Concrete Supply Plus March 2024

Posted on March 31, 2024February 16, 2026 by Nanette

Durex Products offer a number of wear-resistant urethane, urethane-ceramic, and rubber-ceramic liner solutions that provide long-term protection in concrete plants and concrete trucks. Learn more: https://durexproducts.com/products/concrete-products/ready-mix-equipment-liners/

BMC Enterprises’ McKean elected NRMCA chairman The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has elected Nathan McKean as 2024 chairman, succeeding Adam Manatt of Iowa-based Manatt’s Inc. McKean is a strategic advisor to BMC Enterprises Inc., a St. Louis-based ready mixed, precast and aggregate producer where he served as chief executive officer for two decades, leading into the March 2024 sale of the business to the United Kingdom’s Breedon Group. Among chairman’s term priorities he noted during the NRMCA annual members’ meeting in Tampa, Fla.: Building up ConcretePAC, the NRMCA-aligned political action committee for which he is past chair; and, continuing dues task force work to ensure the association remains one “run like a business.” Joining McKean on the NRMCA officer slate is 2023 Vice Chairman Francis “Hall” Chaney, III of Maryland-based Chaney Enterprises. https://concreteproducts.com/index.php/2024/04/02/bmc-enterprises-mckean-elected-nrmca-chairman/

Wedge anchors are sometimes used for attaching a stairway to Concrete. Order Wedge Anchors at https://www.confast.com/

CMC Ready Mix, a branch of the Construction Materials Company, started its third batch plant in Heber Valley just south of Utah’s prestigious Park City resort in July 2023 to provide concrete year-round for a fast growing, underserved market. Tecwill’s Arcamix 4.5 relocatable concrete batching plant is specifically engineered for cold weather batching and minimizes carbon emissions from production. https://concreteproducts.com/index.php/2024/01/31/cmc-ready-mix-deploys-first-tecwill-batch-plant-in-the-u-s/

It’s Not Cement…It’s Concrete

How many times have you told people this over the years?

Concrete Supply Plus January 2024

Posted on January 31, 2024July 23, 2025 by Nanette

WaveCel T2+ Max Hard Hat

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

https://www.jlconline.com/tools/safety-workwear/wavecel-t2-max-hard-hat_o

Is Rusty Rebar a Problem?

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.

https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/foundations/is-rusty-rebar-a-problem_o

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.

https://www.confast.com/products-wedge/

How to Ensure Waterproof Concrete Foundations

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.

ttps://www.constructionext.com/concrete-masonry/untitled?

Are you the shark?

Concrete Supply Plus December 2023

Posted on December 31, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

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.

https://www.enr.com/articles/57531-voters-give-go-ahead-for-350-million-in-bonds-to-fund-desmoines-international-airport-expansion

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

https://www.confast.com/products-sleeve/

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.

Concrete Supply Plus November 2023

Posted on November 30, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

Pouring Concrete With The Times

How monolithic concrete placements can drive efficiency for today’s concrete construction contractors.

https://www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete/equipment-products/curbers/article/22865465/curb-roller-manufacturing-monolithic-concrete-pours-drive-efficiency-for-concrete-contractors

Short video on how to use Tapcon concrete screws.
Purchase https://www.confast.com/concrete-screws/

How ASTM’s New FRP Rebar Spec Enables Concrete Contractors

The ASTM D30 Committee announced an additional standard specification for the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement bars. Here’s what that means for the concrete contractor and concrete construction. https://www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete/equipment-products/rebar-accessories-equipment/article/22862882/what-astm-d8505-frp-means-for-concrete-contractors

Construction humor

Concrete Supply Plus July 2023

Posted on July 25, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

Resin8 process turns waste plastic into concrete additive

CRDC Global hopes to build up to 100 plants that can process all types of plastic for use in building products.

https://www.plasticsmachinerymanufacturing.com/recycling/article/53061357/resin8-process-turns-waste-plastic-into-concrete-additive

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.

https://constructionext.com/business-management/how-make-successful-claim-under-contractors-payment-bond

Concrete Supply Plus June 2023

Posted on June 21, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

NEW DETAILS: First steel beam installed at Honda/LG Jeffersonville battery plant

It’s a construction milestone — the first steel beam was installed at what will be the new joint venture electric vehicle battery production plant for Honda and LG Energy Solution.

Honda said Tuesday the first beam was installed at the construction site in Fayette County’s Jefferson Twp., near Jeffersonville.

https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/new-details-first-steel-beam-installed-at-hondalg-jeffersonville-battery-plant/2KNUBMV3NVHZHLPCQG6WSLXXQI

Construction expert predicts flat material prices for second half of year

Labor shortages, a manufacturing boom and infrastructure work are keeping the industry from returning to pre-pandemic price levels.

