North Carolina to New Jersey along the I-95 corridor doing Department of Defense and Federal Aviation Administration work,” Seth Lillard, plant manager at Atlantic Contracting says. “Military bases and FAA government airfields are our bread and butter.”

Atlantic Contracting has extensive experience navigating the changing specifications associated with these type of projects, and knows what it takes to successfully complete them.

MOBILITY MATTERS From the spring to fall of 2021, Atlantic Contracting was busy

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APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

reconstructing runways at two different airports, Washington Dulles International and Andrews Airforce Base. In order to keep a consistent supply of mix running at both sites, Atlantic needed equipment they knew could keep up.

The company has been using RexCon Model S concrete plants since the 1970s. They currently have 2008,

Atlantic Contracting and Material Co. Inc. were hired to pave both the Dulles International and Andrews Airforce Base at the same time. Causing them to purchase a fourth RexCon Model S concrete plant. They used a Guntert & Zimmerman S850 Quadra Bolster Concrete Slipform Paver.

Atlantic Contracting and Material Co. Inc.

ONE FAMILY, FOUR DIVISIONS Atlantic Contracting and Material Co., Inc. is a fourth generation general contractor serving the Washington Metropolitan Area. The first generation, under R.T. Madden, started out building gravel roads in Wisconsin. They paved city streets, curbs, gutters, and progressed to highway paving. R. T. Madden’s son, John, joined the business in the 1950’s and became president in 1963. He expanded the business to include aggregate crushing and recycling, materials and demolition.

John Madden relocated in 1984 to the Metropolitan Washington Area renaming the company Atlantic Contracting and Material Co., Inc. and began working on many key federal and regional government projects. John’s son, Tom Madden, joined the business in 1984, became president in 2003 and expanded the business to include excavating, grading and underground utilities. John’s son Michael Madden joined the company in 1992 and grandson Matt Madden in 2011.

Today, the company has nearly 100 employees operating in four different divisions.

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by Cat Financial. Not all customers will qualify. Payments based on 60-month loan. Payments do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options, or attachments. Offer may change without prior notice and cannot be combined with any other offers. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. ®

© 2022 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos,“Caterpillar Corporate Yellow,” the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. www.cat.com / www.caterpillar.com

CONCRETE PAVEMENT CONTINUED 2012, and 2016 models. With the increase of work in 2020, the company purchased yet another Model S plant for the Dulles project.

“These plants are perfect for what we need,” Lillard says. “Mobilization and demobilization are extremely easy.

With everything included, it’s 15 moves and you’re up in the air in one day, and running mix in three days.”

The team at Atlantic is not only comfortable with these machines, they are also pleased with the reliability of the equipment.

“The basic design of these plants has not changed over the years and each of the four plants have the same components and can be run the exact same way,” Lillard says. “The technology has gotten much better over the years, but the basic design has not changed and that’s important for our crew in providing the ease of use across each job. We know these machines in and out and are extremely comfortable with them.”

CONSISTENT SUPPLY OF MIX When Atlantic Contracting was chosen to work on Andrews Air Force Base and Dulles at the same time, the company knew it was time to invest in another plant. “We had two plants at Andrews Air Force Base, one on both sides of the airport, and knew we would need two plants on either side of the airport at Dulles as well,” says Lillard.

SEAMLESS TRANSITION The team at Atlantic Contracting has a long history with RexCon and their Model S plants, now owning four of them. When Astec Industries purchased RexCon in 2017, the change for Atlantic was seamless.

“I still call my same parts guys, with a couple new guys mixed in there, but everything has been the same on our end,” Seth Lillard with Atlantic Contracting says. “If I need parts, I still call my same contact in the shop. None of the major players have changed and so we’ve been very happy with that.”

Atlantic Contracting was hired to reconstruct Runway 1C-19C at Dulles and needed a plant on each side of that airport to keep their paver fed, and to meet project specifications. “Most of the specs read that you have 30 minutes from time-of-batch to the time-of-placement,” Lillard says. “With the second plant at Dulles, we were able to keep the mix production as close to the paver as possible.”

The two plants also allowed crews to keep up with the amount of mix

needed to keep the project moving along. “We pour anywhere from 12-22 in. deep depending on if we’re pouring a fueling apron or a runway,” Lillard adds. “It takes a lot of concrete in a short amount of time to keep these pavers happy. These Model S plants are great for feeding slipform pavers and that’s what we run for these projects.”

