Concrete Contractor August/September 2021

World of Concrete Wrap-Up: Products Seen From the Show August/September 2021

THE LEADING TRADE MAGAZINE IN THE CONCRETE INDUSTRY

17 FEET UNDER THE

Save Time With

GPS TECH & A SLIPFORM PAVER

SEA Building a Foundation Below Sea Level

SPECIAL REPORT

CONCRETE VIBRATOR SPEC GUIDE

Emerging Technologies Reduce Embodied Carbon

The latest details on the latest models

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WHAT’S INSIDE

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 | Issue 5, Volume 21

COVER STORY 22 17 Feet Under the Sea: Building a Foundation Below Sea Level The residential job that earned Ekedal Concrete their CFA 2020 Project of the Year Award.

DEPARTMENTS 4 Editor’s Letter 6 New Products 30 Product Focus

Decorative Concrete Products

41 Advertiser Index 42 The Last Placement Cover Photo Credit: Ekedal Concrete

FEATURES Flatwork/Slabs

8

A Focus on Slabs Updates to ACI’s CCS-1(10) Slabs-on-Ground document.

10 How to Determine Concrete Slump The tools and procedure in testing concrete slump, step by step.

12 Screeding in the Sky Three quick questions with Somero Enterprises Inc.

18 Concrete Forms: Imported vs N.A. Engineered Wood

World of Concrete 2021 26 Product Wrap-Up SPECIAL REPORT

What to watch out for.

28 Emerging Concrete Technologies to Reduce Embodied Carbon

20 ‘Floating in the Clouds’ Using thermal breaks to support cantilevers and heavy snowfall.

Specification Guide

39 Concrete Vibrators

Decorative Concrete

31 Fiber Cement Siding Benefits and installation tips.

Foundations & Walls

Concrete Pavement

14 Why Contractors are Bringing Formwork Detailing In-House

32 Collect Concrete Profits with a Curb Rolling Machine

Avoid delays, minimize risks, improve productivity, reduce costs.

16 Concrete Wedge Anchors 101 The types, the correct depth to drill, and steps for installation.

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Open doors and increase profits.

34 GNSS Tech Proves to be a Game-Changer Alpine Civil Contractors has found significant times savings through the use of GPS technology.

The technical information you need for your next concrete vibrator.

36 5 Popular Stained Concrete Application Techniques Advice and experienced insight.

38 Updating the Viceroy Santa Monica with Bomanite Modena Designers needed to do something spectacular.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

What Will The Next 10 Years Look Like?

Published by AC Business Media

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

B

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

ig question. I know. Where improved changes can sometimes take a long time, interruptions can take hold immediately.

(But isn't solving problems part of the job?) It's in this moment of flux where I'd like to spend some attention by highlighting a few active ideas that might just mark some interesting trends.

JONATHAN KOZLOWSKI, I had the opportunity to speak with Alquist—a EDITOR JKOZLOWSKI@ 3D concrete construction contractor based out of ACBUSINESSMEDIA.COM Virginia. He tells me that "according to the National Home Builders Association, and others, we are anywhere from five to 7 million homes short, nationally." Factor in the material and labor shortages, they see cost savings with the 3D concrete printing in three ways: time, labor, and material. Once you start to consider what concrete can do for a home’s R rating, there's a good chance that—while not a solution for everyone and every situation—these constructions could very well be a solid option in the future. These printers apparently can be run by two skilled workers, but like drones and other robotic solutions, that's not to say they are aimed at 'taking people's jobs.'

Researchers have been working on how to store electricity in concrete, effectively turning a building into a battery. It's still in the experimental stage, but the journal Buildings, published a paper (March 2021, Advanced Concrete Materials in Construction) describing a prototype that has the potential to hold a significant increase in stored charge (as compared with previous iterations of the concept, note that we are talking milliamps still). But if we are to reach the Net-Zero goal of 2050, advancement in this area could further increase concrete’s carbon-neutrality by providing a way to store energy. As quoted in the paper, "The concept of using structures and buildings as energy source and storage could be revolutionary, because it offers an alternative solution to solve the energy crisis by providing a large amount of energy storage."

Speaking of the 2050 Net-Zero goal for the world's cement and concrete industry, we did recently have a great conversation with the folks over at the Portland Cement Association. Their roadmap on reaching the goal is said to be due by the end of this year. Personally, I'm excited to see the innovations developed in lessening the carbon footprint, even more so in taking part in being able to share the story as the industry progresses.

I've only been with you for a little under a year now, but I thank you for letting me be a part of it and look forward to the months—and years—ahead.

Stay safe out there.

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Facebook.com/ ConcreteContractor

Twitter.com/ ConcreteInsider

Advisory Board Kim Basham KB Engineering Cheyenne, Wyo.

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

James Baty II Concrete Foundations Association Mt. Vernon, Iowa

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

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PUBLICATION STAFF

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

Jon Sison Eric Servais Nikki Lawson Sean Dunphy Tadashi Soma National Automotive Sales

jsison@ACBusinessMedia.com eservais@ACBusinessMedia.com nlawson@ACBusinessMedia.com sdunphy@ACBusinessMedia.com tsoma@ACBusinessMedia.com Tom Lutzke, tlutzke@ACBusinessMedia.com (630) 484-8040

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Larry Stewart lstewart@ACBusinessMedia.com Kimberly Hegeman khegeman@ACBusinessMedia.com

Editor Managing 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

Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Digital Officer Chief Revenue Officer VP Audience Development Director of Digital Operations & IT Group Content Director

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Published and copyrighted 2021 by AC Business Media.

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

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR (USPS 021-799, ISSN 1935-1887 (print); ISSN 2471-2302 (online) is published 7 times a year: January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, 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 August/September 2021, Issue 5, Volume 21 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).

Canada Post PM40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Concrete Contractor, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.

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Jonathan Kozlowski jkozlowski@ACBusinessMedia.com Kim Basham, Jim Baty, Brad Humphrey, Sean O’Keefe, Chad White Cindy Rusch April Van Etten Angela Franks

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Concrete Contractor is the Official Media Sponsor of the CFA Foundation Company Certification Program

Ryan Olson Former Editor of Concrete Contractor

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Fox River Grove, Ill.

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any form nformation

nline) is September, ., Fort WI, and or, PO Box

ountries available

ontractor,

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NEW PRODUCTS The Cat S62 Rugged Smartphone

5

NEW PRODUCTS FOR THE CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

Milwaukee Tool Knee Pads

The Knee Pad Lineup comes in a variety of cap styles designed to provide all-day comfort and durability.

• Free-Flex version features lightweight, comfortable foam construction, a water-resistant cap and adjustable straps • Hard Cap Gel version offers thick foam construction, durable caps and a secure gel zone for added comfort and a contoured fit • Performance version constructed with pressure-reducing foam, layered gel, a robust, durable cap and are offered in a non-marring version for use on sensitive surfaces • Stabilizer Performance versions equipped with large flat caps for stability, layered gel and a hinged thigh strap for better mobility ForConstructionPros.com/21366620

The Proceq GP8100 GPR by Screening Eagle Technologies

The Proceq GP8100 features one of the world’s largest scanwidth ground penetration radar (GPR) with the Superline scan to deliver fast object detection and never-seenbefore data clarity alongside deep penetration depth. One Superline scan with the GP8100 is the equivalent of six classical line scans.

The portable concrete GPR enables quick detection of objects of any size, allowing inspection engineers to collect dense inspection data with just one Superline scan. Users also benefit from the unique data clarity with 2D time-slice, 3D tomography and augmented reality in real-time.

The GP8100 can be used for multiple applications including concrete inspection of large areas in all buildings or bridge decks, object detection and damage prevention before drilling, coring or cutting into concrete, and GPR data collection for concrete structural assessment and post-processing data.

ForConstructionPros.com/21545156

The Cat S62 rugged smartphone, “The Boss,” is available first at T-Mobile for construction professionals looking to benefit from premium Cat rugged credentials for resilience, safety and hygiene to create the ultimate work phone, Bullitt Group, the official licensee for Cat phones, developed this smartphone primarily to excel in any work environment, from industry to America’s rural heartland. The Cat S62 exceeds MIL- SPEC 810H passing high and low temperature, thermal shocks, salt mist conditions, vibration and tumble tests. It also meets stringent safety requirements for protection even in potentially hazardous conditions, certified to Non-Incendive, Class I, Division 2, Group A-D, T4. In addition, its superbright, 5.7-in. display is protected by scratch and shatter-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 6 and is optimized for outdoor use with wet-finger or glove-on working technology.

The Cat S62 includes a fingerprint sensor for security, login and remote payments and a dedicated programmable side button for easy pushto-talk capabilities or instant access to the camera, flashlight or a preferred app. It has a large battery for up to two days in the field without needing to recharge. When you do need to recharge, the device supports Qi Wireless Charging, Quick Charge 4.0 and Pogo pins for quick power when and where you need it.

The phone is deliberately built for dependability, drawing from more than a decade of experience and combining the ultimate military-grade technology with lessons learned from those in the field.

ForConstructionPros.com/21509094

MudMixer Multi-use Mixer

The self-contained DBM 3500 has a 1,321-gal. drum that delivers 4.6 cu. yds. of concrete. Its self-loading bucket handles up to 25 cu. ft. of aggregate at each load cycle. The 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. The compact unit can discharge concrete up to 330° around the machine. It has a 100-hp Tier 4 engine, 4WD with three steering modes and a hydrostatic transmission. Its spacious, ROP-certified cab has front controls for driving with a seat that spins 180° to access the rear controls to drive the vehicle and manage the mixing drum and self-loading bucket. Ground controls replicate those found in the cab.

This multi-use mixer has a 14-gauge, high-strength steel body supported by two large Marathon flat-free tires.

• Auger moves along any mixture and delivers it where it’s needed.

• Integrated bag opener for easy drop-and-fold opening of dry mix • Fully adjustable water dial allows for customized water flow • All-electric, water-sealed motor with forward and reverse settings • 330° pivot system allows for precision and adjustability on any work site

ForConstructionPros.com/21549889

ForConstructionPros.com/21391698

AMS-Merlo DBM 3500 Cement Mixers

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FLATWORK/SLABS

»

BY MIKE THOLEN

A Focus On Slabs Updates to CCS-1(10) Slabs-on-Ground from ACI’s Concrete Craftsman series.

The document covers: • Slab-on-Ground Planning—CCS1(10) Slabs-on-Ground discusses factors to consider when determining appropriate placement size, including variables in production rates, weather and operator experience. It explains he American Concrete Institute the way concrete quantities are (ACI) produces hundreds of doccalculated, details regarding ordering uments dedicated to improving concrete, and lays out requirements the design, construction, maintenance, for handling concrete delivery. and repair of concrete and masonry Discussion of crew size, required structures. ACI documents are develequipment, and procedures to follow oped in numerous types and formats, during preconstruction meetings including standards, handbooks and further help the manuals, certification reader understand the documents, and edufirst phase of concrete cation documents. slab placement.

