AdventHealth taps Brasfield & Gorrie for $660M medical tower
A centerpiece of the organization’s $1 billion investment in its Orlando, Florida, campus, the building will include 24 operating rooms and 440 inpatient beds.
Engineered from durable carbon steel with a zinc-plated finish, this new anchor prevents rust in dry environments, offering dependable performance and minimal maintenance. Available as Carbon Steel in Zinc Plated or Galvanized finishes, 303/304 Stainless, and 316 Stainless Steel. MKT anchors are code approved for uncracked concrete.
What do you think of this screed on big slabs? Looks like it would work but not worried about losing my job to this thing.
Precast Equipment Liners by Durex Products
Durex Products designs and manufactures a variety of high-performance wear parts specifically for the precast concrete industry. Our product line includes pan and planetary mixer paddles, arm guards, and scrapers engineered for compatibility with multiple mixer brands.
These components are built for durability in abrasive environments, helping to reduce downtime and extend the service life of critical equipment. Our materials and manufacturing processes ensure consistent performance and wear resistance in high-demand mixing applications. To learn more about available liner types and compatibility with your equipment, visitwww.durexproducts.com
A little construction humor….
Work Smarter, Not Hotter: Temperature Regulating Gear That Keeps Crews Going
From moisture-wicking fabrics to cooling evaporative gear, temperature-regulating gear is quickly shifting from a comfort feature to a job site necessity.
The Titen Turbo screw anchor has a variety of features that make it ideal for many concrete and masonry projects. The innovative Torque Reduction Channel traps drilling dust to prevent it from obstructing thread action. The reverse thread design is patented and enables smooth driving with less torque while providing superior holding power. The Torque Reduction Channel also allows more space for dust to help prevent anchors from bottoming out in smaller-diameter screw holes. In addition, the Titen Turbo screw anchors feature a serrated leading edge to cut into concrete or masonry, and a pointed tip for fast, easy installation in wood-to-concrete and wood-to-wood anchoring applications. Buy today: https://www.confast.com/concrete-screws/simpson-strong-tie/simpson-strong-tie-titen/
Since things are a little crazy right now thought we would add a little more humor to this month’s post.
Placing Concrete Where You Need It: The Scorpion Concrete Crawler Boom
The Scorpion allows operators to make just over a full turn while extending over structures, landscaping, and other difficult-to-reach or potentially dangerous areas.
Engineered from durable carbon steel with a zinc-plated finish, this new anchor prevents rust in dry environments, offering dependable performance and minimal maintenance. Available as Carbon Steel in Zinc Plated or Galvanized finishes, 303/304 Stainless, and 316 Stainless Steel. MKT anchors are code approved for uncracked concrete.
Our anchors and fastening solutions are designed with durability and reliability in mind. We carry a wide array of products tailored to meet your construction needs, including Wedge Anchors, Concrete Screws, Large Concrete Screws, Sleeve Anchors, Hammer Drive Anchors, Drop-In Anchors, ZipIt Anchors, Plastic Anchors, Threaded Rod Anchors, Sammy Anchors, Strike Anchors, Hurricane Anchors, Flip Toggle Anchors, Split Drive Anchors, Lag Shield Anchors, Double Anchors, Single Anchors, and Spike Anchors. Each of these products is crafted to ensure quality and performance that you can depend on. Join us in building a stronger foundation, one anchor at a time! https://www.confast.com
Humor for the month
Get Ready for the Busy Season: Early Spring Maintenance for Aggregate Screens and Concrete Plant Equipment
One of the most important steps in early maintenance is inspecting screens for excessive wear, blinding, or breakage. Steel wire screens can become stretched, develop broken wires, or suffer from clogged openings, reducing screening efficiency. Urethane screens, while more durable, should be checked for cracks, excessive wear, or blockages that could affect material flow. Replacing damaged screens early ensures consistent throughput and prevents unexpected failures in the middle of production. Read More: https://durexproducts.com/company/blog-news-events/get-ready-for-the-busy-season-early-spring-maintenance-for-aggregate-screens-and-concrete-plant-equipment/
New York builders awarded $251M contract on I-81 viaduct
Salt City Constructors, a team of three contractors, expects to begin work immediately on the $2.25 billion effort to reconnect neighborhoods in Syracuse.
American-Made Strength You Can Trust! Discover the Zinc Plated American-Made Drop-In Anchor at CONFAST®—engineered for unmatched reliability, precision, and superior holding strength in concrete applications!
Why Choose This Anchor?
