This is an ANSI-rated Type II hard hat, which means that it is designed to offer protection from lateral blows and objects hitting the head from the front, back, and sides, as well as the top (Type 1 hard hats protect only from blows to the top of the head). It has an adjustable fit and accessory rails for options such as a four-point chin strap, a head lamp, earmuffs, and a face shield. I also liked that it is made in the U.S.
Read the rest of the review by clicking the link below
Q. Since steel expands when it rusts and destroys whatever is around it, why doesn’t the rebar used to reinforce concrete footings and foundations—which are in contact with ground water—rust and break the concrete into pieces?
A. Foster Lyons, an engineer and building-science consultant, responds: The short answer is, it does, but it happens so slowly and takes so long that it is insignificant to us. Properly placed rebar typically corrodes at a rate of about 1/10 micrometer per year across the thickness of the material. So, under normal conditions, a #5 bar (5/8-inch diameter) loses 2/10 micrometer from its diameter every year.
To determine if this is a problem, we have to understand the size of a micrometer. Also known as a micron and symbolized by the Greek letter µ, a micrometer is equal to one millionth (1/1,000,000) of a meter. By way of comparison, fine, thin hair is about 30µ in diameter and thick hair, about 130µ. A razor blade is about 0.4µ at its cutting edge, while a sharp knife blade is about 1µ; 5µ at the cutting edge is considered dull.
Concrete wedge anchors’ design allows them to anchor fixtures into concrete. Concrete wedge anchors work by inserting them into a hole drilled into concrete. The concrete wedge anchor is then expanded, wedging itself securely in the concrete. The length ID code and identifying marking are stamped on the head of every anchor. The ANSI drill bit size for these anchors is equivalent to the diameter of the anchors themselves.
Asking the right questions in a pre-construction meeting can lead to a quality placement.
Pre-construction meeting discussion items
Our experts proposed these checklist topics contractors should address with the general contractor and design professional in the discussions leading up to the placement.
Voters Give Go-Ahead for $350M in Bonds for Des Moines International Airport Expansion
Voters approved issuing $350 million in bonds Nov. 7 to replace the existing 1940s-era terminal at the Des Moines International Airport, according to unofficial vote tallies.
The proceeds from the bond sale will fund part of the first phase of construction on the $770 million project.
Concrete Sleeve Anchor – Light to Medium-duty concrete fastener/anchor for concrete, brick and block base material.
Sleeve anchor, sup-r-sleeve, thunderbolt, bolt sleeve anchor, lok bolt, lock bolt, dynabolt, sleeve all, sleeve anchors, concrete anchor, masonry anchor
Description:
Each high-quality steel part of the Concrete Sleeve Anchor is zinc plated. A tubular expander sleeve is assembled over a threaded stud with an outwardly flared cone-shaped end. The anchor, which works on a true expansion principal, comes ready for use with nut and washer. The cone-shaped stud end is pulled into the expander sleeve as the nut is tightened. This wedges the expander sleeve outward and locks the anchor into the base material. The Concrete Sleeve Anchor is also available in stainless steel.
Common variations and misspellings:
Super sleeve, Super-Sleeve, Thunder bolt, lockbolt, dyna-bolt
US DOT Picks Winners for $653M in Port Infrastructure Grants
The DOT awarded $653 million in grants on Friday to upgrade 41 water-based ports around the country. The funding is through the Port Infrastructure Development Program, which provides planning support, capital funding and project management assistance, and comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Some concrete humor to get through your week. Be sure to check back monthly for more news and products for concrete contractors.
CONFAST is committed to satisfying its valued customers by offering competitive pricing for high quality products. As part of CONFASTs continued commitment to providing a wider variety of products, the CONFAST Threaded Rod Anchor has been added to its extensive line of fasteners.
Construction Humor
Eliminate Confusion: How to Tell Joints Apart
How come there are so many different types of joints in a concrete slab?
