The R.E. Law Crushed Stone quarry near Port Colborne, Ontario, bought its oldest operating F-Class vibrating screen on March 20, 1943. The vibrating screen shipped two months later. The machine was then sold to Hard Rock Paving Co. along with the quarry in 1977. The Waterford Group bought the operation in 2008 and uses the F-Class at a quarry in Uxbridge, Ontario. Its operators say it still works flawlessly.

Argos Rio Claro, Colombia, owned and operated by its parent company Cementos Argos, wanted to achieve a higher clinker substitution rate for its Portland cement, by blending alternative cementitious materials. This substitution is helping to advance the company’s sustainability drive to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. The resulting project involved the construction of the world’s largest calcined clay kiln in operation to date, with a capacity of 1500 tons/day.An operation of this type would normally require a complex system to manage, measure and mix materials with the level of accuracy required, yet Argos Rio Claro was able to manage its process updates with a compact system that simplified the process steps without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency.

The construction of the MoveMaster C-AF conveyor is adjusted to the specific properties of alternative fuels, as well as to specific requirements of alt fuels transport, but the conveyor may also be used for other material with bulk density up to 700 kg / m3.The conveyor is supplied in straight or “L” and “Z” versions. The length of the conveyor track is up to 40 m. The conveyors are equipped with forged chains with high strength and large contact areas ensuring low wear and tear of guide rails.

Argos Rio Claro, Colombia, owned and operated by its parent company Cementos Argos, wanted to achieve a higher clinker substitution rate for its Portland cement, by blending alternative cementitious materials. This substitution is helping to advance the company’s sustainability drive to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner. The resulting project involved the construction of the world’s largest calcined clay kiln in operation to date, with a capacity of 1500 tons/day. An operation of this type would normally require a complex system to manage, measure and mix materials with the level of accuracy required, yet Argos Rio Claro was able to manage its process updates with a compact system that simplified the process steps without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency. 

The May 2018 issue of Aggregates Manager included these feature stories:New EquipmentScreen MediaOptimize Workflow for Best Equipment ROIReduce Regulations Through Rulemaking, Not PolicyMining in the Glades with the Seminole TribeCheck back with the Resource Center regularly for archived issues of Aggregates Manager.

The April 2018 issue of Aggregates Manager included these feature stories:Industry OutlookLeverage TelematicsWheel LoadersBuilding Trust for Effective Safety LeadershipOverlap Creates MSHA/OSHA Jurisdictional AmbiguityAnd Digging Deep for a High-Value SeamCheck back with the Resource Center regularly for archived issues of Aggregates Manager.

Hear Jennifer Mitchell from LinkedIn and Nancy Novak from Compass Datacenters discuss the trend of tech companies prioritizing low-carbon concrete.

In 2017, a large fire brought the interstate bridge 85 to collapse in Atlanta, Georgia. It became a transportation crisis for commuters and local residents so the Georgia DOT decided on accelerated construction techniques. The durability of bridge decks is severely compromised by shrinkage cracks which can lead to immediate access for water and deicing chemicals to the steel reinforcement and internal concrete. PREVent-C technology was selected to be used in an accelerated mix and a 3-day curing period vers

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia built a new state-of-the-art natatorium that would measure up to 75,000 square feet. The facility is unique to the campus as it holds the largest diving platform in the United States and would be hosting USA swimming programs and national meets. Any crack in a pool is detrimental because a pool is meant to contain water and cracking can compromise the high-quality look and feel to it. PREVent-C provides controlled expansion resulting in volume stability creating 90

The Glen Elder Dam and Spillway is located in Kansas and originally built in 1968. The dam serves many purposes in order to control flooding and create the Waconda Lake which is used for municipal and irrigation water. In 2010, extensive repair and renovations occurred due to freeze-thaw damage which promoted alkali- silica reaction. When new concrete was placed, extensive shrinkage cracking occurred within the first seven days. PREVent-C was chosen as a trial admixture to evaluate its effectiveness on shri

The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Othello, Washington, receives regulated water from the East Low Canal to irrigate agricultural land. Water is moved from basins, dams, and irrigation canals through concrete siphons. Signs of deterioration through cracking has occurred and rises complications such as water loss, eroded soil, and seeping of agricultural chemicals. All of these complications pose a threat to local environmental health and public safety. The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District

The Intracoastal Way runs along the East Coast that helps shipping traffic in and out of the United States. In 2014, a seawall in Naples, Florida was due for reconstruction after years of salt water damage. Repair costs continued to increase with extensive cracking in the concrete and severe corrosion of the steel which caused spalling. The owner of the project was considering multiple options for a replacement wall. He wanted to ensure that the new structure would be able to withstand the salt water. The s

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power began construction on two 55 MG enclosed reservoirs to protect drinking water that is currently stored in the open Silverlake and Ivanhoe reservoirs. The project needed to comply with EPA regulations which would hold a total water storage of 110 million gallons. The first reservoir (East) was completed in 2014 that led to shrinkage crack concerns, especially with the on-going drought in California . It was imperative that no water was lost due to leakage. When t

Echo Dam is a 158-foot high earthfill structure on the Weber River in Summit County, Utah. Inspections concluded that modifications needed to be implemented with concerns of soil liquefying during a seismic event causing deformation of the aged spillway structure. Challenges arose before the project started such as the required low slump, long transport distance, and project timeline. The US Bureau of Reclamation chose PREVent C to reduce shrinkage cracks, based on successful field trials from the past. The

Around 40 years ago, the Rodgers Roads Bridge over I-95 was built in Wilmington, Delaware. In order to preserve the bridge's structural integrity a maintenance project was due for long term stability. With a variety of rehabilitation options, a mill-and-overlay repair was scheduled to take place. Overlays come with hardships such as a high occurrence of shrinkage cracks that lead to freeze-thaw deterioration requiring additional maintenance in the future. PREVent-C500 shrinkage-reducing/compensating admixtu

Logan International Airport, located in Boston, Massachusetts, decided to increase parking capacity in their West Garage that provided an additional 2,050 parking spaces. The majority of the project utilized precast concrete with topping slabs in order to expedite the construction timeline. Using these applications caused concern for shrinkage cracking and early deterioration due to the harsh environment the garage was located in. PREVent-C admixture was chosen to provide a dual mechanism shrinkage-mitigati

Prevent cracks with Volume Stable Concrete. The University of Utah’s basketball team needed to avoid concrete shrinkage and curling if they were going to be able to feature high quality wood flooring in their practice facility. With PREVent-C and 4 lbs/CY macro fibers, the entire 14,000-square-foot concrete slab was poured continuously with no joints. The floor flatness and levelness numbers were twice as stringent as required by specifications and no grinding was needed.

After historic flooding to Fort Randall Dam, located in South Dakota, inspections made it clear there needed to be repairs toward the dam to promise long term stability. In order to reduce concrete shrinkage for such a large product, the owner chose to use PREVent-C admixture at a 5% dosage rate in their specialty concrete mix design. With 130,000 dowel anchors being required to be drilled into the concrete, PREVent-C would help the amount of strain it would create to the concrete.

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston Massachusetts went through vigorous interior renovations to create long term stability for its patrons. With extreme winters on the east coast, there needed to be radiant heating tubing in the new concrete floor which becomes a challenge. With high-paste content and the need to place joints in the concrete - shrinkage cracking and curling would take place and result in floor damages. PREVent-C Shrinkage Reduc

The ERIE MC-8C brings central mix operations to all remote concrete paving and construction projects. The compact mobile travel unit can be quickly towed to and erected on otherwise inaccessible jobsites. Fully equipped, the MC-8C can deliver up to 250 cu yds/hr of sustained plant output. Contractors find the MC-8C is the ultimate in mobility and production.

The geology report, feasibility study, and mine plan look great. Why do so many mining project start-ups fail to perform? Most mining companies put a great deal of emphasis on the nature of the reserve, the mine plan, the extraction process to be used, and the process plant design—obviously all very important. Even when large, highly regarded engineering, procurement, and construction firms develop the project, operating results are very often disappointing. In this paper, we explore the role of Operations Readiness on the financial impact of mining project start-ups. A relatively small investment in operations readiness produces a huge financial return. Many investment firms, as well as mining company senior executives, fail to consider this important factor in operating success.

Blue Ridge Beverage Company, Inc., is one of the largest, full-service wholesale beverage distributors in Virginia. When Blue Ridge Beverage Company built a 40,000 square-foot warehouse expansion at its Salem headquarters, the goal was to extend the joint spacing beyond the traditional 15’ to match the column lines.

Blue Ridge Beverage Company, Inc., is one of the largest, full-service wholesale beverage distributors in Virginia. When Blue Ridge Beverage Company built a 40,000 square-foot warehouse expansion at its Salem headquarters, the goal was to extend the joint spacing beyond the traditional 15’ to match the column lines. 

The ERIE MC-8C brings central mix operations to all remote concrete paving and construction projects. The compact mobile travel unit can be quickly towed to and erected on otherwise inaccessible jobsites. Fully equipped, the MC-8C can deliver up to 250 cu yds/hr of sustained plant output. Contractors find the MC-8C is the ultimate in mobility and production.

