DECEMBER 2019
Historic Federal Building Receives Modern Facelift CSDA Contractor Tackles Demolition and GPR Scanning to Ensure Success
W W W. C O N C R E T E O P E N I N G S . C O M
President’s Page
MATTHEW FINNIGAN CSDA President
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s this issue reaches you, we are sometime in December. At the risk of stating the obvious, the end of the year is fast approaching followed by the beginning of another year, which is often a time of making resolutions, also known as goal setting. The question is, do you develop resolutions or goals as the new year arrives, whether personal or professional? The better question is, “Why not you”? For quarterback Russell Wilson of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, this question—this vision—is at the heart of everything he does. It has led him and his team to the Super Bowl as well as a multitude of other accomplishments. Where might it lead you? What do you want to accomplish, both professionally and personally, in 2020? Do you have a vision of the course you want to follow in the year, or where you want to end up at the close of the year? By following this process you have the ability to control your future. The question is, how far can you go? What will help you move your agenda forward? Let me suggest one idea to help you in this process, especially if you haven’t previously partaken. Consider attending CSDA’s 2020 Convention
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at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA from Thursday, April 2 through Saturday, April 4. It’s a fantastic way to network with colleagues, interact with manufacturers in a personal setting, learn new techniques and trends, recharge your batteries and enjoy some California sunshine in the midst of winter. And if you want the full CSDA experience, come in a couple of days beforehand and join in our committee meetings and Board meeting. Using Russell Wilson’s question—“Why not you?” You can find additional information about the Convention and more on CSDA’s new website —www.csda.org. If you haven’t looked at the site yet, take a moment to peruse it and examine all the great tools available to assist you in leading your operation in a safe, professional and productive manner. Here’s looking forward to seeing you at the Convention in Carlsbad, and wishing you have a great year as a result of setting goals for 2020! Cheers.
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CSDA OFFICERS
CONCRETE CASES
President, Matthew Finnigan National Concrete Cutting Inc. matthewf@nationalconcretecuttinginc.com Vice President, Mike Orzechowski DITEQ Corporation mikeo@diteq.com
Historic Federal Building Receives Modern Facelift
Secretary/Treasurer, Kellie Vazquez Holes, Incorporated kellie@holesinc.com
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Past President, Jack Sondergard Central Concrete Cutting, Inc. jacksondergard@sprynet.com Executive Director, Patrick O’Brien Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association pat@csda.org CSDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Terms expiring 2020) Scott Brown ICS, Blount Inc. scott.brown@blount.com Bill Fisher National Research Company bfisher@nationalresearchcompany.com Rick Glidewell Hilti, Inc. rick.glidewell@hilti.com Bennett Jones Advanced Concrete Sawing, Inc. bennett@acsawing.com Tim Terrell Husqvarna Construction Products tim.terrell@husqvarnagroup.com
Dam These Boys are Good Allegheny River Lock Restoration Completed Ahead of Schedule
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Precision Demolition Solves Time-Sensitive Problem at Energy Plant
CSDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Terms expiring 2021) Ty Conner Austin Enterprise tconner@austin-enterprise.com Dan Dennison Diamond Tools Technology ddennison@diamondtoolstechnology.com Mark DeSchepper Echo GPR Services mark@echogpr.com Jami Harmon GSSI harmonj@geophysical.com Bruce Ferrell PROSOCO bruce.ferrell@prosoco.com Greg Lipscomb Diamond Products glipscomb@diamondproducts.com
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CSDA Contractor Tackles Demolition and GPR Scanning to Ensure Success
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CSDA Contractor Generates Solution in Less Than Three Weeks
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Polished to Perfection
Polished Concrete Floors Help to Make Luxury Auto Facility Shine
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CONCRETE OPENINGS MAGAZINE Official Magazine of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association Volume 28, Number 4 ISSN: 1093-6483 Concrete Openings magazine is published by O’Brien International, Inc., four times each calendar year in March, June, September and December. Editorial contributions are welcomed and advertisements are encouraged. Please contact the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association 646 2nd Ave S St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel: 727-577-5004 Fax: 727-577-5012 WWW.CSDA.ORG Magazines, newspapers and private individuals are welcome to reproduce, in whole or part, articles published herein provided that acknowledgements are made in the following manner: “Reprinted courtesy of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association, Concrete Openings magazine, Issue Date.” No alterations should be made in the text of any article.
C O N T E N T S 18
The Business of Business
28
Core Health
32
Safety Counts
40
Tech Talk
42
Industry Bits
PUBLISHER O’Brien International
A Hostage Situation: Are You A Victim or Hero?
Five Secrets to Living a Longer, Healthier Life
OSHA Employee Interviews— Leveling The Playing Field
Vacuum Lifting a Viable Option to Help Protect Workers From Silica Dust
EDITOR Erin O’Brien CONCRETE CASE CONTRIBUTORS Anthony Brown Dan Matesic Ron Salera Jon Wilson EDITORIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE Tim Beckman Pat Stepanski Doug Walker The information and recommendations in this magazine are provided for use by fully qualified, professional personnel. The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association and the publisher disclaim any responsibility as to their use by readers and shall not be liable for damages arising out of the use of the foregoing information. All bylined articles published in this magazine represent solely the individual opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association.
52 Certification 54 Membership 56 Calendar 60 Director’s Dialogue
18 4 | DECEMBER.19
Concrete Cases
Historic Federal Building Receives Modern Facelift CSDA Contractor Tackles Demolition and GPR Scanning to Ensure Success
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he Downtown Federal Building in Washington, D.C., was dedicated in 1974 after a construction period of three years. Designed in the 1960s, the building is a contemporary interpretation of classicism and was built with materials similar to the neighboring associated agency’s buildings, directly across the street. The two buildings comprise the headquarter campus of the owner’s Washington, D.C. location. CTS crews use robotic demo equipment to break up a brick parapet wall on the roof of the building.
The exterior of the Downtown Federal Building in Washington, D.C.
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In 2013, a plan was established for a $220 million renovation of the campus and construction began in 2019. The goal of the Downtown Federal Building’s new design is to preserve the simple strength of the original architecture, while more effectively incorporating an enlarged security screening facility and podium level conference facility. To perform structural demolition and engineering on the Downtown Federal Building, General Contractor (GC) Hensel Phelps Construction hired CSDA member Concrete Technology Services (CTS) of Glenn Dale, Maryland. Among the tasks CTS were contracted to perform were: • All structural engineering analysis of the building during construction activities including shoring, demolition and safety requirements of the renovation • Lead and asbestos abatement • Engineer and install all shoring necessary during demolition activities • Remove the 12-floor elevator core structure, two elevators and adjacent bay • Remove 6,000 linear feet of steel beams • Remove 5,000 cubic yards of concrete • Remove the building’s top roof • Scarify the lower roof to accept a roofing water membrane and new concrete • Remove the entire parapet from the perimeter of the roof, which included an engineered safety net system to catch any potential falling debris • Perform demolition and saw cutting of precast covers including the structural slab under the covers that supported precast in 15 locations without damaging 50-year-old precast • Drill 2,000 holes through wide flanged steel beams encased in concrete • Remove three steel guard shacks • GPR imaging for all drilling necessary for new utilities This was the largest and most complex demolition and saw cutting project in CTS’ 33-year history.
Removing the elevator core CTS’ biggest challenge on the Downtown Federal Building was removing the original 12-floor elevator core structure and adjacent bay, which measured 65 feet wide by 33 feet long. The existing elevator structure was made of steel beams. The adjacent bay was similar but included a floor slab. This demolition was necessary to facilitate the installation of new six-car lobby elevator structures and a new concrete slab and structure in the original elevator core area. CTS accomplished existing elevator core demolition by a combination of wire sawing and robotic demo breaking, lifting cut sections with a tower crane. To accommodate the new elevators and staircases, CTS was tasked with cutting several new openings through 5- to 8-inch slabs throughout the entire building. Each of the 12 floors required the entire slab and support structure to be removed
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for an area that was approximately 32 feet by 33 feet. CTS saw cut the perimeter and utilized Brokk equipment for breaking all slab, beam and column encasements. All debris on the upper six floors was removed with CTS-installed debris chutes. All remaining debris was removed with a skid steer and selfdumping skip pans. All steel beams were lifted by a tower crane with CTS-certified riggers. As with any major renovation, this project included dangerous work. The core structure of the building had to be removed, exposing the lobby bay and leaving the entire area open. This area was a main building support, so all removal and renovation work had to be planned and executed with the upmost care to ensure the integrity of the building and the safety of all construction personnel. CTS removed all the slabs and beams in the adjacent bay in order to move the new lobby elevator structure and system to that bay. This included adding all new steel, small slab infills, block walls and new structural steel to carry the elevator system. The existing elevator lobby was removed and replaced with all new slab. “Demolition and build back for the elevator core were the critical path of this project,” commented Daniel Behen, Project Manager for CTS. “This required us to have saw cutting and Brokk crews working day and night to remove the existing slabs and concrete-encased steel beams throughout the 12 stories of the building to meet the demanding schedule.”
Working the roofs and the garage The Downtown Federal Building has three footprints–the upper roof, lower roof and garage levels four floors below the building. CTS removed the upper roof, which measured 30 feet by 150 feet and scarified 40,000 square feet of the lower roof to accept new roofing material. CTS utilized a skid steel scraper, Blastrac and EDCO concrete scarifying equipment to remove the existing roofing material. Additionally, they removed the entire parapet around the perimeter of the roof without impact to the project areas below. CTS vertically saw cut a 12-inch thick brick parapet in 8-foot intervals to ensure that only brick in that area would be removed. CTS used a Brokk 160 with a grapple to remove brick and place it into skip plans. Only a very small amount fell into the safety net system, which consisted of safety netting and crash decks over existing openings. CTS erected swing stages and scaffolding as needed to access challenging locations. When a winter storm clobbered Washington, D.C. while the roof was removed, CTS was asked by the GC to find a way to remove the snow from inside the structure. CTS designed a snow removal system with skid steers and excavators and trucked all the snow off-site to ensure the impact from piles of snow was not prolonged. On the four garage floor levels, CTS scarified concrete to accept new concrete topping slabs. They also removed most of that level’s concrete slab, planters and other material to make way for new slab and new glass structures to be added
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at ground level outside of the main building. Due to the new engineering design of exposed slab, CTS needed to remove concrete slabs and the steel structure for a new, stronger steel and concrete structure to be installed. CTS saw cut the perimeter and used Brokk breaking equipment to remove the slab. All existing steel structures that were removed were cut and lifted by CTS certified riggers. A further challenge emerged at fifteen locations where precast concrete covers were supported by a structural slab scheduled to be demolished. The GC did not want to remove the 50-year old precast beam and column covers that were erected to hide the steel structure of the building on the first floor. However, the slab under the precast supporting walls needed to be removed and replaced. To accomplish this feat, CTS designed and installed a clever support system to suspend the walls from the floor above so they could demolish the slab underneath. Beams were installed across the existing steel structure and the team utilized 1-inch steel rods hanging from support beams above precast covers. CTS then horizontally core drilled 6-inch diameter holes through the bottom of the precast covers and installed 5-inch steel pipes under precast. After installing all support mechanisms, the rods were connected to pipes, essentially hanging precast from the second floor. Once completed, CTS utilized Brokk breaking equipment from the floor below to carefully remove the existing floor under the precast covers.
Suspended shoring designed by CTS was utilized to provide temporary support to 50-year old precast panels in the parking garage while the concrete slab was replaced.
Safety is paramount
Robotic demo breakers were used to remove concrete slabs, planter walls and beams.
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As with any job of this size, safety was a major concern. At times, CTS had 65 field personnel on the project, in addition to the workers employed their subcontractors. Some of the safety concerns included falling debris, fall hazards and ensuring the structural stability of the building during demolition. All operators wore standard PPE, as well as abatement suits, face shields and chaps for chain saw cutting. Before any demolition or drilling, CTS performed GPR scanning, which was mandated in their contract for demolition and all MEP trades. CTS, along with their engineering partners, designed the necessary shoring to ensure the building’s structural integrity. In many cases, steel beams were removed so that new, larger steel members could be installed for the final conditions of structure. As the demolition contractor, CTS was tasked with the engineering and
associated safety of the building during the construction and rehabilitation phases. They provided all the calculations of floor loads and the necessary shoring during the phases that required temporary support. Every contractor onsite had to submit their lift plans to CTS along with a list of the equipment they planned to use, and CTS would allow or disallow the use of the equipment during construction based on the structural analysis of the building. These safety measures ensured success, with no lost time incidents or injuries with any of their personnel or subcontractors. Project Superintendent Ever Solito echoed CTS’s commitment to safety. “This project has allowed many of our employees to become cross-trained on multiple pieces of equipment. Our team’s dedication to safety has resulted in 85,000 man hours without a recordable accident on this project alone,” he stated.
Debris egress presented a challenge
After demo, over 6,000 linear feet of steel beams and 5,000 cubic yards of concrete were removed.
As always, demolition projects are challenged with debris egress and the Downtown Federal Building was no exception. To ensure that demolition debris removal was fast and efficient, CTS designed custom debris chutes. They erected a six-floor chute system for removal of all debris from the upper floors and the GC provided a tower crane as well.
On the lower garage floors, CTS utilized a 78,000 lb. Hyundai excavator for removal of all debris. CTS shored locations where they expected to store large quantities of debris until it could be moved off site. Ultimately, CTS removed 6,000 linear feet of steel beams and 5,000 cubic yards of concrete, including many beams that were encased in concrete. Multiple Brokks were utilized on the Downtown Federal Building, including a 500, 400, two 330s, 200, two 180s, 160 and a 110. All were electric except for the one Brokk 330 diesel. CTS performed wire sawing with a Husqvarna PP492 high-frequency power pack and a CC10 wire saw attachment. Track and wall saw cutting was completed with multiple remote-controlled high cycle electrical units from Husqvarna and Pentruder. Diamond Products slab saws used included: a CC3700 high voltage electric with 42-inch blade capacity, self-propelled with soft start and DC travel; a 7574 Diesel with scrubber catalytic converter and a CC2500 electric slab saw with 20-inch blade capacity. CTS also utilized: a Hyundai XL330L excavator; two Bobcat S70 skid steers and two Kubota SSV75 skid steers. CTS used Atlas Copco hydraulic hammers with automatic water feed to ensure compliance with the OSHA silica rule and supplemented the water feed with direct spray of water by personnel where necessary, especially in areas with low ceiling levels. To meet the challenge of drilling 2,000 holes through wide flanged steel beams encased in concrete, CTS
Removing concrete slab and structures from the four-story parking garage.