STAMPED WITH “USA” – Meets most Made in America requirements
SMOOTH ANCHOR BODY – Ensures consistent holding values in concrete
INTERNAL NATIONAL COARSE THREADS – Fast & easy bolt or threaded rod installation
PRECISION CUT EXPANSION END – Uniform expansion for a secure hold every time
NO LIPPED DESIGN – Install deeper than the anchor body length for greater strength
Get yours today and experience the difference in American-made quality!
Even though your concrete mixing truck drivers should clean the equipment after a pour. Not everyone does. This is why it make sense to add Durex Products urethane liners to protect your truck from corrosion. https://durexproducts.com/products/liners/
Getting Buried In Concrete To Explain Concrete = cement + sand + gravel. Cement is the most important man-made material on Earth.
A little concrete humor….It is still hard to find good workers.
Durex linings contribute to 3D concrete ink/mortar printing reliability
Concrete 3D printing brings faster, more cost-effective and sustainable methods to a range of construction applications, proponents of the technology contend. Printing involves extruding a specially formulated concrete or mortar mix layer by layer to create complex structures without the need for traditional molds or formwork.
How do you know what type of machine you should be operating? What kind of tools are best for your machine? What kind of power should I look at? Consider these factors when you select your new machine.
🔹 Goodbye to Blinding, Plugging & Pegging with Durex® Self-Cleaning Screens! 🔹
Struggling with screen blinding and pegging that slows down production? Durex Products offers self-cleaning screen media solutions designed to enhance efficiency and minimize downtime. Here is a couple of innovative screen options—including Livewire® & Accuslot®—keep material flowing for maximum performance.
✨ Livewire® – A hybrid screen featuring molded rubber strips that secure high-strength wires, offering better screening action than woven wire and greater open area than urethane. Livewire® improves production by reducing costly blinding and pegging while delivering superior wear life.
✨ Accuslot® – Combines the accuracy of square openings with the efficiency of long slot wire cloth, minimizing plugging and blinding while reducing the passing of slivers and chips. Available in 6-inch clusters or matched to bucker bars, with multiple opening sizes to fit your application.
Upgrade your screening process today with Durex self-cleaning screens! Contact our team to find the right solution for your operation: https://durexproducts.com/contact/
#ScreenMedia #WireScreens #AggregateProcessing
#HighPerformanceScreening #Efficiency #Durability
Certified American-Made Wedge Anchors from CONFAST 🇺🇸🔩
Need certification for your wedge anchor application? CONFAST has you covered! We provide American-made certification upon request at the time of order. Whether you need it sent with your shipment or after your order is placed, we ensure you have the documentation required.
✅ Certification for American-made wedge anchors
✅ Certification for U.S. melted steel used in our wedge anchors
Order online 24/7: https://www.confast.com/products-wedge-american-wedge/
This month we focus on our trip to World of Concrete 2025
Concrete Supply Plus at World of Concrete 2025: The Future of the Concrete is Here
This month, we’re covering our attendance at World of Concrete 2025, where the latest innovations in concrete construction were on full display.
If there’s one takeaway from this year’s show, it’s that automation is moving in fast—from robots that tie rebar to remote-controlled dumpers and precision measurement tools.
Labor-saving solutions is stronger than ever, and for good reason. As contractors, we know that anything that can speed up the job, reduce fatigue, and improve accuracy is worth investing in long-term.
One of the most eye-catching advancements was a robot prototype that ties rebar together, a game-changer for anyone who’s ever spent hours bent over, twisting wire by hand.
Drones are also making an impact, offering quick and accurate site surveys that help keep projects on track.
We also saw more compact concrete mixers designed for specialized products, giving contractors more flexibility for smaller batch jobs compared to two years ago.
The competition scene was as strong as ever, from bricklaying battles to trowel races, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship that make this industry what it is.
Innovations in tool design also caught our attention—everyone seems to coming up ways to reduce vibration fatigue, support rigs for heavy tools like jackhammers, and a growing interest in decorative concrete solutions.
Whether it’s stamped, stained, or polished concrete, customers are asking for more customization, and the industry is responding with better products and techniques. Also Fluorescent pellets for sidewalks, driveways and roadways designed to improve safety during the night.
Of course we did stop at a suppliers for CONFAST and Simpson Strong-Tie booths as well. You can order wedge anchors and Simpson Strong-Tie 24/7 on the CONFAST website.