We were recently asked to inspect a large indoor construction site with a roof height of approx 100 feet. The project will eventually be one of the largest indoor mall and family entertainment complexes in the world. The site has experienced a rocky journey with construction that started nearly 20 years ago. The roof height poses a challenge for new owners and contractors. The only solution in knowing whether proper work has been done over the years? Indoor drone inspection. In this article, Andrew Maximow discusses this project and three significant challenges to deploying drones indoors. Learn more on the blog!

Developing a profitable mining venture is no small matter. It requires enormous initial investments in research, construction, and equipment. But a mineral processing plant does not run itself. Even with the best equipment and good ore quality, optimal results are dependent upon keeping the process running smoothly, avoiding process upsets, maintaining process variables in the desired range, and minimizing breakdowns and downtime. A highly trained workforce is an essential element in a successful, and profitable, start-up. The knowledge and abilities of plant operators and maintenance personnel can make or break an operation. Trained operators know what to look for during preoperational and routine inspections, allowing maintenance tasks to be planned and unexpected costly breakdowns avoided. Trained operators know what variables exist at different stages in the process and how to make appropriate adjustments in real time. Trained maintenance personnel are well acquainted with the plant equipment, and maintenance planners can schedule work and maintain a spare parts inventory to minimize downtime. Additionally, new operations that train their workforce just prior to plant commissioning can utilize their operators in the commissioning process. Having been trained and gained field experience through plant commissioning, operators are ready to hit the ground running once feed is introduced. A faster ramp-up means more earnings, more quickly. The cost of developing a proper training program is a small percentage of the overall engineering, procurement, and construction budget but it constitutes a large percentage of the gains realized from a successful start-up and ramp-up to full production. Performance Associates International (PAI) has designed and presented custom training programs for operators and maintenance personnel in metallurgical plants around the world for over 35 years. We are proud to have been part of the successful start-ups at Lundin Mining’s Eagle Mine, Vale’s Voisey’s Bay project, and Torex Gold’s El Limon-Guajes project. Click Download to view the actual vs. projected start-up results from these three metallurgical plants that made use of PAI’s custom-built training programs and on-site training.

During the final stages of metallurgical plant construction there is tremendous pressure to commence production. More often than not, there will have been budget overruns and schedule delays. Corporate management and investors are naturally anxious to generate cash flow. This pressure may evolve into a fast-track culture regarding the commissioning and start-up. www.perfnet.com 

During the final stages of metallurgical plant construction there is tremendous pressure to commence production. More often than not, there will have been budget overruns and schedule delays. Corporate management and investors are naturally anxious to generate cash flow. This pressure may evolve into a fast-track culture regarding the commissioning and start-up.  www.perfnet.com 

Spivey Disposal, the leading hauler and construction and demolition (C&D) recycler in southeastern Virginia, needed to replace their concrete tipping slab due to the abrasive environment of the waste separation facility. The life expectancy of a typical concrete tipping slab is a very short 3 to 4 years. Spivey needed a longer, more durable concrete life. PREVent-C technology, in combination with 1.5" steel fiber, allowed for a jointless slab solution with high impact resistance and a compression strength of 7000 psi.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is one of the largest packaging industry companies in the world. When they expanded their manufacturing and distribution center in Danville, Virginia, the project design called for a 120,000-square-foot, 6-inch concrete slab, with extended joint spacing that would match the column line. PREVent-C Shrinkage Reducing/Compensating admixture was mixed into the concrete along with steel fiber, resulting in a control joint flat slab flow with zero cracking.

Does Firmatek hire drone pilots? The short answer is no. Providing key insights is our WHY. Collecting data, whether with drones or other tools, is just the tip of the iceberg of WHAT we do. Because of this, when we hire we look for skill sets beyond Part 107. We hire people who speak our client's language— mining, geology, construction, energy, and civil engineering. Andrew Maximow provides an in-depth explanation on our blog. Check it out here!

Geospatial mapping is becoming a game-changer in the quality of the construction process. The construction industry is continually evolving, trying to find the best ways to maximize their profits and ensure efficiency. Cutting-edge drone technology has been a key influence working towards goals of better documentation; project management and inspections; and designing, planning, and estimating. Download our resource to learn more about the advantages of utilizing geospatial mapping data in your operation.

We frequently get asked about the drones or UAVs that we use. What is the best drone? Why do you use such-and-such vendor? Utilizing the best technology available helps ensure that we can equip our clients with the business intelligence that they need to improve their operations. A one-size-fits-all solution in our industry isn’t practical, so we work with our clients to determine the best tool for precise and efficient data collection. Check out part one of Andrew Maximow's article series, Guide to Drone, to learn more about how we choose the right tool for the job. hashtag

The expansion of the Oyster Creek propylene production facility in Freeport, Texas, was a key part of Dow Chemical’s multi-billion-dollar investment (Gulfstream) program to take advantage of low market prices for locally-produced shale gas. The massive scope of construction made easy application and reliability of the concrete treatment solution a priority. PENETRON ADMIX SB was specified as a robust waterproofing solution for all concrete used for the water containment tanks – each with a capacity of 1.5 million gallons (5.7 million liters). As an integral waterproofing protection, it prevents penetration of water and aggressive agents into the concrete and also features a self-healing capability. Delivered in pre-measured soluble bags, the admixture simplified accurate dosage during batching and saved time in the construction schedule.

San Diego’s Metropolitan Transportation Service (MTS) new, high-efficiency wheel truing pit keeps MTS rail cars rolling smoothly. When the general contractor began construction, water quickly filled the construction site (almost three feet under the water table). To finish the excavation, seven dewatering pumps were installed to keep water out. The project was a small but complex mix of new and existing construction with numerous unique conditions, all requiring  a waterproofing solution Ultimately, Penetron crystalline products were chosen over traditional waterproofing solutions, including PENETRON ADMIX for the footings, slab and walls of the truing pit, PENEBAR SW waterstop strips to seal all cold joints, and PENECRETE MORTAR to patch any remaining cracks and imperfections in the new concrete structure. The choice saved construction time and money.

The expansion of the Canpotex Marine Terminal 5 in Portland, Oregon, enlarged the facility’s capacity to process and ship white potash to overseas markets. Initially, a membrane solution was specified to protect the concrete piers, tunnel and building foundations. However, the project owners opted for an integral solution, thanks, in part, to many contractors who said they saved time and reduced construction costs when switching from a traditional surface applied waterproofing to a Penetron crystalline solution for projects located in a marine environment. Penetron worked with Cal Portland to design an optimal concrete mix that met the demands of the marine environment. PENETRON ADMIX was used to waterproof all new concrete. PENETRON slurry and PENECRETE MORTAR were applied to the tie holes and to patch previous honeycombing and defects.

The expansion of the Canpotex Marine Terminal 5 in Portland, Oregon, enlarged the facility’s capacity to process and ship white potash to overseas markets. Initially, a membrane solution was specified to protect the concrete piers, tunnel and building foundations. However, the project owners opted for an integral solution, thanks, in part, to many contractors who said they saved time and reduced construction costs when switching from a traditional surface applied waterproofing to a Penetron crystalline solution for projects located in a marine environment. Penetron worked with Cal Portland to design an optimal concrete mix that met the demands of the marine environment. PENETRON ADMIX was used to waterproof all new concrete. PENETRON slurry and PENECRETE MORTAR were applied to the tie holes and to patch previous honeycombing and defects.

To keep a live tiger mascot happy at Louisiana State University (LSU), you need a substantial water area (including a large pond and waterfall for hot weather), an enormous synthetic rock (with a heated or cooled surface, as a lookout for the tiger), and new landscaping. Construction of the upgraded habitat specified PENETRON ADMIX SB (in soluble bags) to provide an integrated crystalline waterproofing solution. Applied as a wet process shotcrete application, the PENETRON ADMIX SB was added to the PENETRON ADMIX-Enhanced Shotcrete (PAES) to create a durable and naturalistic surface for the lookout rock and provide a new, waterproof surface for the pond and waterfall area. Mike the Tiger attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year and can be viewed via the live webcam at www.MiketheTiger.com.

The South Cobb Tunnel Lift Station in Austell, Georgia, was the largest expansion project and deepest tunnel construction undertaken by the Cobb County Water Authority (CCWS), and it was completed a year ahead of schedule. Part of a comprehensive sewage and wastewater treatment system, the 5.5-mile-long tunnel was built through hard rock at a maximum depth of 400 feet. The project also included a 130 million gallon/day lift station to transport wastewater flows; the height of the station is about 212 feet. PENETRON ADMIX was used to ensure the concrete structures, tanks, foundation slaps and containment structures could resist the high levels of water pressure remain watertight. The admixture was also added to the concrete lining used to support areas of fractured rock and groundwater inflow.