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custom designed a remote-controlled core drill rig to move two horizontally, by mounting Hilti 480 core drill units up a vertical column shaft into the proper elevation. With this rig, one operator could drill two beams at the same time. Why was CTS chosen for such an important and massive project? “We could manage all aspects of the job, including the engineering, demolition, GPR scanning and abatement with little need to subcontract large portions to other contractors,” commented Ron Salera, General Manager of CTS. “Also, CTS is the only company in the Washington, D.C. area that owned all of the necessary equipment and had the qualified labor force to complete the project within schedule. Our EMR rating of .80 or less was a major decision by the General Contractor to employ our services.”
Completed and ongoing work To date, CTS has: • Drilled 2,000 two- to six-inch diameter holes through concrete encased steel beams with 5/8-inch thick web A remote control core drill rig designed by CTS allowed two core drills to simultaneously tackle the challenge of core drilling over 2,000 holes through wide-flanged steel beams encased in concrete. • Removed 5,000 cubic yards of concrete • Removed 2,000 cubic yards of dirt • Removed 6,000 linear feet of steel beams from COMPANY PROFILE the site Concrete Technology Services is headquartered in Glenn • Saw cut and removed hundreds of openings Dale, Maryland, with a branch in Raleigh, North Carolina • Created thousands of 2- to 12-inch diameter and has been in business for 33 years. They have 42 trucks holes for MEP and 90 employees, with 65 field personnel in Maryland and • Removed over 400 windows from the site 15 in Raleigh. CTS offers sawing and drilling services, as • Removed over 600 linear feet of parapet wall well as GPR and X-Ray imaging (including digital X-Ray) and structural demolition. They have been CSDA members • Scarified 100,000 square feet of concrete The Downtown Federal Building project is ongoing. The original contract of $5 million was completed on time and the project value is currently approaching $15 million and growing. Most of the demolition is complete and CTS expects to be completed by December 2019. Notably, CTS was also completing a $2 million saw cutting project for Kiewit on the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the same time. CTS is grateful to company owner Terry Gilliam for his relentless pursuit of excellence and devotion to providing the most advanced technological equipment that ensured the success of project. REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.CONCRETEOPENINGS.COM
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since 1999.
RESOURCES General Contractor Hensel Phelps Construction CSDA Cutting Contractor Concrete Technology Services Ron Salera Phone: 561-989-4099 Email: ron@ctsinc.org Methods Used Wall Sawing, Wire Sawing, Core Drilling, GPR Imaging, Selective Demo
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Concrete Cases
Dam These Boys are Good CSDA Contractor Completes Allegheny River Lock Restoration Project Ahead of Schedule
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he Port of Pittsburgh’s Inland Waterways Navigation System consists of 17 locks and dams on the three major rivers that connect in Pittsburgh—the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio. Much of the infrastructure in the waterway system is 70 to 80 years old and desperately in need of repair. Due to its age and lack of consistent maintenance and upgrades, this lock and dam system, essential to shipping and recreation in the area, has deteriorated to the point that watercraft lockages have become severely impeded. The lock facility is more than 80 years old and only has one chamber, measuring 56 feet by 360 feet. The lock is open to commercial navigation and recreational boating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was tasked with resurfacing the deteriorated vertical land wall concrete within the lock chamber at Lock Number 2 on the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh. They hired General Contractor (GC) CJ Mahan Construction Company for this demolition and restoration job. The GC’s contract was for land wall concrete resurfacing within the lock chamber over an area measuring 360 feet by 22 feet, with 22 feet being roughly the minimum normal water level measured from the top of the wall downward. The scope of the work was to include concrete removal, concrete placement (including fabrication and placement of precast panels), rebar and anchor installation. CSDA member Concrete Cutting Systems of Pittsburgh (CCS) was contracted to remove: • A vertical concrete wall inside the lock chamber measuring 360 feet long by 22 feet tall and 12 inches thick • Vertical concrete wall 330 feet long, 6 feet tall and 12 inches thick to make way for new steel grating above mechanical access points • Ladder and line hooks along a vertical concrete wall inside the lock chamber measuring 13.5 feet long by 22 feet tall and 2.5 feet thick
A Challenging Work Schedule The USACE allowed work within the lock chamber on a 3-2-5-2 schedule: three weeks full chamber closure, two weeks restricted chamber width to pass navigation, five weeks full chamber closure and two weeks restricted chamber width. CCS was to complete all face wall demo during the first three-week shutdown so the GC could install new precast panels during the five-week full chamber closure. Only having three weeks to complete the demo posed a big challenge.
Vertical cuts were made 12-inches deep along the lock chamber wall with a Hilti DSW 3018E wire saw.
Before the first shutdown, CCS spent 30 days line-drilling 130 2-inch diameter vertical holes to a depth of 22 feet. CCS employed three Hilti DD350 core drills for this phase of the job, drilling an average of six holes per 10-hour shift, 22 shifts total. Core drilling vertical line holes enabled the excavator mill head to know its depth when milling the face wall of the chamber. During the first shutdown, work on the ladder and line hook area was to commence. The area to be demolished was 13.5 feet long, 22 feet tall and 2.5 feet thick and could not be reached by the mill. CCS employed a Hilti DSW 3018E wire saw to cut the ladder and line hook area into four 28,000-pound pieces. Wire sawing the ladder and line hook section into pieces was the only way to remove this concrete. First, two 2-inch diameter vertical holes were drilled 22 feet deep, followed by 12 6.5-inch diameter horizontal holes. The wire cuts consisted of four 13.5 feet by 2.5 feet deep horizontal push wire saw cuts, two 22- by 2.5-foot deep vertical pull wire saw cuts, finishing with a 22- by 13.5-foot deep vertical pull wire saw cut. The mill also could not reach the face wall in front of the metal pump house building, which was 23 feet long, 22 feet tall and 12 inches thick. This concrete was substantially deteriorated and wasn’t strong enough to be lifted out in pieces with a crane. CCS determined the safest way to remove the face wall was to cut it into one piece with the Hilti DSW 3018E wire saw and then hammer it with a Husqvarna DXR Demolition Robot from a barge as the back cut was pulled up. To make this cut, two 22-foot vertical wall saw cuts 12 inches deep were made, followed by a 23-foot horizontal cut. Then, a 23-foot by 22-foot vertical pull wire saw cut was made to finish.
Opposite: Workers used a JLG lift to perform the vertical wall saw cuts. C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 1 3
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by 6 feet tall by 12 inches thick for new grating for mechanical access, and core-drilled to prepare for installation of new precast ladder and line hook. To remove the walls, CCS core drilled 58 6.5-inch diameter vertical holes to 6 feet in depth, plunge wire sawed 58 6-foot-deep vertical cuts and wall sawed 58 horizontal cuts 12 inches in depth. The lengths for each cut varied, but totaled 330 feet. Saw cutting was the only way to demo these walls because hammering this concrete would have sent debris into the mechanical controls for the lock and dam. The prep for the install of the precast ladder and line hook required core drilling 14 1.125-inch diameter horizontal holes to 2.33 feet in depth, four 1.75-inch diameter horizontal holes to 2.33-inches depth and four 1.75-inch diameter horizontal holes to 8.5 feet deep. Coring holes for the new precast and existing concrete was the only way to anchor the concrete together correctly.
Overcoming Hazards and Challenges
Elsewhere, wall saw cuts were needed on the face wall at the limits of work to provide a neat line and clear limit of demo for all work. CCS used Husqvarna HF482 wall saws to saw a 360-foot horizontal cut for neat line at the bottom of the chamber wall removal limits and two 22-foot vertical cuts for neat line at the limits of work. At the top of the wall they slab-sawed 700 feet of 15-inch thick concrete for the work limits. Slab sawing was the only logical solution to make this cut, providing the limits of work on the top of the wall demo. At the gate recess area, the mill and crane couldn’t reach the vertical concrete wall, which was 34 feet long, 22 feet tall and 12 inches thick. In order to demo this area, CCS used a Husqvarna HF482 wall saw to cut 22-foot vertical cuts 12-inches deep every 13 inches. Then they used a Husqvarna DXR secured to a barge to hammer the sections into manageable pieces. A JLG lift was used to perform the wall sawing. Two concrete walls between steel wall armor posed a unique challenge. The USACE wanted to save and protect the armor, so a big excavator was not an option. Time was short and hand tools could not complete the demo on time. The only option was to use a Husqvarna DXR chained to a barge to hammer the sections, which were 15- by 22-feet tall and up to 12 inches deep. The mill head also could not reach the bottom two feet of a 360-foot by 22-foot by 12 inches deep section of vertical wall where the neat cut line could not be disturbed in any way. Again, a DXR chained to a barge was the only option for the demo. During the final 30-day phase of the post chamber shutdown, CCS removed vertical concrete walls 330 feet long 14 | DECEMBER.19
Even though the start date for the job was delayed one month while the GC was waiting on USACE to approve the work plans, CCS finished their pre-lock chamber shutdown vertical line drilling a few days ahead of schedule. During the lock chamber shutdown phase, CCS employees worked two 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. Complicating the job, was that most of the work was performed over water, as the chamber could not be drained. CCS used a swing scaffold, barges with JLG lifts and floating steel and wood platforms to work in areas that couldn’t be reached by the mill.
In total, 1,460 linear feet of wall saw cuts were made.
To ensure safety, CCS workers always wore life vests, were tied off with 3-foot lanyards when working off lifts, wore safety harnesses when working near fall hazards and completed rigorous safety inspections on each shift when working with electric tools. Despite these challenges, CCS completed their shutdown work one week ahead of schedule. Rather than sit idle, the GC asked them to take on more work to help complete the demo on time. CCS finished all their post lock chamber shutdown work several weeks in advance of their deadline. The GC has since awarded CCS a sawing and drilling project in Kentucky scheduled for early 2020 because of their professionalism, project management, ability to meet deadlines and sawing tolerances and the fact that the company provides their operators with the latest in sawing and drilling technologies. Jon Wilson of CCS remarked, “Our original contract was to line drill and wall saw the bottom horizontal limit of work. By the time we completed the work, our contract tripled in size because of our efficiency in concrete sawing, drilling and demolition. Overall, the project was a huge success for Concrete Cutting Systems and we look forward to future work on the river wherever that may be!” Wilson believes CCS was selected for the project because they have a comfortable relationship with the GC. They previously worked with the company on 3 other USACE projects in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. CCS Management would like to thank all the CCS employees involved with such a successful project: Jonathan Hankle, Ron Vojtas, Dan Sterner, Dan Zwolinski, Hunter Fry, Mike Lear, Riley Booras, Tom Schafer, Joe Biddle, Ryan Kelly, Jeffrey Schroth, Mitch Claus and Lester Arthur. CSDA contractors meet and exceed expectations on a regular basis, and this project was no exception. Not only did CCS beat their deadline, but they were awarded additional work on this project and future work on other projects because of their professionalism and expertise.
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Core drilling allowed for the wire saw runs, with 3,028 square feet of total wire sawing.
Equipment used: • • • • • •
Hilti DSW 3018E wire saw Husqvarna CS10 wire saws Husqvarna HF482 wall saws Hilti DD350 core drills Husqvarna DXR Demolition Robots Variety of diamond blades, bits and wire provided by Diamond Products, Husqvarna and Hilti
Job Statistics: • • • •
•
Slab sawed 700-foot cut to 15-inches in depth Wall sawed 95 cuts for 1,460 LF at 12-inches in depth Wire sawed 66 cuts for 3,028 SF Core drilled 132 – 2-inch diameter holes 22 feet in depth 58 – 6.5-inch diameter holes 6 feet in depth 12 – 6.5-inch diameter holes 2.5 feet in depth 14 – 1.125-inch diameter holes 2.33 feet in depth 4 – 1.75-inch diameter holes 2.33 feet in depth 4 – 1.75-inch diameter holes 8.5 feet in depth Robotic demo One area 360 feet long by 2 feet tall by 12 inches thick Two areas 15 feet long by 22 feet tall by 12 inches thick One area 34 feet long by 22 feet tall by 12 inches thick
REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.CONCRETEOPENINGS.COM
16 | DECEMBER.19
Part of the 360- by 22-foot deteriorated chamber lock wall section is removed via crane.
COMPANY PROFILE Concrete Cutting System’s corporate headquarters is located in Philadelphia, PA, and they have been in business since 1995. Their fleet consists of 45 trucks with 70 employees. In 2016, they opened a branch in Pittsburgh, PA which operates an additional 10 trucks with 25 employees. They excel in high profile, time sensitive projects, as well as deep drilling and large wire sawing projects. Their services include slab sawing, wall sawing, wire sawing, core drilling, concrete removal, slurry containment/cleanup and recycling and robotic demolition. Concrete Cutting Systems has been a CSDA member for 15 years.