If you run a concrete plant and want to protect your equipment with wear liners check out the options offered by Durex Products
Here is a group of photos from the show. We also had fun seeing art made from a collection of equipment spare parts, miniature models of equipment, concrete plants and material conveyors that look almost real. Can you find the miniature model of concrete equipment in the photos?
I don’t think anyone can provide concrete evidence of what the upcoming year will look like. But here is Don Weavers thoughts: “Since we’re on the infrastructure and the funding coming through, for concrete paving, “the next five years looks promising,” says Don Weaver, president of Weaver-Bailey Contractors Inc. and incoming chair of the American Concrete Pavement Association Board of Directors. Yet, he holds a realistic level of confidence as compared to what he thought a couple of years ago. “I don’t know that the confidence I would have had in the middle of 2023 on the perspectives for the second half of the 20’s remains – I have seen a lot of fluctuation in confidence. Companies are plenty busy but margins are down and backlogs not as great. There is ample work out there but greater strain on the entire project schedule from permitting through notice to proceed that comes from additional restrictions in workforce for building departments, inspections and more.” https://www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete/article/22921278/concrete-industry-outlook-2025
CONFAST® Screws
Order now and receive free freight! Every CONFAST® concrete screw is in stock for immediate shipping.
Products Features
BIT INCLUDED IN EACH BOX: Using the correct bit will give you better-holding values
Concrete wears, Durex protects. Your concrete plant and trucks take a lot of abuse. Our liners and wear parts are built to take that abuse and protect your investment for the long term. https://durexproducts.com/products/concrete-products/
There’s only one place you’ll find the heavy hitters of concrete and masonry this January: Vegas, baby — at World of Concrete 2025, the largest and only annual international event dedicated to your business. Get your hands on the latest technologies revolutionizing safety, performance and speed and learn what it takes to not only claim a piece of our industry’s massive projected growth but dominate the field. Join the power players of concrete and masonry.
2025 Show Dates & Hours: Exhibits: January 21-23, 2025 • 9:30 am – 5:00 pm Education: January 20-23, 2025 • 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Concrete Conventions & Tradeshows for 2025: This short list includes a wide range of events covering all kinds of areas in the concrete industry. Take a look and see which you will be attending in 2025. https://www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete/equipment-products/article/22923561/concrete-conventions-and-tradeshows-for-2025
Revolutionizing Construction: The Impact of 3D Printing and Cement Plant Innovations
Explore how 3D printing in concrete is transforming construction processes and pushing boundaries in design and efficiency. Learn about the latest advancements in cement plant adaptations that are driving innovation and sustainability in the industry.
Dive into the full article to see how these cutting-edge technologies are shaping the future of construction: Read more here
Dry Pour Concrete has been the craze lately on social media and testing has not been done to show its true strength compared to standard wet pour concrete. In this video we dive into everything you need to know about dry poured concrete and whether or not its stronger then traditional wet poured concrete.
For those looking for a 20 minute funny break in your day here is work job fails.
How to Install Drop-In Anchors from CONFAST concrete fasteners: confast.com
5 Key Applications for Using Wedge Anchors in Concrete Fastening
Wedge anchors are among the most reliable and versatile concrete fasteners available, offering superior holding power in solid concrete. Due to their strength and ease of installation, they are the go-to choice for various heavy-duty applications across different industries. Wedge anchors are designed to perform in challenging environments, ensuring stability and security where it matters most. It is also essential when choosing a wedge anchor for your application that you make sure that they meet the specifications for the environment and use case such as:
Chamfered top designed to prevent mushrooming during installation
Qualified for static and seismic loading conditions (seismic design categories A through F)
Suitable for horizontal, vertical and overhead applications
Standard (ANSI) fractional sizes fit standard fixtures and installs with common drill bit and tool sizes
Tested per ACI355.2 and AC193
Below are five key applications where wedge anchors provide unparalleled support in concrete fastening.
1. Securing Structural Steel Beams
One of the most common uses for wedge anchors is in securing structural steel beams to concrete foundations. In construction projects, stability is crucial, and wedge anchors offer the necessary strength to securely fasten heavy steel to concrete. By embedding the wedge anchor deep into the concrete, it expands as the nut is tightened, locking the beam in place. This application is essential for high-rise buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure that requires a solid foundation. Be sure to look for these key features to ensure successful installation.
2. Installing Heavy Machinery
Wedge anchors are ideal for anchoring heavy industrial machinery to concrete floors. In manufacturing plants and factories, large machines such as presses, lathes, and mills generate significant vibrations, which can loosen fasteners over time. Wedge anchors provide exceptional resistance to vibrations, ensuring that machinery remains securely fastened even under heavy operational loads. This not only improves safety but also reduces downtime caused by shifting or misalignment.
