Walking the CONEXPO Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center this week was an incredible reminder of just how fast innovation is moving in construction and heavy equipment. A few highlights that stood out:
-Best technology I found on the floor: the Verifi® platform from GCP. It provides live, actionable data to manage concrete production and delivery, giving teams real visibility across the entire process and recommendations for improvement.
-Smart technology everywhere – Robots, sensors, automation, and connected equipment in nearly every hall (and outside too). The integration of data and machines is clearly shaping the future of job sites.
– Some vendors definitely brought their sense of humor to their booths — which made walking miles of exhibits a lot more fun.
-The scale of the equipment was impressive — and by impressive I mean really big machines that make you stop and stare.
– A personal favorite: the CAT equipment demo in the Festival Grounds. Seeing that power and precision in action is always a highlight.
Events like CONEXPO show how technology, data, and equipment are coming together to drive smarter, safer, and more efficient construction projects.
3D printed concrete homes: Engineering Explained—What is the process of 3D printing homes with concrete? What are the pros and cons of a 3D printed house? How are 3D printed houses different from regular wooden homes? How durable is a 3D printed house? Andrew McCoy, associate director for research and innovation, Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech, and director of the Virginia Center for Housing Research, explains.
Prior to installing a wood floor, the building should have been completely enclosed – with all windows, doors, and sheetrock installed. Heating should have been on for a minimum of 5 days before installation. In summer weather, the area must be well ventilated.
Concrete must be a minimum of 30 days old.
The surface of the concrete must be flat and free of oil, grease, and dust.
Always use a moisture bearer, which is usually placed between the subfloor and the finished floor.
Fastening Subfloor
Most professional installers use two methods for attaching the subfloor to the concrete. The two methods have one thing in common – the head of the fastener once installed is flush with the surface of the subfloor. This is critical because it ensures that the finished floor will sit flat on the subflooring. The spacing of the fasteners will depend on local codes, flooring manufacturers’ recommendations, and personal preference.
Using Split Drive Anchors
The split drive anchor is a one piece, fast and easy-to-install concrete anchor that comes with a flat countersunk head. Split drive anchors are called pre-expanded expansion anchors. The anchor is manufactured larger than the hole in the concrete that it will be installed in, and, once installed, exerts outward pressure trying to get back to its original shape. This one-piece anchor is available in only one diameter of ¼”; the hole size to be drilled in the concrete is equal to the diameter of the anchor – ¼”.
Length – the length of a split drive anchor to use for fastening wood to concrete is determined by adding the thickness of the wood to the minimum embedment of 1-1/8”. For example, if the sleeper is a 2×4 then the thickness of the wood would be 1-1/2”. Adding the minimum embedment of 1-1/8” would then equal 2-5/8”, making it correct to use a 2” split drive anchor. The split drive diameter is measured as an overall length that includes the head.
Anchor Spacing – the minimum distance between split drive anchors in the expansion anchor industry is 10 anchor diameters between anchors, or 2.5” and 5 anchor diameters, or 1-1/4” from an unsupported edge. The reason is that once set the split drive anchor is installed it exerts forces against the concrete, if the anchors are installed too close together then these forces may interact and reduce holding values.
Installation: (1) With the plywood or sleeper in place, use a hammer drill and ¼” carbide tipped masonry bit that meets ANSI standards. Drill right through the wood and into the concrete to a depth of ¼” deeper than the split drive anchor will penetrate the concrete. (2) Clean the hole out of all dust debris, using a wire brush or compressed air. (3) Insert the split drive anchor through the hole in the wood and into the hole in the concrete. (4) Strike the head of the split drive anchor with a hammer until the head is flush with the surface of the wood subfloor. A link to a video on “How to Install Split Drive anchors” is provided.
Sizes and Packaging – the split drive anchor is packaged in a box of 100 pieces with 10 boxes in a case of 1000.
Durex offers a number of wear-resistant urethane, urethane-ceramic, and rubber-ceramic liner solutions that provide long-term protection in concrete plants and concrete trucks. We offer standard liners, or we can design and build you a custom liner solution. Our 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.
To determine the best cities for construction workers, we evaluated:
Job demand – The number of open construction jobs and projects in progress.
Salary potential – Average wages for construction workers and specialists.
Cost of living – The affordability of housing, transportation, and everyday expenses.
Infrastructure investment – Cities with major upcoming projects.
Top Cities for Construction Jobs in 2025
1. Phoenix, Arizona
Driven by pro-business policies and an affordable cost of living, Phoenix is experiencing a significant real estate boom, both residential and commercial. This, combined with its favorable year-round construction climate and expanding infrastructure, makes it a leading destination for construction investment.
Why it’s great:
Strong residential and commercial real estate demand.
Rapidly growing transportation and infrastructure projects.
Consistently high wages and strong job security.