RESOURCES General Contractor U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CJ Mahan Construction Company CSDA Cutting Contractor Concrete Cutting Systems of Pittsburgh Jon Wilson Phone: 412-310-0729 Email: jonw@sawcutr.com Methods Used Wall Sawing, Wire Sawing, Core Drilling, Slab Sawing, Robotic Demo
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The Business of Business
A Hostage Situation: Are You A Victim or Hero? By Ryan Rindlisbacher
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hen one thinks of being held hostage or having a ransom demanded for the safe return of some person or valuables, it typically involves some intimate setting. The police are going to follow the suitcase full of unmarked bills and arrest the perpetrators when they attempt to retrieve it; or some government agency sets up camp in your living room waiting for the phone to ring so they can trace the call and locate the criminals across town. All that goes out the window when it comes to ransomware. In the case of ransomware, the cyber bad guys are not down the road watching your home or business with binoculars, in fact they do not even know who you are. They do not contact you by phone or even email, but you are held ransom. Someone has taken control of your files, often very important and personal files, and there appears to be very little you can do about it. Pictures of a child’s wedding, tax records, customer lists, financial records—all being held trying to motivate you to pay up or live with the files being permanently gone. One technological advancement that has empowered ransomware to flourish is the invention of Bitcoin. It used to be quite difficult for ransomware creators to collect their bounty. They were forced to have people mail them prepaid visa cards or gift cards. This caused a lot of latency between being infected and getting your data back, assuming you were willing to pay. But around 2008, when Bitcoin was coming into its own, that all changed. The anonymity and speed of Bitcoin transfers make it the perfect method of payment for ransomware thieves. As attacks increase, we are seeing more and more government regulations on Bitcoin, with ransomware as the justification. Bitcoin’s role in ransomware could prove to be detrimental to its anonymous model. Ransomware is the nastiest (and most lucrative) form of “malicious software,” better known by its contracted name: malware. The
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people creating malware are well funded. Just one ransomware campaign yielded $325 million USD [1]. The FBI estimates that ransomware generated $209,000,000 USD in the first three months of 2016 and is now over a one-billion-dollar a year crime. With these potential profits, ransomware is not going away. A survey published last year indicates that cyber-attacks are growing in frequency. With an increase of 40 percent year over year 2. The survey continued with an astounding 80 percent of executives and cybersecurity experts reporting they had experienced some kind of cybersecurity breach in the past. Can you imagine the public outrage if 80 percent of Americans had been broken into or burglarized! Living in that kind of fear is unfathomable. With over 4,000+ attacks per day, or just under 1.5 million attacks per year in the United States alone, it is not a question of if you will be attacked, but when…but luckily you get to decide how badly it will affect you. THEY’VE GOT THEIR EYE ON YOU Running a small business is difficult. Finding the right employees, creating and expanding brand recognition and trying to keep costs down are just a few of the
challenges. Often small businesses lack the knowledge, the funds and the manpower to adequately protect themselves against the inundation of malware. Throw on cyberattacks that can sneak up and threaten the solvency of a business without any warning, and a profitable year suddenly becomes painful and embarrassing as you try to explain to customers why you lost your company’s history. With large firms struggling to stay ahead of cyber criminals and e-extortionists, it should come as no surprise that small businesses are falling prey to their shenanigans. In fact, 43 percent of cyberattacks specifically target small businesses2. Large companies and even the United States federal government, with their almost limitless means and resources are struggling to find answers to thwart off malware. Therefore, it is impractical to expect small businesses to be able to adequately defend themselves against such attacks. Microsoft and other operating system designers have tried to enhance security to slow down or stop this barrage and have had varying levels of success. Thus far, there has been no silver bullet. With 89.4 percent of America’s companies being classified as small businesses3, nearly 90 percent of the businesses that drive the U.S. economy are
in need of help in defending themselves against an endless barrage of attacks. Further unsettling is the very government that is designed to help defend against attacks, helping to promote peace, safety and prosperity, has recently said, “Ransomware is that good,” Joseph Bonavolonta, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s CYBER and Counterintelligence Program, told Boston’s Cyber Security Summit. “To be honest, we often advise people just to pay the ransom”4. Special Agent Bonavolonta created quite the uproar when he disclosed that there is just not much anyone can do when they have been compromised. You pay up or you run the risk of losing all your precious files. Once you are ransomed, all you have are three options: 1-restore from backups, 2-pay the ransom, or 3-learn to do without. WHY YOU SHOULD CARE Attacks are getting smarter and more dangerous. Besides simple files, like pictures, MS Word documents, MS Excel files, etc., various ransomware strains are now seeking out database files and, in some cases, it will even terminate the database process to ensure it can encrypt the files that were in use. They can now effectively attack and encrypt Microsoft Access, Microsoft Visual FoxPro, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL files among other types. Besides changing their target market, some are trying to expand into portable devices. Typically, ransomware is designed to attack desktop and server computers, but some ransomware strains have been developed to attack cell phones, changing the phone’s unlock pin. They then require a ransom to obtain the new pin. Locking people out of mobile devices could prove to be very financially lucrative since so many people do not backup the photos they have on their cell phones. OPTIONS What options do you have if you are hit by ransomware? Basically, just three. Option 1—Restore from a backup. This option is by far the best of the three. With the cost of portable drives (a.k.a. thumb drives, flash drives, USB drives, etc.) being about the price of a cup of coffee, there is no reason to not have a backup of your data. Keep it on your key chain and copy files before you leave the office a couple of times a week. Other backup options, like
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Google Backup & Sync (formally called Google Drive), Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive are just a few common options from those available. These services copy your files onto a cloud server potentially keeping them safe in case your office becomes infected. Obviously larger, more expensive backup solutions also exist. With all the different options available, there really is no excuse to not back up your valuable data and files.
Option 2—Pay the ransom. The ransom price varies with some as low as several hundred dollars to as much as $15,000 USD. More often than not, this requires payment through Bitcoin. While many people have taken this route successfully, there are documented cases where the files were never released after the ransom was paid. Remember, criminals are not typically known for upholding their end of an agreement.
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The Business of Business But in the majority of cases, the files are released. You must also remember that the criminals have had access to their computers after the files are released and may have left other viruses lurking. Taking good backups (now that you have your files back) and resetting all the computers, including the server(s), back to factory defaults is highly advisable, but also adds to the costs. Option 3—Learn to do without. This is painful. An ounce of prevention (see option 1) is worth more than a pound of cure in this scenario. On principle alone, option 2 should be avoided, but only you can determine the value of the files. Since the e-thugs do not release single files, you have to be prepared to lose all files across your entire network. While often much cheaper than option 2, forgoing all files and starting over also comes with a steep cost. Possible Option 4-Don’t be a victim in the first place. This option is easier said than done and requires a proactive approach. Company trainings on proper electronic etiquette must be given on a regular basis. Teaching employees how to identify
continued
questionable emails and websites or how to open attachments in a protected sandbox goes a long way in avoiding ransomware. But these skills must be refreshed often so new employees don’t miss out. Frequent training also acts as a great reminder to people who have heard it before. In short, if the email looks even a little suspicious, do not click on it! If the attachment is a .rar file or a .zip file, be even more skeptical. Avoid websites that have a questionable reputation. CONCLUSION Ransomware, the cancer of software, is growing by leaps and bounds. It is generating impressive income, year over year. Stopping ransomware has proven to be very difficult as it is finding new and creative means of distribution. There is just not much anyone can do once they have been compromised. You pay up or you run the risk of losing all your precious files. Backups can be worth their weight in gold; or should I say, their weight in Bitcoin. But even better is to be prepared! Just being cautious, careful, and thoughtful can save a lot of time, money, and frustration.
Ryan Rindlisbacher is a Ph.D candidate in Computer Science, and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. He is the managing partner of CSDA member CentalPoint Solutions, LLC based in Herriman, Utah. Ryan can be reached at 801-478-6822 or rhr@cenpoint.com. References 1 Samani, R. (in press). Ensure your data is not taken hostage: Ransomware remediation strategies for businesses in Oman. Business Today. Retrieved from http://www.businesstoday.co.om/Issues/ Investing-in-health/Ensure-Your-Data-is-Not-TakenHostage-Ransomware-Remediation-Strategies-forBusinesses-in-Oman 2 Selznick, L., & Lamacchia, C. (2018). Cybersecurity liability: How technically savvy can we expect small business owners to be? Journal of Business & Technology Law, 13(2), 2017-253 3 Facts & Data on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. (2017). Retrieved 11/09/2017, from http://sbecouncil.org/about-us/facts-and-data/ 4 Heater, B. (2016). May. PC Magazine, 109-118. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.proxy1. ncu.edu/eds/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=bf37b4e03171-41d8-be50-51b603127276%40sessionmgr10 2&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=114 755999&db=a9h
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Concrete Cases
Precision Demolition Solves Time-Sensitive Problem at Energy Plant CSDA Contractor Generates Solution in Less Than Three Weeks
Concrete forms are set before the original foundation is poured.
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irst Energy’s Springdale Generating Facility in Springdale Township, PA just outside Pittsburgh, is a natural gas facility which generates power for more than half a million homes in the area. Since 2015, renovations have been underway for the generating units which began service in 2003.
As part of the renovation, a concrete foundation pad was installed to support a 150-foot high tension pole. Due to the plant’s proximity to the Allegheny River, the ground is very soft around the facility, so the construction engineer for General Contractor (GC) M. Betters Construction required that the pad be built in layers. The top layer of the pad was 6.5 feet in diameter and 2-feet, 3-inches tall. This was the base for the pole to stand on. The middle layer is a tall foundation, measuring 12 feet by 12 feet by 4-feet, 3-inches tall. The bottom Matcon was tasked with removing the top layer of the foundation without damaging the lower two layers of concrete and reinforcement, as well as keeping the anchor bolts in place without being damaged. layer consists of eight 80-foot micro piles into bedrock, 9 5/8 inches in diameter. After the pad was installed, it was Various solutions were discussed with the GC, two of which discovered that the top layer of concrete never achieved were dismissed in short order. One of those suggestions was compressive strength. The top layer would have to be removed that laborers could use 30# rivet buster hammers to pulverize and replaced without damaging the steel reinforcing and anchor the top layer. However, that percussive demolition could damage bolts that ran all the way through the base and foundation, or the the bolts and be prohibitively costly and time consuming. other two layers of concrete and reinforcement. Hydrodemolition with handheld devices was also quickly In September of 2019, CSDA member Matcon Diamond of dismissed as no hydrodemolition company could guarantee the Pittsburgh, PA was asked by the GC for input on how to remove cost or time it would take to remove all the concrete. and replace the top layer of the pad in a way that wouldn’t Matcon suggested that they make a horizontal cut with impact the reinforcing steel, the two anchor bolts or the rest of a hand saw 4 inches below elevation from the top of the slab the structure. The intent was that once the bad concrete was (anticipating that they would cut off no more than 1 inch of removed, forms could be set and the concrete replaced without reinforcing bars) to a depth of 4 inches. The horizontal cut would having to touch the anchor bolts, which were already aligned to be deep enough to expose the reinforcing steel, but not so deep receive the high tension pole. Additionally, engineers thought it that the anchor bolts would be scored. The next step was to would be prudent to limit the amount and degree of percussive snap the ring piece of concrete off to confirm the location of the demolition to mitigate any damage to the 12-square-foot slab and vertical reinforcing bars. Next, the Matcon team set a wall saw micro pilings. W WW. C O N C RE TE OPE N IN GS.COM
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Concrete Cases
continued
up on top of the 12 square-foot slab and made 13 vertical cuts to a depth of 27 inches, making sure to align the cuts to protect the anchor bolts and the recently exposed reinforcing steel. Next, they used a chainsaw to chase the cut lines on the outside of the slab where the wall saw blade could not reach. This would achieve full depth cuts at those areas, 26 “finished cuts”. Then, with small percussive hammers (no greater than 30#), operators chipped apart the remaining concrete to the interface of the 12-foot foundation and the newly removed top. Finally, Matcon drilled 12 holes 5/8-inches in diameter to a depth of 12 inches into the foundation for the installation of vertical reinforcing bars. The original plan called for a keyway where the first two layers met. Matcon made it clear to all parties that if the concrete in the keyway was removed, the integrity of the keyway would be questionable. On their advice, the engineers decided to forego the keyway and instead employ 12 vertical reinforcing bars to address any later question or possibility of horizontal sheer. Two days after their demolition plan was approved, September 9, Matcon got to work. They performed 13 wall saw cuts to depth of 2-feet, 3-inches with a Pentruder wall saw with
A laborer clears the surrounding stone away from the foundation to enable the chain saw operator to complete the cuts the outside perimeter to full depth.
Midway through the removal process, a laborer clears out the concrete with a chipping gun. Now that relief cuts are all completed, the transfer of percussive hammering is mitigated.
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blades from Diamond Products and K2 Diamond; 26 chain saw cuts to a depth of 2-feet, 3-inches with a Pentruder chain saw using Max Cut brand chains and 12 hammer drilled holes to depth of 12 inches. Matcon completed their part of the work one week after work commenced, and on September 18 the job was successfully concluded. With Matcon’s timely response and the diligence of the GC, the total impact to the job was less than a two-week delay. The concrete was replaced shortly thereafter and this time it achieved the required strength. Matcon Operations Manager Dan Matesic said, “I personally met with the GC on site to see what we could come up with to put this mess to bed. We were chosen for this job because of our history together and our knowledge of and experience with this kind of specialty demolition. The GC told us they were very happy with the results and glad to have been able to show their customer, First Energy, that despite the issues that do indeed sometimes unfortunately result in the course of the construction business, there is no problem that can’t be solved.” Matcon Diamond showed that seemingly impossible setbacks and problems can often be successfully repaired or tackled with diamond cutting techniques using experienced and professional CSDA contractors. Another happy customer! REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.CONCRETEOPENINGS.COM
COMPANY PROFILE Matcon Diamond, Inc. is located in Pittsburgh, PA and has been in business since 1985. They have been CSDA members since 1987. Matcon has approximately 20 trucks and 50 employees. They offer a full range of sawing drilling and removal services, along with roadway joint sawing and sealing and concrete replacement. Matcon is a 2017 Concrete Openings Awards winner.
RESOURCES General Contractor M. Betters Construction CSDA Cutting Contractor Matcon Diamond Dan Matesic Phone: 412-481-0280 Email: matcon@matcondiamond.com Methods Used Wall Sawing, Hand Sawing, Chain Sawing The completed foundation pad, with concrete having reached desired compressive strength, ready for the placement of the 150-foot high-tension pole.
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C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 2 5
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IACDS President’s Insight
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great year is coming to a close, and I would like to use this moment to reflect. In April, I was elected IACDS President. Following Julie White as President will be a difficult challenge. We had a great Bauma, with a very successful Diamond Award Ceremony. The entries were amazing, and we received so many submissions, that it was hard to choose just one winner! I just came back from India, where the Indian Demolition Association (IDA) has established their own association. I am very grateful and feel honored that I was invited and had the opportunity to represent the IACDS and share our values and work. We are proud that the IDA has applied for membership for the IACDS, please help me in welcoming them! We also welcome back the Austrian association for concrete cutting and drilling (VBS). Twenty-four years ago, VBS was one of the founding members of this association, along with CSDA. Having our silver anniversary next year, I am very proud to have them back as members. IACDS’ silver anniversary will be celebrated on March 25th and 26th, as part of Bebosa. There will be a dinner March 25 and general assembly on March 26, so, mark the date! Bebosa is a very popular German trade show, which is held every 3 years in Willingen. This will bring international guests from all over the world to Bebosa and underline the importance of
MICHAEL FINDEIS IACDS President the successful model of the fair. Come and see for yourself. You will find out that this opportunity will be a perfect event to network and exchange with wonderful people from all over the world. Have a wonderful Christmas time and holiday season.
