Ark Mud Placing
20 February/March 2019
What To Do About Surface Cracking and Surface Crusting
10
THE LEADING TRADE MAGAZINE IN THE CONCRETE INDUSTRY
Polished Concrete Plus Creates Wood Grain Finishes
STATE OF THE
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February/March 2019 | Issue 2, Volume 19
WHAT’S INSIDE Departments 4 Editor’s Letter 6 Post-World of Concrete Products 51 The Last Placement
Cover Photo Credit: BreakingTheWalls/ iStock / Getty Images Plus/ Getty Images
Cover Story
What’s Online Place Maker
16 State of the Industry: Economic Issues in 2019 Where is the economy headed in the next couple years?
Bomanite’s Renaissance Deep-Grind delivers low-maintenance brilliance affordably. Search: 21046515
5 Ways to Get Your Construction Business Ranking High on Google
Features
Five specific and actionable tips on what contractors can do to rank high on Google for local searches Search: 21045988
10 What To Do About Surface Cracking and Surface Crusting You know you shouldn’t place concrete when there is rain in the forecast but there are other conditions you shouldn’t either.
26 Mix of Equipment Reconstructs Concrete . Racetrack The right combination of equipment helps complete a $1.6 million reconstruction of Summit Motorsports Park..
32 Deep Foamjection 20 Ark Mud Placing Paul Schneider’s concrete stamping skills were put to the test when he was hired to create and complete a queue line area resembling a welltraveled mud path underneath the largest timber-frame building in the world.
The fastest growing profitable alternative to compaction grouting and piering repairs.
44 Polished Concrete Plus Creates Wood Grain Finishes When pouring concrete began to take its toll on Jeff Kasella’s body, he found a way to add beauty to the slabs others poured.
36 Specification Guides: Power Trowels A compilation of technical information when choosing your next power trowel.
40 Moving Concrete to Create Indiana Infrastructure For Gary Brown of R.L. McCoy, Schwing Loop Belt Truck-Mounted Conveyors deliver success in the concrete pumping industry.
48 Abrasives Product Round-up A compilation of abrasive products now available.
www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | February/March 2019 | Concrete Contractor 3
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EDITOR’S LETTER
World of Concrete 2019 A Success
T
Advisory Board
201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 (800) 538-5544 • www.ACBusinessMedia.com
www.ForConstructionPros.com/Concrete PUBLICATION STAFF
his year’s edition of the World of Concrete exceeded expectations and according to organizers was the largest event in over a decade. The annual event registered over 60,000 attendees and more than 1,500 exhibiting companies. It was a smashing success. One of the key events we attend is a presentation by Ed Sullivan, the Portland Cement Association’s Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. Over the years, he has continually been accurate about the direction of the industry and what contractors should be prepared for over the coming months. In this month’s issue, our Cover Story features a summary of Mr. Sullivan’s forecast as well as an examination of what you can expect from each of the primary construction markets: residential, non-residential, and public. Turn to page 16 to learn more. Concrete Industry Management (CIM) is a business program that has been developed specifically for the concrete industry to provide students with a fouryear Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. CIM held its 14th annual unreserved silent and live auctions. The silent and live auctions raised gross revenues of $1.2 million, setting a record for funds raised at WOC. Wacker Neuson once again held its popular Trowel Challenge competition. As the competition has continued to gain loyalty, many familiar faces returned to compete for the grand prize, a Wacker Neuson eight foot CRT48-37V ride on Facebook.com/ ConcreteContractor
Published by AC Business Media
Ryan Olson, Publisher/ Editorial Director ROlson@ ACBusinessMedia.com (800) 538-5544
trowel. Over 100 operators from around the world competed for the fastest time as they maneuvered through the tight turns of the 1,750-sq.-ft. course. At the conclusion of the tight competition, Manuel Vasquez Flores, ACE Avant, Archdale, N.C. came in first place as he started the final run in sixth place with a qualifying time of 44.137 seconds. With the fastest final run time in the championship heat of 43.383, Manny’s total combined and winning time came in at 87.520 seconds. Second place was awarded to Chris Thorpe, George J. Shaw Construction, Kansas City, Mo. He came into the final round in third place with a qualifying run time of 43.576. When he ran his final run in 44.321, his finishing total time of 87.897 moved him into second place. Finally, third place went to Akeo Cuban, Swinerton Builders, Honolulu, Hawaii. He had the second best qualifying time of 43.140, but couldn’t quite hold the second spot, coming in the final run time of 44.952, for a total of 88.098 and a third place finish. Congratulations to all who participated.
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Kim Basham KB Engineering Cheyenne, Wyo.
Jim Cuviello Cuviello Concrete Polished|Stained|Crafted Stevensville, Md.
Jim Baty Concrete Foundations Association Mt. Vernon, Iowa
Chris Klemaske T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc. San Diego, Calif.
Search: Concrete Polishing
Dennis Purinton Purinton Builders, Inc. East Granby, Conn.
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Published and copyrighted 2019 by AC Business Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. CONCRETE CONTRACTOR (USPS 021-799, ISSN 1935-1887 (print); ISSN 2471-2302 (online) is published 7 times a year: January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December by AC Business Media, 201 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Printed in the U.S.A. Periodicals postage paid at Fort Atkinson, WI, and additional entry offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Concrete Contractor, PO Box 3605 Northbrook, IL 60065-3605 February/March 2019, Issue 2, Volume 19 One year subscription to non-qualified individuals: U.S. 1 year: $35, 2 years: $70. Canada & Mexico 1 year: $60, 2 years: $105. All other countries 1 year: $85, 2 years: $160 (payable in U.S. funds drawn on U.S. banks). Single copies available (prepaid only) $10.00 each (U.S., Canada & Mexico), $15.00 each (International). Canada Post PM40612608. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Concrete Contractor, PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Printed in the U.S.A.
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4 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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PRODUCTS
World of Concrete PRODUCT REVIEW A compilation of new products from the big show.
Dragon Screed Uses Skid Steer to Finish Concrete Up To 22 ft. Wide
Dragon Screed claims its skid-steer attachment can cut labor in half, leveling subgrade and screeding concrete on pours from 6 ft. to 22 ft. wide. It can be configured to work on the sides or in front of the skid steer loader, in forward or reverse. The screed drags, floats, and vibrates concrete with every pass. Wide floats, each with a vibrator attached, drag smoothly behind the screed bar. With Dragon Screed, the skid steer does the dragging so you can pour concrete with lower water content. • Quick-attach handles provide maneuverability in small spaces hydraulic pivot allows pouring on a pitch or from an uneven surface ForConstructionPros.com/21043528
Roadware Easy Injection System
The Roadware Easy Injection System can make effective structural repairs into 24 inches of concrete or more without pumps or ports. 10 Minute Concrete Mender™, a nearly water thin structural polyurethane, is injected into cracks through a small pilot hole and a pressure sealing static mixer. The system is much less evasive and cuts silica dust generation by 90% when compared to traditional cut and fill crack repair methods. Repairs cure in about 10 minutes and can be polished or coated in the same day. ForConstructionPros.com/21045805
Guarda Edge Cutoff Saw Collects Dust Slurry in the Guard Patented Tri-Vac technology on the Guarda Edge Power Cutter is said to be the industry’s first wet saw that captures slurry during the cutting process. An extraction hose is connected to the blade guard via a shroud and a wet-vacuum is connected to the other end. During cutting, water is delivered inside the blade guard, mixing with dust to create slurry. The slurry is extracted down the hose and into the wet-vac during cutting. With superb slurry control, cleanup is minimal. ForConstructionPros.com/21044687
Allen Introduces the New HDX605 Hydra-Drive Extreme Riding Trowel
The Allen HDX605 Riding Trowel is a hydraulically controlled, eight foot class ride-on power trowel that is powered by a 57 hp Kubota gasoline engine. The HDX605 was designed with the high volume flatwork concrete contractor in mind. This riding trowel comes with cruise control, digital readouts for accurate fuel levels and diagnostics, and a 13-gal. fuel tank to extend run times. Hydraulic pumps are specified to help maintain torque at high rotor speeds to improve for panning and finishing operations. Other features include: • Electric (Joystick mounted) single- or dual-pitch capable • Rotor speeds up to 160 RPM ForConstructionPros.com/21040937
MQ Whiteman J3036H55 Trowel Converts from 36-in to 30-in Edge Finisher
MQ Whiteman’s new J3036H55 power trowel is the first to allow contractors to convert between 36-in. and 30-in. guard-ring diameters to fit job requirements. Multiquip says replacing outer sections of the ABS plastic rotating ring and changing trowel blades takes just minutes, and the J3036H55 can finish around risers even in confined areas. Uniquely designed blades contact the concrete surface to the outer limits of the rotating ring. The trowel can also be used as a standard walk-behind finisher because its operating weight is the same as a standard 36-in. walk-behind trowel. • 4.8 hp Honda QX 160 engine • Large oil-capacity gearbox • Works with either SXH or QXH Whiteman handles ForConstructionPros.com/21043766
Bon Introduces New Steel City Finish Trowels
Bon’s offering of contractorgrade hand tools has been expanded with a line of the highest grade professional finish trowels. Steel City Trowels are produced to the highest quality standards, setting a superior performance standard in the marketplace. Bon’s new trowels feature an industry exclusive rivet system in which the aluminum shank is attached to the blade utilizing two copper rivets. This provides maximum strength and durability. Bon Steel City Trowels are available in four blade materials: Golden Stainless Steel; Razor Stainless Steel; Blue Steel; and Carbon Steel. Options include square end or round end, short or long shank. ForConstructionPros.com/21044519
SOLA’s New LSTFM V-groove Torpedo Level
The world’s easiest to read, strongest, V-groove torpedo level: SOLA’s new LSTFM. Trapezoidal shaped, this aluminum die-cast level has everything you need to get the best, most accurate reading possible. Able to be used in a standard or inverted position, the LSTFM features SOLA’s patented FOCUS vial molded out of a break-resistant acrylic block that comes with a Limited-Lifetime guarantee against leakage and gets better readability in dim light due to the vial’s luminous backing. Also featuring a strong neodymium magnet for a high adhesion force, this level has everything you need to get the job done right. ForConstructionPros.com/21045801
6 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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The best adhesive performs in the worst conditions.