The South Cobb Tunnel Lift Station in Austell, Georgia, was the largest expansion project and deepest tunnel construction undertaken by the Cobb County Water Authority (CCWS), and it was completed a year ahead of schedule. Part of a comprehensive sewage and wastewater treatment system, the 5.5-mile-long tunnel was built through hard rock at a maximum depth of 400 feet. The project also included a 130 million gallon/day lift station to transport wastewater flows; the height of the station is about 212 feet. PENETRON ADMIX was used to ensure the concrete structures, tanks, foundation slaps and containment structures could resist the high levels of water pressure remain watertight. The admixture was also added to the concrete lining used to support areas of fractured rock and groundwater inflow.

Introducing BuildIt to revolutionize the Construction industry.

What exactly is a "digital transformation?"

What exactly is a "Digital Transformation," and how do I get "unstuck??"

Construction accounting is more than keeping the books. It’s the basis for evaluating the status and ensuring the profitability of current projects as well as a vital predictive tool for planning and calculating bids on future jobs. Count on Command Alkon’s AI solutions and technologies for a seamless flow of information to inform and support your decision-making.

Let's face it: Pipeline planning and upkeep require a huge investment of capital. Technology is taking pipeline construction and maintenance to another level. Ignoring the benefits of tech is no longer an option. If you want to keep up with the competition and improve safety, efficiency, and profits, you have to jump on board and make the most of what's available. Download our resource to learn more.

Spend More Time in the Field Generating Business Mobile technology that allows real-time information to be collected and shared is changing the face of the construction industry. This technology is being used to track daily activities and critical information, and streamline collaboration between teams in the field and at the office. What's shaking up sales processes in the technology world? Mobile sales solutions. Many sales people love their current manual or isolated quoting processes because they’re easy and have very few constraints. However, the rest of the organization often suffers from the headaches resulting from the lack of visibility or audit trails inherent to these processes, which ultimately negatively impacts your organization’s operational stability and growth plans. If this sounds like your organization, it may be time to investigate automated solutions that are designed specifically for the Heavy Building Materials industry that can empower accurate sales forecasting and minimize quoting inaccuracies. What Can A Mobile Sales Solution Do for My Business? Three problems that a mobile sales solutions address includes: 1) Generating timely and accurate quotes: Roughly 25% of Heavy Building Materials production volume is quoted and shipped within 24 hours. Without real-time information, there is room for unintended errors to easily creep into the process; such as outdated pricing and unauthorized discounts. According to well-regarded research firms, these rebills can cost companies up to 5% of the original transaction value. Progressive Ready-Mix Producers and Bulk Material Suppliers are using mobile sales solutions to more effectively perform quoting, monitoring, and forecasting through an investment that can easily pay for itself by eliminating just a handful of credit and rebill situations. 2) Maintaining realistic pipeline estimates and forecasts: Recent research by the Aberdeen Group shows that only around 55% of companies that do not implement a best-in-class forecasting process achieve their sales quotas, compared to 97% of companies that choose to implement advanced forecasting approaches achieving theirs. With a sales solution in place that provides real-time visibility into both an accurate backlog and an accurate sales forecast, you are empowered to make decisions and adjustments that steer your organization in the right direction on a daily basis (even a hourly basis, if needed) instead of relying on a monthly snapshot of quickly outdated information.  3) Missing opportunities due to lack of visibility in the field: How often does your company miss opportunities simply because a bid date is missed?  Does each sales team member have their own approach to selling, quoting, and closing opportunities?  Is pricing consistency a problem you deal with? With a mobile sales solution designed specifically for the industry in place you can gain the visibility you need to monitor and enforce sales activities and ensure a consistent and professional buying experience to your market. MOBILEsales is Command Alkon’s mobile sales solution for the Heavy Building Materials industry. This tool helps you standardize your sales approach across your team and eliminate issues that arise from inaccuracies and inefficiencies.

There’s some good, solid news for the construction industry: Dodge Data & Analytics Index projects that we’ll have “moderate strengthening” through the end of 2018. But in terms of productivity, we appear to be heading in a different direction. Of note, a recent survey of 600 global construction leaders* compiled by PlanGrid and FMI Corporation mentions: ·         Poor communication, rework and bad data management cost the construction industry; $177 billion annually in labor costs in the United States alone. ·         Construction workers lose almost two full working days per week solving avoidable issues and searching for project information. ·         Each construction project team member spends more than 14 hours weekly on average dealing with conflict, rework and other issues. ·         Almost half of all rework is due to poor communication among project stakeholders, and poor project information, while 26% of rework is due to poor communication or miscommunication between team members caused unresponsiveness of team members; the inability of project stakeholders to collaborate effectively; and the lack of a common platform for all team members to communicate and share project data. ·         The most common goals for technology adoption included providing better access to project data, improving project productivity and increasing the accuracy of project information. ·         Workers are not taking full advantage of mobile devices and IT investments. Stamp Out Non-Productive Driver and Fleet Time for Big Productivity Gains It stands to reason that companies who address productivity issues will not only avoid scrambling for information and wasted hours and energy but also quickly gain competitive advantage. If you’re managing drivers and trucks that wheel in and out of numerous sites during the day or week and aren’t using automatic processes via technology to more efficiently track and manage your fleet, there’s more good news. You can increase driver productivity and avoid the 20-40 minutes per truck per day that’s lost through clocking in and out and other non-productive activities during: ·         Time in Transit ·         Time at the Job Site ·         Time in the Yard Forty minutes per day, per truck may seem marginal at first glance. But 200 minutes/week x 48 weeks/ year = 9,600 minutes, 160 hours or a total of 4,000 hours of inefficiency for a fleet of 25 trucks. Time in the yard is the lever most within a producer’s control and represents over half of the total nonproductive time per truck. So, rather than simply adding incremental trucks and drivers to the fleet to boost productivity (which unfortunately only adds to the total non‐productive hours and fails to improve operational processes), consider a solution that: ·         Uses automatic processes via technology to more efficiently track and manage your fleet. ·         Enables your drivers to punch the clock from in the cab, an efficiency enhancer that alone could save you up to 20 minutes per day (this is time spent in your own yard, under your own watch, that you can act on quickly to recapture those minutes, regardless of what happens away from your yard). ·         Captures a meaningful portion of that lost time from each driver. ·         Provides a constant view into the location and performance of your entire fleet. ·         Is adaptable and helps your teams collaborate in real-time with a “central source of truth” and access to relevant data when you need it. At least 50% of employees’ non‐productive time can be captured back efficiently and effectively when the right combinations of levers are pulled – both in terms of area of focus (i.e., time in yard) and adaptability to each individual customer’s business process requirements. This equates to big productivity increases over both the short- and long-term. Learn more about how Command Alkon’s TrackIt solution offers an industry specific, flexible and fully customizable solution to track your fleet and meet your specific needs, including in-cab time and attendance functionality focused at recapturing lost time in the yard, helping you drive a more efficient fleet and improve your profitability. *500 respondents from the United States and 99 from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada. Of those surveyed, 49% work for general contractor firms, 36% came from specialty trades and 15% were owners. Over 300 respondents came from the commercial sector and the other respondents represent industrial and manufacturing, heavy civil, healthcare, power (oil and gas, and energy), education and government.

There’s some good, solid news for the construction industry: Dodge Data & Analytics Index projects that we’ll have “moderate strengthening” through the end of 2018. But in terms of productivity, we appear to be heading in a different direction. Of note, a recent survey of 600 global construction leaders* compiled by PlanGrid and FMI Corporation mentions: ·        •Poor communication, rework and bad data management cost the construction industry; $177 billion annually in labor costs in the United States alone.        •Construction workers lose almost two full working days per week solving avoidable issues and searching for project information. ·       • Each construction project team member spends more than 14 hours weekly on average dealing with conflict, rework and other issues. ·         •Almost half of all rework is due to poor communication among project stakeholders, and poor project information, while 26% of rework is due to poor communication or miscommunication between team members caused unresponsiveness of team members; the inability of project stakeholders to collaborate effectively; and the lack of a common platform for all team members to communicate and share project data. ·        •The most common goals for technology adoption included providing better access to project data, improving project productivity and increasing the accuracy of project information. ·        •Workers are not taking full advantage of mobile devices and IT investments.      Stamp Out Non-Productive Driver and Fleet Time for Big Productivity Gains It stands to reason that companies who address productivity issues will not only avoid scrambling for information and wasted hours and energy but also quickly gain competitive advantage. If you’re managing drivers and trucks that wheel in and out of numerous sites during the day or week and aren’t using automatic processes via technology to more efficiently track and manage your fleet, there’s more good news. You can increase driver productivity and avoid the 20-40 minutes per truck per day that’s lost through clocking in and out and other non-productive activities during: ·         •Time in Transit ·         •Time at the Job Site ·         •Time in the Yard Forty minutes per day, per truck may seem marginal at first glance. But 200 minutes/week x 48 weeks/ year = 9,600 minutes, 160 hours or a total of 4,000 hours of inefficiency for a fleet of 25 trucks. Time in the yard is the lever most within a producer’s control and represents over half of the total nonproductive time per truck. So, rather than simply adding incremental trucks and drivers to the fleet to boost productivity (which unfortunately only adds to the total non‐productive hours and fails to improve operational processes), consider a solution that: ·         •Uses automatic processes via technology to more efficiently track and manage your fleet. ·         •Enables your drivers to punch the clock from in the cab, an efficiency enhancer that alone could save you up to 20 minutes per day (this is time spent in your own yard, under your own watch, that you can act on quickly to recapture those minutes, regardless of what happens away from your yard). ·         •Captures a meaningful portion of that lost time from each driver. ·         •Provides a constant view into the location and performance of your entire fleet. ·        •Is adaptable and helps your teams collaborate in real-time with a “central source of truth” and access to relevant data when you need it. At least 50% of employees’ non‐productive time can be captured back efficiently and effectively when the right combinations of levers are pulled – both in terms of area of focus (i.e., time in yard) and adaptability to each individual customer’s business process requirements. This equates to big productivity increases over both the short- and long-term. Learn more about how Command Alkon’s TrackIt solution offers an industry specific, flexible and fully customizable solution to track your fleet and meet your specific needs, including in-cab time and attendance functionality focused at recapturing lost time in the yard, helping you drive a more efficient fleet and improve your profitability. *500 respondents from the United States and 99 from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and Canada. Of those surveyed, 49% work for general contractor firms, 36% came from specialty trades and 15% were owners. Over 300 respondents came from the commercial sector and the other respondents represent industrial and manufacturing, heavy civil, healthcare, power (oil and gas, and energy), education and government.