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C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 2 7
Core Health Industry Bits continued
Five Secrets to Living a Longer, Healthier Life By Erin O’Brien
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odern life is stressful, busy, fast-paced and demanding. All of us in the concrete renovation industry are constantly on the go, pulled in a hundred different directions by demands from our jobs, family, friends and life in general. It’s easy to lose track of our priorities, and many of us find ourselves taking care of everyone and everything else instead of ourselves. We rush through meals, grabbing whatever is cheap and convenient. We forgo physical activity to spend another hour at the office, on the jobsite, running errands or spending time with our families. However, the less importance we put our own health and wellbeing, the more we endanger our lives and risk not being able to be there for those that need us the most. Work-life balance may be one of the most urgent challenges each of us face. Stress from our jobs, family and responsibilities increases our blood pressure, risk of developing disease and encourages weight gain. Lack of time spend engaging in physical activity or preparing healthy, nutritious meals means we are increasing the possibility that we may not be around for our families as we age. So, what is a busy concrete professional to do? What if cutting back on time spent at the office, on the jobsite or with our children and family isn’t an option? The easiest and most efficient change you can make to your lifestyle is to improve your diet. We will discuss five basic changes anyone can make that can drastically improve your overall health. All of these are easy for anyone to incorporate into their lifestyles with minimal effort, so you have no more excuses! 1. EAT MORE VEGGIES AND FRUIT The easiest thing to do, and the one that is most overlooked. A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
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found that only one in 10 adults get enough servings per day (five), with just 9% eating the recommended two to three servings of veggies per day and 12% hitting the mark for fruit, at two servings per day. A serving is measured as approximately one cup, or about the size of a tennis ball. Besides helping meet your daily recommended intake of the vitamins, minerals and fiber in fruits and veggies, they can also help prolong your life. Those who reached their daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables had a lower mortality rate and a significantly decreased risk of developing heart disease. Aim for five cups per day to maximize the health benefits. Add a minimum of one serving to your breakfast, whether it’s a cup of spinach in your omlette or a cup of berries with your oatmeal. You can also pack two to three cups of veggies and fruit into smoothies for a snack any time of the day. A cup of spinach or other leafy greens blends well with a banana, pineapple, mango or carrots. Veggies can also be added to stir-frys, pastas and even dessert – if you need ice cream at night, add some fruit to go along with it. 2. GO NUTS! (FOR NUTS AND NUT BUTTERS) Nuts are nutrition powerhouses. They provide healthy fats, plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and key minerals like potassium and magnesium, all of which are linked to longer, healthier lives. One study found that people who consumed three one-ounce servings of nuts or nut butters per week had a 39% lower overall mortality risk. Some may argue that nuts are high in fat and calories, but when used in moderation, the benefits of the nutrients and good fats in nuts and nut butters far outweigh the higher calorie and overall fat content. With most of those fats being mono- and poly-unsaturated, they fall firmly into the good fat category.
The daily recommended intake is two to three servings, with one serving being about one ounce, or a quarter-cup. Two tablespoons of nut butter count as one serving. There are many ways to incorporate nuts or nut butters into your diet. Whip nut butter into a smoothie, stir it into oatmeal or use it as a dip or spread for fruits and veggies. Nuts can be added to salads, cooked vegetables, stir frys or just eat them as is! 3. EAT LIKE A MEDITERRANEAN In most nutritional circles, the Mediterranean diet remains the gold standard for a longer, healthier life. This diet is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, purses (an umbrella term used to describe beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas), healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts), herbs and spices and seafood. The Mediterranean diet consists of a moderate consumption of dairy, eggs and wine, and a limited intake of meat and sweets. One measure of longevity cited in most scientific research studies is telomere length. Telomeres are the caps found at the end of chromosomes in your body that protect your DNA. Think of them as the genetic equivalent to the protective cartilage covering the ends of your bones. When telomeres become too short, the cell they protect becomes old and dysfunctional, allowing mutations and damage to occur in the cell which can lead to chronic disease. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to help maintain telomere length. To add Mediterranean diet elements into your current lifestyle, you can replace butter with nut butter or avocados on toast and use extravirgin olive oil for salad dressing and to sauté vegetables on low heat. Snack on fresh fruit with nuts, olives, roasted chickpeas (see my favorite recipe in the sidebar) and keep meals simple. Dinner could be roasted fish served over a bed of greens tossed in extra-virgin olive oil with a side of roasted potatoes and a glass of red wine. Pro tip—choose red over white wine, it has less sugar and more antioxidants! 4. EAT LIKE A RABBIT For better or worse, vegetarians and vegans are everywhere—and they can be rather vocal. People have many reasons for choosing this
type of diet, including health benefits, animal cruelty or environmental impacts. Whatever their reason, those who follow a meatfree diet do gain a huge advantage in the longevity department. Blue Zones area areas in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. Researchers have found five Blue Zones where life expectancy is higher than anywhere else in the world. They are found in very diverse areas, from Okinawa, Japan to Ikaria, Greece. In the United States, only one Blue Zone is found – Loma Linda, California, home to the highest concentration of Seventh-Day Adventists in the country. This population follows a primarily plant-based diet and on average, lives 10 years longer than any other North American population. Compared to omnivores (people who eat plants and meat), those who followed a vegetarian diet had a significantly lower overall mortality risk. This included vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarians (who eat dairy and eggs) and pesco-vegetarians (who eat seafood). Try to incorporate a few meat-free meals into your diet each week to reap some of these benefits. Meat can be swapped out for purses. Instead of adding meat to a salad, have a cup of black bean or lentil soup on the side. Snack on veggies with hummus instead of beef jerky. Explore ethnic restaurants in your area that offer pulse-based dishes like Indian chickpea curry or Ethiopian lentil stew.
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5. ADD GREEN TEA A very simple addition to your daily routine, green tea has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and obesity. A study of older Japanese adults (those who typically drink the most green tea at seven or more cups a day) showed they were 76% less likely to die during the six-year study period. Women who drink at least five cups of green tea a day had a 23% lower risk of death from any cause. Green tea can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, overnight oats or to steam veggies or rice. It can be incorporated into soups, stews, sauces and marinades. Try to find non-commercial brands to get the highest level of antioxidant benefits. Green tea does have a small amount of caffeine, so make sure you drink it in the morning and afternoon, six hours before bedtime so your sleep length and quality aren’t affected. Besides adding these five tips into your diet, you should also avoid the usual suspects. Don’t overeat, consume too much meat, drink
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too much alcohol, eat too much sugar or processed foods. If you focus on adding these quality foods into your diet, you will find that your hunger is more easily satisfied and your cravings for sugar and processed foods should decrease. That means a longer, healthier life for you so you can spend more time on what you really love. Erin O’Brien, MS, ATC is a Certified Athletic Trainer and Marketing Director for O’Brien International,
the association management company that manages the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association. O’Brien received her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Ohio University and her Master of Science degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology from the University of Florida. She is also a Certified Level 2 CrossFit Instructor. O’Brien is a regular contributor to Concrete Openings magazine. She can be reached at erin@csda.org or 727-577-5004.
C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 2 9
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Safety Counts
OSHA Employee Interviews— Leveling The Playing Field By Mark A. Lies II and Adam R. Young
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s anyone who has ever experienced an OSHA inspection is well aware, a key element is the agency’s interviews of employees by the compliance officers from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is generally recognized that a majority of OSHA citations are based upon OSHA interviews of management and hourly employees. Unfortunately, a lot of confusion has occurred over the respective rights of OSHA, the employer and the employees. This article will attempt to strip away the veil of misunderstanding in this area.
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INSPECTION CONDUCT During any inspection, the compliance officer will request employee interviews (both management and non-management employees) in order to gather facts as to whether there may have been violations of the agency’s regulations. These are voluntary interviews which the employee can decline for no reason. Many employers fail to advise their employees of their rights during such interviews and these rights are never exercised. Frankly, unless the employer informs the employee, there is no other means for the employee to become aware of these rights. OSHA has no obligation to affirmatively explain to an employee the full extent of these rights. If the employee gives inaccurate, incomplete or confusing responses, these statements can be the basis for civil citations with monetary penalties, or worse, criminal liability. The general rights of the various parties are as follows: EMPLOYEE RIGHTS •
Has a right to a private one-on-one interview with the compliance officer which is confidential and is considered “protected activity”. The employee cannot suffer any “adverse action” from the employer for exercising this right. The compliance officer cannot disclose the contents of the interview.
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Has a right to refuse to be interviewed by the compliance officer. Many employees are reluctant to speak to compliance officers because they have been emotionally impacted by an accident in which a co-employee has been injured or they are fearful of speaking to a governmental representative. Some employees feel that they may be intimidated or manipulated during the interview to expose them to liability. In this regard, an employee cannot be forced to have a private one-on-one interview. These interviews are totally voluntary. If the employee declines to be interviewed (and the employee need not give any reason for the decision) the agency will have to decide whether to obtain a subpoena to require the interview. If the agency obtains a subpoena, the employee has the full scope of rights to respond, including the right to have counsel present. Has a right to decline to have a one-on-one private interview and the right to have a person of their choice attend the interview and, if the compliance officer refuses to allow this person to attend, decline to be interviewed. Some employees feel comfortable being interviewed if they have another person present during the interview. Again, if the compliance officer refuses to allow this other person to attend, the employee can decline the interview for no reason.
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Has a right to end the interview at any time for any reason. Since the interview is completely voluntary (unless OSHA has obtained a subpoena in which case the employee has additional rights and should consult legal counsel) the employee can end the interview at any time and can leave without any explanation. Has a right to refuse to sign a statement, be tape recorded or photographed. Again, since the interview is voluntary, the employee cannot be required to sign a statement. Under most state eavesdropping laws, any individual can refuse to be tape-recorded and no need reason be given. In a number of states, it is a criminal offense to tape record a conversation without the permission of all persons to the conversation. Finally, any person can refuse to have their photograph taken. Has the right to refuse to provide any private contact information, such as home address and telephone number. Has the right to require the interview to occur at the workplace. Has the right to their own interpreter in their preferred language.
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The compliance officer has the right to interview the employee in private, if the employee consents. Has a right to have truthful responses to their questions.
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Has the right to inform its employees of their rights during the inspection. Must allow the employee to be interviewed by OSHA if the employee consents. Has the right to participate in non-private employee interviews (those attended by a third party, such as a union representative) and, if the compliance officer refuses, require that the interviews occur on non-paid work time. Has the right to attend interviews of employer management representatives since they are agents of the employer and what they say can be legally binding on the employer. Has the right to end the interviews if they become disruptive, that is, unreasonably interfere with ongoing work because of the length of the interview, or become confrontational, in which case the employer should consult legal counsel regarding the termination of the inspection.
EMPLOYEE RIGHT TO LEGAL COUNSEL Since every employee has the right to decline a private interview unless the employee is allowed to have a person of their choice attend the interview, it is obvious that the employee has the right to have legal counsel present as that person. A more fundamental right of every employer (and citizen) is to have representation by counsel in any administrative or judicial proceeding. In addition, in most jurisdictions, the employer has an obligation to defend its employees when they are faced with liability for their acts which occurred within the scope and course of their employment. Thus, the right to have legal counsel if the employee so elects is unquestionable. If OSHA refuses this request, the employee can decline to be interviewed. EMPLOYEE POTENTIAL CRIMINAL LIABILITY Another significant issue which may arise in an OSHA inspection after a serious accident involving a fatality is potential criminal liability for the employer and individual employees. A basic right under the United States and state constitutions is against self-incrimination (under the Fifth Amendment). Unfortunately, when the inspection occurs, it is impossible to determine whether criminal charges may result, months or years later, by which time an employee may have incriminated him/herself in the OSHA interviews and exposed themselves
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to criminal liability. For this reason, it is even more important that legal counsel be consulted for the OSHA interviews, especially where there has been an accident involving serious personal injury or death. NO CRIMINAL MIRANDA WARNINGS Another potential problem which warrants legal counsel is the fact that the OSHA compliance officer is not required to give the employee the Miranda warnings that inform the employee that in the interview: • the employee has a right to remain silent • the employee’s statements can and will be used against them • the employee has a right to have an attorney • the state must provide the employee with an attorney if the employee cannot afford an attorney Thus, an employee may unknowingly expose him/herself to criminal liability during the interview and no warnings have been given by the compliance officer during the interview because they are not required to be given since the compliance officer is not a police officer and the employee has not been placed under arrest. The Miranda warnings only apply when an individual has been arrested. The employer should engage legal counsel to evaluate whether the employee may need to exercise these rights. OSHA OBJECTIONS TO LEGAL COUNSEL Unfortunately, in many inspections, OSHA objects to the employee having another person present, including legal counsel. In those instances where OSHA agrees to allow the employee to have legal counsel, the agency objects to allowing the employee to utilize the employer’s attorney who has been provided at no cost to the employee. OSHA claims that such attorney may have a conflict-of-interest representing the employer and also representing the employee in the interview. It should be noted that it is not OSHA’s right to object to any potential conflict of interest. Rather, that is solely the right of the employee who is free to accept the attorney so long as the attorney has discharged his/her ethical legal obligation
to discuss potential conflicts of interest with the employee and any potential conflict can be knowingly waived. OSHA also objects to the employer’s legal counsel provided at no cost because the employee may be exposed to retaliation by the employer for what is said in the interview. This argument is likewise without foundation because the employee is protected from retaliation under Section 11(c) of the Act for participating in the interview or inspection with OSHA. Thus, it is patently inappropriate and unfair for the agency to object to the presence of legal counsel provided at no expense by the employer in an interview where an employee could face potential civil or criminal liability arising out of an accident and which will force the employee to retain other legal counsel at the employee’s expense if the employee wishes to exercise these rights. In most cases, the employee cannot afford to retain counsel and thus is effectively denied legal counsel. LANGUAGE BARRIER ISSUES Because of the diverse nature of many workplaces, an issue frequently arises concerning language barriers between the employee being interviewed and the compliance officer. It is critical that a competent interpreter be made available by the employer to ensure that the employee being interviewed can understand the questions and respond accurately and truthfully. The employer frequently will make available a co-employee who is bilingual to perform this role. OSHA may attempt to discourage this other employee from participating in the interview by claiming that the compliance officer is bilingual and can interpret. As we have seen above, the employee who is being interviewed has the right to refuse to be interviewed if the employee is denied the interpreter. In addition, the employer should be cautious about accepting an interpreter offered by OSHA since there is the potential for this interpreter to pose the questions to the employee in a technical manner which the employee may find confusing. OSHA often uses interpreters who are not native speakers of the foreign language and are not competent to interpret. Unfortunately, when an employee gives responses that are confused or incomplete because the employee cannot understand the
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questions, this provides an opportunity for citations to be issued to the employer on the grounds that employees are not properly trained and do not understand the employer’s safety and health programs. PREPARATION OF EMPLOYEES FOR INTERVIEWS Since OSHA will not inform employees of many of these rights, and the typical employee is simply unaware of these rights, it is critical that employees be advised of their rights prior to and during the inspection so that they can exercise them. There is nothing in the law that prohibits employers from informing employees of their rights immediately prior to the employee interview. If employees are not so informed, they may waive significant legal rights and expose themselves and the employer to potential legal liability. Along with their rights, employees must be informed that their answers must be “truthful” which means that employee must have “personal knowledge” of the matter (e.g., accident, process, equipment, policy) because they were present for the matter, and if not, the employee should be informed that the only truthful answer can be “I don’t know,” otherwise the employee will be guessing or speculating which could be considered to be lying to the compliance officer.