According to recent reports, 7.4% of Phoenix’s workforce is employed in construction, one of the highest in the nation.
Average Construction Worker salary: $47,120.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas continues to be a major hub for commercial and hospitality construction, fueled by its tourism-driven economy.
Ongoing casino and resort expansions, along with increased housing developments, make it an attractive option for construction professionals. The city’s push for large-scale infrastructure improvements is also creating steady job opportunities.
Why it’s great:
Expanding commercial real estate and infrastructure projects.
Booming residential sector catering to the city’s rapid population growth.
Affordable housing compared to other major metro areas.
7.4% of total employment in construction, reflecting a high concentration of industry jobs.
Average Construction Worker salary: $51,900.
3. Houston, Texas
The oil and gas industry is the backbone of Houston’s economy, leading to substantial infrastructure and commercial construction projects. This, combined with ongoing residential development and a lower cost of living, makes Houston a prime spot for construction.
Why it’s great:
Major oil, gas, and infrastructure projects provide continuous job opportunities.
Large-scale public and private investment in development projects.
Cost of living remains relatively low for a major metro area.
7.2% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $46,520.
4. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California
This Southern California region is experiencing rapid population growth, which has led to increased demand for housing and infrastructure. Its proximity to major economic hubs makes it a prime area for the construction industry.
Why it’s great:
Strong housing demand and infrastructure expansion.
Competitive wages and proximity to major West Coast hubs.
Expanding public transportation and road improvement projects.
7.2% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $62,720.
5. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, California
Government projects and urban development are propelling Sacramento’s construction sector. The city’s investment in public transit and sustainable development, coupled with its more affordable housing market, is drawing significant construction activity and workforce to the region.
Why it’s great:
Continued growth in commercial and residential development.
Thriving infrastructure expansion projects.
Increasing focus on environmentally friendly construction projects.
7.2% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $62,720.
6. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina
Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast, with a booming housing market and ongoing investments in commercial projects. The city’s economic stability makes it a promising location for construction jobs. Additionally, North Carolina’s low cost of living and favorable business climate add to its appeal.
Why it’s great:
Rapid population growth fueling housing and infrastructure needs.
Strong economic environment and affordability.
Continued investment in high-tech and commercial infrastructure.
7.1% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $43,300.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has become a hub for construction due to its increasing population and business-friendly environment. Major transportation and commercial projects are creating steady job opportunities for construction workers.
Why it’s great:
Expanding infrastructure and commercial developments.
Business-friendly environment leading to job growth.
Strong focus on green building practices and renewable energy projects.
7.0% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $47,632.
8. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado
Denver’s construction industry benefits from steady demand in housing, infrastructure, and commercial projects. With a high concentration of skilled labor and growing wages, it remains an excellent location for workers. The city continues to invest in transit and mixed-use developments, enhancing its construction job market.
Why it’s great:
Consistently high wages for construction professionals.
Significant real estate development projects.
Rapid growth in public transportation and smart city initiatives.
6.8% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $37,882.
9. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Portland’s increasing focus on sustainable development has made it a leading city for eco-friendly construction.
With continued urban redevelopment projects, skilled construction workers are in high demand. The region is also experiencing growth in infrastructure resilience projects.
Why it’s great:
Strong growth in urban redevelopment and infrastructure projects.
Increasing demand for skilled labor.
Leading city in sustainable and net-zero construction projects.
6.8% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $61,155.
10. Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville has one of the fastest-growing housing markets in Florida, with infrastructure improvements creating steady work for construction professionals.
The city’s affordability makes it an attractive option for workers looking to relocate. Additionally, Jacksonville is benefiting from new logistics and port expansion projects.
Why it’s great:
Fast-growing housing market and infrastructure investments.
High demand for specialized construction trades.
Expanding shipping and logistics infrastructure boosting job opportunities.
6.7% employment in construction.
Average Construction Worker salary: $37,080.
To effectively build your construction workforce, consider cities experiencing economic growth, infrastructure investment, and housing market expansion. These areas offer the strongest talent pools. Factors like competitive wages, high demand, and cost of living significantly influence worker location decisions.
Alcrete LLC enters prestressed with Florida Concrete Products deal
Alcrete LLC has extended its Southeast market stake in non-architectural precast, acquiring Florida Concrete Products LLC. The transaction includes Florida City production facilities, equipment and skilled workforce, ushering Alcrete into the Sunshine State prestressed concrete bridge segment. Florida Concrete Products began operations in the 1960s and has grown into a key Florida Department of Transportation project supplier.
CONFAST Announces Availability of American-Made MKT Line of Wedge Anchors 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.
Microcement floor is durable and long-lasting, making it an ideal solution for high-traffic areas.