One group of ACI • Basic Concrete education documents Materials, Mixture that has been gaining Proportioning, and in popularity over the Testing—Chapter years is the Concrete 2 briefly explains Craftsman series, concrete materials, a useful guide and how they are training resource combined in mixture for craftsmen and proportioning to contractors, especially American Concrete Institute obtain fresh and those interested in hardened concrete properties, and how earning credentials by becoming ACI to measure those with control tests. certified. It is also of interest to persons • Preparation before Concrete who are peripherally involved with Placement—This section details how the concrete industry, such as material to prepare and compact the subgrade; supplier representatives or inexperienced accomplish elevation control; engineers who are looking to increase determine the placement sequence; set their knowledge of construction side forms, temporary bulkheads, and materials. Titles in the Concrete screed guides; install vapor retarders Craftsman series include Concrete and/or reinforcement (if required); Fundamentals, Slabs-on-Ground, lay out and mark joint locations on Shotcrete for the Craftsman, Supported forms, and a checklist of necessary Beams and Slabs and Placing and tools and materials.

Finishing Decorative Concrete Flatwork.

• Floor Flatness and Levelness—Floor CCS-1(10) Slabs-on-Ground was the flatness is important when wheeled first book issued in the ACI Concrete vehicles will operate on a slab and for Craftsman Series. The most recent floors where thin vinyl sheet goods edition was updated with information to or polishing will be installed. This include placing with laser-guided screeds section explains how to measure floor and finishing with walk-behind and flatness and levelness and addresses riding power equipment.

T

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areas of concern when constructing floors to tight requirements.

• Placing and Finishing Equipment— Chapter 5 points out the importance of placing concrete without delays and without changing the concrete properties, in order to best facilitate proper concrete finishing. Methods discussed include direct placement from truck mixers as well as placement from manual or motorized buggies.

For multistory buildings, crane and bucket placement, concrete conveyors and pumps are common placement methods defined. Tools used by laborers to complete placement and achieve finishing include spreading tools, consolidating or vibrating tools, and screeds. After placement, floats, trowels, and straightedges may be used for smoothing the concrete.

Jointing and edging tools, as well as power saws, may be used to install contraction joints. A broad selection of such tools are pictured, and their use explained, in Chapter 6. Once readers are familiar with placing and finishing tools, CCS-1(10) Slabs-onGround details how the tools should be used, and in which applications.

Considerations such as waiting periods and managing bleed water are included.

• Jointing—Concrete slabs are jointed to control cracking associated with the material’s shrinkage as it dries.

CCS-1(10) Slabs-on-Ground describes the basic types of joints used as well as how to install them. The benefits of joint filling, along with sealant types and installation steps, are also covered.

• Concrete Curing and Protection— Curing refers to methods used to keep concrete moist and at the temperature needed to develop the required strength, wear resistance, and durability. Climate conditions— especially temperature—heavily

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influence curing procedures and timing. Methods such as ponding, sprinkling, covering with film or mats, and the use of curing compounds are outlined.

• Finishing Problems and Solutions— The final chapter lists common difficulties that can be encountered during concrete finishing. Notable issues include excessive or insufficient bleeding, problems with setting, and surface issues such as crusting, blistering, delamination or stickiness.

Weather-related challenges, such as placing in the rain, are addressed.

Cracking, discoloration, dusting (the development of a powdery material), curling, scaling and more may afflict hardened concrete. Recommendations for mitigating these outcomes are

offered in the document.

Information in CCS-1(10) Slabson-Ground should be used as a guide to good practices. The document does not supersede the provisions in the plans and specifications for any project.

If provisions in plans and specifications vary from the guidance given in the document, variances should be discussed with the design professional.

For more detailed information, ACI

302.1R: “Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction” is a useful reference.

Other reference documents are listed in the Concrete Craftsman manual.

Michael L. Tholen is the Managing Director, Engineering and Professional Development, American Concrete Institute.

For more from the ACI, visit ForConstructionPros.com/ 10071932.

ADDITIONAL TITLES IN THE ACI CONCRETE CRAFTSMAN SERIES: • Concrete Fundamentals— An introduction to concrete and concrete construction.

Sections cover materials, basic construction practices and testing.

Craftsmen in the concrete field also can use this document as a guide for good practice.

• Shotcrete for the Craftsman— Defines shotcrete and describes its proper placement. Chapters cover equipment, materials, environmental conditions, inspection and surface preparation, placement principles and techniques, finishing and tolerances, safety, and testing.

• Supported Beams and Slabs— For the apprentice craftsman, journeyman and foreman involved with cast-in-place elevated slabs and beams. It provides technical background on topics including shoring, reshoring, form removal and reinforcement placement as well as concrete placing, finishing and curing.

• Placing and Finishing Decorative Concrete Flatwork—Details about the materials, equipment and techniques required to successfully install decorative concrete flatwork. Readers should have knowledge of traditional concrete flatwork techniques to fully understand this document. www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

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FLATWORK/SLABS

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BY DIRK THARPE

Sakrete

How to Determine Concrete Slump The tools and procedure in testing concrete slump, step by step.

W

hen people hear the term “slump,” most think about posture; think of concrete slump as "concrete posture." In technical terms, slump is a measured indication of the workability, or flow, of a mix.

The drier the mix, the lower or “tighter” the slump. Conversely, the wetter or “looser” the mix, the higher the slump.

The slump measurement process is defined by ASTM C143 – Standard Test Method for Slump of HydraulicCement Concrete.

Items You'll Need • Slump Cone Mold—The mold is 12-in. high and known as an Abrams cone.

• Scoop—To place the concrete sample into the mouth of the cone.

• Steel Tamping Rod—This is a 5/8-in. diameter, smooth-surfaced, 24-in. long rod with hemispherical (rounded) tips.

• Baseplate—Or some similar nonabsorbent surface.

• Tape Measure—Or a ruler to record the test result.

• Sponge or Brush & Water—To dampen the cone and base before the test.

PREPARING THE TEST • Obtain a sample using ASTM C172 – Standard Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete methods.

• Begin slump test within five minutes of collecting and remixing the sample.

• Ensure the test base is smooth, nonabsorbent, and on a level surface.

• Once the slump test has started, it must be completed within 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

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THE PROCEDURE • Secure the slump cone to the base plate using the cone tabs or by standing on the foot holds. The cone MUST remain still throughout the test. Pro Tip: While you can do this alone, it will go smoother with help.

• Using the scoop, fill 1/3 of the cone with the concrete sample.

• Rod the material 25 times with the steel tamping rod. Distribute rodding evenly over the entire cross-section of the sample. You may touch but do not hit or “thump” the base plate.

Pro Tip: A good technique is to angle the rod to match the slope of the cone and rod starting with the perimeter.

Continue in a circular pattern working to the center.

• Fill the cone to 2/3 full.

• Rod the second layer 25 times, making sure to penetrate the previous layer by about an inch. Continue rodding in a circular fashion, working to the middle.

• For the final layer, fill the cone to slightly overflowing.

• Rod the final layer 25 times with rod penetrating, but not through, the second layer. Distribute rodding evenly over the entire cross-section of this layer. If the mounded material sinks below the lip of the mold, stop rodding, refill, then continue rodding, picking up where you left off in the 25 stroke count.

• Strike off excess concrete from the top of the cone, using the tamping rod as a screed in a rolling or sawing motion.

• Clean excess from the base of the cone. Avoid disturbing the cone.

• Holding the cone firmly, unlock or step off the cone tabs. Slowly lift the cone vertically in a steady motion, without any rotational movement, straight up to clear the sample. The lifting action

should take 5 to 10 seconds.

Pro Tip: Do not to jerk the cone or pull up at an angle. These movements will result in a false reading.

• Invert the cone mold (small side down) and set it next to, but not touching, the sample on the base.

• Place a straight edge, preferably the tamping rod, across the slump mold base, with one end suspended over the concrete. Measure the distance from the bottom of the straight edge to the displaced center of the slumped concrete. Record your results to the nearest 1/4 of an inch.

Pro Tip: For those unsure of how to judge the displaced center, place a coin onto the center of the concrete after final rodding and strike off. Once the mold is pulled, measure to the spot with the coin.

Unless otherwise specified, readymixed concrete is delivered to the jobsite at a slump of 4 ±1 in. Bagged concrete has its own set of rules as defined by ASTM C387 – Standard Specification for Packaged, Dry, Combined Materials for Concrete and High Strength Mortar.

This standard stipulates the slump range of bagged concrete (without waterreducing admixtures) to be between 2 and 3 inches. This is a much tighter or lower slump than you’ll see out of a ready-mix truck chute. However, looks can be deceiving. The smaller coarse aggregate used in bagged concrete mixes makes it much easier to consolidate than most truck-delivered concretes—resist the urge to make your bagged mixes match-ready mix consistency.

Dirk Tharpe is a concrete expert and sales trainer for Sakrete.

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21403532

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STRENGTH. SUSTAINABILITY. SAVINGS.

Curbing CO2 At The Source

GCP brings together technical expertise, advanced chemistry, and technology to help cement and concrete producers achieve greater strength, sustainability, and savings.

Discover how GCP customers reduced CO2 emissions by 23M tons last year*. Visit gcpat.com/curbing-co2 Copyright 2021 GCP Applied Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. *Reflects GCP internal estimates.

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FLATWORK/SLABS

»

BY JONATHAN KOZLOWSKI

Screeding in the Sky Somero Enterprises Inc

Three quick questions with Somero Enterprises Inc.

Q

What changes when you start working on a floor at height vs on-ground work?

The biggest challenge on high-rise structural concrete decks is trying to place a high-quality floor and getting good FL and FF numbers. We are seeing more customers calling us because they have a job that requires a spec higher than normal on their project. For example, CG Schmidt out of Milwaukee, Wisc., needed to achieve an FL 25 minimum which is high for a structural concrete deck. They purchased our SkyScreed® 36 and are consistently achieving their numbers actually hitting an FL 50 on one of their decks.

Q

Any special considerations contractors should mind when screeding on a high rise?

Concrete delivery is much more challenging requiring pumping and bucketing. Additionally, removing unacceptable concrete is typically not an option compared with on-grade work.

Wind can shut down the tower crane on a job allowing finishing equipment to be placed on the slab.

Using a SkyScreed® on a structural deck allows the customer to utilize laserguided technology as opposed to wet pads increasing both productivity and quality.

Q

What safety elements must be planned out?

The largest issue with safety is the fact that we are removing a number of men from the pour, which in itself, makes the entire pour safer. By utilizing a machine like the SkyScreed®, a contractor can reduce workplace injuries such as back strains, knee injuries, concrete burns, and more.

It is important to include limited perimeter access with safety rails to safely finish slab edges.

Adapted from ForConstructionPros.com/ 21440225.

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Zero Turn for Mobility

es Inc

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

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

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

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

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FOUNDATIONS & WALLS

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BY ANDY DICKEY

Why Contractors are Bringing Formwork Detailing

IN-HOUSE

F

ormwork is one of the biggest line items in most concrete budgets. It’s also one of the most labor-intensive and time-consuming phases of the concrete construction process. And naturally, formwork operations are critically important for project success/margins.