No, I’m not talking about piles of leftover debris or even the kind of “trashy” look that’s common on construction sites. While neatness is nice, especially on a highly visible site, the waste I’m referring to is all those insidious, sometimes hidden, wastes that may not look messy but can make a real mess of budget forecasts and construction schedules.Jobsite waste – and the losses it creates – is a serious problem throughout the HBM industry. In fact, according to a 2016 McKinsey study, “Large projects across asset classes typically take 20 percent longer to finish than scheduled and are up to 80 percent over budget.”Most budget overruns are not the result of leftovers or throwaways. Most are a result of squandering 1) time, 2) motion, and/or 3) accuracy. Eliminating waste is an ongoing challenge, but these best practices can help you recognize – and correct – this resource-draining scourge:1) TIME. Wasting time is probably the most common and costly jobsite activity, especially since it’s virtually always unintentional and unobtrusive. What’s the best way to spot it? Recognize that all wait time is wasted time. Any person, place or thing that sits idle or is not ready when needed is generating waste.When workers wait on instructions or tools or equipment or approval or inspection, their time is being wasted. When tools, parts or equipment are unavailable or inoperable, time is being wasted. When one process or procedure is stalled waiting for another to be completed, valuable time is being wasted.Wasted time typically results from inadequate planning, communication or resource allocation, so invest in these time-saving, preventive measures instead:·         Begin with informed planning that includes all pertinent people. Early integration and transparent information sharing improve efficiency at every operational stage.·         Forecast construction schedules, budgets and requirements so that you can realistically anticipate tools, materials and labor.·         Create and communicate contingency plans so that the entire crew stays up to date and in sync.·         Use technology to communicate.  Radios, mobile phones, tablets and other digital tools speed communication and improve clarity.2) MOTION. Going back to the truck to grab another tool, hunting down a colleague for collaboration, moving critical materials or machinery from its current location to where it’s needed, dispatching and transporting workers, even unloading deliveries and distributing parts are all costly operations that reduce productivity. Any unnecessary or unplanned movement of people, equipment, tools or materials wastes valuable time and energy.To minimize wasted motion, use efficient workplace procedures and productivity-enhancing devices:·         Plan ahead to place and prepare critical equipment for use at the point of operation.·         Corral required tools, parts, kits and equipment in well-stocked, well-organized, well-maintained work carts. ·         Equip workers with tool belts, trays, bins and pouches for easy accessibility.·         Use rail-lock aerial accessories (tool bins, pipe racks, cradles, panel carriers, etc.) when working on scissor lifts, boom lifts or other platforms for safe, secure, fast access.·         Use communications technology to locate misplaced or misappropriated resources. ·         Designate a worker to make deliveries and tools runs as needed.3) ACCURACY. Precision in quality control, inventory management, and maintenance and replacement programs is vital for preventing wasted materials and labor. Symptoms of sloppy jobsite practices include tasks that can’t be done due to damaged, defective or missing materials; rework due to poor quality or specification mismatches; “shrink” due to lost or stolen tools or inventory; breakage due to careless handling or improper use; and mistakes in ordering, stocking, storing, handling and accounting for materials.Verifying resources and quality takes attention and vigilance. These common-sense practices can bring valuable order and discipline to your jobsite: ·         Make sure all workers have a clear project understanding, including the latest drawings, specifications and contingency plans.·         Lock up tools and equipment at days’ end and when not in use.·         Remove and replace damaged tools or materials immediately.·         Designate a specific person to order, inspect, label and monitor materials, especially near job’s end, to avoid leftover inventory.Are time and resources going to waste on your jobsite? Command Alkon helps make fast work of unnecessary jobsite losses. To reduce the costs, risks, and waste that result from out-of-stock and over-stock situations, inefficient hauling practices, and lack of transparency, the HBM industry relies on Command Alkon’s supplyCONNECT to manage daily replenishment plans. By promoting collaboration among supply chain trading partners, supplyCONNECT saves money and time – ensuring that the right amount of inventory is delivered to the right place at the right time. 

                  No, I’m not talking about piles of leftover debris or even the kind of “trashy” look that’s common on construction sites. While neatness is nice, especially on a highly visible site, the waste I’m referring to is all those insidious, sometimes hidden, wastes that may not look messy but can make a real mess of budget forecasts and construction schedules.Jobsite waste – and the losses it creates – is a serious problem throughout the HBM industry. In fact, according to a 2016 McKinsey study, “Large projects across asset classes typically take 20 percent longer to finish than scheduled and are up to 80 percent over budget.”Most budget overruns are not the result of leftovers or throwaways. Most are a result of squandering 1) time, 2) motion, and/or 3) accuracy. Eliminating waste is an ongoing challenge, but these best practices can help you recognize – and correct – this resource-draining scourge:1) TIME. Wasting time is probably the most common and costly jobsite activity, especially since it’s virtually always unintentional and unobtrusive. What’s the best way to spot it? Recognize that all wait time is wasted time. Any person, place or thing that sits idle or is not ready when needed is generating waste.When workers wait on instructions or tools or equipment or approval or inspection, their time is being wasted. When tools, parts or equipment are unavailable or inoperable, time is being wasted. When one process or procedure is stalled waiting for another to be completed, valuable time is being wasted.Wasted time typically results from inadequate planning, communication or resource allocation, so invest in these timesaving preventive measures instead:1) TIME. Wasting time is probably the most common and costly jobsite activity, especially since it’s virtually always unintentional and unobtrusive. What’s the best way to spot it? Recognize that all wait time is wasted time. Any person, place or thing that sits idle or is not ready when needed is generating waste.When workers wait on instructions or tools or equipment or approval or inspection, their time is being wasted. When tools, parts or equipment are unavailable or inoperable, time is being wasted. When one process or procedure is stalled waiting for another to be completed, valuable time is being wasted.Wasted time typically results from inadequate planning, communication or resource allocation, so invest in these timesaving preventive measures instead:Begin with informed planning that includes all pertinent people. Early integration and transparent information sharing improve efficiency at every operational stage.Forecast construction schedules, budgets and requirements so that you can realistically anticipate tools, materials and labor.Create and communicate contingency plans so that the entire crew stays up to date and in sync.Use technology to communicate.  Radios, mobile phones, tablets and other digital tools speed communication and improve clarity. 2) MOTION. Going back to the truck to grab another tool, hunting down a colleague for collaboration, moving critical materials or machinery from its current location to where it’s needed, dispatching and transporting workers, even unloading deliveries and distributing parts are all costly operations that reduce productivity. Any unnecessary or unplanned movement of people, equipment, tools or materials wastes valuable time and energy.To minimize wasted motion, use efficient workplace procedures and productivity-enhancing devices:Plan ahead to place and prepare critical equipment for use at the point of operation.Corral required tools, parts, kits and equipment in well-stocked, well-organized, well-maintained work carts.Equip workers with tool belts, trays, bins and pouches for easy accessibility.Use rail-lock aerial accessories (tool bins, pipe racks, cradles, panel carriers, etc.) when working on scissor lifts, boom lifts or other platforms for safe, secure, fast access.Use communications technology to locate misplaced or misappropriated resources.Designate a worker to make deliveries and tools runs as needed.3) ACCURACY. Precision in quality control, inventory management, and maintenance and replacement programs is vital for preventing wasted materials and labor. Symptoms of sloppy jobsite practices include tasks that can’t be done due to damaged, defective or missing materials; rework due to poor quality or specification mismatches; “shrink” due to lost or stolen tools or inventory; breakage due to careless handling or improper use; and mistakes in ordering, stocking, storing, handling and accounting for materials.Verifying resources and quality takes attention and vigilance. These common-sense practices can bring valuable order and discipline to your jobsite:Make sure all workers have a clear project understanding, including the latest drawings, specifications and contingency plans.Lock up tools and equipment at days’ end and when not in use.Remove and replace damaged tools or materials immediately.Designate a specific person to order, inspect, label and monitor materials, especially near job’s end, to avoid leftover inventory.Are time and resources going to waste on your bsite? Command Alkon helps make fast work of unnecessary jobsite losses.To reduce the costs, risks, and waste that result from out-of-stock and over-stock situations, inefficient hauling practices, and lack of transparency, the HBM industry relies on Command Alkon’s supplyCONNECT to manage daily replenishment plans. By promoting collaboration among supply chain trading partners, supplyCONNECT saves money and time – ensuring that the right amount of inventory is delivered to the right place at the right time.