3. Mounting Handrails and Safety Barriers
Safety is a top priority in many commercial and industrial settings, and wedge anchors play a crucial role in securely fastening handrails and safety barriers to concrete surfaces. Whether it’s in a public stairwell, a factory floor, or a parking structure, wedge anchors ensure that handrails and barriers remain firmly in place to prevent accidents. Their high load capacity makes them suitable for areas where handrails are frequently used or where barriers are exposed to heavy impact.
4. Attaching Shelving and Storage Systems
Warehouses, distribution centers, and retail spaces often require robust shelving and storage systems that can handle large loads. Wedge anchors are perfect for anchoring these systems to concrete floors and walls, providing the necessary support to hold heavy items securely. Whether it’s pallet racks in a warehouse or storage units in a commercial setting, wedge anchors ensure that shelving systems remain stable and safe, even under heavy use.
5. Fastening Outdoor Structures
Wedge anchors are also frequently used in outdoor applications, such as railroad crossing gates, fences, and signage to concrete surfaces. These anchors offer excellent corrosion resistance, especially when made from stainless steel, making them suitable for long-term use in outdoor environments. Whether you’re securing a fence post to a concrete patio or installing a heavy-duty sign at an industrial site, wedge anchors provide reliable holding power in any weather condition.
Conclusion
Wedge anchors are indispensable for a wide variety of heavy-duty applications in both commercial and industrial settings. Their ability to securely fasten materials to concrete surfaces makes them a preferred choice for projects ranging from construction and machinery installation to safety and storage solutions. CONFAST offers a comprehensive range of Simpson Strong Tie wedge anchors to meet the specific needs of any project, ensuring durability, strength, and reliability in every application. Whether you’re building a skyscraper, installing machinery, or setting up storage racks, CONFAST selection of wedge anchors included Simpson Strong-Tie wedge anchors provide the holding power and security you can trust. Buy Wedge Anchors online 24/7: https://www.confast.com/products-wedge/
Top economist for cement and concrete industries reveals 2025 construction forecast. Ed Sullivan, the Chief Economist and Sr. Vice President of Market Intelligence for the Portland Cement Association (PCA) — which represents America’s cement manufacturers — says the Federal Reserve’s recent move to lower interest rates coupled with easing inflation signals a significant retreat in interest rate levels by the end of next year … all to the benefit of construction activity. https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/15102024/top-economist-for-cement-and-concrete-industries-reveals-2025-construction-forecast/
Ready-Mix Equipment Liners from Durex Products: We offer a number of wear-resistant urethane, and rubber liner solutions that provide long-term protection in concrete plants and concrete trucks.
Our urethane liners will combat impact, abrasion, noise, and sticking. Based on your needs, our liners can be installed by welding, bolting, or with high-strength magnets. We have developed our standard liners to fit plants and trucks from most major manufacturers.
Custom liners can be designed to suit any application. Just give us a call to discuss your needs: 715-483-9611 or email us: cs@durexproducts.com.
CONFAST Now Carries the Code-Listed Simpson Strong-Bolt 2 Anchor
We’re thrilled to announce that CONFAST now offers the Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Bolt 2 wedge-type expansion anchor—an ideal solution for high-performance anchoring in both cracked and uncracked concrete as well as masonry applications.
Engineered to excel under tough conditions, the Strong-Bolt 2 is code-listed for seismic and high-wind environments. With dual undercutting embossments on each clip segment, this anchor provides secondary expansion if a crack intersects the anchor location, ensuring load stability even if the hole expands.
Available in carbon steel and Type 304 and Type 316 stainless steel, the Strong-Bolt 2 is built for reliability and strength in any application. Trust CONFAST for your most demanding anchoring needs! Purchase today: https://www.confast.com/mfg-simpson/
For anyone that has known me for years knows I have tried to support the skate community. This program fits right in with my appreciation of concrete and skateboarding. This video explains what the program is all about: https://www.skate4concrete.com.
Tesla Semi factory to get massive amounts of concrete, update shows
Tesla has been building a dedicated Semi plant at its Gigafactory Nevada this year, and a recent construction update shows preparations for a massive amount of concrete yet to be laid.