The next generation of Simpson Strong-Tie ® epoxy adhesive is more reliable and versatile. The high-strength SET-3G™ anchoring adhesive can be installed in extreme concrete temperatures (from 40°F to 100°F ) as well as in dry or water-filled holes in concrete to provide the strength and performance needed for adhesive anchor installations on your projects. Rely on the code-listed SET-3G epoxy for your next project. Visit go.strongtie.com/set3g or call us at (800) 999-5099.
Code Listed: ICC-ES ESR-4057 www.ForConstructionPros.com/10074628
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© 2019
Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. SET3G17-C
2/18/19 2:14 PM
PRODUCTS Somero Introduces the Sky Screed 25
Somero Enterprises introduced the Somero Sky Screed 25, the first Knuckle Boom Laser Screed machine in the world to allow screeding on structural high-rise and slab-on-grade applications. The Sky Screed's lower frame rests on three stabilizers while the upper frame and screed head rotate 360°, providing the flexibility to screed around columns and other protrusions. • Auger-less screed head allows for screeding in any direction • Powerful vibrator motor consolidates concrete • Elevation is controlled by Somero's OASIS laser-control system • All machine functions controlled via wireless remote control • 32.5-hp Kubota gasoline engine with electric start ForConstructionPros.com/21044855
Wacker Neuson Reconfigures its Internal Concrete Vibrator Offering
Wacker Neuson is simplifying its internal vibration product line into three categories: Premium, Advanced and Basic. Wacker Neuson’s newest addition to its internal vibration offering is the Premium line called IRFUflex. This is a robust modular highfrequency, high-cycle system that contains one frequency converter power unit combined with several interchangeable vibrator head and hose length options. This flexible system will offer the ideal head size and hose length to tackle most jobs and provide complete concrete consolidation. Wacker Neuson’s Advanced internal vibrator line is the new IEC. This highfrequency, high-cycle line is offered in four, fixed configuration models each with an integrated frequency converter and choice of 1.8 inch (45 mm) or 2.2 inch (58 mm) head diameter and 10 foot (3 m) or 26 foot (8 m) hose length. Wacker Neuson’s Basic line is the popular Head, Motor Shaft (HMS) flex shaft vibrator line. ForConstructionPros.com/21046370
SKILSAW Expands Concrete Scoring Offering with MEDUSAW Walk Behind Saw for Concrete
SKILSAW has taken the next step in scoring concrete with the introduction of its 7-Inch MEDUSAW Walk Behind Worm Drive Saw for Concrete, model SPT79A-10. This new walk-behind saw satisfies a user’s need for a complete, ergonomic solution for scoring concrete in larger-area applications where productivity is important. This saw incorporates the same wet/dry dust management system as MEDUSAW, with the addition of an efficient walk-behind configuration. • The MEDUSAW walk behind is equipped with an adjustable arm that extends to the user’s height and folds and locks into place for transporting and storage. • The three-point line of sight allows for accurate cuts, while a large foot and oversized wheels increase the saw’s stability. • The MEDUSAW Walk Behind features the same powerful Dual-Field™ worm drive motor with added • The saw also accommodates commonly available seven-inch blades. ForConstructionPros.com/21046366
Oneida Unveils CC500-L Dust Extractor, Line of Cyclone Separators CC500-L Dust Extractor
The patent-pending CC500-L is a portable cyclonic dust extractor with HEPA filtration, adjustable height mobility stand, and compatible with Longopac Mini bags. bags.
CDD-Pre-separators Oneida Air Systems brings the patented Dust Deputy cyclone pre-separator to the concrete market with the launch of its line of CDD steel cyclone pre-separators. By design these pre-separators, when attached to units like Oneida Air’s CC500-L Dust Extractor, prevent 90+% of silica dust and debris from reaching the extractor’s filter, virtually eliminating clogging and ultimately prolonging filter life. ForConstructionPros.com/21044515
Makinex Mixing Station Simplifies Mixing and Pouring Leveling Compounds
The Makinex Mixing Station is portable andMakinex Mixing Station lightweight, providing efficient hands-free mixing for self-leveling cements, compounds, and epoxies. Easy tilt operation ensures control and speed for precise pouring. Suitable for use with various stirrers/mixers including the Protool Stirrer MXP1602E and Collomix XO6 Hand Mixer. • Can mix batches up to 220 lb. in three minutes • Dust/splash reduction cover for safer use and less mess • Vacuum attachment on the lid • Weight: 40 lb. without mixer ForConstructionPros.com/21045287
Pulse-Bac Vacuum Systems Announces the New PRO-Series Line of Vacuums
Pulse-Bac Vacuum Systems announces the release of the new PRO-Series line of vacuums for silica dust control, jobsite clean up and more. The design changes in the new Pulse-Bac PRO-Series make for a more reliable and productive vacuum. • The new Pro Series design incorporates a new hood giving Pulse-Bac a sleek new look, moves the fuse to the outside nameplate for quick and easy replacement, incorporates a new valve design for controlling the pulsing technology that contains no pins or fasteners, just one continuous piece. • The all-new Pulse-Bac Pro Series heads will fit the existing 1000 series 20 Gallon Tanks, Extenders and Baggers. In other words, if you already own a Pulse-Bac, you can upgrade your vacuum head to the new Pro Series and fit it to your existing tank option. ForConstructionPros.com/21047209
8 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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Kubota Introduces the New SVL65-2 Compact Track Loader
Kubota Tractor Corporation unveiled its new SVL65-2 to the company’s popular compact track loader line, further diversifying its construction equipment offerings. The new compact track loader is positioned in a lighter ROC weight class than its predecessors and features an advanced hydraulic multi-function valve, the line’s signature slide-up overhead front door, and on/off self-leveling capability. The introduction rounds out Kubota’s SVL line that includes the larger SVL75-2 and the SVL95-2s models. The new unit will be available at authorized Kubota dealers beginning April 2019. www.forconstructionpros. com/21046374
Cemen Tech Expands ACCU-POUR Technology with Suite of Productivity Solutions AP Office
AP Office is the front-end solution for scheduling, dispatch and fleet management functions. Utilizing the latest in telematics technology, the software allows business owners to keep track of the status and location of each mixer in their fleet in real-time.
AP Mobile Designed for use on a phone, tablet of other mobile device, AP Mobile allows users to wirelessly send and receive production data between AP Office and the mixer, as well as view mixing parameters in real-time. ForConstructionPros.com/21046371
Husqvarna K 770 Vac Power Cutter - A Dry Cutting Solution
Wet cutting is the preferred way to cut in most situations, but sometimes dry cutting is the only option. With the Husqvarna K 770 Vac, you get the power and proven qualities of the lightweight K 770 power cutter while adding the benefit of dust extraction. The power cutter features a distinct blade guard, which helps collect the dust while cutting and directs it to the hose. The flexible hose connector easily attaches to an external dust extractor, such as the Husqvarna S 26, and facilitates dust removal and containment. ForConstructionPros.com/21045806
Planiseal CR1 Waterproofing Membrane
Planiseal CR1 can provide vertical and horizontal waterproofing on structural foundations, as well as interior applications such as bathrooms, kitchens, mechanical rooms and laboratories. • Planiseal CR1 is easily applied with no mixing, does not require a primer, will not shrink and is VOC-compliant in virtually all municipalities. • It is very low in odor, making it well suited for use in and around occupied spaces. ForConstructionPros.com/21046373
www.ForConstructionPros.com/10072749
www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | February/March 2019 | Concrete Contractor 9
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FLATWORK/SLABS
By Joe Nasvik
What To Do About Surface Cracking and
SURFACE CRUSTING You know you shouldn’t place concrete when there is rain in the forecast but there are other conditions you shouldn’t either.