Atlantic Contracting utilized a Guntert & Zimmerman S850 Quadra paver.

On the Dulles project, the plants were producing upwards of 300 cubic yards per hour for up to 12 hours each day. “With an experienced operator that can really dial a plant in, we are able to consistently produce 300 cubic yards per hour without the shrink drum package,” Lillard says. “And if we can maintain that average all day like we have been able to, everyone is happy.”

To keep the mix moving even more efficiently, Atlantic Contracting used their own fleet of articulated trucks on site. “We had anywhere from six to 20 off-road trucks working to keep concrete in front of the paver,” Lillard adds. According to the Guntert & Zimmerman website, the S850 Quadra paver has an approximate working speed of 0-16 fpm (0-4.88 mpm) with a travel speed of about 0-74 fpm (0-22.55 mpm).

The crew at Atlantic has reconstructed about 5,000 ft. of runway at Dulles along with some adjacent taxiways. They began their work in March and turned the runway back over to Dulles on November 14, 2021.

Find this story online at CONC.me/runway.

Specifications for the Washington Dulles Airport project (Runway 1C-19C) required a 30-minute limit from timeof-batch to the time-of-placement.

Having a second RexCon Model S plant allowed Atlantic Contracting to keep the mix production as close to the paver as possible.

Atlantic Contracting and Material Co. Inc.

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

BATCH PLANTS, PUMPS & TRUCKS Sysdyne’s Concrete Cloud Batch Control System

Since the inception of computerized concrete batch control, the batch software has been always installed on a local computer. It is isolated and only can be accessed by the batch operator. The Pioneer Cloud Batch by Sysdyne Technologies has brought the batch software online and made it visible and accessible by multiple users. Logging onto ConcreteGO.com, plant managers, IT support staff, quality control managers and regional executives can access batch controls anywhere at any time using any device to monitor the batch cycles, make mix design changes as needed and address loading issues without interfering with the actual concrete loading cycle. It helps speed up the batch process, make sure the mixes are properly adjusted as needed and reduce the material cost by tightly controlling the material usages.

ForConstructionPros.com/21497059

CONC.me/concreteplants

Liebherr THP 80-LP Concrete City Pump

The THP 80-LP truck-mounted concrete city pump is designed for jobs in urban environments, residential jobs and compact jobsites where space is limited.

The flexible boomless pump truck for line pumping application has a total length of around 28.4 ft.

It is quick to set up and easy to control with an HBC option for the remote control. The truck features storage with wide spaces for the concrete tubes and accessories on the deck and plastic water tanks for saving weight. The unit is mounted on a two-axle flatbed truck chassis and weighs around 22,684 lbs. The pumping kit features an open loop hydraulic circuit that is the simple, reliable, and powerful.

ForConstructionPros.com/22006050

Blend Plant's A240 Mobile Mixing Concrete & Asphalt Plant

Featuring a high-production capacity and total hydraulic and electrical autonomy, the versatile Blend Mobile A240 Plant can be transported easily on a standard low-loader truck without additional mounting operations. The Blend A240 allows the installation of up to six aggregate hoppers on the machine with a capacity of 11 to 14 yd3 for the production of concrete, cold asphalt, cementitious mixtures, roller compacted concrete, and recycled concrete. A remote control system provides complete management of production.

ForConstructionPros.com/22118416

The Super Sack Systems V3 Dry Material Hopper by Strong Mfg.

The Super Sack Systems V3 attachment by Strong Manufacturing, was designed to reduce the labor cost of moving dry material to your concrete mixer quickly and easily. Built as an independent unit, the Super Sack V3 can work on new or old machines with a hydraulically assisted two-piece pivoting auger.

With a 15,000-lb. capacity, it can do the equivalent of dropping four bags of mix all in 30 seconds—saving time, enhancing productivity, and sparing a lot of back-breaking manual labor.

ForConstructionPros.com/22018684

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

BY JONATHAN KOZLOWSKI

«

BATCH PLANTS, PUMPS & TRUCKS

The Gypsum Solution: The Underlayment Pump

Paul Johnson Drywall Inc.