When renting formwork, many contractors expect the formwork manufacturer to detail the formwork, deliver drawings, and provide a complete rental package that includes everything they need.

However, detailing formwork doesn’t generate revenue for most manufacturers, and those without an official service offering struggle to prioritize and deliver formwork drawings in a timely manner. It isn’t uncommon for manufacturers to have a large project backlog—depending on how those are prioritized, this can leave contractors waiting for formwork drawings.

Additionally, most formwork manufacturers use a traditional 2D process in which formwork and other concrete construction planning tasks are completely disconnected. For example, formwork manufacturers don’t have access to rebar or embed drawings, making it impossible to identify problems ahead of time. When pour planning, quantity takeoffs, lift, and formwork drawing information

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is disconnected, reacting to changes becomes error-prone and timeconsuming. In addition, formwork CAD blocks don’t often represent reality. 2D CAD blocks don’t accurately represent formwork systems and thus, many problems are only found as formwork is being installed.

Combined, these challenges open the door to costly delays with the potential to derail a project.

To overcome these challenges and accelerate the process, a growing number of contractors are moving formwork detailing in-house. By detailing some or all of their formwork, contractors can save time, prevent mistakes and streamline formwork operations on site.

Using BIM software for 3D formwork planning, concrete contractors can create formwork drawings, deliver the right information to workers in the field, and spot problems before it’s too late. This minimizes risks, improves productivity, and reduces construction costs through more accurate estimating and planning, efficient management of high-quality information, and streamlined coordination and communication.

Additionally, most contractors use multiple formwork systems, each one requiring them to learn and use a different tool. Because BIM software is

While detailing formwork in-house may seem overwhelming, many contractors start small and rely on formwork manufacturers to detail big projects.

Adobe Stock Images | By srongkrod

manufacturer agnostic, contractors can detail formwork systems from any manufacturer without learning and using multiple tools.

START SMALL While detailing formwork in-house may seem overwhelming, many contractors start small and continue to rely on formwork manufacturers to detail big projects while detailing straightforward jobs that don't require engineering calculations inhouse. This is a great way to chip away at the risks and problems that arise when formwork drawings take too long.

Whether starting small or jumping right in, a few factors will determine success. Most contractors who begin detailing in-house do so because they want to move faster and waiting for formwork drawings has pushed them to find a better way. Doing so requires a value-driven mindset in which everyone is on board to start projects with a strong, constructible 3D model from the beginning.

It’s also important to have the right

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people on board. However, that talent isn’t necessarily something contractors need to acquire. Detailing formwork in 3D is basically building the structure virtually before building it in real life.

Anyone who is passionate about concrete and understands how everything comes together on the jobsite can take the lead. Some contractors use a buddy system and partner a construction savvy person with someone who is comfortable with technology or has experience working with BIM software. Both individuals learn through the process and in the end, the contractor has two in-house detailers. It’s a win-win.

Additionally, some formwork manufacturers publish 3D components for some of their most popular systems for use with BIM software. Contractors can download constructible 3D components, including wall and floor systems, directly into 3D project models. This makes it easy for contractors to quantify and plan formwork. Because these components are provided directly from the manufacturer, they contain detailed information, such as catalog numbers and shipping weight, so the model is accurate and formwork planning is more efficient.

Many 3D models are already out there for download and include details like catalog numbers and shipping weight.

Trimble Navigation Ltd.

damaged equipment when those components spend long periods of time on the jobsite unused. Modeling formwork allows for instant material take-offs.

Formwork drawings and 3D visualizations can be generated from the model and dimensions and annotations added using automated tools.

Detailing formwork in 3D allows F.A. Wilhelm Construction to reduce construction time, minimize on-site risk and confidently prepare for successful pours without guesswork. "Because we no longer rely on generic quantities, our

A CLOSER LOOK AT PRODUCTIVE FORMWORK PLANNING Adam Joraanstad, a formwork detailer with F.A. Wilhelm Construction, began modeling formwork using Trimble’s BIM software, Tekla Structures, to increase accuracy and accelerate the formwork planning process. “With the model, we know we are right,” says Joraanstad. “We know we have the right material, we know where things are supposed to be.”

One of the most common causes of construction waste arises from the “order more than we think we'll need" mindset. Often, formwork takeoffs are performed manually. To reduce the risk of having too little formwork on hand, it’s common for contractors to order extra formwork components just in case, which leads to waste due to lost or

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pour counts are more accurate,” Joraanstad says.

Following in their footsteps, it’s possible for concrete contractors to take some or all of their formwork detailing and planning in-house. With the right BIM software, talent and mindset, concrete contractors can accelerate formwork processes and succeed.

Andy Dickey is a global business development manager at Trimble.

Find this article online at ForConstructionPros.com/ 21533462.

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8/11/21 8:54 AM

FOUNDATIONS & WALLS

»

BY BOB CARLISLE

Concrete Wedge Anchors 101

T

Adobe Stock Images

By Funtay

he main differences between concrete wedge anchors are the material that they are made from and the plating or coating improving the corrosive resistance of the steel.

• Carbon Steel—Use indoors where moisture is not present. Use a hotdipped galvanized coating outside where moisture may be present.

• Stainless Steel 303/304—Use where moisture is present or where the application is submerged in water.

• Stainless Steel 316—Use in submerged applications and where some chemicals are present, such as the chlorine in and around swimming pools.

Diameter depends on the weight of the object being fastened, on the diameter of the hole size in the object being fastened, and on any specifications of diameter recommended by an engineer.

The diameter of the hole equals the concrete wedge anchor’s diameter.

Length is based on the thickness of the material being fastened plus the embedment depth (the depth needed to obtain a minimum holding value).

Add the minimum embedment of the diameter to the thickness of the material being fastened plus the thickness of the nut and washer to get the minimum length of concrete wedge anchor to use. The hole in the concrete needs to be drilled a minimum of ½ in. deeper

than the concrete wedge anchor will penetrate into the concrete—this extra space avoids bottoming out and allows dust to fall out of the way.

Wedge Anchor Diameter

Minimum Embedment

⅜ in.

1 ½ in.

½ in.

2 ¼ in.

⅝ in.

2 ¾ in.

¾ in.

3 ¼ in.

⅞ in.

3 ⅞ in.

1 in.

4 ½ in.

1 ¼ in.

5 ½ in.

INSTALLATION • Use a hammer drill in the hammer mode and a carbide-tipped drill bit that meets ANSI standard B212.15.

• Using a wire brush, compressed air or vacuum, clean the hole of all debris and dust.

• Thread the nut onto the threaded end of the concrete wedge anchor so that the top of the nut is flush with the top of the concrete wedge anchor.

• Insert the concrete wedge anchor clipped end first. If being installed with a fixture, make sure that the fixture’s hole diameter is wider than the concrete wedge anchor’s.

• With a hammer, strike the nutted end of the concrete wedge anchor until a minimum of 6 threads is below the surface of the concrete or below the surface of the item being attached.

• Finger-tighten the nut.

• Use a wrench and turn the nut clockwise 2 to 3 turns or until the proper torque values for the diameter of the wedge anchor being used are obtained.

Bob Carlisle is the president of Concrete Fastening Systems Inc. and has been involved in the concrete anchor business since 1981.

Adapted from ForConstructionPros.com/21440145.

16 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

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www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

8/11/21 8:56 AM

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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.

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CONC0821_16-17_FoundationsWedge.indd 17

8/11/21 8:56 AM

FOUNDATIONS & WALLS

»

F p

BY KURT BIGBEE

CONCRETE FORMS:

Imported vs North American Engineered Wood Formwork represents close to half the cost of a concrete structure, warranting serious and detailed consideration when sourcing.

The glue bond on this imported concrete form panel failed, causing the panel to delaminate.

APA - The Engineered Wood Association

Make sure of the engineered wood you want to use—here are a few things to note.

W

hen ordering concrete forming panels, it’s important to understand what you will get—quality materials or a product that won’t perform. APA certifies engineered wood products to some of the most stringent standards in the world.

The standards, PS 1 (for plywood only) and PS 2 (for all structural wood panels) are designed to assess the ability of engineered products to perform in their intended application and are tested for installed attributes such as concentrated load, uniform load, bond performance, and expansion with moisture content.

QUALITY ASSURANCE Once certified, engineered wood products are evaluated based on a strong quality assurance policy that includes reviewing mill quality procedures, APA third-party audits of the mill quality system, and quality testing that verifies the quality and performance of engineered wood products. Finally, APA’s quality assurance policies have proactive steps to ensure

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quality issues are dealt with promptly.

Qualified products are then authorized by APA so the products can bear a trademark that clearly identifies where and how they can be installed. Structural panels are evaluated for qualification and quality assurance that results in a trademark for a specific span for roofs, walls, floors, or use such as concrete form. Again, the quality assurance auditing and testing provides assurance the quality of the material matches the grade stamped on the product.

RATING, STANDARDS & SOURCE Imported panels, in comparison, could come in three different categories, and the purchaser needs to be aware of the implications. In one instance, it could be an imported engineered wood product that has similar span rating or grade information as APA uses, but the product quality may not be the same as an APA stamped product.

The imported engineered wood product could be trademarked to a foreign standard. The standard could be legitimate, but a foreign standard will not have a North American span or grade rating.

The panel may identify the source of the product, the thickness, and the manufacturer, but if there is no standard reference listed in the trademark, there’s no

telling how it was made and whether the combination of glue, wood species and manufacturing will result in a product with adequate structural performance. In some cases, the panel might have a clear face with an attractive pattern, and it could look like a 3/4-in. panel that could be used in a structural application.

Without a standard in the trademark, the wood species used could have inferior strength and stiffness.

The glue could have inferior moisture performance or have high formaldehyde emissions. The degree of quality assurance is completely unknown. An APA trademark provides the assurance of appropriate qualification and quality assurance evaluation that yields a product that provides performance matching the product trademark.

APA has responded to inquiries in the past of questionable trademarks, particularly on structural panels. In certain cases, APA noted that panel stiffness was low in comparison to the product trademark rating. In some of the panels, the bond quality was low, and formaldehyde emissions were higher than normal for North American structural panels. When purchasing engineered wood products, such as concrete form panels, the APA trademark provides the assurance of a quality product that will consistently perform as labeled for span rating or grade.

Kurt Bigbee is a Senior Scientist with APA’s Technical Services Division.

For more from APA - The Engineered Wood Association, visit ForConstructionPros.com/ 21244410.

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8/11/21 8:58 AM

FOUNDATIONS & WALLS

»

BY TRACY DACKO

'Floating in the Clouds'

P

erched on the hillside of Whistler Mountain—one of North America’s top ski resorts—the 20,000 sq. ft. Kadenwood residence complies with stringent energy efficiency and seismic requirements. Its footprint is a four-sided polygon with sweeping views of coastal mountains and alpine lakes.

The four-story ski-in/ski-out structure features access to the ski slopes 50 ft. below and three floors of year-round residential accommodations.