H-Series™ Impact MillsThe Stedman H-Series multi cage mill is best at pulverizing, grinding, crushing and mixing abrasive and non-abrasive materials – wet, sticky or dry. The H-Series works more efficiently than other types of pulverizer machines and provides a finer, more uniform grind.H-Series cage mills can handle up to 240 tons per hour and are reversible for extended wear life. The H-Series cage mill is engineered and constructed to operate at or near-peak efficiency longer, providing a greater return on capital investment over its life than competing equipment.H-Series Features and BenefitsCapable of producing a variety of product gradations, easily altered by changing the impact mill speedQuick-opening housing for inspection and maintenance allows for minimum downtime for wear part replacement and inspectionInspections typically require only 5 minutes and complete change out of wear components in as little as one hour or less versus 4 hours or more with other millsCompact, unitized construction, occupies up to 45% less floor spaceReversible DesignProvides optimum utilization of crushing componentsImpact Mill Applications:AglimeAgricultural GypsumRoof & Floor TileClay & ShaleCoalFertilizerSaltsBreak Into Your New Cage MillThe Stedman Testing & Toll Processing Facility is the place to test your material in our full size equipment. If it can be crushed, ground, pulverized or mixed, chances are we’ve done it. Schedule your product testing in our H-Series today. To learn more about what to expect from testing, read this article that ran in POWDER BULK ENGINEERING magazine.PotashCornAnimal FeedsAluminum DrossCorn FiberGrainsGelatin

In 2017, a large fire brought the interstate bridge 85 to collapse in Atlanta, Georgia. It became a transportation crisis for commuters and local residents so the Georgia DOT decided on accelerated construction techniques. The durability of bridge decks is severely compromised by shrinkage cracks which can lead to immediate access for water and deicing chemicals to the steel reinforcement and internal concrete. PREVent-C technology was selected to be used in an accelerated mix and a 3-day curing period vers

The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Othello, Washington, receives regulated water from the East Low Canal to irrigate agricultural land. Water is moved from basins, dams, and irrigation canals through concrete siphons. Signs of deterioration through cracking has occurred and rises complications such as water loss, eroded soil, and seeping of agricultural chemicals. All of these complications pose a threat to local environmental health and public safety. The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District

The Glen Elder Dam and Spillway is located in Kansas and originally built in 1968. The dam serves many purposes in order to control flooding and create the Waconda Lake which is used for municipal and irrigation water. In 2010, extensive repair and renovations occurred due to freeze-thaw damage which promoted alkali- silica reaction. When new concrete was placed, extensive shrinkage cracking occurred within the first seven days. PREVent-C was chosen as a trial admixture to evaluate its effectiveness on shri

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia built a new state-of-the-art natatorium that would measure up to 75,000 square feet. The facility is unique to the campus as it holds the largest diving platform in the United States and would be hosting USA swimming programs and national meets. Any crack in a pool is detrimental because a pool is meant to contain water and cracking can compromise the high-quality look and feel to it. PREVent-C provides controlled expansion resulting in volume stability creating 90

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power began construction on two 55 MG enclosed reservoirs to protect drinking water that is currently stored in the open Silverlake and Ivanhoe reservoirs. The project needed to comply with EPA regulations which would hold a total water storage of 110 million gallons. The first reservoir (East) was completed in 2014 that led to shrinkage crack concerns, especially with the on-going drought in California . It was imperative that no water was lost due to leakage. When t

The Intracoastal Way runs along the East Coast that helps shipping traffic in and out of the United States. In 2014, a seawall in Naples, Florida was due for reconstruction after years of salt water damage. Repair costs continued to increase with extensive cracking in the concrete and severe corrosion of the steel which caused spalling. The owner of the project was considering multiple options for a replacement wall. He wanted to ensure that the new structure would be able to withstand the salt water. The s

Logan International Airport, located in Boston, Massachusetts, decided to increase parking capacity in their West Garage that provided an additional 2,050 parking spaces. The majority of the project utilized precast concrete with topping slabs in order to expedite the construction timeline. Using these applications caused concern for shrinkage cracking and early deterioration due to the harsh environment the garage was located in. PREVent-C admixture was chosen to provide a dual mechanism shrinkage-mitigati

Around 40 years ago, the Rodgers Roads Bridge over I-95 was built in Wilmington, Delaware. In order to preserve the bridge's structural integrity a maintenance project was due for long term stability. With a variety of rehabilitation options, a mill-and-overlay repair was scheduled to take place. Overlays come with hardships such as a high occurrence of shrinkage cracks that lead to freeze-thaw deterioration requiring additional maintenance in the future. PREVent-C500 shrinkage-reducing/compensating admixtu

Echo Dam is a 158-foot high earthfill structure on the Weber River in Summit County, Utah. Inspections concluded that modifications needed to be implemented with concerns of soil liquefying during a seismic event causing deformation of the aged spillway structure. Challenges arose before the project started such as the required low slump, long transport distance, and project timeline. The US Bureau of Reclamation chose PREVent C to reduce shrinkage cracks, based on successful field trials from the past. The

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston Massachusetts went through vigorous interior renovations to create long term stability for its patrons. With extreme winters on the east coast, there needed to be radiant heating tubing in the new concrete floor which becomes a challenge. With high-paste content and the need to place joints in the concrete - shrinkage cracking and curling would take place and result in floor damages. PREVent-C Shrinkage Reduc

After historic flooding to Fort Randall Dam, located in South Dakota, inspections made it clear there needed to be repairs toward the dam to promise long term stability. In order to reduce concrete shrinkage for such a large product, the owner chose to use PREVent-C admixture at a 5% dosage rate in their specialty concrete mix design. With 130,000 dowel anchors being required to be drilled into the concrete, PREVent-C would help the amount of strain it would create to the concrete.

Prevent cracks with Volume Stable Concrete. The University of Utah’s basketball team needed to avoid concrete shrinkage and curling if they were going to be able to feature high quality wood flooring in their practice facility. With PREVent-C and 4 lbs/CY macro fibers, the entire 14,000-square-foot concrete slab was poured continuously with no joints. The floor flatness and levelness numbers were twice as stringent as required by specifications and no grinding was needed.

Volvo CareTrack is the telematics system that collects machine information, alerts the customer with alarm codes and provides an online portal for customers to dig deeper into fleet data. Volvo also offers ActiveCare Direct (ACD) — a 24/7/365 machine monitoring and monthly fleet utilization reporting service that relies on CareTrack data. But it’s managed by Volvo on behalf of the customer — helping ease the burden of telematics management, while enhancing remote diagnosis and catching problems before they occur. Each tool is valuable in its own right and can be used independently or in conjunction with each other — depending on customer preference. Here are a few of the differentiators between the two services and their benefits.

Properly Milling Limestone Test center helps a mining company select the correct mill for a new installation. When it comes to size reduction, having the correct mill is crucial to ensure a high-quality end product. While designing a new line to process agricultural lime and feed supplements, Wake Stone Corp., a mining company based in Knightdale, NC, which specializes in construction and agricultural materials, needed to find a mill able to provide a consistent particle size and quality. Learn more by going to this page on the web site https://www.stedman-machine.com/properly-milling-limestone.html