Rock Machinery President, Bryant Fazer, and Arnie Miller of Elkhart County Gravel walk us through their success with Durex Armor® and long slot tiple shoot wire screens. Project Highlights: Company: Elkhart County Gravel Location: New Paris, Indiana Application: Aggregate: Sand & Gravel Products: Armor® Screen, Long Slot Triple Shoot Wire Screens Learn more: https://durexproducts.com
New industry report predicts U.S. will need 1million tons of cement for AI infrastructure by 2028
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 19, 2025) A report released today by the American Cement Association’s (ACA) market intelligence team predicts the U.S. will need approximately 1-million metric tons of cement to construct data centers that will house Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology over the next few years. Data centers are typically built with high volumes of concrete due to their unique design considerations.
Analysts also found that over the past decade, inflation-adjusted spending on data centers has grown by nearly 850%, with a 55% jump last year alone. By 2027, forecasters expect the number of data centers in the U.S. to reach 6,000. Currently, there are 5,426. Annual spending on data centers is now around $27.4 billion dollars.
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.
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/
With Concrete Paving Equipment, the Word is StringlessA look at how the changing technologies of concrete pavement equipment have adapted to the industry. “The buzzword is stringless,” says Stephen Bullock, president of Power Curbers Companies. “It’s been batted around for 15 years, 10 years ago we started seeing some real interest. And then over the last 5 years, it’s moving toward becoming the norm.”
Simpson Strong -Tie Exterior Wood Screws Available on CONFAST.com
Concrete Fastening Systems (CONFAST.com) now carries Simpson Strong-Tie exterior wood screws in various lengths and gauge sizes. The Strong-Drive® SDW wood screws will accommodate different wood thicknesses and densities and are typically intended for joining two pieces of wood. These exterior wood screws have a large sharp point for easy penetration into wood and a tapered shank. For complete technical specifications and / or to purchase: https://www.confast.com/exterior-structural-wood-screws
Durex Products design and build numerous high-performance wear parts and liners for the precast industry, including, but not limited to, the following:
Pan and planetary paddles, arm guards, and scrapers for various brands.
Liners for chutes, hoppers, and material transition areas, which are excellent for wear and reduces concrete sticking in areas. Available for bolting in, plug welding, and magnetizing.
Liners for vibrating tables, which greatly reduces noise.
Hurricane Season is Here! Don’t wait until it’s too late to secure your home and business with CONFAST’s top-rated Hurricane Anchors. Our anchors are designed to withstand the toughest storms, ensuring your property stays safe and intact. Each box comes with 25 sets of anchors. Save on orders over $35 with free shipping and save even more by signing up for our newsletter today!
Superior Strength: Engineered to hold fast in the most extreme conditions.
Easy Installation: Quick and hassle-free setup.
Durability: Built to last through multiple hurricane seasons.
Protect what matters most. Order your Hurricane Anchors today and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Complete guide for installing the CONFAST® 1/4″-20 x 2-1/4″ Male Hurricane Anchoring Kit for Storm Panels, Plywood and Metal Panels (25 Sets, 1 Driver, Total 76 Pieces) Buy now: https://www.confast.com/HAM14214
CONFAST 1/4″-20 x 2-1/4″ Male Hurricane anchors install quicker and more efficiently than other storm protection anchoring products. For concrete and concrete block applications, drill pilot hole and drive the anchor in, it’s that easy. Pre-drilling is not required in wood base materials. Full thread engagement in concrete, concrete block and wood is required for best performance. Stucco-faced surfaces usually require countersinking so that the top of the hurricane anchors set flush to the stucco surface, allowing for full thread engagement in the base material All CONFAST hurricane anchor installations are required to be compliant with the shutter/panel manufacturer’s spacing, alignment and build-out requirements. Hurricane Anchor Kit includes 25 sets of anchors, wing nuts, and anchor protectors Kit contains 1 driver Made of Carbon Steel w/ White Ruspert Coating Install one time, the anchors stay in place to make future panel mounting faster and easier Use 7/32″ bit in Concrete, 3/16″ bit in Concrete Block Uses standard 1/4-20 hardware
In this episode of The Concrete Edge on Deco-Crete TV, Jeff dives into the crucial topic of how much slope to incorporate into exterior concrete projects. Jeff shares valuable insights and practical tips for determining the right amount of slope for your concrete patio, porch, or outdoor space. From understanding different types of concrete slabs to navigating the complexities of stamped concrete, Jeff provides expert guidance to help you achieve optimal results. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this episode offers essential knowledge for anyone working with outdoor concrete.
Robots and automated tools are already transforming construction sites. Automated masonry tools can dramatically increase the speed of construction—one prototype robot can lay 1,000 bricks per hour, for instance, while reducing the need for human workers to haul heavy pallets of brick or mortar around worksites. Autonomous vehicles and “driverless dozers” are also starting to break through, promising to allow heavy equipment to complete risky tasks while keeping humans safely out of harm’s way.