The building is a study in concrete cantilevers reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. “We wanted to cantilever the top two floors over the ski slopes and toward the views, so that when in the house you felt you were floating in the clouds,” explains senior technologist Eric Pettit of the Vancouver, B.C. architecture firm Openspace. Canadian building codes encouraged the use of structural thermal breaks to mitigate thermal bridging, explains Pettit. With the BC Energy Step Code, the building would have to include them to meet the high energy performance target.

TRANSFERRING LOADS BUT NOT HEAT Cantilevers impart high rotational and shear forces, especially in the mountains of Western Canada due to the district’s snow loads of 176 psf. The designers needed cantilevered structures that could not only carry those loads but also meet the seismic requirements of the region.

“The whole structure is concrete— from the basement to the roof,” says concrete contractor Graham Roberge of Alpen Construction, a subcontractor of Bradner Homes Ltd. The project used about 2,616 cubic yards of concrete and a million pounds of steel reinforcement.

Given the high thermal conductivity of concrete and steel and its high surface area exposed to Whistler’s winters, the design team needed to mitigate thermal bridging and its unwanted effects.

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INSULATE & SUPPORT Designers specified four types of structural thermal breaks. For the balcony and roof elements, the team specified Schöck Isokorb® concrete-to-concrete modules.

Each 3.3-ft. module consists of a block of rigid insulation penetrated by stainless steel rebar, which ties into the rebar of the interior slab and the cantilevered balcony.

The insulation separating the interior and exterior slabs, together with stainless steel rebar, reduces heat loss at the penetration by up to 90%, according to the manufacturer. These modules are interspersed with different Isokorb® concrete-to-concrete thermal break modules that transfer horizontal earthquake forces.

Above several windows, the architects incorporated concrete “brows” that overhang a short distance similar to a sunshade. For these small cantilevers, the design team specified Isokorb® concrete-to-concrete thermal breaks for slab edges. The stainless steel rebar penetrating the insulation block ties into the interior slab rebar. On the exterior side, the rebar forms into a loop to support the small cantilever.

The fourth Isokorb® thermal break used connects concrete to steel at the steel balcony that cantilevers from the concrete structure over the entry area. The stainless steel rebar on the interior side of the module is wired into the floor slab rebar. Once cast in concrete, the exterior threaded side of each rod is bolted to steel

The Kadenwood Residence, Whistler, B.C., Canada (rendering).

Schöck North America

balcony beams using backing plates and high-strength stainless steel nuts.

Roberge estimates his crew installed about 1,000 linear feet of concreteto-concrete thermal breaks and 30 concrete-to-steel thermal breaks.

MOLD & CONDENSATION The climate on Whistler Mountain averages 7-19° F in mid-winter, temperatures also fluctuate dramatically year-round, exacerbating problems of condensation and mold. “There is a constant freeze/ thaw cycle,” Pettit says. “Humidity in the house can start to condense on the cold surfaces and cause problems.”

Openspace began specifying structural thermal breaks in 2014 when designing another Whistler Mountain project. “We were trying to figure out how to hang heavy concrete cantilevers by designing our own bolt-on details.

When we happened upon the Isokorb® products, I was excited,” Pettit says.

“They were the perfect solution.”

Tracy Dacko is the former president of the New Jersey chapter of the Business Marketing Association.

This article was originally published in Modern Contractor Solutions, Jan. ‘21.

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21521488.

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8/11/21 8:59 AM

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8/11/21 3:42 PM

COVER STORY

»

BY GIGI WOOD

Ekedal Concrete

17 FEET

UNDER THE SEA: Building a Foundation Below Sea Level

C

alifornia-based Ekedal Concrete takes on jobs others shy away from—the type of projects that require years of experience and sophisticated skills. The company received the Concrete Foundation Association’s 2020 Overall Grand Project of the Year Award for Single Family Homes Over 5,000 Square Feet for just such a project. Ekedal constructed a 9,000-sq.-ft. basement foundation, with the bottom of the slab sitting at -17 ft. below sea level along the bayfront in Newport Beach, Calif.

“It's a pretty unique project and it gets very complicated,” says Ryan

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

Ekedal, president of Ekedal Concrete.

“If you don't know what you're doing, you can be in a world of trouble.”

DRILLING THE CAISSONS Ekedal was hired to complete the entire structural concrete package, from planning to steel framing, shoring, de-watering, and building the foundation. Building along the water required advanced shoring and de-watering systems.

The crew drilled 109 caissons, which are used for retaining water to allow for the construction of bridges, dams, and similar structures. Each of the caissons was 30 in. in diameter and in all, the

total drilling depth was 6,000 ft. The Bauer BG 15H rotary drilling rig was an Italian model that used a continuous flight auger to drill the caisson and pour the concrete through the auger.

The interlocking design provided a faster construction timeframe because it eliminated the need for the casing of holes and lagging. The interlocking caissons were made up of hard and soft piles of slurry and concrete. “One (secant pile) would be full of a slurry, like a two-sack slurry, the one next to it, which would basically butt into that caisson a little bit, would be full concrete,” Ekedal says.

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8/11/21 9:12 AM

The crew brought the water table below the mat slab to ensure a dry working environment. Ekedal Concrete

The exact location of each caisson was critical for the project to be effective, he says. A civil engineer gave them the center location for each caisson, but the blueprint doesn’t always match the reality of the construction site. Ekedal crews thoroughly verified each location.

“When we go in and double check things, we make sure that we lay out the center caissons exactly where they needed to go, and the entire time the drilling process is going, we're making sure that the drilling is plumb and vertical and not at an angle,” he says. “Because that's where you're going to end up having problems, where you might be an inch out of plumb at the very top, but 50-ft. down…you're going to be a foot off. So, it was making sure they're perfectly set and poured, in the way that they need to be, to make everything work when we get to the bottom of grade.”

There were several factors to watch when lowering the water table, he says.

As part of the dewatering process, 17 well points at 18-in. were drilled 50 ft. deep.

Using a filter fabric pipe with rock, Ekedal pumped all the water back into the bay. “But it's slow and methodical because there's a high possibility you'd be pulling fines (fine ash and other materials) and sands and different material from the adjacent properties," explains Ekedal. "If you do that, you're creating voids under those homes, which would lead to the foundation starting to

settle. And then you have all sorts of other issues.”

It’s important to watch how quickly the water table is being lowered. “From the point when we turn on the pumps, we give it a couple of weeks, typically, before we do anything,” he says. “We slowly, slowly bring the water table down to a point where we know it's below our working environment, which would be the bottom of the mat slab. Then, when we know it's to that point and it's dry enough, nothing's moving. The surveyors are there daily checking, taking shots, checking the adjacent properties, checking our property lines, making sure nothing's moving.

When we know everything is stabilized and good, then we can start actually excavating in 3-ft. lifts.”

The shoring wall was 20-ft. tall and tapered from 12 in. to 15 in. and was shotcreted into place. Several of the other walls needed to be cast in place due to a large amount of hardware on the tops of the walls.

Once the shoring and dewatering was complete, excavation began on the basement and the foundation could Building along the water required advanced shoring and de-watering systems.

Ekedal Concrete

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CONC0821_22-24_CoverStory.indd 23

Ekedal Concrete

be started.

Instead of traditional footings, the project has a 15,000-sq.-ft., 30-in. thick mat slab with two layers of epoxy-coated No. 6 rebar at 9-in. spacing.

Overall, the project involved nearly 1 million lbs. of steel when you consider the reinforcing cages in the caissons and slabs. In addition, Ekedal explains that they had to do two concrete on pan decks above the first four.

‘LIKE A BATH TUB’ While shoring and dewatering were big jobs, waterproofing the foundation also took considerable time and work.

“We had to make sure that the thing was basically like a bathtub, just 100% sealed if the water table goes up,” Ekedal says. “We can’t have any leaks because it only takes a little pin size hole and you're going to have problems.”

Ekedal says they used effective waterproofing means and methods. “The big key is aligning yourself with the right waterproofing manufacturers and installers who warranty their products,” he says.

Double and triple layers of hydrostatic waterproofing were used to prevent leaking.

“I believe the corners were at three layers because that's where you're likely to have issues with leaking,” he says.

“We were being really cognizant before we backfilled, to make sure there were no punctures in the membrane and no issues with air bubbles or different

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CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 23

8/11/21 9:12 AM

COVER STORY CONTINUED

As part of the dewatering process, 17 well points at 18-in. were drilled 50 ft. deep.

Ekedal Concrete

things that could lead to problems down the road. We were being extremely, extremely thorough. It's critical.”

A MASSIVE PROJECT The sheer size of the project made it challenging, Ekedal says.

Highest Value Lowest Co$t GYPSUM MIXER PUMP

“It was just big in stature and the mat slab was big; it was a 2 1/2 ft. of actual foundation slab,” he says. “It had two No. 6 rebar layers and the spacing was pretty tight; 9 in. each direction.

The other thing was that all the rebar in the entire project was epoxy coated because of the correlation to where it is near the ocean, obviously.”

The project, including pre-planning, took about 18 months, he says.

“This job takes a lot of planning from all different parties. This is a long process because, for instance, the de-watering portion was seven or eight months of continuously, 24 hours a day, the pumps were on, pushing water out of there,” he says. “We can't turn those off until that basement is backfilled.”

Ekedal says his company has more than 40 years of experience working on these types of difficult projects, such as installing below sea level foundations, and has a deep bench of talent on his team.

“We’re definitely not just cutting our teeth on it,” he says. “We know how to do it and do it right. The probability of getting in a position where you're having all sorts of problems is extremely high if you don't know what you're doing.”

Even with the industry-wide worker shortage, Ekedal has been able to build a team of highly skilled contractors and subcontractors.

“That's kind of what we've been building for all these years, we’ve had a lot of talented people at work here at Ekedal and have for a long time,” he says. “We’re always trying to keep that kind of culture evolving and broadening and getting larger and larger, so we can continue to keep these sorts of projects in our wheelhouse.”

Watch a video of this project at ForConstructionPros.com/ 21576799.

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24 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

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The CoreHub In-Vehicle IoT Platform by Coretex

WORLD OF CONCRETE 2021 PRODUCT WRAP-UP Husqvarna's K1 PACE Battery-Powered Cut-Off Saw

BOSCH PROFACTOR 18V Cordless Rotary Hammers Optimized for use with CORE18V PROFACTOR batteries, the GBH18V-36C 1 9/16-In. rotary hammer delivers 5.2 ft.-lbs. of impact energy, while the GBH18V-45C Hitman 1 7/8-In. SDS-max version delivers 9.3 ft.-lbs. of impact energy. Both feature rotary hammer and hammer-only modes, as well as Vario-Lock positioning to rotate and lock the chisel. Soft Start and controlled RPM and BPM make it easier to control drilling and chiseling applications, with an on-tool user interface for tool performance, feedback and control. All PROFACTOR tools incorporate BITURBO brushless technology, a high-performance brushless motor and drivetrain system designed to deliver power comparable and/ or equivalent to high-demand corded tools.

ForConstructionPros.com/21403348

The first product to be launched on Husqvarna's battery system, PACE, the K1 PACE high-power battery cutter was designed to handle heavy-duty jobs. Husqvarna tells contractors to expect power and performance equivalent to gasoline-powered cutters, with the additional benefits battery powered equipment brings to both operators and the environment.