In an update this week from Zanegler, a Giga Nevada observer and self-proclaimed Tesla Semi advocate, footage from the site shows tons of recent progress, including action shots of truss rods going up on the now-many steel beams at the site, and the various footings that will reportedly utilize a huge volume of concrete. https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-semi-factory-concrete-update/
Keegan Nelson spent nearly 10 years of his career in various roles with Martin Marietta, joining Durex Products in 2024. Nelson, who now serves Durex Products as vice president of sales, recently shared his experience related to screening with P&Q.
CONFAST Expands Product Offerings: CONFAST’s drywall anchors are fasteners that are best used for mounting items on surfaces such as drywall, sheetrock, gypsum, dry wall, wallboard, or plasterboard. Use them to keep items securely in place such as pictures, curtain rods, clocks, towel racks, light fixtures, hooks, hanging planters, TVs, wall mounted storage bins and more.
Walmart validates 3D-printed concrete on store addition’s 20-ft. wall Alquist 3D recently dispatched a concrete/mortar ink printer and crew to place a 20-ft. high enclosure for an 8,000-sq.-ft. addition to the Walmart Supercenter in Athens, Tenn. An articulating robot with 48-in. long, 1-in. diameter nozzle shuttled around each wall section perimeter, efficiently printing twin inner and outer layers with precision. The new facility will support the Walmart Online Pickup & Delivery program. https://concreteproducts.com/index.php/2024/09/13/walmart-validates-3d-printed-concrete-on-store-additions-20-ft-wall/
Jonas Yoder Custom Homes is showcasing an all-concrete construction approach relatively unseen before in Sarasota, Fla. The builder’s newest home in the city embraces complementary materials and techniques to make a stronger, more resilient structure than typical approaches. The all-concrete home uses Structural Concrete Insulated Panels (SCIP) from Gulf Concrete Technology of Long Beach, Miss. They meet and exceed the standards of the fortified program by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home and Safety (IBHS).https://concreteproducts.com/index.php/2024/06/27/fortified-listing/
$2.9B San Francisco airport project finally takes off
After years of pandemic-related delays, the team has begun adding 200,000 square feet of additional space, security checkpoints and new passenger amenities.
Wedge anchors can only be used in solid concrete. They cannot be used in brick, block, and mortar joints. While natural base materials such as stone and granite may be solid, they are inconsistent and their holding values have not been tested. The design of the wedge anchor is such that the holding values are created at one certain point. The expansion clip requires solid contact with the base material and expands over a very short area. Attempts at using the wedge anchor in materials other than concrete will result in problems that are described below:
The anchor will not be able to be set properly and will have no holding values.
Once inserted into the hole, it is not possible to remove the wedge anchor.
The wedge anchor will spin in the hole.
Concrete
Before drilling and installing a wedge anchor, the concrete must have had a minimum of 28 days to set properly. Therefore, do not install a wedge anchor into green concrete (the term describing concrete that is less than 28 days old). Installing a wedge anchor before the 28 days have passed will negatively affect the holding values.
Item Being Fastened
The item being attached affects the choice of fastener because of the variance in its thickness and weight. Also, a specific type of fastener with a certain diameter and embedment depth must be used when specified by an engineer.
If the wedge anchor will be inserted through a hole in the item being fastened, then the hole must be larger than the diameter of the wedge anchor being installed. For example, a 1/4-inch wedge anchor requires a minimum of 5/16-inch diameter hole in the fixture.
The surface of the item being fastened must have space allowing for a nut and washer.
The length of the wedge anchor used is determined by the thickness of the material being fastened. Each diameter of wedge anchor is manufactured with a minimum embedment and standard length. Some diameters of wedge anchors, such as the 1/4-inch, are only available in lengths up to 3”.
Location
The wedge anchor is the only mechanical expansion anchor used in different environments that are available in four types based on plating or the steel from which it is manufactured. It is very important to select the correct type of wedge anchor to ensure that it does not rust, which would result in deteriorating holding values.
Zinc plated –used in dry indoor environments where moisture is not present.
8 Questions to Rightsize Equipment for Data Center Construction
Data center construction typically includes grading, trenching, and pouring concrete. Building construction and shoring needs should be on your list, as well as safety and compliance. Does the worksite have a utility connection, or will you need generators to power everything that supports construction, from offices and cafeterias to guard shacks and parking lots? Make a list of every task that’s part of your project and then determine the machinery and accessories you need to tackle each one.
2. How Large Is Your Workforce?
Cross-reference the tasks you need to complete with the projected start date and budget to rough out a schedule. Next, consider the amount of time and manpower available for each job to determine the machines you’ll need and what each must be capable of doing.