New plant, automation system double operation’s production capacity By Loretta Sorensen| November 10, 2017 Four generations of the Duff family have overseen quarry operations for the past 67 years at Duff Quarry Inc. in Huntsville, Ohio. Among the reasons for their long-term success is a focus on high-quality, economic throughput. “That’s one of our focal points,” says Ross Duff, vice president. “For the past 10 years, automation has allowed us to maximize safety, improve ease of maintenance and have direct oversight of material quality.” Photo courtesy of Duff Quarry Duff Quarry was bare farm ground when the late C.E. Duff purchased it in 1950. Its abundant limestone deposit runs about 400 ft. deep and covers around 400 acres. Today, with three locations, Duff Quarry includes Ohio Ready Mix and Mr. Concrete Builders Supply, employing more than 60 people in Huntsville, Russells Point and Bellefontaine. Customers come from within a 25-mile radius of Huntsville. New era The Huntsville quarry contains bluish-gray dolomitic limestone, which is ideal for construction materials like concrete and asphalt production, the company says. Upper layers of the quarry’s limestone deposit have a high magnesium content, giving the stone a reddish hue. Lower limestone layers, in laminated sheets, are dark gray. The quarry’s limestone is crushed and used in a number of construction projects, including private and business drives in the area. Duff Quarry customers also purchase a variety of crushed limestone products, riprap, concrete sand, mason sand and gravel. In 2005, when Duff Quarry was responding to increased product demand, it purchased a new limestone crushing plant from Stedman Machine Co. At the time, Duff was updating the plant it had used since 1956, seeking equipment that would offer flexibility with product size. The Duff family first learned about Stedman around 1956, when it purchased a Stedman 48-in. four-row cage mill to process agricultural lime at its old quarry. In 1994, Duff purchased a Stedman Mega-Slam crusher for a different location because the company believed it was a superior crusher with its portable plant. Over two and a half years, a Stedman affiliate, Innovative Processing Solutions, designed and fabricated the new automated system, which utilized Stedman’s 5460 Mega-Slam and 6460 Grand-Slam size reduction impact crushers. Innovative Processing Solutions specializes in custom solutions for bulk material handling systems, using equipment from Stedman and other manufacturers to create a variety of systems. The extended system design timeframe gave the Duff family the opportunity to develop a system that can serve them for many years. “We bought the plant in 2005, installed it ourselves and completed construction in 2007,” Ross says. “It was more than 95 truckloads of steel. Apex Engineering set up our automation. The plant uses twin Stedman impact crushers, a Deister grizzly feeder, scalping screen and twin finish screens.” Twelve employees kept the old plant running while the new plant was designed and installed. Prior to installing the new system, the quarry’s annual processing average was about 600,000 tons of limestone. With the new system, production averages 1.5 million tpy when running at full capacity. Customized crushing From left: Plant Operator Jason Beecraft, Mine Foreman Bill Page, President J David Duff and Vice President Ross Duff. Photos courtesy of Duff Quarry The quarry’s automated system includes a fiber linked A. B. Rockwell PLC system run by redundant Windows-based computer control rooms. Quarry operators manage the automation by utilizing an application that runs through two iPads. The system is set up so only one iPad can make system changes at any one time. The plant operator can access the automation system from anywhere on the mine site. “When we designed our plant, we wanted to avoid having our plant operator watch quarry activities from a remote control room,” Ross says. “Using the iPad allows the plant operator to have direct oversight of material quality and make immediate changes as necessary. “It also eliminated the need to contact the person in the main control center,” Ross continues. “A delayed response is not always the safest way to operate. If the plant operator is right there they can stop or start the plant and inspect any equipment to identify maintenance needs.” The iPad used to control the system uses a WiFi signal generated by a router installed in the quarry. Signal strength can vary but is always strong enough to make iPad use viable, Ross says. “You could even control our plant from an iPhone,” he adds. “Because of the phone’s screen size, that isn’t realistic. But in an emergency I could shut the plant down with my phone.” Initial concerns about dust affecting iPad operation were allayed because the iPad has no vent holes or keyboards that could collect dust from the quarry. “No proprietary software is loaded on the iPad,” Ross says. “It’s basically a touchscreen remote for the main control computer that runs Windows.” Although Duff Quarry’s automated system can be connected to the Internet for updates and other resources, it’s only connected for short periods of time to address a specific need. “Our primary network is an intranet,” Ross says. “We avoid Internet connections as much as possible to reduce hacking potential. Programmers can access our system remotely to adjust it, but we’re very cautious with that.” Precise products Stedman’s Mega-Slam is a primary impact horizontal shaft impactor that effectively handles large feed sizes. The machine is built to handle thousands of materials, ores and chemicals in wet and dry applications. Mega-Slam’s design offers safe and easy access for breaker bar replacement and access to all other areas of the crushing chamber, according to the company. The machine’s front opening feature eliminates the need for a crane. The Grand-Slam secondary impact crusher, meanwhile, is built to handle the same type of materials as the Mega-Slam. Through design simplicity, employees have safe and easy access to breaker bars and all other crushing chamber areas. The twin impact crushers give Duff Quarry the cube-shaped rock that provides greater psi strength when used in concrete mixes, which represents a significant portion of their business. Integrated with an automated variable frequency system, the grizzly feeder provides the variable speeds that allow for maximum throughput without overloading the crushing plant. “Our plant has amperage and motion sensors on every conveyor,” Ross says. “Belt scales directly control throughput on the feeder so production runs at maximum speed without overloading belts. We also use tramp metal detection and pneumatically controlled discharge gates to dump material. In the event that metal makes its way into the plant, our automation system empties all belts to protect the crushers.” Quarry-wide benefits Photo courtesy of Duff Quarry The dolomitic limestone at Duff Quarry is desirable for construction materials like asphalt and concrete. With its automated system, Duff Quarry can also manage electricity meter spikes because the system will automatically cut feed rate if production exceeds 840 tons for more than five seconds. Each crushing plant conveyor is equipped with terminal strips wired to communicate production information to one main processor, allowing one staff member to monitor conveyor performance. All feeders and conveyor operations data are also recorded for use in evaluating the system’s overall performance. The new plant system allows Duff Quarry to crush rock in a variety of weather conditions, including heavy rain. Pumps and drain lines under the plant ensure that flooding cannot occur. The Duff family expected to reduce maintenance issues by at least 50 percent with the new plant because automated data management provides evidence of equipment issues well ahead of a breakdown. Since the plant can now be operated with just two staff members, the company no longer shuts production down for lunch hours. Adjusting product size takes just minutes, and the same conveyor can be used to handle different product sizes. Doubling output Overall, Duff Quarry more than doubled production capacity with its automated system and new plant. “We also have brilliant staff operating the plant,” Ross says. “Bill Page, a foreman here for more than 40 years, is a great example of that.” Over the years, Page tried different methods to prevent screen media clogging. He never found an effective product or method, so Page developed his own: the Blinding Buster. “We wanted to ensure our material quality on the finish end was automated, too,” Ross says. “Bill patented an invention to eliminate screen blinding. Every screen media, by nature, will blind, given the right conditions. The Blinding Buster continuously sweeps blinding off finish screens while we’re in production.” The Blinding Buster consists of two major components: the control assembly and motor assembly. The control assembly wires are designed to connect to the normally open auxiliary contact of a screen’s magnetic starter. The screen can be set up to start manually if the motor start isn’t available. The motor assembly includes a standard 20-ft., 3/8-in. chain that can be cut to any length or extended to accommodate all screen sizes. Installing the Blinding Buster takes a 2-in. black steel pipe mounted level approximately 6 in. above the screen opening. The pipe has to be affixed so it doesn’t vibrate with the screen. “The Blinding Buster allows us to screen in subpar conditions when we normally wouldn’t be able to,” Ross says. “We are also able to dry screen finish products without washing. We’re so happy with this product that we’ve made it available to other quarry producers.” Loretta Sorensen is a freelance writer in Yankton, South Dakota. She produces material on a variety of topics, serves as a ghostwriter and has authored her own books.