The PACE battery system can be utilized for more machines as the battery-powered family expands. In addition to the power cutters and battery system, diamond blades in 12 in. and 14 in./300 and 350 mm have been optimized for battery operation. The machine is also equipped with X-Halt brake function capable of stopping the rotation of a blade in a fraction of a second for enhanced safety.

ForConstructionPros.com/21508855

Pioneer Cloud Batch Sysdyne Technologies

Sysdyne Technologies' Pioneer Cloud Batch brought the batch software online and made it visible and accessible by multiple users. By 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/21508904

Coretex's CoreHub integrated IoT solution connects an in-vehicle IoT hub with selfinstalled wireless drum rotation, hydraulic temperature, water add meter sensors, and cameras throughout the vehicle to collect and present information about the driver, asset and load—providing contextualization of what is happening on the load and full digital view of supply chain operations.

At the show, Coretex also announced its partnership and integration with CiDRA Concrete, an IoT-based business that provides real time data that continuously measure the concrete quality, air, slump, and temperature of the mix from the batch plant to the job site via concrete Ready-Mix trucks.

ForConstructionPros.com/21508873

Vanguard's 400 EFI ETC Single-Cylinder Engine

The Vanguard 400 EFI ETC single-cylinder horizontal shaft commercial gasoline engine is the latest addition to the Vanguard product lineup. The electronic fuel injection (EFI) system provides better fuel efficiency, improved overall performance and quick load acceptance and offers easy all weather choke-less starting. The addition of the electronic throttle control (ETC) system means that operators can count on smooth and consistent power with any load size or type of terrain they encounter. Like its predecessors, the engine features a fully integrated cyclonic air cleaner with advanced AutoShed technology, extending service internals.

The single-cylinder Vanguard 400 EFI ETC 14.0 Gross HP engine will be available for purchase in March 2022.

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With the WB-3200 slipform paving machine work bridge, contractors can utilize fully functional texture/cure abilities. Its compact design allows a working height as low as 18 in. from grade and the adaptive frame design allows for any attachments to be mounted on either side. The tethered electronic control console is mounted the same way as the operator seat, allowing the operator to be on the left or right side with a quick-change feature.

A quick selection in the control system allows for all controls to be reversed, with no electrical or hydraulic connections needing to be removed. The unit has a 12-ft. minimum paving width and is available with optional frame extensions up to 32 ft. Power is provided by a 25-hp Caterpillar 1.1 diesel engine.

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8/11/21 9:17 AM

Curb Roller Lynx Modular Roller Screed

The Lynx Screed has a modular design featuring a series of linkable screed pipes that can accommodate concrete pours in varying widths from 3 to 22 ft.

• Available in a package consisting of three 7-ft. pipes, or a package containing a 5-, 7- and 9-ft. pipe • Can be customized to include any 3-, 5-, 7- and 9-ft. length combination up to 22 ft.

• Pipes aligned and connected with three separate bolts and a centering ring for quick, easy installation • Setup completed by bolting drive and static heads to the assembled pipe’s ends and connecting to the electric Eel Screed or battery-powered Batt Screed ForConstructionPros.com/21508919

GOMACO CC-1200e Battery-powered Curb Machine

The CC-1200e is equipped with a 48VDC lithium-ion battery pack that provides enough power for a full day of paving. Charging options include the standard eight to 10-hour normal charge rate or an optional two-hour fast charge system. The G+ control system with full-function radio remote control puts all machine operations in the hands of the operator. Rotary-sensored slew drive steering on the front wheel assemblies allows smoother paving, easier control, and maximum turning capability with the ability to slipform a 24-in. (radius, depending on mold profile. The compact unit has a 19-cu.-ft. hopper capacity with up to 15 in. of horizontal sliding capabilities for easy alignment with ready-mix trucks. Curb molds can be interchanged easily and can be positioned on either side for right-side or left-side paving.

ForConstructionPros.com/21508925

Cemen Tech Featured its Volumetric Concrete Mixer Tech

There is nothing like testing out the real thing. Cemen Tech allowed attendees to put their hands on some of the most intuitive, user-friendly technology applications available for volumetric concrete mixers. Throughout the event, Cemen Tech will be offering demonstrations and hands-on testing of Cemen Tech CONNECT and ACCU-POUR software platforms.

“Downtime and waste are killers for most businesses. That is why we offer technology to help reduce both—less downtime with your equipment and more accurate tracking of your concrete,” says Connor Deering, Cemen Tech President and CEO. “Our technology products surround you and your fleet of volumetric mixers with vital resources and tools to keep you moving.”

More about the technology at World of Concrete 2021: CONNECT: This video support platform is your best tool for quick problem solving. With your smart phone, desktop or tablet hold a live video conversation with a Cemen Tech service technician. That person will help you inspect your volumetric equipment, identify problems and design solutions in real time. They will even help you order replacement parts immediately.

ACCU-POUR: Cemen Tech’s suite of proprietary productivity tools includes both Office and Mobile versions and is compatible with any brand volumetric mixer. Connect your office, dispatch, and fleet in real-time. This next generation technology has over 300,000 yards of concrete poured through it in the last 24 months by ACCU-POUR users around the world. Utilize GPS fleet tracking, electronic scheduling, batch ticketing and up-to-the minute reporting on completed jobs and material usage from a single platform.

“Adopting new technology can come with some hurdles—like figuring out what’s the best solution for you or even finding time to learn the tools. We’re taking these barriers away by hosting one-on-one demos and helping customers compare products,” says Deering.

Pettibone Adds T1056X to Traverse Lineup

Pettibone introduced the Traverse T1056X telehandler, the first 10,000-lb. capacity Traverse model in its X-Series lineup. The Traverse is telehandler product line featuring a traversing boom carriage with the capability to move loads by traveling horizontally, allowing operators to safely place loads at full lift height without needing to coordinate multiple boom functions.

• Specified lift height of 56 ft., 6 in., identical landing height • Traversing boom provides up to 70 in. of horizontal boom transfer, extending its maximum forward reach to 45 ft., 10 in.

• Powered by a 117-hp Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4 Final diesel engine mounted on a side pod for easy service access • Engineered on Pettibone’s next gen X-Series platform with full-time four-wheel-drive with limited-slip front axle differential • Turning radius of 14 ft., 4 in.

• Featuring formed boom plates and less welding, the machine’s four-section boom offers greater strength while reducing weight.

• Boom overlap has been nearly doubled from previous models to provide smoother operation and reduce contact forces on wear pads.

ForConstructionPros.com/21509172

APOC Weather Armor Air & Weather Barriers by ICP Building Solutions Group

Achieve comprehensive protection against the elements with APOC’s Weather Armor air and weather barriers, available in a variety of formulations suitable for a range of abovegrade wall applications.

Weather Armor air and weather barriers are liquid-applied, one-component solutions that protect against unwanted or uncontrolled air and moisture in a variety of climates. By eliminating air infiltration, Weather Armor helps ensure long-term structural durability while contributing to higher levels of building energy efficiency and air quality.

• Monolithic protection against air infiltration • Available in acrylic, STPE or silicone formulations • Available in impermeable and permeable options • Easy to spray, brush or roller apply • Rain-safe in 30-90 minutes, depending on technology • Can be exposed for up to a year for flexibility in construction phasing ForConstructionPros.com/21508933

ForConstructionPros.com/21485459

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

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SPECIAL REPORT Bigstock

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BY KELLY ROBERTS

Emerging Concrete Technologies to Reduce Embodied Carbon

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etween now and 2050 if construction trends continue, we will likely double the square footage of the built environment. In this short time period, half of the new construction emissions between now and 2050 will be from embodied carbon.

With this, carbon reductions for concrete have become a focal point for the industry. Emitted carbon from the cement production process accounts for 4.4 billion tons of CO2/year and the distinction of being the world’s secondlargest CO2 emitter, as noted in the research Making Concrete Change: Innovation in Low-carbon Cement and Concrete. Many concrete technologies have emerged in recent years to tackle carbon reductions in concrete products.

OPTIMIZING CEMENT

Portland Cement Usage The first step to reducing the carbon impact of concrete is to optimize portland cement usage. Concrete specifications should be performance-based and written to state what strength is needed for each element type, cement may be reduced in some regions by specifying higher quality aggregate or using less water. Mix optimization is key and engineers should ensure their specifications allow mix designers the ability to minimize carbon impact by only specifying the performance requirements necessary for each structural element.

Cement Alternatives “Project Drawdown” identified using cement alternatives as strategy #36 and estimated a potential carbon savings of 440 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Maximizing the industry’s

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use of readily available cement alternatives such as fly ash and slag is one of the most important steps engineers can take to reduce concrete’s carbon impact.

Meanwhile, a few cement alternatives are emerging: • Metakaolin is a pozzolan produced from the calcination of kaolin clay at much lower temperatures than portland cement. However, metakaolin is expensive and only used to replace up to 10% of cement and thus has not been widely used, according to Metakaolin and Calcined Clays as Pozzolans for Concrete: A Review.

• Limestone Calcined Clay (LC3), is a ternary blended cement comprised of portland cement with calcined clay and limestone. Preliminary studies have shown that LC3 is an extremely promising option to achieve lower CO2 emissions, increase supply capacity, higher return on investment, and potentially lower prices in the construction market, as noted in the research Limestone Calcined Clay Cement as a Low-Carbon Solution to Meet Expanding Cement Demand in Emerging Economies.

• Recycled glass and volcanic ash.

Glass pozzolans have been used in concrete mixtures in several projects in the southeastern U.S. because there is a manufacturer located in Tennessee.

• Type 1L cement is essentially a blend of cement and naturally occurring limestone and meets ASTM C595.

Due to the natural limestone component, Type 1L cements have a lower embodied carbon than typical cements yet have very similar

performance characteristics. Typical limestone component makeups for Type 1L cements are usually in the range of 10-15%.

CARBON Another emerging technology in concrete production is to utilize carbon sequestration and injection. Technologies such as CarbonCure, CarbiCrete, and Solidia have been emerging.

Walter P Moore used CarbonCure on a variety of project types and concrete applications. For a commercial office building development in Atlanta, our team was able to work with the concrete supplier for the drilled pier foundations to inject CO2 into the concrete mixture at the batch plant and reduce the cement content by 7% for that application. This technology and technologies similar to it, when used in combination with other cement alternatives such as traditional supplementary cementitious alternatives can help project teams achieve embodied carbon reduction goals on their projects.

Most projects will need to take a multi-faceted approach by incorporating cement reduction, cement replacement, and a variety of new technologies. As concrete designers, producers, and specifiers; we need to be nimble, willing to think outside the box, and consider new technologies as they arise.

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Kelly Roberts, PE, SE, LEED AP BD+C, is a principal in Walter P Moore’s Structural Group.