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-consultant-material-prices-linesight/652870/

Choosing The Best Cement Screws

The many considerations for choosing the proper cement screw to use for any particular application are described in the following:

Diameter

Standard cement screws come in two diameters of 3/16” and 1/4”. The measurement refers to the outside diameter of the screw, which allows the screw to be inserted through a hole in the fixture equal to the diameter of the cement screw being installed.

Length

Each diameter of cement screw comes in different lengths from 1-1/4” long to 6”. The minimum length of cement screw used for any particular application is determined by adding the thickness of the material being fastened to the minimum embedment of 1”. The maximum length of cement screw to use is equal to the maximum embedment of 1-3/4” plus the thickness of the material being fastened.

Hole Depth

The depth of the hole is critical because it must be deep enough to allow the cement screw to be embedded at least to the minimum embedment depth of 1”. Space must be left at the bottom of the hole to allow all the dust that is created during the tapping process to fall into and out of the way. It is suggested that the hole is drilled a minimum of 1/4”deeper than the cement screw will penetrate the base material.

Diameter of Hole

The hole drilled in the base material is critical to allow the cement screw to obtain its minimum holding strength. The hole must be drilled using a carbide tipped bit that meets ANSI standards because ANSI standards will ensure proper hole to anchor tolerance. The 3/16” cement screw requires a 5/32” bit and the 1/4” diameter needs a 3/16” bit.

Materials

Cement screws are manufactured from two types of steel: low carbon plated and 410 stainless steel. The standard low carbon cement screw should be used in indoor dry applications. The 410 stainless steel can be used in applications where moisture may be present.

Head Configuration for Cement Screws

Two head styles are available: hex washer and flat countersunk. The hex washer head utilizes a nut driver for installation and the flat countersunk requires the use of a Phillips drive. The length of the hex head cement screws are measured from underneath the head and the flat countersunk are measured as an overall length. The hex headed cement screws are used in applications where the head of the screw sits on top of the item being fastened. The flat countersunk cement screw is used in applications where the head of the screw is countersunk into the item being attached.

Base Materials

The cement screw can be used in solid concrete, hollow precast concrete, brick, CMU, block and mortar joints. The holding strength of the cement screw is dependent on the strength of the base material as well as on the quality of the installation.

Use

Cement screws can be removed, but should not be reused in the same hole because holding values may be diminished or nonexistent. Using the cement screw in another hole can be done as long as the cutting edge of the screw is able to tap threads.

Brand Name

The most popular brand name for cement screws is Tapcon®. Tapcon screws are sold by Concrete Fastening Systems™, Inc., located in Cleveland, Ohio. The Tapcon brand cement screws are made in America and can be shipped anywhere in the United States with an arrival in two days. We also make and sell our own brand of masonry screws for cement applications – CONFAST® masonry screws. Our brand is comparable to Tapcon but sold at a lower price due to lack of a middleman distributor.

Concrete Supply Plus Construction Humor for the week.

Concrete Supply Plus May 2023

Posted on May 30, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

How a Contractor Effectively Managed Cement Shortages for a Project for Tech Giant Meta

The ongoing cement shortage continues to be a major pain point for many firms in the concrete construction industry, but having hard conversations early on can set your project up for success, according to one contractor.

Keila Lombardozzi, a superintendent with Arizona-based DCR Construction, said the cement shortage and the challenges it poses can be a touchy subject in the industry.

“No one likes to talk about it, but have the conservation (with all parties) and have it early, as soon as possible, so that you can have an effective gameplan because this is a reality,” she said while addressing the topic at ACI’s Concrete Convention in San Francisco in early April. “This particular challenge isn’t unique.” https://constructionext.com/commercial-residential/how-contractor-effectively-managed-cement-shortages-project-tech-giant-meta

How to Get Paid for Every Change Order

Change orders are common in construction projects, but many contractors don’t charge clients for all changes or their related costs. Timothy Faller, a Maryland remodeler turned consultant, said during an educational session at the International Builders’ Show recently there are seven big mistakes construction companies make regarding change orders and provided solutions for how to get paid for all of them. https://constructionext.com/commercial-residential/how-get-paid-every-change-order?