Employee Rights During An OSHA Inspection From time to time, your facility may be inspected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). During those inspections, the OSHA inspector may ask to speak with you about your experiences with or training regarding the Company’s safety and health programs, or about certain events that have taken place at your Company location. You are entitled to certain rights and subject to certain obligations during an OSHA inspection as follows:
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• CONCLUSION The authors are members of the Firm’s Workplace Safety and Environmental Group who represent employers on a nationwide basis in OSHA inspections and defending against OSHA enforcement actions. They are available in real time to assist employers in OSHA inspections, including preparing employers in OSHA inspections, including preparing employees for interviews and attending interviews. Mark A. Lies, II, is a partner with the law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. He specializes in occupational safety and health and related employment and civil litigation. He can be reached at 312-460-5877 or mlies@seyfarth.com.
Adam R. Young is an associate attorney in the Workplace Safety and Environmental Group in the Chicago office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. He focuses his practice in the areas of occupational safety and health, employment law and associated commercial litigation. He was a speaker at the 2019 CSDA Convention & Tech Fair presenting “Drugs and Drug Testing in the Workplace.” Mr. Young can be contacted at ayoung@seyfarth.com or 312-460-5538.
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You have the right to speak with the OSHA inspector. You also have the right not to speak with the OSHA inspector. It is your decision whether to voluntarily speak with the inspector or not. You have a right to be interviewed at the Company’s location and can decline to answer questions from an inspector who may contact you at home by telephone or in person. You can tell the inspector to arrange the interview at the Company’s location. Your participation in an OSHA inspection is considered “protected activity,” and the Company cannot and will not retaliate against you in any way because of your participation in an OSHA inspection. If you decide to speak to the OSHA inspector, it is your decision whether to speak with the inspector in private or with someone else present. You have the right to ask another partner or a member of Company Management to be present during your interview. You have the right to take a break or end the interview at any time for any reason. The interview is not supposed to take an undue period of time. Remember, it is your decision whether to speak voluntarily with the inspector at all. If you decide to speak to the OSHA inspector, you have the right to understand the questions being asked of you. If you do not understand a question, you may ask the OSHA inspector to repeat the question. The inspector is supposed to ask you for information and not to tell you that you must agree to certain information. If you have difficulty speaking or understanding English, you may request that an interpreter be provided for you. You also have a right to have another individual of your choice present to act as your interpreter. You have a right to decide whether to sign a statement at the end of your interview. You may decline to sign a statement if you so choose. You may sign a statement if you so choose. If you do decide to sign the statement, you are entitled to receive a copy at the time of the interview and do not sign it until the inspector tells you he or she will provide you a copy at the end of the interview. If you decide to sign a statement, make sure that you read it and tell the compliance officer to correct any errors or mistakes before you sign it. If the inspector wants to ask you questions about information contained in a written document, such as training records, safety programs or policies, you have a right to ask to be shown the document before answering the question or you can decline to answer any questions regarding any written document. You have a right to decide whether to be voluntarily photographed, videotaped, or recorded during your interview. You may agree to be photographed or recorded. You may decline to be photographed, videotaped or recorded.
Your Obligations • • • •
If you decide to voluntarily speak with the OSHA inspector, you must answer his or her questions truthfully. To speak truthfully, you must first understand the question. You should clarify any questions you do not understand You can decline to answer any particular question during the interview and do not have to explain the reason for your refusal to answer. If you decide to voluntarily speak with the OSHA inspector, you must answer his or her questions based on your own personal knowledge and to the best of your recollection. Your personal knowledge is what you saw with your eyes, heard with your ears, etc. You must not speculate about any events which you did not personally observe or for which you were not actually present to observe. You also must not relate “hearsay” (i.e. gossip or rumor) which may not be truthful or accurate, without explaining the basis for that knowledge.
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Concrete Cases
POLISHED TO PERFECTION CSDA Polishing Contractor Helps to Make Luxury Auto Facility Shine
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Luxury and classic car enthusiasts have a passion for quality automobiles, spending millions of dollars on a brand new Ferrari or a restored 1982 Porsche 911SC. But you don’t park your $2 million Bugatti in your driveway and probably not in your garage either, unless your home includes an armed security service. Owners and collectors of exotic vehicles keep them in an auto storage facility like Black Mountain Motorworks in Denver, CO. As Black Mountain’s construction was being planned, the owner knew he wanted a polished concrete floor for durability and minimal maintenance. Plus, the high sheen of the polish would deliver a certain look and quality his customers expected. Its high reflectivity would complement the luxury and exotic cars parked on top of it.
Black Motorworks’s W WW. CMountain O N C RE TE OPE N IN GS.COMfinished polished concrete showroom floor.
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Over 36,000 square feet of concrete floor was polished to the building owner’s exact specification.
The finished floor is durable, low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing.
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The general contractor (GC), Waner Construction, called on CSDA member All West Surface Prep during the design stage of the project. Anthony Brown of All West said, “It was nice to be part of the planning process from the get-go. It’s rare that you get to speak directly with the owner of the building to understand what he wants and for him to understand what you need to deliver a high quality floor.” To achieve the target PSI, FF rating, DOI and promised gloss level, it’s always best to plan a polished concrete floor before the pour. When the concrete mix is specifically designed for the purpose, the end result is far superior to a floor where polishing was an afterthought. All West submitted their mix design for the slab to the GC and waited 28 days after the pour for it to cure. This gave the other tradesmen on the job the opportunity to work on the building while the slab was curing. But when the slab was ready, there were still too many contractors working on the main floor, so All West began their polishing work in the upper mezzanine and the back of the building. When the other contractors were finished a few weeks later, they returned to complete the main area. The slab was ground to salt and pepper exposure with a ride-on power trowel that All West customized for troweling and polishing, as a power trowel is much faster than a traditional grinder. Where the trowel couldn’t reach, an Aztec Edger was used.
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The floor was dyed with 45 gallons of Ameripolish black dye at a 50% dilution, applied with a clouding technique. To densify and seal the floor and pigment, All West used the Retroplate System. After roughly 45 minutes, a ride-on scrubber was used to pick up the densifier. The floor was then honed with the ride-on power trowel again, followed by another sealer and then the final burnish. All West also cleaned and filled 5,400 linear feet of control joints in the floor. Black Mountain Motorworks’ 36,000 square foot polished concrete floor was completed on time and on budget and it turned out perfectly - the owner and the GC were thrilled with the results. The secret to All West’s success? “Planning.” says Brown. “You don’t always get to dictate measures to ensure a quality floor. Proper planning and expectation management is what made this job run smoothly.” As CSDA continues to expand into the concrete polishing industry, our members showcase why polished concrete floors are a beautiful, durable, customizable and low-maintenance solution for warehouses, showrooms, retail stores and more. Floors can be refinished or built brand new with concrete polishing, just like this CSDA member proved. REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE AT: WWW.CONCRETEOPENINGS.COM
COMPANY PROFILE All West Surface Prep is based in Denver, Colorado and has been in business for over 20 years. They have over 20 employees and offer the services of surface prep via shot blasting, epoxy and moisture mitigation, as well as grinding and concrete polishing.
RESOURCES General Contractor Waner Construction CSDA Polishing Contractor All West Surface Prep Anthony Brown Phone: 303-573-7737 Email: anthony@allwestsurfaceprep.com Methods Used Concrete Polishing
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Tech Talk Tech Talk is a regular feature of Concrete Openings magazine, focusing on equipment, maintenance and technical issues of interest to concrete cutting, polishing and imaging contractors. Readers wishing to have a particular subject addressed can call or email CSDA with their suggestions at 727-577-5004 or editor@concreteopenings.com.
Vacuum Lifting a Viable Option to Help Protect Workers From Silica Dust By Paula Bell
S
ilica dust has been recognized for decades as an occupational health concern. In March 2016, OSHA announced a final rule pertaining to silica exposure regulations. Enforcement for employers covered by the construction standard began in September 2017. Made up of microscopic particles typically at least 100 times smaller than ordinary sand, silica dust is commonly found in materials associated with constructionrelated activities. Industries that deal with roads, buildings, sidewalks or landscaping materials—which require tasks that involve sawing, drilling or breaking silica-containing substances—are particularly prone to creating large amounts of it. OSHA’s final rule, which reduced the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (averaged over an eight-hour shift) requires employers to limit worker exposure via the use of engineering controls, work practices or respiratory protection. With the identification of 18 common construction-related jobs, OSHA specifies exposure control methods to protect workers from crystalline silica in Table 1, focusing on equipment type and duration of the task at hand.
Types of engineering controls for silica include wet methods and local exhaust ventilation, as well as process isolation. Work practice controls involve performing a task in a manner that prevents or reduces the likelihood or levels of exposure by decreasing the quantity of airborne dust. Administrative controls revolve around limiting time spent working with or in close proximity to the material. In addition to instituting and executing a written, job-specific exposure control plan that includes a description of housekeeping measures, OSHA’s standard requires employers to train workers, limit access to high exposure areas and, in some cases, provide medical exams. Numerous state agencies, universities and trade groups such as the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association have also published articles in reference to the new rule, with information on topics such as dust control. OSHA, in an overview of the final rule, welcomes employers with “better ideas about how to provide protection” to incorporate alternate methods that “effectively reduce their workers’ exposure to silica dust.” Multiple concrete contractors interviewed by Vacuworx stated vacuum lifting systems are a viable alternative to drills and jackhammers when lifting and handling concrete slabs. Here is a look at some innovative ways that companies are tackling the silica issue: LIMITING THE NUMBER OF CUTS The use of walk-behind or handheld saws in enclosed areas is an example of one demolitionassociated situation where protective measures need to be taken. OSHA states such saws
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should be equipped with an integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade. In addition to this method, respiratory protection may be required – especially when cutting indoors, in enclosed areas or for an extended period of time. In many cases, contractors commenting on their use of vacuum lifting equipment have reported the elimination of their need for dustgenerating tools. With fewer saw cuts required since the concrete to be handled in larger pieces, adding vacuum lifting to the mix can help limit the amount of silica dust that would otherwise be released in the air. In addition, slabs can be removed with greater efficiency, which reduces the amount of time that workers may be exposed to environments in which silica dust is present. ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR HAMMERS AND DRILLS According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, jobs at risk for increased exposure to respirable crystalline silica include jackhammering, concrete drilling and sawing, demolition and mining, to name a few. In fact, researchers at the University of California found that silica dust generated by a pneumatic rock drill was at least 444 times greater than OSHA’s permissible exposure limit. Furthermore, drilling can expose workers
to hand vibration and noise at levels well above recommended limits. Under OSHA’s standard, wet methods may be needed to keep dust from getting into the air when using rotary drills, jackhammers or chipping tools. In some instances, tools should be equipped with a proper shroud and dust collection system. The fact that pieces of concrete can be chipped away while moving or loading must also be taken into account. Vacuum lifting can be used as an alternative to anchors, shackles or hammers as concrete may be cut into larger, more uniform pieces that can be lifted out without the drilling, prying or breaking associated with conventional methods of removal. “The problem with hammering concrete is it goes into a million pieces,” says Dave Weston with Blade Runners. “The jackhammer causes too much dust, not to mention labor. Now we can keep it in one piece.” CUTTING DOWN ON CLEAN UP Water systems may be needed to help control the amount of silica dust created on jobsites. OSHA stipulates that slurry produced by wet cutting must be cleaned up to prevent it from drying and releasing silica dust into the air. Wet slurry is generally cleaned up using shovels or HEPA-filtered vacuum systems. An added benefit to contractors who embrace vacuum lifting equipment is tidier working environments that result in fewer housekeeping chores. “By sawing concrete into bigger pieces, we’re saving on diamond blades, water usage and especially manual labor,” says Dave Desserault with Interstate Sawing & Drilling. “There is less cutting involved, which means less slurry removal. It’s a lot quicker and a lot cleaner.” It is estimated that 1 million construction workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust, a material that can lead to severe diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. All contractors engaging in activities that fall under OSHA’s silica rule are required to take measures to keep workers safe by reducing the quantity of hazardous dust they may inhale. Otherwise, they face the possibility of stiff penalties or costly fines for failing to comply. Paula Bell is the Director of Marketing for CSDA member company Vacuworx. She serves on the CSDA Marketing, Manufacturer and Safety Committees.
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Industry Bits Hilti North America Region Head and CEO Avi Kahn Promoted to Hilti Group Executive Board; Hilti Canada General Manager, Martina McIsaac, Named as Successor Avi Kahn, Region Head and Chief Executive Officer of Hilti North America, has been promoted to the Hilti Group Executive Board effective Jan. 1, 2020. “It has been a great honor to be part of the Hilti North America team over the last 15 years and I look forward to continuing to support the growth and development of the organization as a Member of the Executive Board for the Hilti Group. I know the team here in North America is in great hands under the future leadership of Martina McIsaac,” said Kahn. Martina McIsaac, currently general manager of Hilti Canada, will be promoted to Region Head and Chief Executive Officer of Hilti North America effective Jan. 1, 2020. Martina was chosen after a comprehensive internal search for a candidate with a proven track record of success, deep understanding of the business and commitment to company culture. “Over the last five years, I have developed a deep passion for our industry, our team members and our customers. I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation created by Avi by working alongside my colleagues on the North America Executive Management team to take Hilti even further,” said McIsaac. Dan Wade, currently division manager for the Midwest located in the Central Market Organization, will succeed Martina as general manager of Hilti Canada. With this role, Dan will join the Hilti North America Executive Management Team. Dan has been with Hilti since 2007 when he joined the company in the technical services department after first serving as an engineering intern. Over his 12-year career, Dan has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, marketing and sales before taking on his current role in 2016 as a division manager. For More Information Contact: Leah Kelso Tel: 918-605-0779 Email: Leah.kelso@hilti.com
K2 Diamond & Sanders, Inc. Announce New Laser Welded 60-Inch Diamond Blades K2 Diamond & Sanders, Inc. are happy to announce another technical advancement of increasing our capacity to laser weld up to 60-inch diameter diamond blades! This new threshold fits the needs of pro cutters encountering bigger situations, where the job requirements determine that diamond blades as large as 60-inches in diameter need to be laser welded, as well as continuing our high standard brazing. Turning technical advancement into another benefit for all pro cutting contractors in North America is what K2 Diamond and Sanders Inc are all about! For More Information: Contact: Bill Chapple – Sanders, Inc. Tel: 610-273-3733 Email: bchapple@sanderssaws.com Contact: Cliff Hansen - K2 Diamond Tel: 800 539-6116 Email: cliff.hansen@k2diamond.com
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GPRS Acquires Master Locators Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, LLC (“GPRS”), has acquired Master Locators utility locating business (“Master Locators”), a leading provider of private utility locating, concrete scanning, vacuum excavation, SUE and video pipe inspection services. Master Locators’ clients include utilities, engineering firms and contractors who rely on its services to identify and map the presence of subsurface structures using ground penetrating radar and other locating techniques. Master Locators represents the fourth acquisition for GPRS. “This is a terrific opportunity for us,” said Gus Sareyka, President of Master Locators. “The new partnership with GPRS and CIVC gives us additional capital and resources, enabling Master Locators to better serve our customers and support our growth.” Kyle Sareyka, Chief Operating Officer of Master Locators, added, “GPRS is the market leader in the private locating industry and we are excited to partner with Matt Aston and his team to continue to extend GPRS’ leadership position.” Kyle Sareyka will join GPRS as the Regional Director of the company’s Northeast Region. Master Locators’ Vacuum Excavation business will form a new company Level A Underground Solutions that will continue to service its existing customers and work closely with GPRS to provide a full suite of subsurface utility engineering solutions. Master Locators enhances GPRS’ market position in the private utility locating, concrete scanning and video pipe inspection markets by adding scale to GPRS’ existing business in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Maryland and Connecticut. “Master Locators represents a highly complementary acquisition for GPRS that enhances our market position in several rapidly growing regions,” said Matt Aston, President of GPRS. “Master Locators operates with strong core values around humility, integrity and passion. We are excited to collaborate with Master Locators’ management team to better serve our customers’ current and future needs.” For More Information Contact: Jason Schaff Tel: 303-945-5415 Email: jason.schaff@gprsinc.com www.gp-radar.com
Aquajet System’s Three Aqua Power Packs are Available for Efficient Hydrodemolition Operation Aquajet Systems AB, a global leader in manufacturing hydrodemolition machines, offers three power packs for powering Aqua Cutters, their range of hydrodemolition robots: the standard Aqua Power Pack, the Ecosilence and the Aqua Skid. The power pack is a combination diesel engine and high-pressure pump, necessary for hydrodemolition. “We understand that not all projects are the same, which is why we have developed a series of power packs to best meet your operation’s requirements,” said Roger Simonsson, Aquajet Systems managing director. “The Aqua Packs are designed to accommodate a wide range of projects, whether they require a standard pack, a compact footprint or a quieter alternative.”