Other technologies are already widely utilized: drones, for instance, are used on at least 37% of construction sites, and they can significantly reduce the need for human workers to climb to high areas for inspections. With falls from dangerous heights accounting for more than a third of fatal construction accidents, that’s a big deal. There’s also the potential for drone-mounted sensors to help detect heat signatures to prevent fires as well as dangerous equipment malfunctions, and in commercial spaces, robots are being used to detect slip-and-fall hazards. We need to make similar automated preventative measures ubiquitous on construction sites.
The benefits of such tools are obvious. Automating high-risk activities is a huge net win for construction workers, who will increasingly be able to work remotely on dangerous tasks. Many injuries—sometimes fatal—can be traced back to human error, and the human element is one factor an automated system, working with precision and consistency, can completely eliminate. As long as a robotic system is configured correctly, it won’t make mistakes—and if something does go wrong, it will be replaceable equipment, not human workers.
Don’t Take Safety for Granted
But it’s not all good news. Many construction workers say they find it distracting to work alongside drones, and there’s evidence that even when drones are operating at a considerable distance from humans they often lead workers to look away from their tasks. To use drones safely, we’ll need to manage their use and ensure they’re deployed in ways that coordinate with human workers and enable teams to operate safely and confidently across a range of worksite settings.
New technologies such as robot exoskeletons are also a mixed blessing: they can significantly reduce the wear-and-tear on human muscle and bone, making many workplace injuries less prevalent, but any technology that helps a single human lift 1,000 pounds brings potential dangers, too. These new capabilities bring new risks, and require proper training and new safety protocols to ensure their safe use.
It’s important to remember that worksite automation is also about increasing productivity. If a new tool or technology lets a worker complete a task single-handed, that’s great–but sometimes having fewer people working on a given task can make it easier for mistakes to go unnoticed. We’ll need proper planning and checklists, delivered and tracked seamlessly using digital tablets and other systems, to ensure that automation doesn’t increase the risk of potentially dangerous oversights.
A Safer Future for Construction Teams
The reality, then, is that robots will bring both potential benefits and new risks to construction worksites. To capture those benefits and manage those risks, we’ll need to be proactive about integrating new technologies into our worksites and our workflows in smart and responsible ways.
That will mean ensuring that we don’t simply patch together new technologies and expect them to work seamlessly and safely without any central oversight. In an era that will increasingly be defined by new construction technologies, we need to make sure that we have full visibility into the processes, equipment, and people across our worksites.
It might help to take a look at manufacturing, where industrial robots and automated systems are now par for the course. To keep track of factories, plant managers use “virtual twins” that digitally track every aspect of the equipment they’re using—from the rpm of a given motor, to the locations of specific workers or automated vehicles, to the temperature on the factory floor. That allows factories to operate more efficiently, but it also provides a layer of centralized oversight and communication that helps keep everyone safe.
If we are to be as successful with new technology as they are in the manufacturing sector, we’ll need proper training and education for construction teams, who will increasingly have to be knowledge workers as well as manual laborers. Using robotic tools and working alongside automated equipment, work crews will need to be able to follow safety guidelines and processes for using sophisticated tools in real time. Making that process easy and seamless for human workers will be vital to ensuring that teams work safely and efficiently, while also overcoming any potential resistance they may have to using automated tools.
As we begin to introduce new automated and robotic technologies, we need to remember that construction worksites are complex places where humans and machines come together to get the job done. Using digital tools for education, training, worksite management, risk prediction and mitigation, asset tracking, communication, and related purposes will be essential as we strive to make construction sites the safest they can possibly be for their workers. https://www.forconstructionpros.com/business/construction-safety/article/22889016/planradar-robots-are-rewriting-the-rules-of-construction-safety
Wedge anchor, stud anchor, kwik-bolt, thunderstud, thunderstuds, wedge anchors, DFS wedge anchor, sup-r-stud, kwik bolt II anchor, Hilti kwikbolt, kwik bolt, concrete stud anchor, stud wedge anchor, stud anchor system, power bolt, power stud, trubolt, redi bolt, wedge all, kingpin
Description:
Two pieces, permanently pre-assembled into a single unit make up the ThunderStud® wedge anchor. A portion of the rod’s length is threaded and protected from damage by the rounded design of its extreme end. A necked down diameter that tapers outwardly to the full diameter of the rod makes up the other end. The unit has a carbon steel, precision formed universal clip permanently assembled around the necked down diameter. Packages of Thunderstud® Concrete Wedge Anchors always contain the correct number of nuts and washers. The Concrete Wedge Anchor is also available in hot-dipped galvanized and stainless steel.
Common variations and misspellings:
Quick bolt, thunder stud, super stud, quick bolt II anchor, powerbolt, powerstud, true bolt, ready bolt, king pin, superstud
