The annual World of Concrete show — coming to the Las Vegas Convention Center Feb. 2 – 6 — boasts a wide range of educational seminars, demonstrations, and exhibitors. Owned by the same company that publishes PUBLIC WORKS, the show also features the Most Innovative Products contest.
Now in its seventh year, the contest showcases tools, equipment, and materials for concrete and masonry construction as well as concrete production and delivery. Many of the products also have applications in general construction and facilities maintenance and operation.
The complete list of nominated products will be on display in the central lobby of the convention center during the show, as well as displayed online at www.mip2009.com. Show attendees and online visitors can vote for their favorite candidates. Winners will be announced in March. The following products are just some of the items in the running.
Web Extra
To vote for your favorite Most Innovative Product, visit the “article links” page under “resources” at www.pwmag.com.
Detectable surface insert
The flexible, unbreakable construction of the Ultra-ADA Pads forms to fit dips, slopes, and inclines in sidewalks and walkways. The pads also offer better slip resistance and impact resistance than composites. Heavy-duty galvanized steel mesh is molded into the bottom of the pad to help secure it to the concrete. Pads are quickly and easily installed: simply press into freshly poured concrete until the steel mesh is embedded and the pad is flush with the surface. UltraTech International Inc. www.adapads.com. World of Concrete Booth S21725. Circle 2.
Flexible high-protection gloves
The Cut Protection Glove offers construction professionals unparalleled hand protection while preserving comfort and dexterity. It uses patented Intercept Technology Stretch Armor Yarn, developed jointly with DuPont, that combines comfortable Ansell fiber technology with the strength and durability of Kevlar and steel. To deliver “bare hand” levels of dexterity and comfort, the glove uses Ansell's patented Knitted Variable Stitch Technology paired with a water-resistant foam nitrile dip to ensure ultimate flexibility, comfort, and grip for any application, allowing wearers to perform even fine motor tasks such as handling nails and screws without having to remove their gloves. Ansell Healthcare. www.ansell.com. World of Concrete Booth S22024. Circle 3.
Crack injection concrete repair
The Roadware Microdoweling concrete repair system features needle tip injectable polyurethanes that penetrate deep into concrete surfaces and cure in as little as 10 minutes. Repairs can restore aggregate interlock in loose joints and can structurally bond slabs back together without becoming brittle. Roadware Inc. www.roadware.us. World of Concrete Booth S11951. Circle 1.
Paving form system
The EZ Paving Form system allows highway workers to set, pour, and strip forms much faster than traditional wood or steel forms. Constructed of tempered, high-grade aluminum, they require no cutting or nailing. Holes for rebar dowels are provided on 15-in. centers or to your specs. Because they are much lighter, these forms can be easily set by hand without the need for heavy lifting equipment. They are easily set to height with the company's grade knobs, and the detachable, adjustable kickers easily adjust to a stringline and hold the form securely. Concrete Forms Services. www.concreteformsservices.com. World of Concrete Booth N2109. Circle 4.
Automatic coupler system
The Likufix is a quick coupler with an automatic hydraulic coupling system. It is based on two patented connecting components attached to the existing Liebherr quick coupler adapter and the hydraulic power attachment. With it, hydraulic excavator operators can change hydraulic add-on tools in seconds without leaving the cab. All hydraulic connections are made automatically and use a hydro-mechanical seal to prevent oil leaks and prevent contamination of the hydraulic connections. The system can be retrofitted to existing Liebherr hydraulic excavators with service weights between 26,450 lbs. and 88,160 lbs. Liebherr Construction Equipment. www.likufix-us.com. World of Concrete Booth N425. Circle 6.
High-performance light tower
The LTN 6 light tower comes equipped with distinctive elliptical light fixtures that offer diffused and even illumination without glare. It is the quietest in its class due to a fully enclosed bottom — which means more application possibilities such as for events and providing neighborhood lights. Its automotive style, one-piece stamped skid is extremely stiff, providing years of reliable service even in rough terrain towing. Plastic doors are dent resistant and rustproof, and all metal parts are powder-coat painted. Wacker Neuson Corp. www.wackerneuson.com. World of Concrete Booth C4215. Circle 5.