Adapted. Find the full version and references at ForConstructionPros. com/21415713.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

8/11/21 9:20 AM

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PRODUCT FOCUS

6

DECORATIVE CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Ameripolish Smartfloor Refinement System

Keystone Hardscapes Pre-Sorted Pallets

The Ameripolish SmartFloor Refinement System concept is engineered to provide a high-aesthetic floor that is an easy and economical way to utilize any polishing machines, including power trowels. The system consists of pads that have composite resin abrasive technology embedded in their design. The SmartFloor Refinement System allows for easy assembly of universal blade holders, that will allow the user of the machine to equip abrasives to virtually any power trowel machine. Additionally, the system can be outfitted to machines with Ameripolish's patented blade system or complement your planetary system with custom ring designs.

Fireplaces and grill stations combine the weathered beauty of Keystone Hardscapes’ popular Stonegate retaining wall system in pre-sorted pallets that make installation easy, fast and efficient. The projects require no cutting and can be constructed by two novice installers using downloaded illustrated step-by-step instructions.

• Available in regionally relevant colors, the one- and two-sided hearth fireplaces come in three-pallet designs as does the L-shaped grill station. The more traditional straight grill station comes in a two-pallet design that can be installed in about an hour.

• Grills, refrigerators, fireplace inserts, propane tanks other accessories are sold separately.

ForConstructionPros.com/21195422

DAP Textured Concrete Sealant

DAP Premium Textured Concrete is a textured latex sealant that simulates concrete, allowing users to achieve more accurate color matching to common concrete material. The formula combines the extension recovery, elongation and durability needed to properly move and flex with heavy trafficked concrete surfaces, while providing a long-lasting seal that is resistant to cracking. Its adhesion can be applied to concrete, mortar, brick, metal, stone, stucco, grout and textured walls. It won’t stain or bleed and can be cleaned with just water if needed.

While most latex sealants require a 24-hour dry time before painting, Textured Concrete is ready to paint in just two hours.

ForConstructionPros.com/21158989

ICP's STAIN-PROOF Paver Enhancing Sealer

ForConstructionPros.com/21129879

Pecora-Deck HB1000 Series

Pecora’s full line of traffic coatings protect wearing surfaces like concrete or plywood from vehicular and pedestrian traffic abrasion, and in the case of concrete, protection from freeze-thaw damage and chloride induced corrosion with its destructive force on reinforcing steel. Where decks are elevated, these coatings provide excellent waterproofing for the occupied space below.

• Two -component, fluid applied, polyurethane multi or single component system • Fast cure increased open time to service • High-mil applications with no off-gassing, bubbling or swelling of the coating upon cure • High impact resistance, low odor and VOC for interior and exterior applications

Sika Corporation Merged Decorative Concrete Family, SikaColor

Sika Corporation merged Sika Butterfield Color and Sika Scofield to create a harmonized line of Decorative Concrete products known as SikaColor, SikaCem, and SikaStamp. Sika Corporation offers a complete line of engineered decorative concrete coloring, texturing, refurbishment, and performance systems from the two industry-leading brands: Butterfield Color, the contractor’s choice; and Scofield, the most specified brand of architectural concrete color. Together, these highly reputable brands bridge the gap between functionality and aesthetics, allowing architects, specifiers, contractors, and homeowners to achieve both performance goals and design intent.

Joining of these two acquisitions will produce a complete range of color solution products that are highly regarded and widely specified.

Sika Corporation is confident the merge of the two acquisitions will continue to accelerate Sika’s growth by bringing the most comprehensive range of solutions for concrete contractors.

ForConstructionPros.com/21551372

ForConstructionPros.com/21195487

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ICP Building Solutions Group's STAIN-PROOF Paver Enhancing Sealer delivers color enhancement and long-lasting protection for a variety of concrete pavers, cement tiles, terrazzo floors, and concrete surfaces.

Paver Enhancing Sealer offers both rich color enhancement and water and liquid protection through a combination of silicone technology.

The result is a longlasting, penetrating oil and water repellent solution that enhances the natural color of a variety of man-made surfaces.

“Pavers are a great way to add personality to any yard or home, and they need the right maintenance treatment to stay looking their best throughout their lifetime,” says Scott Higginbotham, Director of Sales, STAIN-PROOF. “With our new Paver Enhancing Sealer, we’re offering a costeffective method to enhance and protect driveways, cladding, floors, patios, pathways, pool decks, concrete countertops, and more.”

• Impregnates far into the pores • Creates no sheen or shine.

• Designed for man-made surfaces • Does not affect slip rate per ANSI 137.1 test ForConstructionPros.com/21330616

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

8/11/21 9:21 AM

BY JONATHAN KOZLOWSKI

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DECORATIVE CONCRETE

Fiber Cement Siding — Benefits & Installation Tips

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ith today's storms, unpredictable weather conditions, and the status of our ever-changing economy, the concrete home concept has provided a long-term possibility for increasing a home's resiliency. Modern design ideas are increasingly becoming more creative with concrete—creativity which can affect the home's value. While the idea of a residential home made of concrete isn't new, the benefits to the structure and homeowner's pocketbook are strong as ever.

Instead of the concrete for foundations, walls, or even the landscaping - one area that doesn't get a lot of attention is the siding. One of the products on the market addresses just that.

Fiber cement siding and trim is created by combining Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. With that formula oversimplified, one could consider it concrete. It features durability, a long-lasting life cycle, and is low maintenance. James Hardie, a preeminent manufacturer of highperformance fiber cement products— having pioneered the technology in the 1980s—shares the top benefits, along with tips and best practices for installation.

Protection Fiber cement exteriors deliver exceptional resistance to weather and protection against extreme heat or cold, often matching or outperforming woodbased or vinyl siding. Cold weather may cause vinyl siding to crack. Changes in moisture and humidity can cause wood to expand and contract. However, according to James Hardie, fiber cement will not rot when wet, can withstand the impact of hail or windblown debris, will

not melt, and is "unappealing to pests and critters who sometimes feed on or burrow into other types of siding."

Design Possibilities The added benefit of protection against the elements does not mean you need to compromise on decorative design.

Fiber cement can achieve any look from sleek and modern to charming colonial.

A fiber cement product can add style and value to a home’s exterior, without losing functionality. Siding panels, trim, shingles and soffit are available in a wide range of durable profiles, textures, widths, and colors - options to empower contractors to give customers the home of their dreams and bring their exterior design vision to life.

To ensure installation efficiency, it’s important to establish a work plan with your team and crew. At the start of each day, make sure that the whole team is on the same page and tracking toward daily goals together.

Organization, communication, and due diligence are key for a successful installation.

Review the official installation instructions and best practice guide for each product and its relating “Hardie Zone,” as each product has its own specific process. For example, Hardie® Plank lap siding with ColorPlus® Technology is shipped with a protective laminate slip sheet to reduce marring and scratching; remove this slip sheet following installation.

INSTALLATION & CARE TIPS

Create a Checklist of Essential Tools First-class installation can be achieved using a number of tools. For cutting siding and trim products on the jobsite, circular or power miter saws and jigsaws are efficient, and to use masonry bits if you need to drill holes. Though James Hardie does suggest equipping your saw with a Hardie Blade saw blade for cutting Hardie fiber cement products.

James Hardie’s portfolio of fiber cement products can be hand-nailed or fastened with a pneumatic tool, but the latter is highly recommended. Siding guns or roofing nail guns can be used to fasten, provided they are adjusted to the appropriate settings and use the fasteners specified in the installation instructions. Also, be sure to have essential hand tools on site such as contractor tape measure, torpedo level, writing utensils, smooth-faced hammer and speed square to make the process easier.

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Develop a Work Plan

Safety Keep an organized jobsite with clear roles and expectations. Positively reinforce safe behaviors with your crew.

Maintain frequent communication and hold regular safety meetings. Special precautions also need to be taken into consideration when you’re working in the winter in cold climates, as well as the hot summer months when renovation season is at its busiest.

James Hardie

Cleaning & Maintenance While fiber cement products are a lower maintenance solution, it’s important to ensure that they are cleaned and maintained in the proper way. To remove dirt, dust or other materials that may have built up over construction, use water and a soft cloth or brush to gently wash the surface.

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21578569.

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Yeti Studio/AdobeStock

CONCRETE PAVEMENT

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BY SETH ULMER

Collect Concrete P Profits with a Curb Rolling Machine With low initial investment and minimal maintenance, a walk-behind curbing machine offers a fast ROI and a quick way to boost profits.

How implementing a walk-behind curbing machine can open doors and increase profits.

W

hen looking for the right tool to expand business, it’s important to consider the cost vs. benefit of adding the tool and service. Beyond the initial expense, consider potential revenue, maintenance costs, and required employee training.

Like any construction endeavor, curb and gutter can be tackled with several methods. Dedicated contractors may have access to a large, drivable curb machine—an efficient option for significant curb and gutter jobs. On the smaller end of the scale is the handforming approach, suitable for small jobs, but slow compared to heavy equipment. Quality control is also more difficult plus hand work is often paired with physical strain and back-breaking labor.

Between hand-forming and large slipform curbing equipment lies a mid-sized option: the walk-behind curbing machine.

This easy-to-transport, simple-to-use option is a logical addition for contractors looking to handle curb and gutter jobs themselves and avoid the complications of sub-contracting out the work. This class of equipment provides enhanced

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productivity in a product that is easy to learn and simple to use, as well as being economical. Easy to transport with a small footprint, walk-behind curb rollers consist of a handle attached to a metal drum run by a hydraulic power source. Because of an intuitive, straightforward operation, it only takes a few minutes to train crew on the equipment. Some machines of this kind feature an ergonomic design and a pivoting handle to provide a comfortable offset tailored to the height of the operator. The operator then walks outside of the framework parallel to the form while pulling the concrete.

Where common curb and gutter projects range from 50-5,000 linear ft., a walk-behind machine can help a crew accomplish curb forming work up to 50% faster than by hand. With handheld tools, crews can pour and finish up to 600 ft. in an 8-hour day. However, with a walk-behind machine, they can pour and finish up to 2,000 ft. in a day.

Plus, a crew can accomplish the job with half as many workers and with less physical strain—allowing a roller to pay for itself after just 1,200 ft.

Contractors can save on the cost of sub-contracting and open the door to potential money-making opportunities by taking on curb and gutter work with an in-house crew. The cost of installing curb and gutter varies by city. If 200 ft. of 6-in. by 18-in. concrete curb costs $2,500 in labor and materials, five 200-ft. jobs in a month would equate to $12,500. That can either be considered as profit from new opportunities, or savings from not having to hire a sub-contractor.

Having a fast-moving process is important because of the slump requirements for curb work. The walkbehind drum option lets the workers control the speed of the machine, making it easy to keep a close eye on the concrete—allowing a worker to add water if the slump is too low or if the concrete is too dry. On the other hand, if the slump is too high, a skilled concrete worker will know to let the material sit to dry out for a while before forming.

Because of the slump calculations that a curbing machine requires (usually 3 to 4-in. slump) it offers a longer time of workability and allows for finish work or touch ups.

A walk-behind curbing machine is easy to clean and requires almost no maintenance; they can be simply rolled in the grass and wiped down. Its lightweight nature makes it easy for two workers to lift them into a truck bed.