First let’s establish what the purpose of a “joint” is in concrete construction. They:
Allow a concrete piece to move separately from other pieces or parts of the building.
Let concrete shrink as it dries relieving most of the internal tension.
Help control random cracking.
Are used as a stopping and starting point.
Create a weak point in a slab. This regulates where the cracks happen.
Here’s the tip
There are four main types of joints and many names for them. https://www.concretedecor.net/departments/grinding-polishing/types-of-joints-in-concrete-how-to-tell-the-difference/
At CONFAST, we’ve got your concrete anchoring needs covered. Whether you’re working on a DIY project or managing a construction site, our wide range of high-quality fasteners ensures your structures stay rock-solid. Order online at https://www.confast.com/
At Trimble Dimensions 2022 HP showed its new SitePrint robot, giving IRONPROS its first chance to get an up close look at this new layout robot. Technology editor Chuck Rathmann takes you through how the HP SitePrint works and the competition it faces in the robotic layout space.
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
Fight Shrinkage Cracking With Magnesium Oxide Admixture In Concrete Water & Wastewater Structures
Shrinkage cracking threatens concrete water containment structures. One of the ways to prevent or minimize shrinkage cracking is using a magnesium oxide additive in the concrete mix.
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
These smaller concrete mixers are great for city or urban projects
Divergence from the original plans on construction projects is unavoidable. But that doesn’t have to lead to a problem.
Subcontractors often must balance the demands of owners, government agencies and general contractors, all while trying to make a profit.
But the construction industry is also rife with defects, change order disputes and project delays. When these issues arise, a subcontractor is often faced with the choice of “getting the work done” while trying to preserve the chance of “getting more work.”
Blue and stainless concrete screws are specialized types of screws designed for specific applications, particularly in construction and woodworking projects involving concrete or masonry surfaces. They offer unique features and benefits that make them valuable for these types of projects.
Blue Concrete Screws:
Blue concrete screws, also known as blue-tap concrete screws, are designed for fastening objects to concrete, brick, or masonry surfaces without the need for anchors or pre-drilling holes. They have a blue coating, which often provides corrosion resistance and enhances their overall durability. Here are some uses and values of blue concrete screws:
Ease of Installation: Blue concrete screws are self-tapping, which means they have a special thread design that allows them to cut into concrete without the need for pre-drilling. This makes installation faster and more convenient compared to traditional methods.
Strong Hold: These screws are designed to provide a strong and reliable hold in concrete and masonry materials. They can securely fasten items like electrical boxes, framing, brackets, and other fixtures.
Corrosion Resistance: The blue coating on these screws often provides a level of corrosion resistance, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications where exposure to moisture and weathering is a concern.
Versatility: Blue concrete screws can be used in various applications, such as attaching wooden or metal items to concrete walls, securing door frames, or mounting shelving units.
Stainless Concrete Screws:
Stainless concrete screws, as the name suggests, are screws made from stainless steel, a material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance. These screws are particularly valuable in applications where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or outdoor conditions is a concern. Here’s why stainless concrete screws are valuable:
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, making stainless concrete screws ideal for environments where moisture, humidity, or chemical exposure could compromise the integrity of regular screws.
Longevity: Due to their corrosion-resistant properties, stainless concrete screws have a longer lifespan compared to standard screws or even coated screws. This makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects.
Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel has a polished and sleek appearance that can enhance the visual appeal of projects, especially in applications where the screws are visible, such as decorative fixtures or architectural elements.
High Strength: Stainless steel is inherently strong, allowing these screws to provide a reliable and sturdy hold when fastening items to concrete or masonry surfaces.
Versatility: Just like blue concrete screws, stainless concrete screws can be used in a wide range of applications, including construction, woodworking, and various DIY projects.
Both blue and stainless concrete screws offer specific advantages based on their design and properties. The choice between the two depends on factors such as the intended application, environmental conditions, and the desired level of corrosion resistance and aesthetics. Always ensure that you choose the appropriate screw type for your specific project to achieve the best results.