T

he core business of Paul Johnson Drywall Inc. (PJD) is installing drywall with 60% in single-family residential and 40% in multifamily (roughly 6,000 multi-family units per year). They include a gypsum underlayment installation service as part of their multifamily component and find benefits in utilizing a pump: safety, time savings, and avoiding a lot of backbreaking manual labor.

PJD started placing gypsum underlayment around 2016. “There’s a couple of anomalies, but almost every market that we've identified has maybe only two key gypsum underlayment players,” says Austin Johnson, Managing Director of PJD. With such a limited amount of service providers, any missed days could create a month or more wait until the job can continue. Over the year's PJD's gypsum pump fleet now includes four Placer models from Strong Manufacturing.

For them and their multifamily housing projects, the larger equipment seems to balance size to production. It’s this balance that allows the PJD team to be fresher the next day. “We want our guys to be crisp and healthy,” says Johnson. “Monetarily, it’s beneficial for us to eliminate the overtime component but it’s also just keeping these guys healthy and fresh throughout their entire week versus burning them up.”

Its also about safety. Recently, PJD completed a job for Arizona State University, a six-story student housing complex project in downtown. Using the rear-loading Placer parked on the street in line with the sand, blocking only one lane of traffic for a few hours—a situation the university appreciated.

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Our product line includes: • Concrete curing and sealing compounds for highways • Epoxies and repair mortars for restoring and strengthening existing concrete • Expansion joint materials for easing the expansion and contraction of concrete slabs • Waterproofing for bridge decks and foundations • Joint sealants for asphalt and concrete surfaces W. R. MEADOWS: Founded and Flourishing in America for 96 years.

Visit www.wrmeadows.com or call 1-800-342-5976 for more information.

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Find this article at CONC. me/underlayment.

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© W. R. MEADOWS, INC. 2022

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 33

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

»

BY MATTHEW ZELLER

To Maintain Or Not To Maintain (That Is The Question) Defining preventative maintenance for concrete pavement and the issues being prevented.

W

hile concrete is a durable, long-lived pavement solution, some conditions— such as expansion and contraction due to temperature change, or deviations in mix ingredients—represent real-world challenges for any pavement, regardless of its material composition. Pavements are carefully engineered to accommodate the forces at work during their service life. But it is still important to

regularly inspect roads, assess the extent of any pavement distress, and implement a fully adequate response.

Preventative maintenance is so named for a reason. Single problems can have a “domino effect” and, if left unaddressed, can eventually be responsible for multiple problems. Therefore, it is important to understand first the goals and best practices for the initial design and construction of concrete pavement, and second, how maintenance schedules and activities should be conducted to maximize the pavement’s life.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS Concrete pavement distresses at times can manifest as cracking, broken slabs, buckling, or roughness, and these distress categories should be considered during a pavement’s design and construction phases.

Contraction joints are one critical consideration because reduced slab thickness along the line of a joint is intended to permit controlled cracking when the concrete shrinks. (For this reason, this type of joint is often called

Transverse cracks often require dowel bar retrofit to prevent faulting.

Here, a crew from Ramsey County, Minnesota, drills holes for dowel bars for a full-depth repair job with a 36-in.

Minnich A-1 single gang drill.

Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota Matthew J. Zeller

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

Find this story and other articles from the IGGA at CONC.me/ ConcretePavementMaintenance.

NCRET CO

E

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

Matthew J. Zeller, P.E., is the Executive Director of the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota. Provided by the International Grooving and Grinding Association.

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THE

U

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

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-constructed concrete pavement can last many decades. But to ensure that it reaches its full-service life—and has optimal rideability during each year of its life—agencies should develop a preventative maintenance plan. Small, regular interventions save time, money, and effort in the long run.

C

a “control” joint.) But joints can become filled with debris, or “incompressibles,” creating an overly rigid system that allows expansive stresses to build up.

The compressive forces resulting from these stresses can cause cracking to occur in other areas of the pavement.

Temperature ranges of more than 100 degrees F during a given year can translate to expansion- and contractionrelated changes of approximately 2/3 in. in a 100-ft .stretch of pavement.

Modern transverse contraction joints are typically spaced no more than 15-ft. apart based on the thickness of the section. If each joint successfully cracks throughout the depth of the slab below it, the pavement will function as designed and can accommodate weather-related expansion. However, if some of the joints fail to crack—for example, if the pavement cracks only at every second, third or more joints—this makes the effective length of each panel much greater than 15 ft. Consequently, when panels contract, they are opening the joint wider than was intended, allowing more incompressibles into the space. When expansion next occurs, there is less volume for the concrete to expand into due to the imcompressibles filling the voids. After several years of this cycle, as improper transmission of forces occurs, the pavement can buckle or break in its weakest points.