All You Need To Know About Cage Mills Cage Mills have a high ratio of size reduction after a single pass through the cages. Here's why, and how. Hands down one of the most versatile size reduction machines and one of the hardest working is the cage mill. There are several varieties of cage mills, but their similarities are more numerous than their differences. They all are internally fed impactors that can crush, grind or pulverize many different materials to specified degrees of fineness. History By 1900, Nathan Stedman had built more than one hundred cage mills designed exclusively to crush coal. Soon other applications were discovered, leading to the increased use of cage mills for crushing such products as chemicals, clay and fertilizer materials. Multiple-row cage mills – two-, four- and six-row -- were commonplace. It was not until the 1930s that the true value of cage mills in the production of agricultural limestone and the crushing and beneficiation of stone and gravel was realized. Cage Mill Pulverizers The cage mill was so popular the Stedman Machine Company became part of farming vernacular -- farmers began referring to agricultural limestone as “Stedman Lime” due to the cage mill's unique capability to create the proper material fineness in just one pass through the crusher. Single-row cage mills were used extensively in the construction of the pioneered Pennsylvania Turnpike, primarily for the beneficiation of aggregates. Beneficiation is an elementary process, but it still is one of the most widely practiced applications of single-row cage mills. Gravel is passed through the mill and the softer, undesirable particles; -- breaking more readily than the harder ones; -- are screened or washed away, leaving a hard, high-quality aggregate. Versatility New uses are constantly being discovered for these versatile workhorses, but the nature of cage mills is such that improvements in them tend to be gradual and evolutionary instead of dramatic and revolutionary. The cage mill can be applied to effectively crush, grind and pulverize a broad array of abrasive and non-abrasive materials, including wet sticky types. The latest technology incorporated in these high-efficiency design mills insures greater crushing capacities, finer grinds and cleaner, safer operation. Fundamentally, cage mills are crushers capable of reducing or disintegrating many kinds of materials to small pieces. They reduce materials solely by impact and range in size from as small as 18 inches to as much as 72 inches in diameter. However, custom units may range as high as 96 inches in diameter. In general, the larger the mill, the lower the cost of operation when measured against tons of output. Operation Cage Mill Size Reduction Equipment A typical cage mill has only one part that moves - the rotor assembly. The material to be crushed is fed into the center of the rotor, or cage, through an intake hopper. The massive bars of the spinning cage aligned in rows strike the material and smash it into particles. The particles are then thrown against subsequent rows, other particles and the cage housing where they impact against breaker plates. Every impact - against cage bar, breaker plate or another particle - tends to reduce the original matter further, into more numerous and smaller pieces. By the time the material finally escapes from the cage mill, it has been thoroughly crushed. The major difference compared to other size reduction methods is the absence of close clearances between the crushing part and the breaker plates, allowing for less maintenance and higher efficiency of the machine. Also, they do not require grate bars as the principal source of impact in the cage mill are the pins of the revolving cages. Impact crushing, particularly impact crushing that uses the most suitable cage mill available, has a number of advantages over compression crushing. Cage mills produce a more cubical product of consistently high quality and they are capable of a very high ratio reduction. There is no decrease in quality of the product even after long periods of operation. Cage mills represent a lower initial investment than most other types of crushing equipment and maintenance is easy and inexpensive to perform. Application Cage Mill Manufacturer The wisest and most effective use of cage mills depends on a proper understanding of them, of how they are made and what they will and will not do. Multi-row mills typically consist of an even number of cages: two, four or six. The cages are arranged concentrically, with each row spinning in the opposite direction from that of the row adjacent to it. Two motors are required. They are mounted on opposing sides of the mill, where they turn in opposite directions. One, two or three rows may be mounted on each shaft. A multi-row cage mill utilizes multiple stages of selective impact reduction. The material to be reduced is fed into the center of the innermost cage, where it is struck by the massive spinning pins and distributed 360 degrees around the cage. Centrifugal force and the impact of the pins causes the material, now reduced to smaller pieces, to pass through the cage into the pins of the next row, which is spinning in the opposite direction. The farther away from the center cage the particles travel, the more their impact velocity is increased. In the process of being thrown from row to row the particles also strike each other. They finally are thrown against tough breaker plates that line the inside of the housing. After many violent strikes against the pins, the breaker plates and each other, the much-reduced particles are caught by the outer housing and allowed to drop through the discharge at the bottom of the housing. Size Control Properly presetting the speed of the cages allows the succeeding rows, moving from the innermost outward, to act principally on the particles that have not yet been reduced to the desired size. Particles that have been crushed sufficiently tend to pass through the subsequent rows without being materially affected. Thus, over crushing or under crushing is effectively controlled by adjusting the speed of the cages. All cage mills are fed internally - - the material to be crushed is dropped into a hopper, from which it travels by chute into the center of the innermost row. It falls from the chute onto the spinning pins of the cage, which strike the falling pieces of feed and explode them into many smaller pieces. The particles are propelled by centrifugal force from the innermost cage into the pins of the adjacent row, which is spinning in the opposite direction. Cage Mills for Aggregates Particles that are still too large are struck by the pins of the second row and reduced further. The reduction process continues through any additional rows that may be part of the machine. The impact velocity of the particles increases as the centrifugal force carries them outward from one cage to the next until they finally strike the mill housing and drop toward the large discharge opening at the bottom of the housing. Controlling the speed at which the cages revolve allows the operator to control the amount of reduction that takes place. That is, if the speed is properly preset and controlled, the material will be reduced to its desired size at some point during its trip through the cage mill and then virtually no further reduction will have to take place. The selective impact crushing that is a characteristic of cage mills minimizes the amount of oversize and undersize particles to be found in the finished product. The design of the cages controls the path that the material will flow through the machine. This makes it possible to concentrate the wear on the pins, which are made of very hard alloys to give maximum possible service before they have to be replaced.

Stedman “H” Series Cage Mill Efficiently crush, pulverize, blend and mix abrasive or non-abrasive wet, sticky or dry materials Stedman's "H" Series Cage Mill can crush, grind, pulverize, blend and mix abrasive or non-abrasive - even wet, sticky or dry materials - more efficiently than any competitive machine. They also provide a finer, more uniform grind. The "H" mill is engineered and built to operate at or near peak efficiency for a longer period of time, and continues to provide a greater return on your capital investment over its extended useful life. • Four standard "H" mill sizes provide capacities up to 240 tons-per-hour of crushed product. • Quick-opening feature for periodic inspection and maintenance. • Compact, unitized construction, occupies up to 45% less floor space. • Positively seals the housing. • Provide optimum utilization of crushing components.

In 2017, a large fire brought the interstate bridge 85 to collapse in Atlanta, Georgia. It became a transportation crisis for commuters and local residents so the Georgia DOT decided on accelerated construction techniques. The durability of bridge decks is severely compromised by shrinkage cracks which can lead to immediate access for water and deicing chemicals to the steel reinforcement and internal concrete. PREVent-C technology was selected to be used in an accelerated mix and a 3-day curing period versus a more standard 7-day curing period. When accelerated strength and minimal curing are used, cracking would be visible immediately following the end of curing. When the curing was removed from the 1-85 Bridge, there was no observance of cracking.

The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District in Othello, Washington, receives regulated water from the East Low Canal to irrigate agricultural land. Water is moved from basins, dams, and irrigation canals through concrete siphons. Signs of deterioration through cracking has occurred and rises complications such as water loss, eroded soil, and seeping of agricultural chemicals. All of these complications pose a threat to local environmental health and public safety. The East Columbia Basin Irrigation District chose PREVent-C when building two siphons which led to a 1 percent joint failure compared to 25 percent.

Echo Dam is a 158-foot high earthfill structure on the Weber River in Summit County, Utah. Inspections concluded that modifications needed to be implemented with concerns of soil liquefying during a seismic event causing deformation of the aged spillway structure. Challenges arose before the project started such as the required low slump, long transport distance, and project timeline. The US Bureau of Reclamation chose PREVent C to reduce shrinkage cracks, based on successful field trials from the past. The use of PREVent-C can allow an increase in joint spacing, since the potential for concrete shrinkage cracks is greatly reduced.

The Glen Elder Dam and Spillway is located in Kansas and originally built in 1968. The dam serves many purposes in order to control flooding and create the Waconda Lake which is used for municipal and irrigation water. In 2010, extensive repair and renovations occurred due to freeze-thaw damage which promoted alkali- silica reaction. When new concrete was placed, extensive shrinkage cracking occurred within the first seven days. PREVent-C was chosen as a trial admixture to evaluate its effectiveness on shrinkage cracking. After approval by the US Bureau of Reclamation, the results were impressive. Cracks were completely prevented in two of the test slabs and about 90% reduced in the third slab.

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia built a new state-of-the-art natatorium that would measure up to 75,000 square feet. The facility is unique to the campus as it holds the largest diving platform in the United States and would be hosting USA swimming programs and national meets. Any crack in a pool is detrimental because a pool is meant to contain water and cracking can compromise the high-quality look and feel to it. PREVent-C provides controlled expansion resulting in volume stability creating 90 percent fewer cracks on average compared to standard concrete. Eight months after the project was completed, the results showed there were zero cracks.

See a live demo of the MAC 360 in application and learn a little more about how it can save you money. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF, a synthetic hybrid fiber, is manufactured from a proprietary blend of polypropylene resins for use in making fiber-reinforced concrete in compliance with the requirements of ASTM C 1116/C 1116M “Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.” It is a blend of synthetic micro- and macrofibers engineered for use as shrinkage and temperature (secondary) reinforcement and, specifically, to provide optimum finishing performance in hard-troweled concrete applications. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF hybrid fiber has also been engineered to provide post-crack flexural performance equivalent to that provided by most commercially-available synthetic macrofibers, at equal dosages. Visit for more information: https://www.master-builders-solutions.basf.us/en-us/products/masterfiber/masterfiber-mac-360-ff

See a live demo of the MAC 360 in application and learn a little more about how it can save you money. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF, a synthetic hybrid fiber, is manufactured from a proprietary blend of polypropylene resins for use in making fiber-reinforced concrete in compliance with the requirements of ASTM C 1116/C 1116M “Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.” It is a blend of synthetic micro- and macrofibers engineered for use as shrinkage and temperature (secondary) reinforcement and, specifically, to provide optimum finishing performance in hard-troweled concrete applications. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF hybrid fiber has also been engineered to provide post-crack flexural performance equivalent to that provided by most commercially-available synthetic macrofibers, at equal dosages. Click here to read more.

See a live demo of the MAC 360 in application and learn a little more about how it can save you money. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF, a synthetic hybrid fiber, is manufactured from a proprietary blend of polypropylene resins for use in making fiber-reinforced concrete in compliance with the requirements of ASTM C 1116/C 1116M “Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.” It is a blend of synthetic micro- and macrofibers engineered for use as shrinkage and temperature (secondary) reinforcement and, specifically, to provide optimum finishing performance in hard-troweled concrete applications. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF hybrid fiber has also been engineered to provide post-crack flexural performance equivalent to that provided by most commercially-available synthetic macrofibers, at equal dosages. Click here to read more.