STIHL Inc. Building Dedication Reinforces Commitment to Manufacturing in America
Power packs are cost effective and easy to transport and set up. The standard Aqua Power Pack contains more than just motors and pumps to power the Aqua Cutter; the container also serves as storage for machine accessories and tools. A built-in workbench with a vise provides contractors a space for jobsite maintenance and a place to store spare parts. Operating at as high as 43,500 psi, Aquajet’s standard Aqua Power Packs are available in multiple versions: Aqua Power Pack 270, 400 and 700.
STIHL Inc., headquarters for U.S. operations of the worldwide STIHL Group, celebrated a new administration building and campus improvements during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 10th. The $30+ million project is part of the company’s continual investment in infrastructure in support of growing U.S. operations. The new 80,000-squarefoot building brings the Sales & Marketing, Finance & Controlling, Legal and Customer & Technical Service teams under one roof.
Similar to the Aqua Power Pack, the Ecosilence provides everything contractors need in a quieter package. Both the standard and Ecosilence measure 23 feet by 8 feet by 8.5 feet (7 meters by 2.4 meters by 2.6 meters). The container’s sound-absorbing design features insulated walls and double doors, as well as seals on all doors and hatches. The Ecosilence offers noise levels less than half that of competitive high-pressure units on the market. With an average of 57.5 dB, the unit is ideal for use in urban areas that have high noise restrictions. In addition, users will see an improved fuel consumption of as much as 10% compared to alternative high-pressure units. The Ecosilence can be equipped with a roll-off frame for simplified on/off truck loading and transport. Maintaining the same dimensions of the standard power pack, the Ecosilence is available in two sizes: The Power Pack 400 and 700 and operates at as high as 18,700 psi.
During the ribbon-cutting, members of the Stihl family and STIHL executive board from ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG, as well as local dignitaries including the mayor of Virginia Beach, members of City Council and representatives from Hampton Roads learned more about the new facility and campus improvements including:
Aquajet’s compact Aqua Skid power pack measures 8.5 feet by 5.9 feet by 5.5 feet (2.6 meters by 1.8 meters by 1.7 meters) and provides the same performance and basic functions as the containerized packs, just in a smaller footprint. The compact high-pressure unit is designed for installation on a truck, trailer or local container, which is ideal for contractors or operations with space restrictions, such as plants or factories. Operating at 43,500 psi, this power pack offers contractors a fast and easy way to upgrade an outdated high-pressure unit, plus, the Aqua Skid can be used in areas where metal enclosing — such as the exterior of the standard power pack or Ecosilence — is not necessary or possible. For More Information Contact: Aaron Boerner Tel: 701-373-0062 Email: aaron@ironcladmktg.com www.ironcladmktg.com
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“This new building will improve administrative and operational efficiency allowing us to better serve our network of more than 9,000 authorized STIHL dealers and their customers,” said Bjoern Fischer, president of STIHL Inc. “As we mark 45 years of growth and expansion in Virginia Beach, we look ahead to a continued positive economic environment for successful modern manufacturing in the City of Virginia Beach.”
A state-of-the-art training center for authorized STIHL Dealers featuring an auditorium, training lab and outdoor demonstration area for hands-on product testing and training A chain saw “Helix” art installation, crafted out of more than 30 STIHL chain saws dating back to 1936, representing how chain saw innovation is part of the STIHL DNA Brand experience: STIHL concept store showcasing an ideal STIHL retail space An enhanced entryway at the main gate for improved traffic flow and security For More Information Contact: Marcella Nicotra Tel: 757-340-7425 Email: marcella.nicotra@themeridiangroup.com www.themeridiangroup.com
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Brokk Offers Three Darda Concrete Crushers for Reinforced Concrete Applications
Vacuworx Hires Area Business Manager for Southern Latin America
Brokk®, the world’s leading manufacturer of remote-controlled demolition machines, has launched three new concrete crusher models — the CC440, CC480 and CC580. The attachments, manufactured by Brokk’s German sister company, Darda®, offer contractors a highperformance tool for Brokk’s Next Generation SmartPower™ series, increasing operator safety and productivity on a variety of tough demolition jobs including top-down and interior demolition.
Vacuworx has announced an addition to its international sales team as the company continues to explore and develop new opportunities for the faster, safer and smarter handling of pipeline and construction materials worldwide.
The CC series sets new standards in terms of ruggedness and performance. The three new crushers are equipped with a newly designed pressure booster, which allows them to operate independently of the carrier’s working pressure, resulting in increased speed and crushing forces. When used in high pressure mode, the new models offer faster operation and jaw closing compared to their predecessors. The crushers excel in challenging applications, such as elevator shafts, piers, concrete walls and ceilings where reinforced concrete is present. In addition, the CC series offers virtually silent operation, making them ideal for jobsites with strict noise restrictions, such as interior demolition projects in occupied spaces like hospitals and office buildings, where traditional methods, such as hydraulic hammers, would be too noisy. The new models are available with Darda’s standard features, including wear-resistant, replaceable steel alloy crusher tips and cutter blades, as well as a full 360-degree rotation. Additional teeth are available for greater efficiency and crushing, enabling higher breaking forces for hard, thin walls and separation of concrete and rebar. Despite their compact size, Darda crushers can easily keep up with the performance of larger, heavier models. When paired with a Brokk machine, the new concrete crushers are controlled with a belt-mounted remote-control box, allowing operators to work from a safe distance without concern for vibration, silica dust-related health issues or falling debris. The CC440, CC480 and CC580 crushers are just a few of the more than 80 attachments that operators can quickly mount on Brokk demolition robots for greater versatility on a jobsite. Brokk supplies a wide range of remotecontrolled machinery and attachments around the world to maximize productivity, improve efficiency and increase safety. For More Information Contact: Mike Martin Tel: 800-621-7856 Email: mike@brokkinc.com
Christian Sellan has been hired as Area Business Manager for Southern Latin America. Building on past successes, Sellan will continue his support and development of Vacuworx customers in Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. At the same time, he is working to identify new business opportunities and growth potential in target markets as the Tulsa-based manufacturer expands its network of qualified distributors. “The strong partnerships we’ve Sellan developed in Europe and other parts of the world have helped create a springboard and a lot of interest in Vacuworx,” Smith said. “We are focused on areas in which we can we bring the most value to the customer. From oil and gas pipelines to mining, water resources, civil construction and other industries, the potential is really high and rising alongside demands for improved safety standards.” For More Information Contact: Paula Bell Tel: 918-259-3050 Email: paulab@vacuworx.com www.vacuworx.com
CenPoint Releases Brand New Mobile App CenPoint is excited to announce the official release of our brand new, rewritten, rethought, reworked, beautified, enhanced, simplified, faster, easier and sleeker mobile app! Taking what we learned by processing over 4.5 million work orders, it is now 44% faster and auto saves as you go. Offline support allows you to keep working even when you don’t have cell signal. Works on Android phones and tablets, iPhones, iPads and desktop computer browsers. The new mobile app is designed and built to bring even more efficiency for your field technicians/ operators. Field techs can be dispatched, fill out and return their paperwork, capture customer’s digital signature, attach photos and complete JSA’s all on their mobile device. Field techs can review and sign automatically generated silica safety plans, customized for each work order. Field techs can also track their timecards, submit vehicle inspections and even complete company safety training/CSDA Toolbox Safety Tips (TST’s) right from their phone or tablet. This new mobile app is specifically designed to save your company time, money, and hours of frustration. For More Information Contact: Jenni Rindlisbacher Tel: 801.478.6822 ext. 303 Email: jhr@cenpoint.com www.cenpoint.com
44 | DECEMBER.19
See this product at the
Booth # C4439
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C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 4 5
Industry Bits
continued
American Society of Concrete Contractors Publishes Safety Pre-Construction Checklist The Safety & Risk Management Council (SRMC), a specialty council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) has published a Pre-Construction Checklist for Safety Policies & Procedures. The purpose of the document is to stimulate discussion of job-specific safety protocol and procedures, with all pertinent parties prior to project start-up. The document covers general information such as contact data for significant persons, safety goals and planning, reporting, discipline and quality of life. It also covers more specific criteria including silica, crane activities, heat, and an evacuation plan. “Making sure all parties understand and are onboard with safety before mobilization is a key factor in maintaining a safe job place,” says Joe Whiteman, director of safety services, ASCC. “It’s in everyone’s best interest to understand what’s expected prior to starting work.” For More Information Contact: Beverly A. Garnant Tel: 314-962-0210 Email: bgarnant@ascconline.org
Makinex Expands BDM Into New Territory Makinex Business Development Manager, Robert Millikan, expands territory to cover the demand for Making Inefficiencies Extinct into Kansas and Missouri. Millikan, who has successfully expanded the Makinex product range into the South Central USA region, will now be duplicating that success, contributing to the company’s overall growth throughout USA and supporting the current demand within Kansas and Missouri. “Robert is a stellar BDM with an endless amount of energy and industry knowledge. He’s the first to show up on a job site or live demo, jump in, get his hands dirty and do whatever it takes to help the customers and any other partners involved in what’s going on. We’re looking forward to substantial growth into Kansas and Missouri, and happy to have Robert covering those areas.” Said Mark Choate, National Sales Manager of Makinex. For More Information Contact: Robert Millikan Tel: 818-625-4639. Email: R.Millikan@makinex.com www.makinex.com
Dynamic Infrastructure Implements Deep AI Technology to Prevent Bridges and Tunnels from Collapsing The New York and Tel Aviv based startup Dynamic Infrastructure is implementing the world’s first deep-learning solution which allows bridge and tunnel owners and operators to obtain visual diagnosis of the assets they manage. The system provides live, cloud-based, 3D views of the bridge or tunnel and automatically alerts when changes are detected in maintenance and operation conditions - before the issues evolve into large-scale failures. With huge Opex and Capex positive impact, Dynamic Infrastructure is already conducting projects in the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, Greece and Israel with different transportation infrastructure stakeholders. The company’s clients operate a total of 30,000 assets, ranging from Departments of Transportation to Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and private companies. Dynamic Infrastructure quickly creates “medical records” for every bridge, tunnel and elevated highway, based on existing images taken through periodical condition inspections along the years, including images from smartphones, drones and laser scanning. The proprietary technology compares old and archived images to new ones, detecting maintenance and operation issues, defects and anomalies. Like MRI for humans , the 3D “medical records” serve as the basis for the alerts on changes in maintenance conditions. The diagnostics can be easily accessed through a simple browser and can be instantly shared with peers and contractors to speed maintenance workflows and increase return on investment. For More Information Contact: Lior Kleinberg Tel: 972-77-2129988 Email: lior@meirovitch.com 46 | DECEMBER.19
A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL OF DRILLING
DIAMOND VANTAGE ZENESIS™ BLACK CORE BIT ®
MARCH 31–APRIL 4, 2020
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C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 4 7
Industry Bits
continued
Aquajet Systems Introduces Aqua Centralizer for Tunnel and Pipe Applications
Makinex Construction Products Celebrates Customer Appreciation Month
Aquajet Systems AB, a global leader in Hydrodemolition machine manufacturing, introduces the Aqua Centralizer. Its innovative design and high-quality engineering allow for effective cleaning or removal of concrete, paint, rust and coatings along an entire section of horizontal, vertical or inclined tunnels and pipes. The Aqua Centralizer works in conjunction with Aquajet’s Aqua Cutter Hydrodemolition robots and high-pressure Aqua Power Packs to provide strategic concrete removal in roadbuilding, wastewater and industrial plant applications.
Annually, during the month of September, Makinex Construction Products celebrates and honors all of their customers and partners during Customer Appreciation Month.