In Minnesota, for example, one strategy that has been used at the time of construction to prevent future problems associated with joint function include driving heavy loads (such as full water trucks or dump trucks) along the pavement shortly after joints have been sawn.

This helps activate the joints, ensuring that a majority of them successfully crack, in turn keeping each crack tighter and more resistant to infill. Using joint sealant can also help keep incompressible materials out. It should also be noted that lengthening spacing between joints at the time of construction, which is sometimes done as a cost-saving measure, is not recommended.

To answer “to maintain or not to maintain:” yes. Well-designed and

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CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 35

BATCH PLANTS, PUMPS & TRUCKS

»

BY BENJAMIN BRISENO

Why Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines Are Transitioning to Lower Viscosity Oil

I

n the U.S. heavy-duty trucking lubricants market, the drive for energy efficiency is influencing a transition from SAE 15w-40 diesel engine oils to those with lower viscosity grades such as SAE 10w-30. This shift is accelerating as engine builders adopt and expand lubrication recommendations for lower viscosity SAE grades, and a growing number of major trucking companies use them. Most are transitioning to SAE 10w-30, but depending on equipment builder recommendation for temperature conditions, other viscosity grades in SAE 5w-X and even 0w-X are being considered.

Innovators and early adopters keep abreast of new technologies or approaches and are willing to apply them according to Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore (Harper Collins Publishers).

For engine oils, the gap between early adopters of a new product approach and the rest of the market can be influenced by how quickly engine builders adopt or support a new approach. There may be companies operating truck fleets or construction equipment willing to risk equipment warranties to gain operational benefits, but those in the pragmatist mainstream usually wait for equipment builder acceptance.

Today, major diesel engine builders such as Caterpillar, Cummins, Paccar, and Navistar include lower viscosity grades in their oil viscosity recommendations (SEBU6250 Caterpillar Machine Fluids Recommendations, 2019). The lower viscosity helps reach the US EPA, Oil viscosity is being tested in a lubricant lab.

GettyImages via Citgo Petroleum

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Zffoto/AdobeStock

An SAE 10W30 can offer up to a 3% fuel efficiency advantage compared to an SAE 15W-40.

NHTSA Phase II fuel efficiency standards, which went into effect December 27, 2016. An SAE 10W-30, for instance, can offer up to a 3% fuel efficiency advantage compared to an SAE 15W40. With the lion’s share of trucking operating budgets going toward fuel cost, a potential 3% reduction is a significant economic gain.

Engine builders are constantly seeking methods to make the process of converting the fuel source to available power more efficient; studying all areas where power leaks away before the “tire meets the road.” One of the areas considered is the oil used for engine lubrication.

Engine oil provides cooling, cleaning, wear protection, rust and corrosion protection, and lubricity for moving mechanical parts. The presence of the oil decreases friction of metal parts relative to each other, but the oil itself creates a bit of energy loss through fluid friction as it circulates through the engine. The heavier the viscosity of the oil, the higher this fluid friction energy loss will be.

• Lower fluid friction energy loss. But the oil must have enough viscosity to provide the needed oil film thickness for adequate lubrication and machine durability. During operation, the oil film varies throughout the engine.

This results in lubrication modes anywhere from full film to boundary lubrication (Rensselar, 2018). The use of lower viscosity engine oils affects lubrication modes. The lower the viscosity, the increased potential to be in a boundary lubrication mode. It’s important that engine oil formulations take this into account, providing surface protection through all lubrication modes. To maintain engine durability, equipment builders consider this when developing lubricant viscosity recommendations for new engine designs.

• Lower oil pressure readings. Lower viscosity grade engine oils will exhibit less resistance to flow within

OTHER BENEFITS OF LOWER VISCOSITY ENGINE OILS • Reach lubrication points faster on engine startup. This is especially important when engine operation requires frequent startups, or in colder climates. Depending on ambient temperature levels and the SAE grade used, the use of block heaters can sometimes be avoided—adding to the energy savings tally.

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THE FUTURE OUTLOOK The trend to lower viscosity engine oils is continuing.