See a live demo of the MAC 360 in application and learn a little more about how it can save you money. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF, a synthetic hybrid fiber, is manufactured from a proprietary blend of polypropylene resins for use in making fiber-reinforced concrete in compliance with the requirements of ASTM C 1116/C 1116M “Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.” It is a blend of synthetic micro- and macrofibers engineered for use as shrinkage and temperature (secondary) reinforcement and, specifically, to provide optimum finishing performance in hard-troweled concrete applications. MasterFiber MAC 360 FF hybrid fiber has also been engineered to provide post-crack flexural performance equivalent to that provided by most commercially-available synthetic macrofibers, at equal dosages. Click here to read more.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power began construction on two 55 MG enclosed reservoirs to protect drinking water that is currently stored in the open Silverlake and Ivanhoe reservoirs. The project needed to comply with EPA regulations which would hold a total water storage of 110 million gallons. The first reservoir (East) was completed in 2014 that led to shrinkage crack concerns, especially with the on-going drought in California . It was imperative that no water was lost due to leakage. When the first reservoir was completed, it resulted in 20,000 gallons of water loss per day. LADWP decided to use PREVent-C technology to improve their East Reservoir. They created roof deck slabs that included 5% PREVent C admixture that showed no shrinkage cracks. With great improvement, PREVent-C is being considered to be part of the West reservoir.

The Intracoastal Way runs along the East Coast that helps shipping traffic in and out of the United States. In 2014, a seawall in Naples, Florida was due for reconstruction after years of salt water damage. Repair costs continued to increase with extensive cracking in the concrete and severe corrosion of the steel which caused spalling. The owner of the project was considering multiple options for a replacement wall. He wanted to ensure that the new structure would be able to withstand the salt water. The seawall needed to obtain a component that would create less cracks so the salt water would not come in contact with the concrete causing it to crack. The owner was confident that PREVent-C would give the structure a long life-cycle. After 3 months, there was no evidence of shrinkage cracks in the precast wall panels.

Logan International Airport, located in Boston, Massachusetts, decided to increase parking capacity in their West Garage that provided an additional 2,050 parking spaces. The majority of the project utilized precast concrete with topping slabs in order to expedite the construction timeline. Using these applications caused concern for shrinkage cracking and early deterioration due to the harsh environment the garage was located in. PREVent-C admixture was chosen to provide a dual mechanism shrinkage-mitigation technology creating nearly a crack-free project.

Around 40 years ago, the Rodgers Roads Bridge over I-95 was built in Wilmington, Delaware. In order to preserve the bridge's structural integrity a maintenance project was due for long term stability. With a variety of rehabilitation options, a mill-and-overlay repair was scheduled to take place. Overlays come with hardships such as a high occurrence of shrinkage cracks that lead to freeze-thaw deterioration requiring additional maintenance in the future. PREVent-C500 shrinkage-reducing/compensating admixture was implemented and reduced shrinkage cracking by 85-90% that will lead to a longer life cycle.

Drone Mapping is the direction that small industrial site and construction mapping is headed. It has significant advantages over all ground based models and generally is less expensive than traditional manned aircraft mapping approaches. Best of all, drone mapping, with the new FAA regulations passed in August of 2016, is a technology that you can fully internalize, resulting in both increased responsiveness and reduced cost when compared to contracted services. This paper will provide you with an overview of the different models that can be used for drone mapping with sufficient detail for you to make an informed choice. You will discover that, with all factors included, acquiring your own technology (hardware and software) may be the most economic long term approach to modernizing your mapping operations.

Since its inception, AirGon (a wholly owned subsidiary of the GeoCue Group) has focused on high accuracy small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS or drone) for surface mine, industrial and construction site mapping. As a result of helping many customers piece together workflow solutions, it became obvious that a well-integrated softwate kit would save considerable time and frustration. Whether you are the owner/operator of a site or a service provider to the site, AirGon Mapping Suite is intended for just these applications. Rather than acquiring all the necessary components in a piecemeal fashion resulting in a steep learning curve, the mapping suite includes all of the software components necessary to create a smooth workflow solution for high accuracy data acquisition, processing, analysis and data delivery

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston Massachusetts went through vigorous interior renovations to create long term stability for its patrons. With extreme winters on the east coast, there needed to be radiant heating tubing in the new concrete floor which becomes a challenge. With high-paste content and the need to place joints in the concrete - shrinkage cracking and curling would take place and result in floor damages. PREVent-C Shrinkage Reducing/Compensating admixture was used during the project resulting in a crack-free 7,000 square foot slab.

When a nanotechnology takes concrete from strong to stronger… that’s chemistry at work. Master X-Seed®, a first-of-its-kind nanoparticle solution for concrete, improves cement hydration, which enhances strength development while optimizing cementitious material. Learn about increasing early- and late-age concrete strength while supporting sustainable construction.

When a nanotechnology takes concrete from strong to stronger… that’s chemistry at work. (Video) Master X-Seed®, a first-of-its-kind nanoparticle solution for concrete, improves cement hydration, which enhances strength development while optimizing cementitious material. Learn about increasing early- and late-age concrete strength while supporting sustainable construction.

After historic flooding to Fort Randall Dam, located in South Dakota, inspections made it clear there needed to be repairs toward the dam to promise long term stability. In order to reduce concrete shrinkage for such a large product, the owner chose to use PREVent-C admixture at a 5% dosage rate in their specialty concrete mix design. With 130,000 dowel anchors being required to be drilled into the concrete, PREVent-C would help the amount of strain it would create to the concrete.

Are you using telematics beyond scheduling service intervals? Many business owners find it challenging to find the time and resources to use telematics beyond its basic functionality. With ActiveCare Direct, the 24/7/365 telematics monitoring service offered directly from Volvo, you can add an entire team of experts to your fleet from the Volvo Uptime Center and your dealership. With the additional support and the monthly fleet utilization reports you receive, it is easy to use telematics to its full potential, setting goals and business decisions that will keep your business more profitable in the long run.

ActiveCare Direct is the 24/7/365 telematics solution offered directly from Volvo. At the Volvo Uptime Center, thousands of data points from machines are delivered and sorted through using a proprietary system which removes all the guesswork for customers. As telematics solutions become more common, it may be a challenge to see how any program differs from the next.

Data overload is a problem that many business owners and fleet managers fear when it comes to telematics adoption. There is only so much time in a day, and unfortunately, working to analyze the mountains of data that telematics provides is not something many have the time or expertise to manage effectively. ActiveCare Direct, the 24/7/365 telematics monitoring solution from Volvo helps take the added work out of using telematics data to improve your business.

One of the easiest ways to ensure that each job you bid is accurate and profitable is to do the work up front. You may have spent years at this point becoming a bidding expert; you know how long it will take to complete a job and how many machine and operator hours — but what if it could be easier and even more accurate? Using telematics, and ActiveCare Direct from Volvo in particular, can be a useful job bidding tool.

Prevent Cracks with Volume Stable Concrete. The University of Utah’s basketball team needed to avoid concrete shrinkage and curling if they were going to be able to feature high quality wood flooring in their practice facility. With PREVent-C and 4 lbs/CY macro fibers, the entire 14,000-square-foot concrete slab was poured continuously with no joints. The floor flatness and levelness numbers were twice as stringent as required by specifications and no grinding was needed.

Using insights and alerts gained through ActiveCare Direct monthly reports allows for operator training that will help avoid five common instances of machine misuse, saving thousands of dollars in machine repair costs down the road.

ActiveCare Direct monthly reports provide insights on idle percentages versus work percentages across your entire fleet, by individual machine and by machine type. This allows you to easily compare utilization by operator and machine, as well as set goals for increased utilization over time. Doing so can have an immense impact on your fleet’s profitability.

Located in Alberta, this state-of-the-art facility consists of six, 2,000 ton silos for industrial sand storage. Unique to this facility is the support for both rail and truck material receiving. Tank Connection is an ISO 9001 certified QMS company, leading the storage industry in application expertise, storage innovation and solutions, storage tank manufacturing technology, vertical integration of operations and field construction services.

When non-maintenance work, like construction, is attempted by a maintenance workforce not staffed and prepared to do so, major problems of cost, workforce utilization and performance often occur. Here is how to avoid them.

Tony Cinkovich, Senior Project Manager at Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel, will discuss how their company uses drone data for inventory management, mine planning and haul truck road construction. Register here.

A maintenance workforce expected to perform maintenance as well as non-maintenance work like construction should be aware of significant potential problems.

Capture, de-slime and dewater granular solids including construction aggregate, specialty sands, mine tailings, dredger slurry and more.

The EC350E and EC380E excavators from Volvo were placed against comparable models from two industry-leading competitors. The result: Volvo has up to 12.5% greater reach during lifting and lifts up to 109% faster while traveling.