“Whether it’s a brand-new design or a reconfiguration of our current technology to allow for new applications, Aquajet is constantly at the drawing board to help our customers stay ahead of the curve,” said Roger Simonsson, Aquajet Systems AB managing director. “The Aqua Centralizer integrates key components of several of our existing designs to provide operators a new solution for working in pipes and tunnels more effectively than ever before.” The Aqua Centralizer uses elements of the Aqua Spine as the base for the unit while incorporating technology from the Circular Power Head attachment for concrete removal and cleaning applications. This includes a 360-degree ring and robotic power head with a 25-degree adjustable lance angle and variable stroke oscillation. The power head offers adjustable working angles from 0 to 360 degrees and automatic indexing along the spine rail, minimizing downtime from repositioning and optimizing productivity. Combined with one of Aquajet’s Power Packs, which provide a pressure up to 40,000 psi, this flexibility offers contractors the power and precision to effectively clean steel pipes and remove concrete inside tunnels and pipes. For More Information Contact: Keith Armishaw Tel: 418-928-9638 Email: keith.armishaw@brokkinc.com www.brokk.com
Throughout the duration of the month, they handed out over 100 gifts, personally reaching out to over 150 customers and partners, running power promotions and hosting several intimate outings. Also, for the first time ever, they offered an open invitation for all to come and visit the Makinex Headquarters located in Torrance, CA. “We hope that our customers & partners know how important they are to us,” said Brandy Carmona, Operations Manager. “We would not be where we are today without the support and opportunities that they all provide to us. We truly appreciate and value them, not only during this month, but every single day.” The relationships and partnerships that Makinex has with everyone whom they encounter is never something taken for granted. For More Information Contact: Brandy Carmona Tel: 855-625-4639 Email: info@makinex.com www.makinex.com
DEWALT Debuts ToughCase+ Accessory Storage Sets DEWALT debuts ToughCase®+ Accessory Storage Sets that are the latest addition to the brand’s accessory storage, with premium features to help keep drilling and fastening bits organized. The system includes four container sizes; the Small Bulk Storage Container, Small ToughCase®+ Container, Medium ToughCase®+ Container and Large ToughCase®+ Container for unlimited configurations. The ToughCase®+ Containers feature newly-designed bit storage, with a unique bit bar position that allows for easy removal of bits. Clear lids let users see what’s in the case at a glance. In addition, the Small, Medium and Large ToughCase®+ Containers include a proprietary latch system to connect to each other for optimized storage space. The Small Bulk Storage Container fits into each of the units as well, and helps loose materials stay organized. The user-friendly features included in the ToughCase®+ Accessory Storage Sets help users stay organized and ready-for-action. The sets are available with the most popular lines of bits from DEWALT, including Max Fit® Bits, FlexTorq® Bits, Tough Grip™ Bits and more. For More Information Contact: Sarah Windham Tel: 410.716.3699 Email: sarah.windham@sbdinc.com Website: www.dewalt.com
48 | DECEMBER.19
Vacuworx Names Bruce Williamson Regional Sales Manager Vacuworx is pleased to announce that Bruce Williamson has been hired as Regional Sales Manager, Southeast, serving the territory of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. “My goal is to get out and establish relationships and continue the conversation, presenting the Vacuworx value as we go,” Williamson said. For More Information Contact: Paula Bell Tel: 918-259-3050 Email: paulab@vacuworx.com www.vacuworx.com
Williamson
Hilti Announces Software Collaboration with Procore to Support Digital Workflows The Hilti Group, a world-leading manufacturer and provider of construction tools, technology and productivity solutions, is collaborating with Procore, a leading provider of construction management software, to help strengthen digital workflows and drive productivity on jobsites. As part of the joint effort, Hilti ON!Track asset management system will become compatible for Procore platform users. The announcement was made during Procore’s Groundbreak 2019, one of the largest construction conferences in the U.S. In recent years, Hilti has made major efforts to digitize the construction industry with software solutions. Hilti ON!Track is specifically designed to give contractors visibility into who has their assets. Smartphone scanning and active Bluetooth tags help track items moved between warehouses and jobsites. It also enables contractors to proactively manage
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@diteqcorporation
repairs and inspections, set reminders for maintenance and verify proper training and certifications before assigning certain assets. The API will open data exchange between Hilti ON!Track and Procore, starting with basic project info and expanding over time into further seamless workflows. Procore users appreciate the benefits of reduced duplicate data entry of the same information
DITEQ Channel
www.DITEQ.com
into multiple spreadsheets or workflows. Customers using both Procore and ON!Track suggest for example that an open item from Procore’s Tasks tool to request a piece of equipment could be For More Information Contact: Danielle Wilson Tel: 800-363-4458 Email: Danielle.Wilson@hilti.com www.hilti.ca
C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 4 9
Industry Bits
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ASV to Showcase Eye-Catching Machines at GIE+EXPO 2019 ASV Holdings Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer of all-purpose and all-season compact track loaders and skid steers, will exhibit flashy, special edition versions of two of its popular Posi-Track® loaders at GIE+EXPO 2019. ASV will showcase “The Green Beast,” a green and black version of the RT-120 Forestry, the industry’s largest and most powerful compact track loader, in its booth 10134. A black and red version of the RT-40, one of the industry’s smallest sit-in compact track loaders, dubbed “The Black Widow,” will be on display in the Soucy International Inc. booth 21080. The coloring on the sleek machines showcases key features of ASV’s unique Posi-Track undercarriage. Show attendees are invited to stop by and take pictures of the machines. The indoor booth will also include the RT-25, a safer and more capable alternative to stand-on and walk-behind loaders. Attendees will also be able to visit the outdoor booth 6031D to try out the new mid-frame, vertical lift VT-70 High Output, as well as the RT-40 and RT-25. For More Information Contact: Regan Meyer Tel: 218-327-5385 Email: regan.meyer@asvi.com www.asvi.com
ACI Updates Flatwork Finishing Certification Program Names and Requirements The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has updated the names and requirements for its Flatwork Finishing Certification program. ACI Concrete Flatwork Technician has been renamed as ACI Concrete Flatwork Associate; ACI Concrete Flatwork Tradesman has been renamed as ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher; and ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Technician has been renamed as ACI Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher.
ACI Announces Winners of Annual Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards The American Concrete Institute (ACI) announced the winners of the 2019 Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards, who were honored at a Gala event during the Institute’s Concrete Convention & Exposition, October 21, 2019, in Cincinnati, OH, USA. The highest honor was presented to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, located in Dhahran, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Also known as Ithra, the Arabic word for “enrichment,” the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is an 85,000 m2 (914,930 ft2) building surrounded by a 220,000 m2 (2,368,000 ft2) Knowledge Park that creates a space to inspire the imagination. Features of the structure include post-tensioned slabs spanning 15.9 m (52 ft), sloped concrete walls and ramps, and twisted and inclined reinforced concrete columns with decorative concrete finish. The building is 90 m (295 ft) tall and is supported on a 3 m (10 ft) thick raft foundation. Stability is provided through a reinforced concrete core acting as a propped cantilever. The columns supporting the elevated slabs are inclined and result in horizontal thrust forces at the head and base of each column lift. The post-tensioned slabs act as structural diaphragms to carry these forces back to the core. Construction was completed in the fall of 2017. For More Information Contact: Julie Webb Tel: 248-848-3148 Email: julie.webb@concrete.org www.concrete.org
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To earn a new ACI Concrete Flatwork Associate certification, individuals need to pass a written exam. To earn a new ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher certification, individuals need to pass a performance exam and have 1,500 hours of documented work experience. To earn a new ACI Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher certification, individuals need to both pass a written exam and either have 4,500 hours of work experience or have 1,500 hours of work experience and pass a performance exam. Additionally, the ACI Concrete Flatwork Finisher and ACI Advanced Concrete Flatwork Finisher programs will have an optional re-certification method through submittal and verification of approved continuing education and work experience. “These changes are designed to better reflect the knowledge, skills, and responsibilities of certified personnel; provide more flexible and convenient recertification options; and encourage personal growth within the concrete flatwork finishing sector,” said John W. Nehasil, ACI Managing Director, Certification. ACI will begin immediately issuing credentials with the new program names to those individuals earning certification. Individuals who have already been certified with the retiring program names will not receive new credentials now but will upon upgrade or re-certification. For More Information Contact: Julie Webb Tel: 248-848-3148 www.concrete.org
Epiroc USA to Open New Regional Service Center for Northeast Epiroc, a leading productivity partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, will open a new, modern Regional Service Center to support customers in the Northeast region of the U.S. The center — located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — will be up and running by October 15, 2019. The new Regional Service Center is part of Epiroc’s commitment to being an ever-stronger partner for customers. The center will feature a state-of-theart service shop for Epiroc mining and construction equipment, and it will serve as a home base for field service technicians. Staff at the center will also be available to MITO QTH Chainsawsupport Key Features customers and provide Patented 1 Step Keyless Tensioning Robust Aluminum Casted Body additional local resources. Lightest 12 GPM Chainsaw on market Flush Cut
Tiger Grip Wall Guide During Cut
and new Chains up to 30” InUniversal additionBars to the service center, Epiroc is further investing in the Chambersburg MITO QTH Chainsaw Technical Features Local Distribution Center in Motor 12 GPM / 45 lpm Pennsylvania. The location Weight (with 15” bar & chain) 23 lbs. / 10 kg currently houses Epiroc rock Cutting Depth Up to 30 in. / 76 cm drilling tools and is now expected to stock a robust inventory of spare parts by the end of 2019. The additional in-stock parts will enhance support for customers in the region by allowing them faster access and reduced equipment downtime.
For More Information Contact: Mila Armer, MBS, Marketing Communications Manager Tel: 844-437-4762 Email: mila.armer@epiroc.com www.epiroc.us
FIND US IN THE SOUTH HALL AT BOOTH #S11020
Visit RGC @ WOC 2020 • Booth #S12039
RGC
RS17 RingSaw
Cuts 12.75” in one pass
THE POWER OF A DEEPER CUT
C120 HydraCutter
Up to 30” cutting depth Uses standard bar and chains
351212 HydraPak
Power two tools up to 12GPM simultaneously
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10/23/19 8:43 AM C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 5 1
Certification
C ER TI F I E D OPERATOR
OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
CSDA’s Operator Certification is a comprehensive six-day program that combines detailed classroom instruction with on-slab demonstration and evaluation of advanced concrete cutting techniques. Safety, proper equipment use and efficiency are emphasized. CSDA certified operators are recognized industry-wide for their proficiency in the full range of sawing and drilling applications.
• Successful completion of CSDA Cutting Edge, Slab Sawing & Drilling 101, Wall Sawing 101 or Wire Sawing 101 • Three years field experience (4,500 hours) • Successful completion of 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety course • No more than one lost-time injury within the last three years • Unrestricted driver’s license • Negative drug test within 30 days of taking the course
A-1 CONCRETE CUTTING & CORING LTD.
CONCRETE CUTTING & BREAKING
HOLES OF SAN ANTONIO, INC.
Calgary, AB
Jacksonville, FL Kentwood , MI Cleveland , OH Orlando, FL
San Antonio, TX
ACCU-CUT CONCRETE SERVICES, INC. Clearwater, FL
ACE CONCRETE CUTTING Cumberland, RI
AGGREGATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Houston, TX
AMERICAN EAGLE CONCRETE SERVICES Orlando, FL
AMERICAN PAVEMENT SAWING Garden City, MI
AUSTIN ENTERPRISE Bakersfield, CA
B.T. RENTALS Port-of-Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
BAY LINE CUTTING & CORING, INC. San Francisco, CA
CENTRAL CONCRETE CUTTING Edgar, WI, Eau Claire, WI
CHESCO CORING & CUTTING, INC. Malvern, PA New Castle, DE
COBRA CONCRETE CUTTING SERVICES CO.
CONCRETE CUTTING SPECIALISTS Freeland, MI
CONCRETE RENOVATION, INC. San Antonio, TX
CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS REMOVAL, INC. St. Augustine, FL
CONQUEST DEMOLITION Buda, TX
CR MEYER Osh Kosh, WI
DELTA CONTRACTORS & ASSOCIATES, LLC Owings Mills, MD
DIXIE CONCRETE CUTTING, INC. College Park, GA Greenville, SC
JACK DOHERTY CONTRACTING Woburn, MA
E. LUKE GREENE COMPANY, INC. Johnson City, TN
Houston, TX
HOUSLEY DEMOLITION CO., INC. Visalia, CA
INTERNATIONAL DRILLING & SAWING, INC. Pensacola, FL Montgomery, AL
INTERSTATE SAWING COMPANY, INC. West Bend, WI
JEM CONCRETE DRILLING & SAWING, INC. Granger, IN
KRAUS-ANDERSON CONSTRUCTION CO. Minneapolis, MN
LIUNA LOCAL 506 TRAINING CENTRE Richmond Hill, ON Canada
M6 CONCRETE CUTTING & CORING Wichita, KS
MIDWEST CONCRETE CUTTING, INC. Peotone, IL
NEIL’S CONCRETE CUTTING, INC. Taylorsville, UT
OKLAHOMA CORING & CUTTING, INC. FINE CUT CONCRETE DRILLING & SAWING, LLC Arcadia, OK
Arlington Heights, IL Bloomington, IL Milwaukee, WI
Pleasant Hill, MO
CON-COR CO., INC.
HAFNER & SON, INC.
Menomonee Falls, WI
Danielsville, PA
FORRISTALL ENTERPRISES, INC. Bradenton, FL
HARD ROCK CONCRETE CUTTERS Wheeling, IL
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HOLES, INC.
PG CUTTING SERVICES Lake Elisnore, CA
TRUE LINE CORING AND CUTTING OF MARYLAND, INC.
Baltimore, MD
COMPANY CERTIFICATION C ER TI F I E D COMPANY
The CSDA Company Certification Program is the first of its kind in the industry. This program has been created for cutting contractors to provide owners, architects, engineers, general contractors and government officials with a valuable pre-qualification tool that acknowledges sound business practices. It is available to all sawing and drilling contractors.
A COMPANY MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA TO ACHIEVE CERTIFICATION: • Meet the basic safety and insurance requirements of the industry • Undertake sound operational and financial best practices • Provide evidence it has taken part in basic training or certification programs to better its employees and the company as a whole • Successfully pass a written application review
ADVANCED CONCRETE SAWING
CONCRETE CUTTING SYSTEMS OF PITTSBURGH
HARD ROCK CONCRETE CUTTING
St. Paul, Minnesota
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Raleigh, North Carolina
AMERICAN GPR SERVICES LLC
CUTTING EDGE SERVICES, A DIVISION OF INPLACE MACHINING COMPANY
HOLES INCORPORATED
Avondale, Arizona
AUSTIN ENTERPRISE
Batavia, Ohio
INTERNATIONAL DRILLING & SAWING INC.
Bakersfield, California
DIACORE CONCRETE CUTTING SPECIALISTS
Pensacola, Florida
CENTRAL CONCRETE CUTTING, INC. Edgar, Wisconsin
Frenchs Forest, New South Wales, Australia
COBRA CONCRETE CUTTING SERVICES CO.
ECHO GPR
ONLINE CONCRETE CUTTING SERVICES PTY. LTD
Houston, Texas
Seven Hills, New South Wales, Australia
Arlington Heights, Illinois
Paola, Kansas
WALKER CUTTING SERVICES
CONCRETE CUTTING SYSTEMS
HARD ROCK CONCRETE CUTTERS, INC.