I
t’s also referred to as shrinkage cracking and plastic shrinkage. But whatever you choose to call it surface cracking and surface crusting are due to ambient conditions surrounding freshly placed concrete until it gets hard. It results when the surface either loses more moisture than can be replaced by bleed water in the concrete or when the surface layer of a slab gets hard before the concrete below. The damage this causes can be cracking all over the top of a slab, the loss of surface flatness, loss of strength in the top regions, or in the case of stamped concrete the unsightly destruction of the surface. Solving these problems starts with recognizing the conditions
that cause it before it occurs and taking appropriate action. The ACI 116 committee defines surface cracking as “cracking that occurs in the surface of fresh concrete soon after it is placed and while it is still plastic.” In its most severe form, surface crusting, a brittle crust forms that can be as thick as half an inch. There isn’t much that can be done once a crust like this forms.
CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE SURFACE SHRINKAGE AND CRUSTING There are several ambient conditions working together that contribute to cracking on the surface of fresh concrete: air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, and direct sunlight. Surface crusting is a phenomenon involving excessive temperature differentials between freshly placed concrete and the temperature of the surface being heated by the sun. The temperature of the ground can have a contributing effect if it causes readymix temperatures to drop. Concrete mix ingredients such as the amount of cement, supplementary cementitious materials (SEM), and admixtures such as retarding agents also play a roll.
Surface cracking happens while the concrete is still fresh and before it undergoes initial set. Weather conditions not favorable to concrete are the primary cause. The best protection for contractors is to collect on-site ambient weather data and concrete temperatures and use the nomograph to predict whether cracking will occur. Photo Credit: Joe Nasvik
THE NOMOGRAPH
Luke Snell, a concrete consultant in Edwardsville, Illinois says the origins of a nomograph that could predict whether fresh concrete was at risk of surface crack formation goes back to a formula worked out in Europe in 1802. It was originally devised to determine water lost to evaporation on lakes. The complicated formula was refined and used in the U.S. in the 1950s to evaluate the construction of Lake Hefner, Oklahoma, located in a relatively dry area. Engineers wanted to know if evaporation caused by local conditions could accurately be predicted. The data from this project was used to further refine the evaporation equations. Then in July of 1960 Delmar Bloem published in a paper for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and National Sand and Gravel Association. The nomograph he developed was based on a more complicated table developed by Carl Menzel in
10 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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FLATWORK/SLABS
HOW TO PREVENT SURFACE CRUSTING AND CRACKING • Measure ambient conditions at the jobsite before placing concrete. Checking evaporation rates every 20 or 30 minutes can help to see trends • Measure concrete temperatures or call your ready-mix supplier to find out current temperatures • Calculate the surface evaporation rate, if it is greater than 0.2 consider not placing concrete that day • If you are committed to place concrete use Snell’s spread sheet to figure out what changes to make. • When you introduce changes use the weather meter to find out if it is working • If conditions favor hot surface temperatures and cool readymix temperatures, consider adding an accelerating admixture at the jobsite, don’t add retarding admixtures.
To determine the rate of evaporation, plot the jobsite temperature, relative humidity, concrete temperature and wind speed on the nomograph as shown by the dotted line. If the result is above 0.2 you have a problem.
1954. Today it can interpret the amount of evaporation taking place on surfaces under different weather conditions. The surface material didn’t matter; it can be the surface of a lake, dirt, wood, fresh concrete, and even hardened concrete— any surface water vapor can pass through. Contractors today are accustomed to getting weather information on their smart phone in order to make decisions about whether to place concrete that day. But this information might come from an airport or some other information gathering site located 30 miles away from the jobsite where weather conditions could be very different. To predict whether conditions IR thermometers are light weight, small, and instantly report surface temperatures. They usually include a laser light to help you see where the temperature is being taken. Photo Credit: Milwaukee Tool
are good for successfully placing concrete the nomograph requires ambient weather information taken at the jobsite. ACI 308 states that the information should be collected 20 inches above the placement and 2 feet away from an edge form, whether the placement is on the ground or 100 feet above ground. If the nomograph reports a score of 0.2 pounds/square foot/hour or more it means that plastic shrinkage is likely to occur because most concrete mixes can’t replace water lost from the surface with bleed water from below quickly enough. Mixes containing pozzolans and dense well-graded mixes have even slower bleed rates and are more susceptible to cracking. Readings below 0.1 mean plastic cracking is unlikely.
KESTREL Snell says he approached the Kestrel Corporation located in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, because they manufactured
a quality small, lightweight, accurate weather instrument that collected all the needed data for the nomograph formula. In 2007 they agreed to develop an instrument (their 4300 weather meter) to serve the concrete industry, including the nomograph formulas to report pounds/ square feet/hour evaporation rates. Chris Vugrincic, in charge of Business Development and Industrial Instruments, says they improved the instrument in 2015 with the introduction of the 5300 model. “It runs the same nomograph equation, has Bluetooth, links with smart phones to show the results which can be emailed to others, it logs data, and it shows air flow volume calculations used by contractors. It can download this data to a computer with the help of a Dongle or a USB cable. Austin Wilcox, the companies Senior Product Manager, says they also sell a “Concrete Pro Jobsite Weather Monitoring Kit” that includes a tripod to mount the weather instrument
12 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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On the jobsite, time is money. Crews can’t afford to sit idle due to lack of dependable on-site power. Reliability, stability, and fuelefficiency are just a few of the reasons why Honda Generators are consistently ranked as “most preferred” by a leading industry publication*. For more info, go to gen.honda.com. facebook.com/HondaGenerators *Builder Magazine sponsored Readex Study ranked Honda as “most preferred brand” for 12 consecutive years. Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in a closed or partly enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide. Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. © 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
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FLATWORK/SLABS
A good way to collect jobsite weather information is to use a handheld weather instrument like the Kestrel one shown here. It automatically uses the nomograph formula to compute evaporation rates. Photo Credit: Joe Nasvik
20-inches above the concrete surface. The kit also includes a weather vane to automatically keep the instrument directly facing the wind.
IR THERMOMETERS The nomograph formula also requires ready-mix temperatures—concrete coming out of the truck and on the ground as time proceeds. Infra-red (IR) thermometers are a good way to collect this information. They also make it easy to measure ground temperature and concrete surface temperatures. IR thermometers are small and light. They work by measuring the infrared radiation that all objects emit; the hotter an object the more IR energy is emitted. But materials radiate energy at different rates and the rate for each material is referred to as its emissivity. The emissivity for concrete is approximately 0.95 and that is the same as many other construction materials. IR thermometers report the temperature of the surface of a material instantly and instruments can be purchased with programmable emissivity or preprogramed 0.95 emissivity only, the latter being the least expensive.
WHAT IF...? Using the formulas in the nomograph Snell put together a spread sheet to see
what happens to the surface evaporation rates when any of the ambient conditions are changed, or if ready-mix temperatures are changed. You can go to. https:// acimissouri.starchapter.com/downloads/ Calculators/curing__english_units.htm. Snell says you can also email him at lsnellpe@gmail.com and he will send you a direct link to his spread sheet. First you enter the jobsite weather conditions and ready-mix temperature and the spreadsheet calculates the surface evaporation rate. If it is less than 0.1 pounds/square feet/hour conditions are safe and the answer is reported in green. If the results are between 0.1 and 0.2 the results are marginal and are reported in yellow. But if the answer is greater than 0.2 conditions shrinkage cracking will occur and the results are reported in red. Once you have calculated the surface evaporation rate for your project you can use Snell’s spread sheet to play “what if” by changing each of the weather variables or the concrete temperature to figure out what has to happen in order to place concrete safely.
Kesteral’s “DROP” can be left on a jobsite to continue collecting temperature and relative humidity at whatever interval you want. The information is transferred to smart phones via Bluetooth technology. Photo Credit: Joe Nasvik
SURFACE CRUSTING
The temperature of the ground, concrete, and the surface of freshly placed concrete can cause unfavorable conditions too, especially if the concrete is colored a dark color and there is strong sunlight heating the surface. The initial set of concrete is largely a function of heat, for every 18°F rise in concrete temperature
the initial set time doubles. Sunlight can heat the surface well above 140°F causing it to get hard well ahead of the concrete below the surface. Placing dust-on color hardeners which have higher levels of portland cement than the concrete below can make the problem even more worse. When this condition occurs trying to stamp decorative patterns or finish the surface with troweling machines results in massive cracking and distorted surfaces. There is little that can be done when temperature differentials between the surface of a freshly placed slab differs significantly from the concrete below. The best approach is to recognize the potential problem before concrete is placed. If you measure a significant temperature differential you might decide that it’s best not to place concrete that day, add an accelerating admixture to the concrete to encourage “bottom set” to occur before “top set” does, or find a way to protect your work from sunlight or other heat source.
CURING ISSUES Surface cracking can occur due to inadequate curing conditions—when there isn’t enough moisture to fully cure the surface of the slab. So Vugrincic says his company invented the “Drop” to help monitor ambient conditions during the curing cycle. Like their weather instrument, the Drop should be mounted 20 inches above the work and two feet away from a formed edge. It records temperature and relative humidity and transmits the information via Bluetooth to a smart phone. You can also use your phone to set Drop intervals between readings. Knowing what the ambient conditions are on the surface of the slab can help you decide if additional curing steps are necessary and it provides you with accurate job history information and protection in the event that legal issues arise.