Whether a contractor is looking to expand their equipment offerings from large to smaller or vice versa, a mid-sized piece of equipment like a walk-behind curbing machine can be a smart choice. From the largest company to the smallest two- or three-man operation, the equipment allows for expanded profits each time crews take on a curb and gutter job. Selecting the right equipment to fit the bill requires time and research, but the increased job potential and ROI make the effort worth it.

After a decade in the concrete and construction industries, Seth Ulmer joined Curb Roller Manufacturing as the sales manager.

Adapted from ForConstructionPros.com/ 21366723

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

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CONCRETE PAVEMENT

»

BY LARRY TROJAK

GNSS Tech Proves to be a GAME-CHANGER

L

ance Latimer’s vision for his company, Alpine Civil Contractors (ACC) started with a stringless slipform paving system but has since grown to include GNSS technology on almost every type of heavy equipment the company operates in all facets of the site development process.

That push to GPS, and the reputation it‘s helped Alpine earn for fast, accurate work, has led to the company to become one of the area’s most sought-after contractors and to achieve A-List status with major home developers.

EXPANDING THE ADVANTAGE A good part of Alpine’s client list involves some of the largest homesite developers in the region—companies that have millions of dollars tied up in developments, but can’t issue a building permit until roads, ponds and any special features are in place. These are the people to whom Alpine has made its services invaluable.

“We’ve sped that process up considerably, using Topcon GPS technology on our excavators, dozers, and motor graders. We even have machine control

on one of our loaders which we use for fine-tuning grade with the roadbuilding crew,” he says. “Our operator loves it because he knows where the grade is no matter where he’s at on the site. That makes it easy for him to work alongside a blade building sub-base for road prep.

THE VALUE IN STRINGLESS Latimer says an important part of his pitch to new clients is to point out how much they save by not having to pay surveyors to pound hubs and stakes in advance of the stringline crew.

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CONCRETE SLIPFORM PAVERS FOR CURB, CURB & GUTTER, BARRIER WALLS, SIDEWALKS, PARAPET WALLS, PAVEMENTS & CUSTOM APPLICATIONS 1805 N DOT ST, MCHENRY, IL 60050 PHONE: (815) 385-7700

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R

“On larger developments, that savings can be tens of thousands of dollars,” he points out. “I tell them they can save that money or put it into contingency, or whatever. It’s a nice plus.”

Latimer says he knew stringless paving technology existed, but not well enough to understand its real value.

After doing some research, however, he began serious discussions with GOMACO and Topcon Positioning Systems.

“Both Matt and I immediately saw Millimeter GPS as a game-changer,” he says. They knew the capital investiment was substaintial but would find payoff in efficicency.

This optimism rang true. ACC’s performance on major projects turned heads and garnered praise based on their ability to beat projected deadlines and provide a previously unseen level of quality. The fact that the Topcon machine control solutions are fully compatible with their existing OEMspecific systems was also key in bringing that advantage about.

CAPITALIZING ON CAPABILITY Major housing development work can be largely a waiting game. Latimer is certain it was their ability to streamline the workflow that struck a chord with developers.

“Once they saw the results of us owning the entire project, they didn’t want anything except a full turnkey general contracting bid from us,” he says. “They know we will get it done quicker, have a better handle on QC, there will be no delays, etc. Out at GVR, we’ve shaved nearly two months off the schedule. Not only does it get sales moving, it also improves their standing with the corporate side of the business. And most of that time savings can be tied directly to the technology because we no longer have to wait. Once we build the models…we are ready to go with overall control of the project.”

For example, Seth Aberle, ACC’s machine control specialist, explains that one project of paving 10,000 linear feet of 5-ft. wide sidewalk would have taken

close to two weeks using a traditional approach. “Using the Topcon Millimeter GPS system, we were able to get it all poured in three days,” he says.

“Going forward…we are very fortunate to have a tremendous backlog of work taking us well into 2022,” Latimer says. “If we have to add more people and it makes sense to do so, we will. But we will not force the issue; we will never sign a contract and then try to figure out how to get the guys to fulfill that contract. And it’s most important to remember that a huge part of our success is the result of the guys in the field, our people, our subcontractors, and so on. So, we have the technology, we have the people, we have the work and we have a solid reputation for providing quality. I’d say we’ve been blessed.”

Larry Trojak, owner and president of Trojak Communications.

Adapted from ForConstructionPros.com/ 21404002.

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Colorado Hardscapes

BY ADRIAN CRUZ

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POPULAR STAINED CONCRETE APPLICATION TECHNIQUES

oncrete staining is a great technique that you can offer as a concrete professional.

With stained concrete floors, you can give your clients different options when it comes to their flooring needs. With its many benefi ts such as being costeffective, highly durable, and easy to maintain, your customers can’t say no to any of the concrete flooring techniques you can offer.

Let’s look at five popular concrete application techniques.

NAP ROLLER PLUS MIST ➌PLAIN

BEFORE & AFTER

This staining technique is also known as ‘misting’. You have to do the basic staining technique first with the use of a nap roller. Once you are okay with the stained concrete floors’ result, you can use a sprayer to add a layer of a different color. Misting should be done lightly to avoid covering the base of the polished concrete. If you want to add another color of mist, do so once the first misting is completely dry.

WITH PLAIN NAP ROLLER ➊APPLICATION

NAP ROLLER PLUS SPONGE ➍PLAIN

Done by using a nap roller, the surface is covered with the chosen stain color with a nap roller. Before staining the surface, make sure to cover its bases and edge first. A brush is used to completely cover the edges of the surface area. A simple staining technique must be done twice. Make sure that the first coat is completely dry before applying the second application. Use a sealer to increase the shelf-life of your client’s newly stained concrete.

Apply the base color first with a nap roller. Once dried, you can apply the second stain with the use of a sponge or rag depending on your personal preference. You can do this if you want to create a special pattern and you need a steady hand to apply the color. Say you want to make a letter pattern; you can easily form it with a sponge.

ROLLER PLUS A PRE-MADE STENCIL ➋NAP If your client wants simple yet not boring plain, stained concrete, you can still give them polished concrete with stenciled polishing.

With this technique, you can stick the stenciled pattern or design your client wants to your nap roller. Once dry, run your nap roller again to give it a more vibrant color.

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BLENDING If your client wants two or more colors on their stained concrete floors, you can use a blending technique to make it. With a sprayer, you can apply different colors one after the other. This is used if you want to give your client’s floor a marble-like look. It works by spraying one color first, then spraying the second color next to it.

Do it alternately while allowing each color to overlap a little. Once dry, apply a sealant to improve longevity.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

Regardless if it is a reapplication or a new project, you have to clean the surface first before applying any of the application techniques above.

Use a mechanical grind to ensure that the surface is even and smooth.

An uneven surface becomes visible after staining. There are commercially formulated chemicals that can be used to ensure that the surface is totally smooth.

Before applying any dye or stain, make sure to cover the walls, frames, doors, and other parts of the place that’s not supposed to get stained.

After each staining, wait for it to dry completely before applying the second layer or before adding another application technique (e.g. with a sponge or mist sprayer).

Rinse your stained concrete floors after staining. Wash it with clean water. Wait until the water runs clear. Use baking ammonia or baking soda to neutralize the stain. Remove or loosen any deposit to keep the surface smooth and even.

Once you are satisfied with your newly polished concrete, add sealant or protective coat. It will give your stained concrete floors longer shelf life. With a protective sealer, minimal maintenance like sweeping is needed to keep the polished concrete shiny and looking new.

Adrian Cruz is the owner of Columbus Concrete Co. and an expert in the industry with decades of experience.

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21378453.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

8/11/21 4:49 PM

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8/11/21 5:04 PM

BY SEAN O’KEEFE

UPDATING THE VICEROY SANTA MONICA WITH BOMANITE MODENA

A

long the famed Ocean Avenue, Viceroy Santa Monica has been a mainstay of beach-vibe luxury since its debut as the hotel brand’s first location more than 20 years ago. The Viceroy Hotel Group unveiled plans for a sweeping interior and exterior renovation in 2020, the intent was to usher in a new era in contemporary California cool.

“The design objective…was to re-envision a completely new arrival experience, reception, bar, lounge, and poolside into something both breathtaking and quintessential,” says Ramon Gonzalez, project manager for EDG Interior Architecture and Design.

When EDG was given the charge to revitalize the experience, renowned designer Kelly Wearstler’s Modern Colonialism highly visual style served as a starting point for reshaping the narrative. “We wanted all of the colors, art, and finish selections to work together in a sophisticated celebration of ocean-side style…we needed to do something spectacular," says Gonzalez.

Something spectacular sounds simple enough during design but quite a bit less than simple in realization. The hotel’s existing floor was a layered fortress of tongue and groove oak planks glued to a plywood substrate affixed to the slab using concrete nails. The removed floor needed a durable replacement without a boundary between the interior and exterior. While a decorative concrete floor might have been cost-effective for the owner, explains

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Gonzalez, "We needed something that would express the design’s artistic qualities using a combination of integral colors and the banding segmentation of a terrazzo.” The solution, Bomanite Modena SL Custom Polishing System—an engineered cementitious topping of a hand-selected blend of aggregates that is poured, ground, and polished to the desired gloss level. The Modena system transforms worn or damaged concrete surfaces into beautiful, artistic floors that feel more like the centerpiece of a design than an afterthought. At Viceroy Santa Monica, the breezy ocean vibe led designers to a look that symbolized southern California’s soft golden sand.

“In luxury hospitality,

an exceptional experience is always the expectation. You have to be patient with this kind of work if you want exceptional results.

”

—Alan Meneou, superintendent for PWI Construction The challenge of renovating Viceroy Santa Monica while the hotel remained operational was awarded to PWI Construction, a nationwide general contractor and construction manager specializing in hospitality, restaurants, and luxury retail.

“Removing the existing floor was a big challenge,” says Alan Meneou,

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

Renderings of the Videroy’s design.

EDG Interior Architecture and Design

PWI Construction’s superintendent for the Viceroy Santa Monica rehabilitation. The demolition process unexpectedly involved forklifts, Bobcats, and jackhammers. “It took nearly a month to remove the floor and prepare the concrete slab to receive the new finish. Because we had so many other subcontractors working in and around the main lobby everything had to be done in sections.”

Heritage Bomanite of Fresno was selected as a subcontractor to install the floor. A Bomanite-licensed contractor since 1973, Heritage Bomanite has been on the vanguard of decorative concrete for nearly 50 years. They used a self-leveler to make an even plane of the existing slab before installing approximately 4,500 sq. ft. of Modena at 3/4-in. thick segmented by 1,600 linear ft. of brass terrazzo strips per EDG’s layout. “In luxury hospitality, an exceptional experience is always the expectation. You have to be patient with this kind of work if you want exceptional results,” says Meneou.

“Heritage Bomanite did a great job with the floor. I could tell their team liked what they were doing, which always makes a big difference in the way things turn out.”

Sean O'Keefe writes design and construction stories.

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21533627.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

8/11/21 9:40 AM

1

SPECIFICATION GUIDE: CONCRETE VIBRATORS

CONCRETE VIBRATORS

The technical information you need when choosing your next concrete vibrator.

1.

2.

3.

5.

4.

