Concrete Construction

What’s Going On

News, views, and rumors on what's happening in the concrete industry.

The 2011 CC100: Realistic Optimism

Margins remain slim and competition fierce, but the data from the 2010 indicate we're past the bottom.
Easier or Harder?

Is it becoming easier or harder to make a living as a concrete contractor? Of the CC100 respondents, 99 say harder; one says: are you kidding! Here are some other interesting observations from contractors.
Industry Snapshot: The 2011 Construction Business

What are the defining issues of today’s concrete industry? Read what contractors think.

Fly Ash Fever

One reader clarifies the current views surround fly ash and possible EPA regulation.

Steel and Cracks, Part 1

Find out how rebar or welded wire reinforcement contributes to the prevention of cracking in concrete slabs.

Constructing Sports Arenas

Tap into this niche market by emphasizing the advantages of tilt-up construction.

Deep Wounds with Time Will Heal

Although economic growth is occurring, the construction market will take longer to turn around.

Real-Time Collaboration Tool

As an optimized real-time collaboration system, ProjectWise helps teams improve quality, reduce rework, and meet project deadlines.
BIM for Wall Systems

The DuPont BIM Design Studio is an integrated decision-making and planning resource that applies 3-D modeling for wall systems using the company’s Tyvek protective membrane products.
Software Suite for Tablet

The field layout software suite that includes Field Link for MEP and Structures can be used on the Table Rugged PC to review data in a 3D environment on the jobsite.
Design-Based BIM Software

ArchiCAD 15 is an all-inclusive design-based BIM software program that meets the needs of designers, engineers, and more.
Model-Based Solution

Tekla Structures BIM software provides a model-based solution where construction details are stored in a 3-D model.
Comprehensive BIM System

As a model-based BIM platform, Revit Architecture provides preliminary visual analysis and documentation capabilities.
Comprehensive Software Series

The 2011 release features a user-friendly interface, robust capabilities, the CINEMA 4D render engine, and an easy-to-use 3D environment.
Bridging the Digital Gap

As an industrial-grade computer system, the BIM Kiosk is used by construction foremen on the jobsite.
3D CAD Software Tool

ProConcrete is a 3D CAD software tool used to model, detail, and schedule reinforced concrete structures.

Paving Perfection

Upgraded software increased paving efficiency on a 13-mile stretch of Iowa's Highway 30.

What’s Hot?

How do I know when to use hot weather concreteing techniques?
Fog Spraying and Concrete Strength

If we fog spray flatwork to help prevent shrinkage cracking, is there any danger of increasing the water-cement ratio at the surface and reducing the strength of the concrete?
Exposing Aggregate

We were placing a large concrete patio that was to have an exposed-aggregate finish. After placing and bullfloating the slab, we spread a layer of decorative aggregate across the surface, pressed it down so it was completely embedded in the concrete, then hand-floated the entire surface, slightly...

Wm. Winkler Co.: Two Become One

For the Wm. Winkler Co. and Reed Concrete, both based in Spokane, Wash., keeping a company healthy meant joining forces by merging their companies.
Madison Concrete Construction: A Roller Coaster Ride

Table of Contents July 2011