SURFACE CRUSTING AND CRACKING These problems can be prevented by knowing what the conditions are before placing concrete. Once known you have to decide whether it’s wise to place concrete and if you elect to proceed than what precautions to take.
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COVER STORY
By Joe Nasvik
Economic Issues in
2019
Although the U.S. economy is doing well, economic well-being is more regional than national. The map shows how different regions are doing right now. Photo Credit: Moody’s Analytical
Where is the economy headed in the next couple years?
P
ortland cement is considered to be a commodity so both the federal government and Wall Street incorporate portland cement consumption numbers in their economic forecasts. The amount of cement consumed correlates with the size of the construction industry. The Portland Cement Association (PCA) based in Skokie, Illinois, generates economic reports about cement consumption that the government and Wall Street use. Ed Sullivan, the PCA’s Senior Vice President & Chief Economist is the person tasked with producing these reports and his predictions have been very accurate over the years. Sullivan says there are three primary influences on our economy; the federal
government, Wall Street, and “Main Street.” He says there are too many uncertainties about what the direction the government might take to be able to predict the future right now. Wall Street has uncertainties too and predicting what they might do is also risky. It’s Main Street that is in good shape with high consumer confidence and this is the basis for the PCA’s most recent economic projection. Here is what’s happening in this sector.
CURRENT CONDITIONS On Main Street the economy is doing well and consumer confidence continues to rise. • Unemployment is low, currently at 4%, and expected to drop to 3.5% by 2020. Wages are rising in response to this • New job creation averaged approximately 200,000 per month in 2018 • Inflation is around 2% with rates
slowly rising but they will remain below historical norms • The increase in home values is generating more wealth • Household debt burdens are low and credit quality is strong • The construction industry has enjoyed 10 straight years of growth, partly due to low interest rates • There are regional differences around the country. Some regions are still in recession and at risk, some are still in recovery mode, and some are experiencing expanding economies at varying levels With the good news there are concerns about what lies ahead too. The national debt is currently increasing at the rate of $1 trillion per year. Labor shortages are increasing in the construction industry and elsewhere. Housing affordability is deteriorating due to rising interest rates and costs. At the state level entitlement spending continues to
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Even though new home prices have risen since 2006, the average homeowner continues to have more money after mortgage payments. Photo Credit: Portland Cement Association
increase due to our aging population, resulting in less state spending for construction (tax revenues aren’t covering state obligations). The international tariff war is taking a toll on U.S. business in the form of decreased sales and a growing feeling of uncertainty. There is also a growing feeling that the country is overdue for another recession because the growth period has gone on much longer than expected. However Sullivan doesn’t think we will see a recession in 2019 and probably not in 2020 either. Here is what to expect in each of the primary construction markets: residential, non-residential, and public.
RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION Since 2006 the average price of a new single family home has increased by $90,000, an increase of 37%. During this time average monthly payments have only gone from $1,688 in 2006 to $1,701 in 2018, only a 0.77% rise. During this time incomes increased by 22% so affordability hasn’t been an issue. Until now low interest rates have stimulated the housing market by making houses affordable but that is beginning to change. Sullivan believes rates will eventually rise to about 6.5% and that will dampen the residential construction market. By 2021 mortgage monthly payments are expected to increase by 35% and the combination will result in fewer homes being built.
NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION The PCA report expects nonresidential construction at the national level to grow at a modest rate and states with the strongest economies will benefit the most. The 2019 year will mark the lowest point for non-residential, rising steadily until 2021.
PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION Construction in this sector is very dependent on the finances of each state. Revenue versus spending is the key but last year states collectively added $15 billion dollars to their debt. The biggest threat to construction growth is the growth in Medicare and Medicaid spending in each state due to our aging population. Spending for transportation—roads and bridges—is a key construction market but it is expected to struggle to achieve growth through 2020. Construction spending by the federal government is in trouble too. With the national debt at $25 trillion any infrastructure spending bill will have to be funded, it can’t be added to the national debt. Increasing fuel taxes could be a way
to help fund infrastructure construction but congress has been unwilling to add any new taxes. The last federal tax on fuel was in 1993 while each state regulates its fuel tax rates differently. Increasing fuel taxes would be a step towards funding infrastructure projects. Adding a 15 cent tax on gas and diesel fuel would generate $28.2 billion in revenue. A 25 cent increase would translate to $47.1 billion and if there was a 1 cent Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) tax $31 billion could be raised—as battery powered vehicles increasingly enter the market this would be a way to include them in infrastructure taxes.
LABOR Labor shortages first started to appear in 2010 and by 2018 an additional 7.2 million workers were needed. By 2022 another 8.5 million will be needed. The shortage is affecting company bottom lines and is beginning to impact U.S. construction revenues as a whole. The shortages are regional at this point and have more impact on larger population centers. The question is what to do? For several years’ immigrant labor, legal and illegal, has worked in the construction industry and helped to fill labor shortages, especially Mexican labor. They worked in all trades as both union and non-union workers. Union workers earned higher wages, the same as other union workers. Taken as a whole immigrant workers have been enthusiastic, had a strong desire to learn, and were hard workers and contractors appreciated them. But they were also resented because some believed they were taking jobs away from U.S. citizens, especially through the recession years starting around 2008. With fewer
Photo Credit: Portland Cement Association
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COVER STORY
Cement consumption trends correlate with construction activity, so you can see where the most activity will be in 2019. Photo Credit: Portland Cement Association
jobs available labor began to return to their countries of origin. The U.S. construction industry is facing an unusual situation now. Unemployment is down to approximately 4%, government statistics month after month report increased numbers of jobs being created, and contractors are noting labor shortages in every trade. The consequences of this are being felt regionally to varying degrees depending on the region: • A contractor in Las Vegas reports that construction schedules are taking longer because one contractor who doesn’t have enough labor can’t meet their schedule, causing delays for the next contractor and the project. They added that starting dates for their work are being delayed by as much as two months. • A Midwestern contractor says they don’t bother to bid some projects they normally would because they know they won’t be able to hire enough labor to complete the work. • Competition among contractors to hire labor (especially skilled) labor is increasing because there are fewer people in the labor pool. Wages are rising as a result. • A manufacturer of construction equipment and tools reports flat sales because their customers work has slowed down and they aren’t using all the equipment they own. • The greatest labor shortages are currently in the residential construction market There are many reasons for the labor scarcity:
• The construction work force is aging. Workers are retiring and the next generation of workers isn’t filling the gap. Children of construction workers don’t want to see their bodies get worn-out the way their parents did. They also don’t want to work outside in weather extremes • The pressure for labor increases as the unemployment numbers go down • Each trade grows its own leadership in the form of foreman and project managers, a process that takes many years. This level of help is the one contractors need most. New entrants are non-skilled. • Our borders are currently closed to most working class help, especially with Mexico. The question of where to find good construction labor is difficult. Construction technology advances require a smarter work force. Some in the construction industry think workers in factory settings can be influenced to leave their jobs for better paid construction positions. It is also inevitable that contractors will try to hire workers away from other contractors at a higher rate of pay but that doesn’t increase the labor pool. One contractor has been working to keep track of the available labor pool so they can reach out to them when they contract work in their area. If the federal government passed a large infrastructure bill it could cause greater labor shortages. Technology has eliminated many construction jobs and will continue to do so. Even so, there are more construction jobs than there are workers. It’s
possible this condition could exist for a long time and we will have to depend on help from outside our borders as many other countries do. In the long run Congress might have to develop a good worker visa program to enable the construction economy to continue to grow.
THE OUTLOOK Here is the bottom line for Main Street: • At present the economy is strong • The performance of the job market and the GDP signal strong near term growth • Interest rates and inflation will increase moderately • The Federal Reserve is committed to a gradual raising of interest rates • Consumer household debts are at a near record low so consumer spending could rise • Home values are increasing at moderate rates, increasing homeowner wealth • Consumers have a positive attitude • The construction market along with cement consumption continues to grow at a moderate rate. • Growth is regional. There tends to be more growth in higher population areas and western and southern states will continue to do the most construction spending Clouds on the horizon: • What the federal government and Wall Street will do in the next couple years? • How to find enough labor to meet construction needs? • What to do about infrastructure needs?
Low unemployment and construction demand will require more and more labor. This need will continue well beyond 2023. Without adequate labor construction revenues will suffer. Photo Credit: Portland Cement Association
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DECORATIVE CONCRETE
By Greg Udelhofen
ARK MUD
STAMPING Paul Schneider’s concrete stamping skills were put to the test when he was hired to create and complete a queue line area resembling a well-traveled mud path underneath the largest timber-frame building in the world.