Engine builders have included SAE 10W-30 in lube recommendations since API CJ-4 was introduced in 2006. It hasn’t expanded much, but use of SAE 10w30 is expected to accelerate.

SAE 15w-40 has been the dominant viscosity grade in the past few decades. Its use has peaked and is now forecast to decrease by 30% by 2029, with SAE 10w-30 growing to about 40% of the U.S. market (Infineum USA L.P. , 2020). Engine builders are pushing their designs to address fuel economy and emissions requirements.

Volvo’s VDS-5 specification introduction could push use of SAE 5w-X oils, and increase the market’s comfort with lower viscosity API FA-4 oils (Infineum USA L.P. , 2020).

an engine. Another consideration is operating conditions that may introduce abrasive contaminants into the oil. Abrasive particulates larger than the oil film could accelerate wear. The importance of proper filtration in these environments increases with the use of lower viscosities.

Viscosity is only one aspect of a heavy-duty diesel engine oil. There is a complex mixture of various performance additives, coupled with select lubricant stocks that make up the engine oil. Approaches to this mix continue to change as builder engine protection requirements evolve. Industry specifications, such as API CK-4, provide assurance engine oils meet protective performance requirements through various testing protocols.

Engine manufacturers will specify the oil performance classification and oil viscosity required for your machine. API CK-4 engine oils are backward compatible with previous API performance categories, but API FA-4 engine oils may not be. API FA-4 engine oils take high temperature, high viscosity requirements down a notch compared to API CK-4, resulting in added fuel savings potential. Because of this, before using an API FA-4 engine oil you’ll need to check with your engine builder recommendations, especially if operating an older engine, and your lubricant supplier can also help you with finding the correct engine oil to meet OEM requirements.

Benjamin Briseño is the Lubricants Technology Manager at CITGO Petroleum.

With over 36 years of experience in the lubricants industry, Ben has held various positions in technical services, product line management, supply, and sales management covering domestic and international markets.

For more information on oils, lubricants, and greases visit CONC.me/ equipmentoil.

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 37

CURB, GUTTER & EDGING EQUIPMENT

7

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BY JONATHAN KOZLOWSKI

Questions on Curb & Gutter Concrete Jobs Curb Roller Manufacturing’s newest product, the Badger Curb Maker (pictured), is capable of shaping a curb head up to 6-in. high and 18-in. wide for monolithic pours.

Curb Roller Manufacturing

What’s the key to a successful curb and gutter project?

From slipform pavers to walk-behind machines, if you’re considering expanding your services to include curb and gutter jobs—aside from how profitable you can be, let’s explore some common questions.

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raditionally, curb and gutter work has been performed with large machines or through a back-breaking manual process that requires a high degree of skill that can be difficult to find.

But what jobs are best suited for this equipment? What factors affect how it is used? And how should equipment options be considered when estimating curb and gutter work? We connected with Seth Ulmer of Curb Roller Manufacturing, to help explore some of the most common questions facing contractors when considering curb and gutter jobs.

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Whether pouring new curb and gutter or repairing existing concrete, the key is to plan ahead. It’s important to partner with a concrete supplier who understands the scope of the project to provide the correct concrete mix at the right time.

Additionally, contractors should carefully select the proper equipment and ensure they have a crew that has the skill to operate the machinery and successfully shape and finish the concrete.

While some contractors can rely on crews with years of experience and a high skill level, less experienced operators can also perform quality work if they have equipment that is easy to learn and designed to produce consistent results that meet the requirements of the job.

Is there a water/cement ratio to aim for? How does slump fit into the process?

Slump is a critical aspect of shaping concrete, and curb and gutter work is no exception. If the slump is not correct, the concrete won’t hold the correct shape, leading to delays and additional costs. Most curbing machines work best with a curb mix of concrete that has a higher sand-to-rock ratio, but the ideal slump is determined based on the equipment selected for the job. Large slipform machines often require a 1 to 2-in. slump while walk-behind machines typically use a 3 to 4-in. slump.

How important is speed when shaping curb and gutter?

A key phrase in curb and gutter work is, “steady pace wins the race.” Operators need to find a proper, consistent speed to produce a uniform shape, whether they are working with a large slipform paver or a smaller walk-behind machine.