6.

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Model

Product Size (L x W x H)

Weight

Vibrations

Power

Flexible Shaft Length & Weight

Head Diameter

Head Config.

URL

1. Allen Engineering BP50 - Backpack Vibrator

Not provided

Not provided

11,000 12,000 RPM

Gas, Honda GHX50 2.5 hp

2-21 ft.

1, 2 3/4 in.

Round, made of steel or rubber

ForConstructionPros.com/ 12239590

2. Allen Engineering PVP35 - Power Vibe Pro

Not provided

Not provided

9,000 RPM

Gas, Honda GX35 1.5 hp

2-10 ft.

1, 2 in.

Round, made of steel or rubber

ForConstructionPros.com/ 10092790

3. Denver Concrete Concrete Vibrator GBPH25 Backpack Vibrator

Not provided

29 lbs.

12,000 RPM

Gas, 2.5 hp

5-20 ft., 5-62 lbs.

13/16, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 1 3/4, 2, 2 1/2 in.

Round

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21015902

4. Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL™ Backpack Concrete Vibrator (MXF371-2XC)

12.6 in. (L) x 26.5 in. (H)

34.5 lbs.

11,200 VPM

Electric (battery), 3 hp (equivalent)

7 ft.: 6.5 lbs., 14 ft.: 13.2 lbs., 21 ft.

1 to 2 1/2 in.

Round

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21366277

5. Minnich 50 CC Backpack Concrete Vibrator

17 in. x 10 in. x 24 in.

20.5 lbs.

5,000 9,500 RPM (adjustable)

Gas, 2 hp

2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21ft. (includes core and casing)

3/4, 1, 1 3/8, 1 3/4, 2, 2 1/2 in.

Round

ForConstructionPros.com/ 12313408

6. Minnich Stinger Flex Shaft Concrete Vibrator Motor

14.5 x 7.5 in. x 7.5 in.

14.5 lbs.

11,000 13,000 RPM

Electric, 2.5 hp

2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21 ft. (includes core and casing)

3/4, 1, 1 3/8, 1 3/4, 2, 2 1/2 in.

Round

ForConstructionPros.com/ 20986167

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

CONC0821_39-40_SpecGuides.indd 39

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 39

8/12/21 9:37 AM

SPECIFICATION GUIDE: CONCRETE VIBRATORS Download these specs at ForConstructionPros.com/21578447 7.

8.

10.

9.

11.

12.

13.

Product Size (L x W x H)

Weight

Vibrations

Power

Flexible Shaft Length & Weight

Head Diameter

Head Config.

URL

7. Northrock Pro 2+ Concrete Vibrator

12 in by 8 in. by 8 in.

17 lbs.

10,000 12,000 RPM

Electric, 2.5 hp

2-30 ft., 1 lb./ft.

3/4 to 2 1/2 in.

Round

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21015896

8. Oztec 1.2 OZ, 1.8 OZ, 2.4 OZ, 3.2 OZ Electric Motors

Not provided

12, 16, 17, 22 lbs.

12,000 VPM

Electric, 1.25, 1.75, 2.25, 3.25 hp

2-21 ft., 2-21 lbs.

3/4 to 2 3/4 in.

Round or RubberHead®

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21139403

9. Oztec BP-50a Backpack Vibrator

15 in. x 18 in. x 23 in.

29 lbs.

12,000 VPM

Gas, 2.5 hp

7-21 ft., 8-21 lbs.

3/4 to 2 1/2 in.

Round or RubberHead®

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21024619

10. Oztec RubberHead®

1-1/8, 1-1/2, 1-7/8, 2-1/2, 2-3/4, 2-3/4 in. (short)

1.75, 4, 4.75, 8, 10, 6 lbs. (short)

12,000 VPM

Gas or Electric

2-21 ft., 2-21 lbs.

1 1/8 to 2 3/4 in.

RubberHead®

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21105025

11. Wacker Neuson, HMS - Flex-shaft Internal Vibrator System

Dependent on head/motor/ shaft config.

Dependent on head/ motor/shaft config.

14,000 16,000 RPM

Electric, 2 hp, 2.5 hp

15 shaft models range: 3.28 to 22.98 ft.

Weight range from 3.3 - 15.4 lbs.

12 head models range: 1 to 2 3/4 in.

Round and Square

ForConstructionPros.com/ 10085563

12. Wacker Neuson, IEC45/IEC58

Dependent on head/motor/ shaft config.

32.2, 42.3 lbs.

12,000 RPM

Electric

10, 26 ft.

1.8, 2.3 in.

Round

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21046370

13. Wacker Neuson, IRFUflex System 4/120 Converter

Not provided

Not provided

12,000 RPM

Electric, 4 amp / 120 volt

9.8, 16.4, 26.2, 32.8, 49.2 ft.

1.4, 1.8, 2.2, 2.6 in.

Round

ForConstructionPros.com/ 21046370

Model

40 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

CONC0821_39-40_SpecGuides.indd 40

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

8/12/21 9:37 AM

INDEX Advertiser Page # Advance Metalworking Co. ....................................41 Blastcrete Equipment Co ........................................24 Curb Roller Mfg. LLC .................................................9 Diablo/Freud Tools ....................................................7 GCP Applied Technologies ....................................11 Gomaco ....................................................................13 Husqvarna Construction Products......................2, 37 IGNITE Construction Summit .................................33 Josam .......................................................................19 Max USA Corp. ........................................................12 MERLO - Applied Machinery Sales ........................16 Miller Formless.........................................................34 Minnich Manufacturing ...........................................17 Northeast CAT Dealers*..........................................25 Northrock Industries Inc. .........................................43 Oztec Industries Inc. ................................................44 Pecora Corporation .................................................15 Pulse-Bac Vacuum Systems LLC .............................29 Quikrete....................................................................21 SafeBasements Inc. .................................................34 Salsco Inc. .................................................................41 Superabrasive Inc ....................................................35 Tekla Structures ..........................................................5

LOW PROFILE

HIGH R.O.I. The Lo Riser Inclining Platform Trailer is a versatile tool that will help increase your efficiencies and lower costs to deliver a higher return on your investment. With a Lo Riser you'll see:

✔ ✔ ✔

Lower labor costs - one man loading/unloading offers more deliveries per day

Lower specialized equipment costs - no rollback truck required, just a pickup truck - no crown point, equipment can be driven up the built-in ramp - enhanced safety features eliminate most opportunities for injuries - no more dangerous, slanted ramp boards

Stop, Drop and Load your way to maximum profits.

*shown with optional paint color

1-800-369-5365

Inclining Platform Trailers

* Denotes regional ad

4 Degree Load Angle

Lower worker's comp claims

®

www.advancemetalworking.com

Manufactured by: The Advance Metalworking Company, Inc.

it Vis re! 15 o 0 M 1 arn h # Le Boot

Introducing for 2021, The TPC Guidance Controlled Slipform Concrete Paver The TPC is operated via a Radio Controlled Belly Pack instrument box. In auto mode, the machine will follow the guidance string and adjust tracking and screed elevation automatically. The screed comes in different widths from 48” to 96”. The TPC eliminates the need for forms. Just grade and set the string line!

Standard Features • The conveyor can be moved to feed the machine from either side.

• The hopper has an auger inside to be sure the material fills both sides of the hopper.

• The hopper has two hydraulic cylinders which raise the hopper and screed for transport and easy loading on the trailer.

• The 74 HP Hatz German engine is EPA compliant in all 50 states and delivers plenty of power.

• This engine, coupled with a proclaim pump, will give the hydraulic power needed year after year.

• This is a machine designed with only the basics needed to slipform the walk or pad with no forms required. By designing the TPC this way, we were able to cut the cost and make it affordable for everyone, not just the big guys.

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

CONC0821_41_Index.indd 41

105 School House Road, Cheshire, CT 06410, 800-872-5726, 203-271-1682

www.salsco.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

CONCRETE CONTRACTOR 41

8/11/21 9:42 AM

THE LAST PLACEMENT

»

BY BRAD HUMPHREY

The Right Teamwork… at the Jobsite

Adobe Photoshop | kali9

I

read a book a few years ago titled, Same Kind of Different as Me, and boy does that title fit the chemistry often demonstrated by great crews.

There is nothing as important as having your crew perform, almost without any talking, because each crew member understands their role and contribution.

As I’ve worked with and observed crew teamwork over the past 35 years, the presence of solid teamwork is often as clear as the nose on your face. Here’s what you notice right away: • There’s a morning “huddle” to point out any changes, alerts, or goals. Then the crew “breaks” to start work • The crew gets into a construction process “rhythm” earlier than other crews, they just get with the program.

Very little standing around.

• Often, it’s the facial looks and hand gestures that do the speaking during the work day • As one crew member finishes an individual task, he is already hunting to assist in another contributing manner.

42 CONCRETE CONTRACTOR

CONC0821_42-44_LastPlace.indd 42

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021

Now, while not every crew that gets into “rhythm” guarantees perfect performance, observing a crew experience these four bulleted items usually leads to a crew getting better results.

So, what does a crew need to do to improve their chances of performing greater effective and profitable results, in a safe manner? Consider the following recommendations: • Promote more “pre-start” communication about the job and confirmation about “Who is doing what on this project.”

• Assign something of importance for the crew to each crew member, i.e. one worker checks all the equipment and tools, one worker takes a safety check inventory of the job site and moves barricades and cones accordingly, etc.

• Set your safety compliance as a daily goal and empower each worker to assist each other to ensure they have the proper PPE. • When one of the crew members have an idea, let them share it and depending on the safety and quality issues, even try their idea. Remember, sometimes “different” is better.

• Set a production goal for each day, but let the crew discuss how they will achieve the goal.

• Take pictures of your crew during production and share them as part of the afternoon “huddle” before

you leave the site. (Guys like to see themselves in the pictures by the way.)

• Start doing “team sweeps” where you spread your guys out and sweep (walk) across the job site. This can be done to spot forgotten hand tools, quality issue needing reworked, trash that needs picking up, etc.

• When the crew has produced well, treat them to a soft drink (something other than what is in the ice chest already), or some snack to munch on while driving back to your yard.

If you’re out of town, maybe buy an appetizer for the entire crew to enjoy, at dinner that evening.

Look, as we continue in our career, we often recognize that we will attract an entirely diverse mix of workers. Some of these workers will be as different from you, and others, as you can think.

Yet, it is often when we do have such differences that our similarities also pop up. Similarities such as wanting to be respected, accepted, given a chance, and even, to perhaps lead out in a process that’s different than the way we have always done things.

As you build your crew chemistry, have some fun, and don’t be tied down to only one way of doing some things.

Obviously, we want to make money and we want to work safe, but in some areas of our work, allowing a few differences to be integrated into our work processes might not be the worst thing to happen to our crews, our companies.

Here’s to building a greater crew.

Even if it’s a bit different than me!

C

For more from Brad Humphrey, visit ForConstructionPros.com/ contractors-best-friend.

www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete

8/11/21 9:44 AM

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8/11/21 10:07 AM

CONC0821_42-44_LastPlace.indd 44

8/11/21 9:45 AM