Read what others have said on previous Concrete Construction Quick Poll topics.
2012
February
If you attended this year’s World of Concrete, did you visit CC’s How-To Zone?
I attended WOC and visited the How-To Zone ... 58%
I went to WOC but did not visit the How-To Zone ... 20%
I didn’t attend WOC this year ... 16%
I have never attended WOC ... 6%
January
What do you think of pervious concrete pavement? Would you take a contract for a pervious project?
I’ve successfully installed it and gladly would again ... 38%
I’ve not installed it yet but would be willing to try ... 24%
I’ve not installed it yet and don’t know enough about it to try ... 23%
I’ve installed it and wouldn’t again unless something changes ... 15%
2011
December
When buying new equipment, do you buy the most innovative available or the most familiar tried and true?
We sometimes buy the cutting edge innovations ... 36%
We seldom buy the cutting edge innovations ... 32%
We always stick with the tried and true ... 26%
We always buy the cutting edge innovations ... 6%
November
This is a period of many unemployed construction workers, but do you really have the workers you want?
There are not enough skilled workers available, even today ... 48%
There are plenty of skilled workers available but we don't have the work ... 39%
We are well staffed and our crews are well trained ... 13%
October
What portion on your field work force is Hispanic?
0-25% ... 42%
75-100% ... 24%
50-75% ... 19%
25-50% ... 15%
September
Have you or do you use self-consolidating concrete?
I have once or twice and like it ... 28.05%
I haven't but want to ... 21.95%
I haven't because I don't know enough ... 19.51%
I never have and have no interest ... 14.63%
I do regularly and like it ... 12.2%
I have once or twice and hope never to again ... 3.66%
August
Do you enter into joint ventures to get bigger projects?
Yes, but only on public infrastructure work ... 6%
Yes, on some building projects ... 22%
Rarely ... 11%
No ... 61%
July
We know competition has pushed margins down over the last couple of years. What average margin are you getting in 2011?
Less than 3% ... 18%
3 to 5% ... 23%
5 to 10% ... 19%
10 to 15% ... 4%
More than 15% ... 36%
June
Do you use fibers in concrete slabs?
In both interior and exterior slabs ... 65%
Only in exterior slabs ... 15%
Only in interior slabs ... 10%
Never ... 10%
If you do use fibers, what kind do you use?
Only standard synthetic fibers (micro-synthetic) ... 37%
Structural synthetic fibers (macro-synthetic) ... 26%
Both steel and synthetic ... 19%
Synthetic/steel blends ... 11%
Only steel fibers ... 7%
May
How would you cure the surface of a concrete garage floor?
Spray on liquid curing compound: 49%
Wouldn’t cure it: 17%
Water and burlap: 14%
Cover with polyethylene sheeting: 11%
Disposable curing sheets: 9%
April
So far, has the 2011 construction season met your expectations?
No: 65%
Yes: 35%
March
Why do popouts occur?
Internal pressure breaks the concrete surface: 53%
Improper vibration: 18%
A severe impact to exterior of the concrete surface: 6%
None of the above: 23%
February
Why is air intentionally entrained in concrete?
To increase resistance to damage from freezing and thawing: 82%
For better workability: 6%
So the concrete can breathe: 4%
None of the above: 8%
January
What is the effect of freezing on concrete?
Disrupt mass: 4%
Impair strength and effectiveness of the air-void system: 17%
Both 1 & 2: 61%
None of the above: 18%
2010
December
What will happen to the construction-related unemployment rate in 2011?
Increase: 42%
Stay the Same: 35%
Decrease: 23%
November
Are you concerned about losing employees once the construction industry rebounds?
Yes: 61%
No: 39%
October
Where do you test your concrete? At the point of placement or the chute?
At the point of placement: 49%
The chute: 51%
September
Is a curing membrane necessary when a floor specifies a hard-troweled finish?
Yes: 73.03%
No: 26.97%
August
Are you concerned about the possibility of a double-dip recession?
Yes: 76.74%
No: 23.26%
July
Do you own or lease your own construction equipment?
Own: 41%
Lease: 0%
Neither: 6%
Both: 53%
June
Summer construction season is in full swing. How is your business doing?
Below average: 46.67%
Better than average: 26.67%
Excellent: 13.33%
About average: 6.67%
Not good at all: 6.67%
May
Are you planning to purchase an iPad for your business?
No: 40%
Maybe: 40%
Yes: 20%
Not right now: 0%
April
How do you market your concrete contracting business?
Advertising: 33.33%
Grassroots (i.e. word of mouth): 25%
Website: 8.33%
E-Newsletters: 8.33%
Public Relations Program: 8.33%
Other answer...: 16.67%
March
Is your contracting business involved in school construction?
Yes: 70%
No: 30%
February
Should naturally occurring pozzolan binders be used more often in modern building construction?
Yes: 100%
No: 0%
January
Are you concerned about the possibility that fly ash could receive a hazardous designation from the EPA?
Yes: 70%
No: 30%