For walk-behind curbing machines, the pace is generally determined by the slump, with a higher slump requiring slower speeds and a lower slump allowing a faster pace.

What would be your advice in estimating curb and gutter jobs?

It’s important to know all the details when estimating curb and gutter jobs, including the overall width and depth of the concrete that will be poured, specifications for the concrete mix and any tear-out and removal requirements.

Additionally, contractors should understand how much of the jobsite will be released while the work is completed.

Crowded jobsites can limit the ability to use a large machine efficiently, so understanding this factor may influence what equipment a contractor should account for in their estimate.

What scenarios would be best for each type of curbing machine?

Walk-behind curbing machines are ideal for small- to mid-size projects.

They are also able to tackle projects that have a large amount of radius work, small cut-ins or hard-to-reach corners more efficiently than larger machines.

These walk-behind machines also really shine in patch and repair jobs.

Slipform pavers are designed for large projects. They are capable of

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The world’s #1 selling curb machine just got better. Power Curbers is excited to introduce the new 5700-D featuring the SlipSmart Control Solution providing operators a new level of precision. Our engineering is dedicated to provide you a reliable and productive machine that is easy to use. We stand behind our equipment with world-class support and unmatched commitment.

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CURB, GUTTER & EDGING EQUIPMENT CONTINUED Walk-behind curbing machines are ideal for small- to midsize projects. They are also able to tackle projects that have a large amount of radius work, small cut-ins or hard-to-reach corners more efficiently than larger machines. These walk-behind machines also really shine in patch and repair jobs.

Curb Roller Manufacturing

shaping thousands of feet of curb and gutter a day. Often, contractors find that a combination of equipment is ideal. They can use a slipform machine to efficiently shape the majority of concrete in large jobs, passing over inside corners and tight radiuses, then follow with a portable walk-behind curbing machine to finish these areas.

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Does interest and investment in residential construction lead to increased curbing jobs or are these projects more related to the infrastructure funding?

Most residential projects are privately funded and based on demand. Much of this pent-up demand for housing seems to have come from a pause in building during the COVID-19 pandemic, with people now looking to relocate or invest in real estate for the first time. This has led to an increased need for contractors that specialize in curb and gutter.

While this is often outside a contractor’s scope of work, intuitive and operatorfriendly equipment can help contractors self-perform curb and gutter work.

Down the road, we could see this ability become even more critical if infrastructure funding leads to additional repair work in residential areas.

Is battery power the future of concrete power tools and machines?

The construction market is seeing a strong demand for and investment in battery-powered machines that reduce emissions. Battery power has many benefits, including unparalleled portability and efficiency that comes with the elimination of cords, hoses, and fumes.

Batteries are now powering a wide variety of machines on jobsites, and there is growing trust in the ability to rely on battery-powered equipment. This is allowing contractors to consider new ways to approach project demands.

There is still a place for other power sources on a site based on project needs.

For more information on curbing and curbing equipment, visit CONC. me/curbers.

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SPECIFICATION GUIDE: CURB, GUTTER & EDGING EQUIPMENT

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Company

Product Name

Weight

Engine/Power Source

Transport Dimensions

Curb Mold Dimensions

Operating & Travel Speed

URL

1. Curb Roller Manufacturing

Badger Curb Maker

105 lbs.

(160 lbs. with drum)

DEWALT FLEXVOLT Battery

28 in. Long, 32 in. Wide

Up to 6-in. High, 18-in. Wide

Walk-behind Machine

ForConstructionPros.com/ 22005448

CC-1200e

3,694 lbs.

48 VDC Lithium-ion Battery

8.2 ft. Long, 7.3 ft. Wide, 3.7 ft. High

14 in. Tall, 2 in. Wide

40 ft./min.

(Operating) 93 ft./min. (Travel)

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21508925

3. Power Curbers & Power Pavers

5700-D Curb Machine

24,700 lbs.

Cummins QSB4.5-130C Diesel 4-Cylinder/4-Stroke Turbo Charged, Tier 4f Emissions Compliant Engine

20 ft. Long, 8 ft. 6 in. Wide, 8 ft. 1 in. High

16 in. Vertical

0-50 ft./min.

(Operating) 0-110 ft./min (Travel)

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21096387

4. Curb Fox Equipment LLC

Curb Fox 5000-T

10,000 lbs.