CONFAST 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. USES • CONFAST® wedge anchors are designed to be used in solid concrete. • They should never be used in CMU block or brick base material. • Available in a wide range of diameters ranging from 1/4″ to 1-1/4″. The anchor lengths, which depend on the diameter, are from 1-3/4″ to 12″. • CONFAST® wedge anchors are packaged with the proper size and quantities of nuts and washers. • Hole size to be drilled in the concrete is equal to the diameter of CONFAST® wedge anchor being installed. • Available in zinc plated carbon steel for indoor dry applications, hot-dipped galvanized for moist outdoor applications, 304 stainless steel for wet outdoor applications and 316 stainless steel for use in caustic environment. • All sizes are in stock, and will ship from our Cleveland, Ohio warehouse the same day that the order is received.To order today: https://www.confast.com/products-wedge/

TOMAHAWK 1.6 HP Honda Gas Vibrating Concrete Power Screed Motor with 4ft Aluminum Magnesium Board Straight Edge Bar Set and 360° Handles with GX35 Honda Engine https://www.amazon.com/TOMAHAWK-Vibrating-Concrete-Power-Magnesium/dp/B08FBPBC5P/ref=sxbs_sbv_search_btf?

Concrete Supply Plus April 2023

Posted on April 26, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

A housing complex outside Paris is touted as the world’s first fully recycled concrete building

Holcim, a Swiss provider of sustainable building solutions, has developed a concrete made with recycled construction and demolition waste, recycled wastewater, and rainwater.

https://www.bdcnetwork.com/housing-complex-outside-paris-touted-worlds-first-fully-recycled-concrete-building

Construction Humor for the week…

To help concrete contractors save time and $ CONFAST continues to add new products you need to make your jobs easier.

Shop now:

https://www.confast.com/new-products/

Main News Page

NYC Awards $2.95B Borough-Based Jail Contract

At the beginning of the month, civil, building and specialty construction company Tutor Perini Corporation reported that it was awarded a design-build contract for the New York City Borough-Based Jails System.

The contract, valued at approximately $2.95 billion by the New York City Department of Design and Construction, is specifically for the Brooklyn Facility. Four new borough jails are slated to replace the aging facilities on Rikers Island, which will close permanently in 2027.

Design work is expected to commence following the receipt of a Notice to Proceed, which the company anticipates in June of this year.

https://www.paintsquare.com/news/view/?26417

Concrete Supply Plus March 2023

Posted on April 8, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

What Qualifies A Concrete Contractor For The R&D Tax Credit

There are four criteria for concrete work done to qualify for the Research & Development Tax. Let’s examine what these are.

The Research & Development Tax Credit (R&D) comes into play if a contractor develops a new process to improve efficiencies or experiments with innovative ways to reduce or eliminate uncertainty within their business. If there was experimentation and/or testing done during the construction of a parking garage – for example – this work is where the R&D Tax Credit would be applied and considered. While it has been available in the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for a while, it has unfortunately not been widely regarded.

A top product from CONFAST

1/2″ x 4-1/4″ Wedge Anchor Zinc Plated, 25/Box

CONFAST®

In Stock / Ships Today

SKU: WA12414

Bit Size: 1/2″

Products Features

ZINC PLATED: Helps prevent rust in dry environments; dependable application and maintenance
WIDE RANGE OF SIZES: Ensures correct fastener for effective results
FOR USE IN CONCRETE ONLY: Provides most consistent holding values; secure application
PACKAGED WITH NUTS AND WASHER: Fast, quick, complete installation
HOLE SIZE IS ANCHOR SIZE: Quick and easy installation; simple to order
Order now: https://www.confast.com/product-1-2-x-4-1-4-wedge-anchor-zinc-plated/

Orlando construction retail project in the Mills 50 area: https://mills50.org/

IPAF Releases New Guidance on Avoiding Contact with Power Lines

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) released new guidance outlining key principles and ways to reduce risks when using mobile elevating work platforms in the vicinity of power lines, with the aim of helping to reduce electrocution.

Visit www.ipaf.org/resources to view or download the new IPAF Safe Use of MEWPs in the Vicinity of Power Lines guidance document. For more information about High Voltage! as well as Don’t Fall For It! and all of IPAF’s targeted safety campaigns see www.ipaf.org/safe and continue to use www.ipafaccidentreporting.org to report incidents and near misses involving powered access.

GET SERIOUS Paver Sealer Super Strong Concrete Paver Sealer and Sand Lock All-in-One. Water Based Wet Look Sealant for Cement, Brick, Natural Stone, Slate, Bluestone, Patio, Driveway. (Gallon)

STRONGER and MORE DURABLE than ever. Protects the Pavers and Locks The Sand In Place. Black Diamond Stoneworks heard your request to develop a more substantial paver sealer, and we did it.
ENGINEERED SPECIFICALLY For Concrete and Stone Pavers. This proprietary formula is water-based acrylic combined with our solvent-free urethane. Easy to Maintain 100% Money Back Guarantee.
WILL PROVIDE a BEAUTIFUL GLOSS FINISH and STABILIZE The Paver Sand in Place All in One Step. No More Weeds! It Will Help Keep The Sand Out The Pool, Spa, and Your Home.
KEEP YOUR PAVERS LOOKING NEW. Clean-up is a breeze, So; You Can Enjoy your day. At Black Diamond Stoneworks we make cleaning easy
GET SERIOUS PAVER SEALER provides excellent resistance to wear, BBQ Sauce, pool chemicals, saltwater, oil, gas, and UV rays.

https://amzn.to/3KFwD3F https://amzn.to/3KFwD3F https://amzn.to/3KFwD3F https://amzn.to/3KFwD3F

What happens when you put ducks in a cement mixer?

