In March of 1998, the Federal Aviation Administration issued revisions to P-501 "Portland Cement Concrete Pavement" and P-110 "Methods of Estimating Percentage of Material Within Specification Limits." The specification revisions affect the statistical acceptance criteria for strength and thickness. Paving contractors should take particular note of the payment section of the new P-501 specification, which has been substantially revised. This article details the principal changes and how they differ from the previous requirements. Also included is a reprint of the payment section, along with a table showing the new price adjustment schedule. Read more
It's easy to conclude that formal training will increase the skill level of your people out in the field, and result in increased productivity, greater employee self-esteem, and an enhanced company image because your crews are more knowledgeable and professional. However, the decision to train is not as clear-cut as it first appears. It depends on many factors, ranging from your company's financial situation to the degree of faith you have in the employee who's being considered for the training. Read more
The answers to virtually all construction disputes that a concrete contractor may face can ultimately be found in the contract documents. By carefully negotiating, drafting and administering your construction contracts, you can successfully resolve, if not avoid, most legal problems--often without involving a lawyer. Unfortunately, too many contractors fail to pay attention to contract negotiation or administration, even though this neglect could undermine the overall success of a project. This article, written by an experienced construction attorney, offers tips for managing contracts effectively. Read more
Successfully demonstrating a unique application for tilt-up concrete, a design-build contractor erects two 150-foot-tall tilt-up piers to support Florida's Baptist/Nemours Pedestrian Overpass Read more
The author, a concrete consultant, believes that floor contractors can help reduce callbacks and potential litigation by furnishing building owners with comprehensive manuals that detail the expected behavior of concrete floors and offer advice for floor inspection, maintenance and repair. He details some of the items that could be included in such an owner's manual, grouping them under the following topics: Read more
We have a specification calling for the installation of an Enkasonic mat on an elevated slab. What is an Enkasonic mat and who supplies it? Read more
Can ordinary household detergents be used to entrain air in concrete? The manufacturer of a small curb-and-gutter machine we bought recommends using a detergent to produce air-entrained concrete. Read more
What's a reasonable coefficient of friction that will help to prevent slip-and-fall accidents on concrete floors? Is there a standard method for measuring the coefficient? Read more