45 hp Diesel Engine (Standard), 68 hp (Optional)

16 ft. Long, 8.5 ft. Wide, 8 ft. High

30 in. High Barriers

50 fpm (Operating) 80 fpm (Travel)

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21022956

M-6040

55,000 lbs.

CAT C 4.4 176 hp Stage V Turbo-Charged, Diesel Engine

8 ft. 4 in.

Transport Width

15 3/4 in. Paving Depth

0 to 22 ft./min.

(Operating) 0 to 90 ft./min (Travel)

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21993334

2. GOMACO

5. Miller Formless Co.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2022

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 41

THE LAST PLACEMENT

»

BY BRAD HUMPHREY

The Perfect Pre-Construction Meeting Agenda

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f you are finding that your crews and estimators are not always on the same page—in fact, sometimes they are miles apart—and that jobs are coming in with even less profit than you had planned, perhaps you need to implement a more aggressive and thorough pre-work discussion. This is most often addressed through a preconstruction meeting. Let’s go over what can help make every pre-con meeting a success.

Present A General Scope Of Work Whoever sold the project needs to clearly communicate what the “big picture” looks like before getting into the weeds of the project. This first step is key because it should really focus on what was in the individual’s head (who had the most early interaction with the project) when he or she was lining it out to win. So whoever it was—the contractor, an estimator, a business development individual, etc.—should be fully engaged to share what he (or she) was thinking.

Discuss Client Profile, “Out of the Ordinary” Issues & Expectations While your crews may perform similar work from job to job, the one distinguishing difference will be the customer. Again, whoever has had the relationship with the customer needs to debrief the crew leaders on what sort of customer they will be working with.

Are they high maintenance? Nit-picky?

Laid-back? Invite discussion of any unusual or more difficult items. It’s the “out of the ordinary” issues that most often get discussed—but that doesn’t mean you can forget the more mundane efforts needed. Finally, whatever expectations the customer has or you as an owner have for the project need to be shared and clearly understood.

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Discuss Specific “Non-negotiables” and Documents What does your company require your crews to comply with? What documents are needed? What does your local city, county, or state require in the form of documentation? What federal laws are you required to secure and maintain with the appropriate documentation? As contractors we cannot allow anyone in our company to jeopardize the legitimacy of our business because we were not on the ball and in full compliance with any formal process or law.

Discuss the Project’s Building Process It’s critical that whoever sold the job communication how they initially processed the job in their head and transferred it to their estimate. Then, with the crew leaders engaged, the constructability of the job can be openly discussed, with changes made if needed.

If you are a contractor who might complete more than one project a week, then you may wish to move through several projects during this pre-planning effort. No matter your project size, it is critical that the folks who sold, estimated, and who will execute the job meet to discuss the actual construction process best suited for the project under review.

Produce a Final Next Week Look Ahead/Job Schedule Many contractors use the Next Week Look Ahead in some form or fashion today. All of the critical discussions addressed in the first four agenda steps should culminate in the best schedule possible that captures what the “brains of the organization” believe to be the best schedule. This schedule needs to capture order, priority and notation about needed equipment, material deliveries and communication with inspectors, client contacts etc.

Final Q&A & One More Run Through Certainly different team members will ask questions throughout this preconstruction meeting. However, just before the team “breaks the huddle” it is important that a formal STOP and a special allowance for questions be provided.

This one more time for a brief Q&A provides those who have been quiet up to now a final chance to speak. Once the last question is addressed it’s a good idea to briefly run back through what we believe to be the right way to complete our scheduled production. Using the Next Week Look Ahead is easily the best tool to complete this final agenda step.

Post Pre-Con Follow-Up There needs to be a consistency of communication among the players involved with the execution of the project. Feedback on what was planned and expected should be confirmed so estimators can make sure that their efforts were accurate. Likewise, when the realities of the project differ from what was expected or bid, the message needs to be sent back to those who estimated the project so they can review their efforts, considering whether or not to sharpen their pencils.

This “Post Pre-Con” effort is not the same as a “final project review” or “post mortem” that is to be conducted at the conclusion of a project. The Post PreCon follow-up is designed to maintain the initial presentation on the project and to make sure that all parties involved are staying the course and keeping their eyes focused on what was planned.

Remember the old saying… “If you fail to plan…you plan to fail!”

For more from Brad Humphrey, visit CONC. me/bestfriend.

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