You get quacks in the pavement…

If a robber robs a house under renovation and accidentally leaves his handprint on wet cement,

Does that mean that the police have concrete evidence?

Concrete Supply Plus January 2023 # 1

Posted on January 8, 2023February 16, 2026 by Nanette

How is portland cement made?Cement manufacturers mine materials such as limestone, shale, iron ore, and clay, crushed and screened the rock, and place it in a cement kiln. After being heated to extremely high temperatures, these materials form a small ball called “clinker” that is very finely grounded to produce portland cement. Lime and silica make up about 85 percent of the ingredients of cement. Other elements include alumina and iron oxide. The rotating kiln that cooks the materials resembles a large horizontal pipe with a diameter of 10 to 15 feet and a length of 300 feet or more. One end is raised slightly. The raw mix is placed in the high end and as the kiln rotates the materials move slowly toward the lower end. Flame jets at the lower end heat all the materials in the kiln to high temperatures that range between 2,700 and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat drives off, or calcines, the chemically combined water and carbon dioxide from the raw materials and forms new compounds (tricalcium silicate, dicalcium silicate, tricalcium aluminate and tetracalcium aluminoferrite). For each ton of material that goes into the feed end of the kiln, two thirds of a ton comes out the discharge end, called clinker. This clinker is in the form of marble sized pellets. The clinker is very finely ground to produce portland cement. Manufacturers often add gypsum and/or limestone during the grinding process. https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete/cement-and-concrete-basics-faqs

CONFAST® Wedge Anchors

GO TO PRODUCT LIST

USES• CONFAST® wedge anchors are designed to be used in solid concrete.
• They should never be used in CMU block or brick base material.
• Available in a wide range of diameters ranging from 1/4″ to 1-1/4″. The anchor lengths, which depend on the diameter, are from 1-3/4″ to 12″.
• CONFAST® wedge anchors are packaged with the proper size and quantities of nuts and washers.
• Hole size to be drilled in the concrete is equal to the diameter of CONFAST® wedge anchor being installed.
• Available in zinc plated carbon steel for indoor dry applications, hot-dipped galvanized for moist outdoor applications, 304 stainless steel for wet outdoor applications and 316 stainless steel for use in caustic environment.
• All sizes are in stock, and will ship from our Cleveland, Ohio warehouse the same day that the order is received.

Looking Forward to World of Concrete 2023 Next Week. Email me at nanette@nsgconsultinginc.com to meet up to discuss how I can help promote your concrete products.

Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5

New, rugged ergonomically designed enclosure.

Non-destructive in operation with no need to probe, drill or mechanically damage the surface.

Instant and precise readings to a depth of approximately 20mm (3⁄4″) into the slab.

Bluetooth connection to accompanying IOS & Android App allowing for continual development and integration of apps and reporting.

Reproducible and reliable results – Test to ASTM F2569

https://amzn.to/3ZiG3aC

CONFAST Wedge Anchor Installation

What are blended cements?

Blended cements are another type of hydraulic cement like portland cement. Blended hydraulic cements are produced by intergrinding or blending two or more types of fine materials: portland cement and one (or two) of the following: limestone, slag cement, or pozzolans like fly ash, silica fume, or calcined clay. Blended hydraulic cements must conform to the requirements of ASTM C595 (or AASHTO M 240), Standard Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements. Blended cements are used in all aspects of concrete construction in the same manner as portland cements. Blended cements can be used as the sole cementitious material in concrete or they can be used in combination with other supplementary cementitious materials added at the concrete plant.ASTM C595 recognizes four classes of blended cements:

Type IL, Portland-limestone cementType IP, Portland-pozzolan cementType IS, Portland blast-furnace slag cementType IT, Ternary blended cement

Blended cements can be tested to verify special properties like low or moderate heat development, and moderate or high sulfate resistance. If this is the case, suffixes are added to the cement type names: LH, MH, MS, or HS. Air-entraining blended cement can also be produced.

https://www.cement.org/cement-concrete/cement-and-concrete-basics-faqs