Hammonton, New Jersey
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Wheeling, Illinois
GPR CERTIFICATION GPR Certification is for experienced GPR technicians who have expanded their knowledge of the methods, theory and practical application of GPR imaging. Certified technicians receive classroom and hands-on time with experienced instructors and representatives from leading GPR manufacturers.
A-1 CONCRETE CUTTING
A GPR CERTIFIED OPERATOR: • Has shown proficiency in performing scans and reading and interpreting results • Can select the appropriate GPR scanner for the job • Passed a written and practical test • Was issued a certification card upon completion of the class
Las Vegas, NV
CSDT Sandy Bay, TS
MAREK SAWING & DRILLING, LLC
ADVANCE CONCRETE SAWING
DALY CONCRETE CORING LIMITED
MAVERICK CUTTING AND BREAKING
Saint Paul, MN
Courtice, ON
Minneapolis, MN
AMERICAN GPR SERVICES, LLC
FINE LINE SAWING & DRILLING INC.
PATRIOT SAWCUTTING INC.
Avondale, AZ
Newark, CA
Englewood, NJ
B & D CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.
HARD ROCK TECHNOLOGIES
PERCEPTION RADAR LLC
Spring, TX
Atlanta, GA
Prospect Heights, IL
Waterford , CT
BREAK AWAY CONCRETE CUTTING INC.
HILTI INC
Coyote, CA
Plano, TX
SAUNDERS CONTRACTING SERVICES INC. Hampton, VA
CANADA CUTTING CORING & STABILIZATION LTD.
HOLES INCORPORATED
Regina, SK
Houston, TX
CANADIAN CUTTING & CORING
HOLES, INC.
Burnaby, BC
Houston, TX
CENTRAL CONCRETE CUTTING INC
IDS GEORADAR NORTH AMERICA
Edgar, WI
Golden, CO
COBRA CONCRETE CUTTING SERVICES CO
IDS, INC.
Arlington Heights, IL
Montgomery, AL
CONCRETE CORING CO. OF CINCINNATI, INC.
IDS, INC.
Cincinnati , OH
Pensacola, FL
CONQUEST DEMOLITION
ILLINOIS SCANNING TECHNOLOGY
Buda, TX
Chicago, IL
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SCAN TEK GPR Davie, FL
SKYLINE CONTRUCTION AND RESTORATION CORP. Miami, FL
SOUTHEAST SCANNING & CORING Norcross, GA
VERIFY LOCATING/ SAF-CUT Raleigh, NC
C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 5 3
Membership
NE
CONTRACTORS
W
WILDCAT RENOVATION Fort Meyers, FL
ME
NATIONAL CONCRETE CUTTING CO. Sacramento, CA
MBE
PRECISION CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Alpharetta, GA
FIRSTCON INC. Wichita, KS
ROBINSON CONCRETE CUTTING, INC.
R
Daly City, CA
S
MANUFACTURER WOLVERINE EQUIPMENT, LLC Kent, WA
MEMBER
BENEFITS SAFETY RESOURCES
UNTS O C DIS GRAM ember PROion negotiates mional
sociat ith nat The As programs w d t UPS an de i f bene taples, S ovi e r k p i l rs rder to o vendo n i s .com unitie supply opport . s V-belt g n i v s mber cost-sa DA Me for CS
54 | DECEMBER.19
NETWORKING
AND TOOLBOX SAFETY TIPS (TSTS) • 230-page CSDA Safety Manual • Safety Handbook in English/Spanish • Safety Videos for concrete cutters • Over 100 Toolbox Safety Tips (TSTs)
AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTION AND QUARTERLY MEETINGS The number one benefit for members has always been the opportunity to network with cutting professionals at the annual convention and quarterly meetings. This networking provides opportunities to forge new relationships and learn from other experienced professionals.
NEXT GEN
CSDA NEXT GENERATION GROUP The group aims to continue the growth of the association while serving the needs and wants of the younger generation, with the goal of continuing to set a standard of excellence.
24/7
THE CSDA WEBSITE AT WWW.CSDA.ORG CONTAINS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE 24/7 IN THE “MEMBERS” SECTION. IN ADDITION, CSDA’S FACEBOOK PAGE AND DISCUSSION FORUM GROUP PAGE ALSO PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH A CHANCE TO DISCUSS TECHNICAL ISSUES, SELL EQUIPMENT, HIRE EMPLOYEES OR ANY OTHER RELEVANT TOPICS.
TRAINING
TESTIMONIAL
OVER 4,000 INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS HAVE GRADUATED FROM MORE THAN 20 CLASSROOM, HANDS-ON AND ONLINE CSDA TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON CUTTING DISCIPLINES, ESTIMATING, POLISHING AND SAFETY. ONLINE TRAINING AT WWW. CSDATRAINING.COM OFFERS A COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO THOSE NOT ABLE TO AFFORD THE TIME OR THE MONEY TO SEND OPERATORS TO CLASSES.
As a young man entering the concrete saw cutting, drilling and demolition industry in the mid-1980s, it was apparent that this business was barbaric. In the past 35 years, we have seen business strategy, science, technology and safe work practices get integrated into our way of life. The CSDA has been instrumental in this development. They have advanced our industry by working with all partners, both contractors and vendors, to ensure evolution continues to impact our industry. If you have the pride and dedication to work in our industry, then you should become a partner with the CSDA, the only organization that focuses on our growth and elevation, not only of our companies, but of the entire industry. CSDA is an organization that provides valuable mechanisms that CTS intends to maximize in the future.
Ron Salera, General Manager Concrete Technology Services Washington, DC Mid-Atlantic Market
DUESSCHEDULE REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.CSDA.ORG GROSS SALES
$0 – 1M
NORTH AMERICAN CONTRACTOR
POLISHING CONTRACTOR
GPR IMAGING MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR OVERSEAS CONTRACTOR CONTRACTOR
$1,495
$1,085
$1 – 2M
$705 $705 $705 $1,125
$1,850
$1,385
$2 – 3M
$1,730
$2,755
$2,060
$3 – 5M
$2,325 $1,415 $1,415 $2,945
$4,415
$5 – 10M
$5,975
$450
AFFILIATE
$865
$3,320
> $10M $3,695 $7,365
For more information about CSDA membership, visit www.csda.org, call 727-577-5004 or email info@csda.org. W WW. C O N C RE TE OPE N IN GS.COM
C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 5 5
Calendar 2020 JANUARY 22-23, 2020
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
Canadian Concrete Expo
CSDA Board of Directors Meeting
The International Centre Mississauga, ON Tel: (226) 363-0550 Email: sue@exposition.com
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
FEBRUARY 3-7, 2020
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
World of Concrete
CSDA Next Generation Networking Reception
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
Renaissance Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
FEBRUARY 3-4, 2020
FEBRUARY 6, 2020
CSDA Estimating Class
CSDA GPR Methods & Theory Class
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
FEBRUARY 4-5, 2020
FEBRUARY 6, 2020
MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2020
CSDA Concrete Polishing Class
CSDA Press Conference
CSDA Spring Board & Committee Meetings
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
Omni La Costa Resort Carlsbad, CA Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
CSDA Annual Convention & Tech Fair Omni La Costa Resort—Carlsbad, CA
APRIL 2-4, 2020
World of Concrete Las Vegas Convention Center—Las Vegas, NV
CSDA Annual Convention & Tech Fair Omni La Costa Resort Carlsbad, CA Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
JUNE 3-4, 2020 CSDA Summer Board & Committee Meetings Hilton Charlotte University Place Charlotte, NC Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
SEPTEMBER 10-11, 2020 CSDA Fall Board & Committee Meetings Westin Seattle Seattle, WA Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
DECEMBER 2-3, 2020 CSDA Winter Board & Committee Meetings Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Nashville, TN Tel: 727-577-5004 Email: info@csda.org
56 | DECEMBER.19
Advertising and Readership Circulation 19,000+ minimum, per issue 12,000+ member and prospective member companies made up of contractors, manufacturers, distributors and affiliates
7,000+ general contractors, engineers, architects and government officials who specify cutting, polishing and imaging
Who Reads the Magazine? Concrete Openings reaches cutting, polishing and imaging contractors as well as specifiers of these services, including engineers, architects, general contractors and governmental agencies. Why waste your message on unnecessary circulation? Advertising in Concrete Openings guarantees a targeted audience of industry professionals.
READERSHIP BY PROFESSION
Target the Specialized Industry of Concrete Cutting, Polishing and Imaging Advertising in Concrete Openings magazine is the only way to reach the specialty market of cutting, polishing and imaging contractors who work with concrete, asphalt or masonry because it is specifically targeted to this segment of the industry.
How Do You Reach 19,000+ Concrete industry Professionals? Each issue of Concrete Openings magazine is sent to more than 12,000 operators, equipment manufacturers and suppliers in the concrete cutting, polishing and imaging industry, and more than 7,000 specifiers of these services around the world.
Not a Subscriber? Get your free subscription today! Visit www.concreteopenings.com and click “subscribe.”
W WW. C O N C RE TE OPE N IN GS.COM
52%
Readership Per Issue A poll of Concrete Openings subscribers revealed that 66% pass on their copy of the magazine to at least one other person, with almost 25% stating that the magazine is passed on to four or more people each issue. This translates to an average of four people reading each issue of the magazine for a total readership per year of approximately 60,000.
8% 40%
• Specifiers • Contractors • Manufacturers, Distributors
CSDA Social Media CSDA’s social media pages are packed with all the latest news, updates, photos and videos from the association and Concrete Openings magazine. Look out for exclusive content and become “friends” with others who are looking to network and promote the sawing and drilling industry. Join our growing fan base and stay in touch with the association through your PC, laptop or mobile device. Find direct links to these pages at www.csda.org.
Concrete Openings Website Visitors to the Concrete Openings website can access our advertisers at the touch of a button! As a compliment to your ad placement, we include a direct link to your website on our Advertisers page. Concrete Openings also offers banner advertising opportunities throughout the year and a full, pageturning copy of the magazine, including ads, available for visitors on the website. Visit www.concreteopenings.com for more information.
C O N C RET E O P EN I N G S | 5 7
Advertisers To receive additional information about products advertised in this issue, contact the vendors below. ADVERTISER
PAGE
PHONE
58
Aquajet Systems
701-373-0062
brittany@ironcladmktg.com
21
Brokk, Inc.
701-373-0062
brittany@ironcladmktg.com
19
Canadian Concrete Exp
519-300-2635
stuart@exposition.com
45
DDM–Concut
443-521-9379
ghenderson@ddmconcut.com
Inside Front Cover, 5
Diamond Products
800-321-5336
jpalmer@diamondproducts.com
47
Diamond Vantage
866-322-4078
sunny@gtdiamond.com
27, 41, 49
DITEQ Corporation
816-246-5515
mikeo@diteq.com
29
EDCO Inc.
301-663-1600
moran@edcoinc.com
paul@gelmaxxusa.com
51
GelMaxx
619-701-7246
11
Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI)
603-893-1109
harmonj@geophysical.com
Inside Back Cover
Hilti North America
918-872-3079
corrie.brock@hilti.com
30, 31, Outside Back Cover
Husqvarna Construction Products
913-928-1442
cate.stratemeier@husqvarna.com
26, 59
ICS, Blount Inc.
800-321-1240
marketing@icsdiamondtools.com
47
K2 Sanders
310-539-6116
mike.nelson@k2diamond.com
20
Lissmac Corporation
518-326-9094
sales@lissmac_corporation.com
46
Peak Software Systems (DSM)
801-572-3570
jordan@peakinfo.com
17
Real Power
317-876-1530
dsmith@contourhardening.com
51
Reimann & Georger Corp. (RGC Products) 800-742-8665
sales@rgproducts.com
2
SM-Horse Co, LTD
86-186-1600-8022
ceo@sm-seahourse.com
15
Vacuworx
918-259-3050
paulab@vacuworx.com
45
Western Saw
800-388-7297
cole@westernsaw.com
See us with Brokk at booth C4547
Distributed by:
Brokk Inc. | Monroe, WA | 1-360-794-1277 | info@brokkinc.com | www.brokk.com 58 | DECEMBER.19
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Director’s Dialogue
50 Years
PATRICK O’BRIEN Executive Director
C
SDA will soon reach a major milestone when it celebrates its 50th Anniversary. This is quite an accomplishment for the association formed in 1972 by a visionary group of contractors and manufacturers in the fledgling concrete sawing and drilling industry. CSDA has thrived over this time for many reasons, not the least due to the many Officers, Board and staff. A major contributing factor has been the services provided and the benefits offered to member companies to help them grow. Today the 500 member companies have access to a broad array of safety and training programs that include manuals, handbooks, DVD’s and classroom/hands-on/online training courses. Many other programs have also been undertaken on behalf of members, including providing real world input to influence OSHA and the most recent silica regulations. No one company could have the impact like CSDA has had in this respect. It is important to note that these services and programs came about not from consultant recommendations or by chance, they were all developed in specific response to contractor member input and need. This has become especially important as many of the early contractors only performed sawing and drilling services. Contractors still perform those services but have expanded their businesses, offering additional services including selective demolition, ground penetrating radar/imaging, polishing and more. As CSDA approaches the 50 year mark it is time to start thinking the next 50 years. The industry represented by CSDA
60 | DECEMBER.19
will undoubtedly be different and be populated by a new generation that did not grow up with the industry in its early beginnings. Chances are very good that the benefits and programs that this generation needs will be different. It is incumbent on today’s leaders to look to the future to ensure that the industry will continue to thrive so that a new generation can take the industry to the next level. Part of the vision for the next 50 years also includes the leadership from the association management company, O’Brien International, that works with the CSDA Board, Officers and members to chart the course. Having worked with CSDA for nearly 40 of those 50 years, first with GE but mostly as executive director, it is time for me to pass on the torch to the next generation. Over the past year and a half, I have worked to find people to take over the reins of O’Brien International. Working with the CSDA Officers, a plan was put in place for succession with Jon and Erin to take over the association management for CSDA. They are well prepared to help lead CSDA going forward. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with CSDA. Together we have achieved many great things and the association is in the best shape ever. It was always my goal to make sure CSDA was prepared to enter its second 50 years of its history. I will be returning to the aviation industry that I left nearly 40 years ago. CSDA was always more than just a job for me. Many in this industry became lifelong friends, and while I am leaving direct involvement with CSDA, you will always be in my thoughts. I wish CSDA all the best in the future. It has been quite a ride for me and I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it all to do again.
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800.288.5040 hcpcustomer.service@husqvarnagroup.com Phone: 800-288-5040 Copyright © 2019 Husqvarna AB (publ.). All rights reserved. Husqvarna is a registered trademark of Husqvarna AB (publ.).