W
orking on the Ark Encounter, a one-of-akind historical Bible themed attraction of Noah’s Ark located in Williamstown, Ky., was not only one of the larger stamping projects Paul Schneider has worked on, but also one of the more interesting and challenging projects. Owned and operated by a subsidiary of Answers in Genesis, the $100 million theme park’s centerpiece is the largest timber-frame building in the world, requiring 3.3 million board feet to
A large portion of Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati's stamped work involved creating the massive area under the Ark where visitors form a queue to enter the Bible-themed attraction. Photo Credit: Answers in Genesis
construct the structure not including the exhibits inside. The 510-foot-long Ark (standing approximately 80-feet high) and a zoo were built during the first stage of development. Future development will include a Walled City, the Tower of Babel, a first-century Middle Eastern village, a journey in history from Abraham to the parting of the Red Sea, a walk-through aviary,
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and other attractions. The actual Ark structure was built according to the dimensions given in the Bible’s Book of Genesis, spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high.
A PATTERN OF PERFORMANCE It’s not surprising why Schneider, owner of Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati, was chosen to put his stamp on a significant project like the Ark, considering the extensive background and experience he has to offer. He joined Baker Concrete Construction in 1978, working on large pours, and eventually became part of the contractor’s Patterned Concrete decorative division in 1988. In 1994, Schneider decided it was time to launch his own decorative concrete business, noting that there was “only one other guy in Cincinnati stamping longer” than he was when he opened his Patterned Concrete franchise
(Patterned Concrete Industries produces decorative concrete stamps and license the usage of those stamps.). “In 1992, I started thinking about being an entrepreneur and subsequently
Along with the main stamping portion of the project underneath the Ark, Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati also created meandering 10-foot-wide sidewalks throughout the park. Photo Credit: Answers in Genesis
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DECORATIVE CONCRETE
The 510-footlong timber structure is the centerpiece of the Williamstown, Ky. Ark Encounter attraction Photo Credit: Answers in Genesis
put a plan of action in place that allowed me to start my own business in April of 1994,” Schneider says. “I’ve always done residential and commercial (stamping) work, and now we’re seeing more commercial interest and more contractors getting into it because of the interest commercial clients have in decorative concrete.” Today, Schneider’s commercial work
DEEP
represents 50-70 percent of what he and the other five members of his crew do. The average commercial project, whether it’s an office building entrance or patio terrace, ranges in size from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet. In 1997, Schneider and his crew tested their capabilities when they stamped two casino projects, each requiring 40,000 square feet of finished concrete when the previous largest
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MAKE IT LOOK LIKE MUD Schneider’s experience and dedication to quality proved to be key in becoming part of the over 500 skilled craftsmen required to build the Ark. “I received a call one day from the Creation Museum’s (also owned by the Answers in Genesis subsidiary) design director, Patrick Marsh, who said, ‘I heard of your reputation for quality work with an emphasis on safety,’ and so we met to discuss how I could help produce the entrance area surface they wanted to create underneath the Ark,” Schneider notes. “I thought about what the ground underneath the Ark would look like after the flood waters receded, thought about cracked earth or mud, packed up some books with color chips and texture samples for my initial presentation in December of 2016. I knew Patterned Concrete Industries had a seamless mud texture pattern available, so I was confident we could deliver a surface that would complement the overall design elements of the project. “After the initial meeting, I had to provide samples (225 square-foot, 15-by-15-foot sections) with the required integral color concrete, along with three different antiquing release agents from three different companies,” Schneider says. “Also, in these samples, we needed to show how different sealers had different effects on the final colors.”
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After installing forms and reinforcement mesh, Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati conquered the large project in daily 30-yard pours.
After producing over 1,000 square feet of samples for review and comment, the client decided on an integral “Straw” color produced by Solomon Colors, along with a powder antiquing release by L.M. Scofield to provide mottling to stamp design impressions, and Euclid Chemical Super Diamond Clear 350 sealer, Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati had two months to complete the 30,000 square-foot project before opening day, July 7, 2017. “A majority of our pours were 30 yards (1,200 square feet), and a majority of our work was in shade underneath the Ark where the queue line or entrance area is located, and that allowed more time to pour, screed and stamp before the concrete set,” Schneider states. “The big challenge in completing our work on schedule was having to accommodate other trades working on the project. There were carpenters working above us on the Ark, so we had to pour and stamp in other areas. We would pour and stamp until we had 10,000 square feet completed before we would begin cleaning (with an acid wash) and sealing (with two coats of clear sealer). We would continue pouring and stamping sections where no other work was in progress, and clean/seal after stamped sections cured (generally within three to five days).” Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati did have to return after the park opening to install a 10-foot wide sidewalk the length of the Ark to accommodate the natural path visitors were using to get from one end of the Ark to the other. As the park was open during this installation, careful consideration for this additional sidewalk was required to minimize disruption to visitors.
Photo Credit: Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati
PROJECT CHALLENGES While the size of the project was significant, Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati approached it as if they were executing a typical commercial project, only repeating the process for 28 days. Working in an area where other contractors needed to be presented the most significant challenge in meeting the deadline Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati had to meet.
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DECORATIVE CONCRETE
Using a Wacker Neuson 12-foot-wide vibrating screed, large pours of the integral "Straw" concrete mixture were leveled off in preparation of stamping process. Photo Credit: Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati
“We had to leave the project for two weeks while carpenters finished attaching all the exterior boards to the Ark, with each board fastened with screws,” Schneider says. “When we got back on the job, we still had to work safely around other crews to complete our work and not interfere with their work.” Before any concrete could be poured in the main part of the project underneath the Ark, the six-inch crushed limestone base had been installed for over a year had to be broken up and regraded due to the heavy foot and equipment traffic it received prior to concrete placement. With wire mesh in place, work began on pouring the “Straw” colored concrete, which Schneider’s crew used a
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12-foot wide Wacker Neuson vibrating screed to strike off the mixture. When the concrete started to firm up, Schneider’s crew cast the powder antiquing release agent, placed the mats, set the stamp, and moved on to the next section. “We would work 10-12-hour days (driving 65 miles from Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati’s Fairfield, Ohio office) to keep our production on target with the overall project completion date,” Schneider states. Along with the main section of stamped concrete under the Ark, Patterned Concrete of Cincinnati also had to complete areas outside the gift shop where guests exited after touring the three levels of the Ark, as well as several meandering sidewalks to parking lots and other parts of the park. One unique aspect of the project is that the client did not want any saw cut control joints. Since they were going for a natural mud-looking surface,
they decided to let the concrete crack naturally. Again, not a typical project for Schneider and his crew, but one that presented its share of challenges and a high degree of satisfaction when completed. As Schneider put it, “Definitely proud to have worked on a project with so many other skilled
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With a natural mud-looking surface, the client decided to allow the concrete surface to crack naturally instead of using saw cut joints to control where it cracks. Photo Credit: Answers in Genesis
craftsmen. Just seeing the quality of work being produced daily by all the craftsmen was incredible.”
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CONCRETE PAVING
Mix of Equipment Reconstructs
CONCRETE RACETRACK
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For its portion of the $1.6-million quarter-mile track reconstruction project, Smith Paving & Excavating Inc. used a GOMACO paver with 16 Minnich HV-2 internal paving vibrators. Photo Credit:
The right combination of equipment helps complete a $1.6 million reconstruction of Summit Motorsports Park.
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CONCRETE PAVING
S
ummit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio, is home to the annual Summit Racing Equipment National Hot Rod Association (NHR A) Nationals. The NHR A Summit Racing Series is contested across North America and features as many as 80,000 racers. In terms of racing participation, it is the world’s largest motorsports program. Norwalk (pop. 17,000) welcomes thousands of race fans to the park each year for more than 50 different racing events. The private, family-owned track aims to provide elite motorsports entertainment. And to continue to give fans the experience they expect, the operators wanted to give the track a new look, and a new feel, for the 2018 season.
Summit Motorsports Park is home to the annual Summit Racing Equipment National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals. The series is contested across North America and features as many as 80,000 racers.
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CONCRETE PAVING
In the racing world, concrete tracks improve drainage, aesthetics and speed. The potential benefits of an all-concrete track caught the eye of Bill Bader Jr., president of Summit Motorsports Park. Looking to create one of the top tracks in the world and the sixth all-concrete racing surface on the NHRA
Mello Yello Drag Racing Series schedule, he turned to Miller Brothers Construction out of Archbold, Ohio, to complete a $1.6 million quarter-mile track reconstruction with the help of Norwalk’s Smith Paving & Excavating, Inc. as a concrete subcontractor.