Order both online at https://www.confast.com/confast-concrete-screws/
One of the concrete projects going on in Orlando this summer. They are re-enforcing the wall for the train tracks that go through the Ivanhoe area.
This week’s “I Spy” concrete fasteners in use…gate out of nowhere and garage parking lot expansion joint.
Construction Humor for your week
Guide
Below are descriptions and common names for the concrete fasteners. Use this to find the right fastener for your project. Then simply click on the photo or name of the fastener to buy. https://www.confast.com/fastener-selection-guide/
CONFAST® Wedge Anchors are designed to be used in solid concrete. They should never be used in porous, hollow materials, such as brick or CMU block. The CONFAST® Wedge Anchors are manufactured from different types of materials and coatings for installation in a range of environments. The wide choice of diameters available allow the CONFAST® Wedge Anchor to be used in applications varying from light to heavy duty. The Wedge Anchor has the most consistent holding values in solid concrete than all other types of expansion anchors. The expansion clip that is permanently attached to the CONFAST® Wedge Anchor is made from the same grade of material as the anchor body, with the exception of the galvanized, which has a 304 stainless steel clip.
Four different types of CONFAST® Wedge Anchors to choose from: • Zinc Plated Carbon Steel – for indoor applications where moisture is not present • Galvanized Carbon Steel – used in outdoor applications where moisture is present • 304 Stainless Steel – designed for wet/submerged outdoor applications • 316 Stainless Steel – primarily used in applications where certain chemicals may be present Order online at confast.com #concretefasteners#concrete#concreteconstruction#concretecontractor #CONFAST#wedgeanchor
POURING CONCRETE IN HOT WEATHER
Why is hot weather a problem? What temperature is too hot to pour concrete?
How to Make a Successful Claim Under a Contractor’s Payment Bond
Subcontractors must do three things to get the money due to them, an AIA lawyer says.
In all, ensuring that you make a proper bond claim is a vital step in receiving payment for unpaid work on a project from a surety under a payment bond. If you fail to follow the claims procedure or other requirements set forth in the bond, you may risk having your claim denied by the surety.
Corps, Utility Reach $1B Deal for Permanent Puerto Rico Dam Fix
Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division Commander, and Eng. Josué Colón, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, sign a Memorandum of Agreement to implement the permanent repairs of the Guajataca Dam in Isabela. This MOA sets the path for the final phase of the permanent repairs of this dam. This project will reduce the risk to approximately 1,000 people that live directly downstream of the dam and will reduce the risk of cutting off the water supply to over 250,000 people. Governor Pedro Pierluisi, government officials, PREPA representatives and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel participated in the signing ceremony. https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Stories/Article/3452417/usace-signs-moa-agreement-for-guajataca-dam-repairs/
In February, Central Concrete, a subsidiary of Vulcan Materials Company, and carbon-removal firms Heirloom Carbon and CarbonCure, achieved an industry first: permanently trapping carbon dioxide from direct air capture in concrete using reclaimed-water technology.
How they did it: The firms took carbon dioxide captured from the air by Heirloom’s technology to a Central Concrete plant, and in a process developed by the Nova Scotia–headquartered CarbonCure, injected it into water that had been used to wash out concrete trucks. That water was then used to make new concrete.
“Carbon dioxide reacts with calcium ions in the cement mix and turns into limestone—calcium carbonate,” said Alana Guzzetta, manager of Vulcan Materials Company’s National Research Laboratory in San Jose, California. “Once it’s there, it is very stable and stays as that limestone throughout the life of the concrete, even after demolition.”
Why it’s important: “Concrete is the most-used manmade material in the world,” Guzzetta said. “One reason is its versatility. We can take the same core ingredients and get a variety of capabilities and any shape. That’s where the topic of reducing embodied carbon [the greenhouse gases emitted during manufacturing and construction] becomes a big one.”