RIGHT MIX OF PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY Smith Paving & Excavating Inc. began its portion of the six-week transformation project in March 2018. Focusing on the staging area and track, it began pouring new concrete from guard wall to guard wall from the staging lines through 100 ft. past the finish line — where the concrete would eventually meet new asphalt from that point to the sand trap at the end of the track. In order to create the allconcrete track and comply with the new OSHA silica dust rule, the contractor required equipment that offered optimal productivity and safety features. Smith Paving & Excavating is a long-time user of GOMACO concrete paving equipment. For the track project, it used a paver equipped with 16 Minnich HV-2 internal paving vibrators. “We’ve been working with Minnich for nearly 40 years, and without them we don’t pave, slip, curb or gutter,” says Derek Dilger, vice president of Smith
Paving & Excavating, Inc. “They help us every day.” The HV-2 Series hydraulic internal paving vibrators are suited for most slipform applications and are designed to withstand the rigors of the industry. For mainline paving, the block isolator offers a better shear spring rate, less area for concrete buildup and a greater rubber-to-steel bond area, which leads to reduced transfer of vibration to the paver. A two-isolator setup can fit into tighter areas for barrier wall molds, while the hydraulic hose features an abrasion-resistant coating to help reduce vibrator failure. “The HV-2 series vibrators are very consistent from unit to unit,” says Dilger. “They give us consistent compaction throughout the pour, which is very important in a project like this.” Working to create a 9-in. concrete pavement track, Smith Paving & Excavating, Inc. required more than one type of drill. For the longitudinal joints, the contractor used Minnich A-1 Series on-grade dowel pin drills. When it was time for bolts, the contractor utilized the A-1 UTL utility drill, which uses minimal air and has a lightweight design. A Minnich dust collection system was added to each drill to maximize operator safety and comply with OSHA silica dust requirements. According to Dilger, the combination of equipment helped to expedite the reconstruction process, and Smith Paving & Excavating Inc. was able to accomplish efficient and quality work.
The Minnich HV-2 Series hydraulic internal paving vibrators are suited for most slipform applications.
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PRODUCT FOCUS
By Paul DelFino
Deep Foamjection The fast growing profitable alternative to compaction grouting and piering repairs.
I
njecting polyurethane foam at various depths, in areas where soil problems exist is not new. The process has been deployed for decades but protected by patents which limited the number of contractors providing the service. Now with patents expired and foam concrete repair technology blooming, many firms may wish to evaluate the introduction of this emerging repair alternative to service governmental,
commercial and even residential markets. The process is fast, permanent, non-obtrusive, highly profitable and may require less capital commitment for entry than historic compaction grouting and piering systems.
WHAT IS DEEP FOAMJECTION? In November 2013, I previously wrote an article touting the profitable expansion of polyurethane concrete
Sea Walls can be reinforced and stabilized while mitigating future deterioration of wave and wake action. Photo Credit: Paul DelFino
lifting system’s vs. traditional mudjacking/slabjacking processes. (“Heavy Lifting”) Since that time the polyurethane concrete lifting industry has exploded. That is injecting mixed two part polyurethane foam liquid components under a slab of concrete
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allowing the expansion effect of the chemical reaction to lift the slab. Technology developments with foam formulas now have many alternatives in the market to address the control/ speed and strength issues the naysayers initially presented as reasons why this would not be profitable or popular. Deep Foamjection uses the same basic process and equipment. Instead of injecting the liquid Part A and Part B mix just under a slab you are injecting like or comparable mixed liquid foam components at nearly any depth through especially designed pipe systems which you drive to various depths depending on need. The material is introduced into to the subterranean environment as a premixed liquid. When the liquid solidifies into a foam underground, it acts like mother nature’s tree root systems: • Expanding to compact week soil areas • Filling Voids • Binding Soils Simply stated it stabilizes and strengthens the environment mitigating the root causes of a structure, road, or a concrete pad from settling. Basic concrete lifting may or may not be a permanent solution since the end result of injecting mud or polyurethane just under a slab and getting lift is only as good as the environment it is sitting on. With Deep Foamjection you are addressing the root cause of the problem at various depths.
any foam will do! Foam deployed for Deep Foamjection must enjoy characteristics of set up speeds of the mixed liquid to allow travel time to the depths desired before solidifying or all you will do is fill up a pipe with foam. THE WEIGHT – Highway Engineers have traditionally appreciated
the value of Deep Foamjection since unlike mudjacking or compaction grouting the repair does not add more stress WITH WEIGHT to an already week environment. THE SPEED & NONOBTRUSIVE BENEFITS OF THE PROCESS - Deep Foamjection Projects
WHAT'S IMPORTANT
THE FOAM – There are countless foam types, formulas, manufacturers and distributors ready to supply you. However – with Deep Foamjection, special care must be taken to pick a partner/supplier that offers a truly hydrophobic foam. Water is a primary cause of many of the problems. Truly hydrophobic foams set up in water, displace water when setting up, and will not loose strength/density when injected into a wet/moist environment. Carefully formulated and controlled set up speed is also important. Not just www.ForConstructionPros.com/10072749
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PRODUCT FOCUS Pictred here is the Deep Foamjection process from start to finish. Photo Credit: Paul DelFino
Deep Foamjection uses the same basic process and equipment. Instead of injecting the liquid Part A and Part B mix just under a slab you are injecting like or comparable mixed liquid foam components at nearly any depth thru especially designed pipe systems which you drive to various depths depending on need.
• Equipment pads can be stabilized, lifted and leveled. • Retaining walls can be reinforced. • And yes – Sea Walls can be reinforced and stabilized while mitigating future deterioration of wave and wake action. (Remember the foam you are using is hydrophobic and will set up and remain strong and stable in water.) Although Deep Foamjection is not a 100 percent replacement solution for various piering system types and compaction grouting approaches, it will allow contractors to complete a large percentage of repairs without the negatives of these traditional approaches. Deep Foamjection can also be complementary to some piering applicants when it cannot be a full alternative. Quite simply Deep Foamjection is: • A less expensive install solution • A less obtrusive and cleaner install solution • A faster install solution
THE BOTTOM LINE
Photo Credit: Paul DelFino
do not require excavation and the related introduction of heavy equipment to the environment like backhoes and concrete pumps. Deep Foamjection projects are clean with a minimum of heavy labor. To offer a perspective, consider the fact that a 14’ polyurethane trailer pulled by pickup caries all the equipment necessary as well as two 55 gallon barrels of the material. This is equivalent to two concrete mixing trucks of fill/material when installed. NEARLY INSTANTANEOUS MEASURABLE RESULTS – Most Deep Foamjection contractors are equipped with a dynamic cone penetrometer. This simple tool allow contractors to take soil compaction readings before and after the work is complete to meet engineered standards. AN AIR PURGED SYSTEM – For efficiency polyurenthane injection
processes utilizing “air purged” equipment is preferred. Air purged systems drive a continuous flow of air into the pipe and target injection area throughout and after the injection process. This pushes all liquid thru the pipes to desired depths and keeps the pipes open for additional injections until desired results are achieved. Without an air purged system you will be continuously driving more pipes and dramatically increasing your costs.
WHAT WORK CAN BE DONE • Structure settling problems can be mitigated. (In some cases structures can be lifted safely.) • Highway and bridge environments can be stabilized, leveled and reinforced.
In the end we all do what we do and read articles like this to make more money. Contractors can enter the Deep Foamjection and Polyurethane Concrete Repair business with an investment of approximately $60k for equipment and training. Partnerships with foam supplier experts can include project support to bridge the learning curve. Simply stated, it is not unreasonable for your first project to fund your startup investment. It is likely the business entry will provide a future that will have you enjoying: • Higher profit margins • Capacity to complete more projects • Competitive advantages It truly makes sense for all contractors in the trade to evaluate the introduction of Deep Foamjection. Or better said – do not be the last in your market to evaluate the fit in your business. Ed. Note: Paul DelFino is a principal in the consulting firm Opportunity Inc. For nearly three decades he has assisted entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, responding to economic swings and merger and acquisition activity.
34 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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SPECIFICATION GUIDE: POWER TROWEL
Power Trowel
A compilation of technical information when choosing your next Power Trowel. 1. ALLEN MP245 PACKS HYDRAULIC STEERING IN A COMPACT RIDING TROWEL The 830-lb. MP245 riding power trowel packs all of the ergonomics, features and durability found in Allen’s larger riders into a smaller package (78” L x 41” W x 57.5” H). It incorporates a 22-hp Honda GX690 air-cooled, gasoline engine and a heavy-duty drive-train. The standard-duty gearboxes provide efficient energy transfer from the motor to the rotors to ensure an optimal finish. Two 36-in.-diameter, four-blade non-overlapping rotors deliver rotor speeds from 45 to 165 rpm. Hydraulic joystick power steering reduces operator fatigue, while cruise control ensures ease of operation. An electric-powered spray system for retardant application is standard. ForConstructionPros.com/20987475 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
MP245
Ride-On
830 lbs.
36”
165
4 bladed spider
Hydraulic
N/A
22.1
Gas
2. WAGMAN METAL PRODUCTS LP230 POWER TROWEL Wagman’s LP230 is not only a power trowel, but also a polishing machine. It comes with planetary polishing attachments and lifting/wheel kit. The operator can easily process through a standard 32” doorway and close to edges. It includes multiple secure lift points, adjustable seat and runs on energy efficient clean-burning propane. ForConstructionPros.com/20992254 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
LP230
Ride-on
570 lbs.
Twin 30”
70-130
8
Mechanical
N/A
GX390E
LPG
3. HOVERTROWEL PNEUMATIC WALK BEHIND MODELS Weighing less than 45 lbs., the HoverTrowel is a patented power trowel designed for finishing polymer toppings. Interchangeable high and low pneumatic motors make it ideal for most of today’s polymer toppings. A six-position telescoping handle, coupled with interchangeable guards creating 25” and 34” trowel paths make this trowel easy to maneuver in confined spaces and wide open areas. A HoverTrowel can be used for most epoxy, cementitious urethane, polymer modified, EPDM rubber and many other hybrid toppings with a variety of blades and floats. Its design makes these pneumatic motors easily interchangeable with the company’s four-cycle engine as well. ForConstructionPros.com/12039894 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
High Torque Air
Walk Behind
42 lbs.
25” or 34”
0-60
3
Mechanical
Telescoping
I-R .76 hp
Pneumatic
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Low Torque Air
Walk Behind
38 lbs.
25” or 34”
0-60
3
Mechanical
Telescoping
I-R .41 hp
Pneumatic
36 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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4. EDCO T364 WALK-BEHIND TROWEL The model T364 is a 5.5 hp gasoline unit with an optional Leveling System for smooth troweling. It has a 36-in. troweling diameter, standard Lifting Bail and features bolt-on blades. ForConstructionPros.com/12039874 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
T364
Walk-Behind
186 lbs.
36”
118
4
N/A
1
5.5
Gas
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
T-364-3
Walk-Behind
192 lbs.
36”
115
4
N/A
1
3
Electric/230 V
5. MBW F36 AND F46 WALK-BEHIND POWER TROWELS MBW understands to function properly, power trowels must maintain a precise perpendicular relationship between the gearbox’s output shaft and blade arms. They have gone to great lengths to maintain this critical relationship. MBW’s F36 & F46 walk-behind power trowels feature the industry’s heaviest bearings, output shafts, gears, spiders and blade arms. Comparison of these critical components to those of any competitor answers the question as to why MBW trowels run so well for so long. ForConstructionPros.com/20858037 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
F36
Walk-Behind
183 - 209 lbs.
35.5”
70-135
4
N/A
Standard Low Vibration Handle
Honda GX160, 5.5 hp
Gas
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
F46
Walk-Behind
246 - 260 lbs.
46”
70-135
4
N/A
EZ Pitch Handle
Honda GX270, 9 hp
Gas
6. HUSQVARNA BG 244 WALK-BEHIND EDGER TROWEL The Husqvarna BG 244 is a gas-powered, walk-behind edger trowel, designed to deliver a smooth, durable concrete surface, specially developed for use in confined spaces and corners. It offers the QUICKSTOP clutch for safety. The BG 244 comes equipped with a foldable, de-vibrated and height adjustable handle and a maintenance stand for increased uptime. ForConstructionPros.com/21046667 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Husqvarna BG 244
Walk-Behind
132 lbs.
23.6”
40-115
4
N/A
Foldable/Adjustable/De-vibrated
3.5
Gas
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Husqvarna BG 375
Walk-Behind
192 lbs.
35.4”
40-115
4
N/A
Foldable/Adjustable/De-vibrated
4.8
Gas
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
Husqvarna BG 479
Walk-Behind
227 lbs.
44.9”
40-115
4
N/A
Foldable/Adjustable/De-vibrated
8.4
Gas
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SPECIFICATION GUIDE: POWER TROWEL 7. MULTIQUIP J3036H55 EDGER TROWEL MQ Whiteman’s new J3036H55 power trowel is the first to allow contractors to convert between 36-in. and 30-in. guard-ring diameters to fit job requirements. Multiquip says replacing outer sections of the ABS plastic rotating ring and changing trowel blades takes just minutes, and the J3036H55 can finish around risers even in confined areas. Uniquely designed blades contact the concrete surface to the outer limits of the rotating ring. The trowel can also be used as a standard walk-behind finisher because its operating weight is the same as a standard 36-in. walk-behind trowel. • Works with either SXH or QXH Whiteman handles • 4.8 hp Honda QX 160 engine • Operating weight: 180 lb. • Large oil-capacity gearbox ForConstructionPros.com/21043766 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
J3036H55 Edger Trowel
Walk-Behind
180 lbs.
30”/ 36”
60-115
4
N/A
QXH/SXH
4.8
Gas (unleaded)
8. NEW ENGINE CHOICE FOR WACKER NEUSON CRT 48-PS SERIES Concrete contractors can now choose between two gasoline engine options on Wacker Neuson’s 48-in. power steer (CRT 48-PS series) ride-on trowel product line. A new model, CRT 48-57K-PS, is powered by a 57-hp liquid cooled Kubota gasoline engine. It joins the 35-hp Vanguard air-cooled engine powered model, the CRT 48-35V-PS. The two models offer concrete contractors the ability to choose the power source that best fits their needs plus get all the benefits of Wacker Neuson’s patented two mode steering system and other high performance features. ForConstructionPros.com/12040035 Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
CRT 48-57K-PS
Ride-On
1,500 lbs.
48”
25-165
10
Power Steer
N/A
57
Gas
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38 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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9. TORO PT-36PP AND PT-46PP POWER TROWELS Toro power trowels feature contoured adjustable handles and a rotating stabilizing ring for precise handling that will deliver a smooth concrete finish. There are four models to choose from and each comes equipped with a Honda engine. The Toro Dyna-Clutch safety feature is incorporated into each unit and will stop the blade without shutting down the engine. The PT-36PP (pictured) and PT-46PP feature Toro’s patented Pro-Pitch blade adjustment system that provides smooth, quick pitch changes to ensure blades are at the optimal angle for a perfect finish. ForConstructionPros.com/10879819
Model
Walk Behind or Ride-On
Weight (lbs)
Troweling Diameter
Rotor RPM
# of Blades
Steering: Mechanical/Hydraulic
Handle Options (Walk Behind Only)
Engine HP
Fuel Type
PT-36 PP
Walk-Behind
219 lbs.
36”
50-130
4
Mechanical
Adjustable
4.8
Gas
Get fast, relevant product information in the Buyers Guide at
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The TwinTier RB441T is a 6th generation rebar tying tool from the inventors of the World’s 1st Battery Powered Rebar Tying Tool. Equipped with 3 new innovative mechanisms the TwinTier is the most efficient rebar tying tool on the market. DOUBLE THE SPEED The TwinTier’s Dual Wire Feeding Mechanism (patent pending) increases productivity. COST SAVINGS The TwinTier’s Wire Pull-Back Mechanism dispenses the precise amount of wire needed to form a tie; reducing wire usage. SHORTER TIE HEIGHT The TwinTier’s Wire Bending Mechanism (patent pending) produces a shorter tie height. Less concrete is needed to fully cover a tie.
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www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | February/March 2019 | Concrete Contractor 39
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CONCRETE PUMPING
Moving Concrete to Create Indiana Infrastructure
For Gary Brown of R.L. McCoy, Schwing Loop Belt Truck-Mounted Conveyors deliver success in the concrete pumping industry. Pictured here is a bridge deck placement. A familiar piece of equipment on a heavy industrial construction site, Schwing’s Loop Belt conveyors specialize in moving concrete, sand and other material quickly and efficiently. Photo Credit: Schwing America
A
renowned Indiana concrete pumping and bridge construction company, R.L. McCoy has left their architectural footprint across the Midwest. Specializing in heavy industrial and heavy commercial projects, R.L. McCoy currently operates a fleet of 26 pieces of equipment to regularly move material. For nearly 60 years, the company has created infrastructure, helping construct critical bridges in Northeast Indiana, including the reconstructed Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge Fort Wayne and pedestrian bridges at Purdue University’s Fort Wayne campus. Additionally, R.L. McCoy has helped create impressive buildings like Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and a J.W. Marriot leading up to Super Bowl XLVI. An integral part of R.L. McCoy’s success is operations manager Gary Brown. With the company since 1994, Brown has led many of the organization’s large-scale concrete pumping projects.
“We do all things heavy and industrial, and we have the tools and assets to make that happen,” says Brown.
CONCRETE IN MOTION Specializing in heavy industrial projects, Brown often faces the same challenge with his projects – moving a lot of material in a short period of time. Situations all-too-common on heavy industrial job sites, engineers are expecting shorter pumping windows, as time is money. To help Brown and his team move massive amounts of material in short job schedules, they turn to Schwing Loop Belt telescopic conveyors. A familiar piece of equipment on a heavy industrial construction site, Schwing’s Loop Belt conveyors specialize in moving concrete, sand and other material quickly and efficiently. Brown’s team has a long history of using Schwing Loop Belt conveyors
to perform heavy lifting that needs to be completed in short periods of time. With increased capacity as one of the Loop Belt’s features, it was a natural choice for heavy construction projects. “With the 20 inch wide belt, you can move a lot of material extremely fast in comparison to other products,” says Brown. “It’s why we purchased it – moving large amounts of material, in a short amount of time.” The 20 inch wide belt allows Brown’s team to achieve 40 percent more material delivery capacity, which can cut hours, if not days, off of job times. As one of the first steps to the new facility construction, a shorter pour equals an overall shorter job schedule. But not every job benefits from higher capacity. Loop Belts can provide the precise output required for each job while running belts 40 percent slower
An integral part of R.L. McCoy’s success is operations manager Gary Brown. With the company since 1994, Brown has led many of the organization’s large-scale concrete pumping projects. Photo Credit: Schwing America
40 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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Schwing’s Loop Belt Conveyor was able to deliver concrete for placement on this heated floor. Photo Credit: Schwing America
than competitive belts. This translates into less wear and less fuel. In addition to the size of the Loop Belt, Brown also chose the loop belt conveyor for versatility. Schwing Loop Belts outreach all other truck-mounted telescopic conveyors. “The Loop Belt has enhanced reach,” says Brown. “With that versatility, we can place more material from one location without needing to move.” This flexibility has proven to be a selling feature for Brown and his team for several projects in the Indiana area. Brown attributes the versatility to helping win at least four projects over R.L. McCoy competitors of the last three years. Beyond extensive reach, Schwing’s Loop Belt conveyors deliver 360-degree rotation with full 30 degree up and 12 degree down. Paired with increased capacity, enhanced reach and working range can result in lower overall operation costs.
Serviceability and maximizing uptime represent additional factors for lower operation costs. Loop Belt was designed with ease of servicing as a focal point. Easy access to critical components makes servicing the unit much easier. And the wider belts keep everything cleaner. With nearly 40 years in the pumping business, Brown has partnered with Schwing to help cut job time and operation costs on numerous projects. “I cut my teeth on Schwing products back in ’79, so I have a lot of experience with their equipment line,” says Brown. “The Loop Belt itself does what Schwing says it will do, which is huge for reliability on jobs. It’s a fine piece of equipment.” Editors Note: This feature was contributed by Schwing America. For more information, visit www.Schwing. com/loopbelt.
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www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | February/March 2019 | Concrete Contractor 41
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Homeowners who build on concrete slabs can now achieve the look of wood thanks to Kasella's artistry. Grain design for each plank is applied by hand. Photo Credit: Mallory Ratke
Polished Concrete Plus Creates Wood Grain Finishes ›››› 42 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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When placing concrete began to take its toll on Jeff Kasella’s body, he found a way to add beauty to the slabs others placed. by Greg Udelhofen
J
eff Kasella, owner of Minnesotabased Polished Concrete Plus, has been involved in the concrete business since he was 13-years-old, helping his brother-in-law lay blocks and place foundations. He then went on to work for his dad during the summer months when he was 16. After Jeff’s brother bought their father’s business in 2002, Jeff began to look for something different following a hip replacement as a result of the hard work required when working with concrete. Since he loved the concrete business, it seemed only natural for him to pursue the decorative-side of the business, allowing him to design finishes that would turn the utilitarian structure into a beautiful floor without the wear and tear of muscling concrete into a flat surface. If he needs flatwork on a project, he can always call in his brother for that. “In 2013 (while working for a concrete contractor who had several different divisions, including Polish Concrete Plus), I started to take on decorative work, 50 percent for commercial customers and 50 percent for residential,” Kasella recalls. “I was doing some tile pattern work and some logo work
on floors. Then I tackled a couple of larger jobs, like a school gymnasium that doubled as a cafeteria. Most of it has been a pretty much a basic decorative concrete process. “In 2017, I bought the name (Polished Concrete Plus), along with the website, phone number, and some of the equipment; along with some new equipment needed to create polished concrete projects,” Kasella says. “Shortly after setting up shop I received my first commercial project, a Coborn’s Cash Wise store near our St. Cloud location.”
Coborn’s is an employee-owned company with 120+ grocery, convenience, liquor and other retail locations throughout the Midwest. The different grocery store formats include Coborn’s, Cash Wise, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s and Save-A-Lot. Kasella has worked on several Coborn project since his initial project.
FINDING THE RIGHT MIX OF BUSINESS Eighty percent of Polished Concrete’s work in square footage is
Top: Polished Concrete Plus preps a living room concrete floor with a light grind to clean the surface and open the concrete for the initial base coat of stain. Bottom: When sealed and buff polished, final results of the living room floor provide a beautiful focal point. Photo Credit: Mallory Ratke
44 Concrete Contractor | February/March 2019 | www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete
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Plank joints are created with tape before the wood grain pattern is applied. Photo Credit: Mallory Ratke
commercial, with the remaining residential. One of Kasella’s first jobs was on a 500,000 square-foot addition his father poured for a Fingerhut warehouse facility. Fingerhut is a catalog/ online retailer of housewares, electronics, jewelry, clothing and more. Kasella was hired to finish 4,500 square feet of floors, including four break rooms and a warehouse walkway that ran along a wall that documents Fingerhut’s history, including when it was acquired by Minneapolis-based Bluestem Brands, Inc., the parent company to 13 dynamic eCommerce retail brands. “That project was a make-orbreak project for my dad, so it was special for me to have an opportunity
to work on it,” Kasella says. “Thirty years ago, my dad typically worked on 12,000-13,000 square-foot projects that I’m now polishing. One of my first projects was an older 10,000 squarefoot floor in a former Coborn’s store location that was being transformed into a truck dealership.”
But Kasella knew he wanted to do more than standard polishing projects, so he began experimenting with wood grain patterns. After working on a small section in his garage, trying various techniques to achieve a realistic wood grain pattern, he convinced his mother to allow him to
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www.forconstructionpros.com/concrete | February/March 2019 | Concrete Contractor 45
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finish the concrete floor of her new “patio” home, a house built directly on a concrete slab. That first residential project has now grown to 10-15 patio home polish projects annually. “The concrete overlay to create a wood grain finish is like a micro topping where you put down layers to achieve the result. You tape areas
to control where you want the epoxy applications to be placed to achieve the color and grain pattern you’re trying to achieve,” Kasella says. “I’ve used my shop as a showroom with test samples designed to help customers explore the look and finish they want to achieve.” That has paid dividends for the
decorative concrete contractor, who produced 13,000 more square feet of wood grain finishes with residential customers in 2018.
TOOLS OF THE TRADE Kasella uses HTC Duratiq T8 polishers equipped with Ermator Vacuums. As Kasella put it, “The HTC Duratiq T8 is a versatile machine that provides operators with the Heinz 57 of tooling, enabling us to utilize the best of HTC, SASE and JON-DON’s technology to fit the specific needs of each floor. It is rare that I use the same tooling combination from one floor to the next.” As for his staining techniques, Kasella utilizes Ameripolish stains, densifiers and SR2 stain guard. Any repair work required is done using Metzger/McGuire products, i.e. SRG, Rapid Refloor and EP80 joint fillers. “I’ve really enjoyed playing around with wood grain pattern finishes,” Kasella notes. “I’ve come a long way from my first job to what I’m capable of delivering today.
The Advantage is
Experience For 20 years, Vacuworx has set the standard for vacuum lifting in the field. But we offer more than just the best vacuum lifting systems on the market, available to buy or rent and ready to ship when you need them. We also deliver unparalleled service and technical support, backed by experience no one can copy. Find out how much faster, safer and smarter your crew can be using Vacuworx lifting systems and put the Vacuworx Advantage to work for you.
vacuworx.com www.ForConstructionPros.com/10076453
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Each project is unique because I hand stain each plank that makes up an individual floor design. “My first (wood grain) project was 600 square feet and it took three guys six hours to complete,” he adds. “Now, I can complete a 1,700 square foot section with three guys in six hours. “I’ve been experimenting with different top colors to create more depth to my wood grain designs,” he notes. “After I’m done staining a project, I apply the densifier, polish it, apply the stain guard and then buff polish to finish it off. Kasella maintains a crew of seven, including himself, and adds several college students during the summer when he also works on outside decorative concrete projects. “I have seven polishing machines to support three crews
working on smaller residential projects, where two guys can handle a 4,000 square-foot job. But when we’re on a 40,000 square-foot project, we’ll run all seven machines around the clock,” he says. Whether it’s installing polished concrete in new residential homes
or restoring 50-year-old concrete on a commercial project, Polished Concrete Plus has the processes and techniques to transform a grey slab into a unique floor.
BSD CORNER TOOL Made with Blue Star Diamond Technology™, the BSD Corner Tool is an extension to the Easy Edge product line. Now you can easily blend your corners to match the edges and floor. Works great on stairs, door jambs and counter-tops too!
On the Bluestem (Fingerhut) warehouse project Kasella's dad poured early in his career, a designated safe walkway along the company's timeline wall was created with a polished wood grain finish. Photo Credit: Mallory Ratke
PRODUCT FEATURES • • • •
Aggressive grind with superb finish Blends the corners to match the floor and edges Long life and superior performance Available in 30-400 grit
774.991.2658 BSD products are proudly Made in the USA www.ForConstructionPros.com/11239670
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ABRASIVES Wagman Metal Products Metal Diamond Tooling for GHP System
BSD Corner Tool from BORIDE Engineered Abrasivies
BORDIDE Engineered Abrasives’ new BSD Corner Tool is specifically designed as an accessory to the Easy Edge line. The Corner Tool has been developed to grind and polish concrete floors in hard to reach areas such as corners, stairs and door jams. • Offered in 30, 50, 100, 200 and 400 grits. • The BSD corner tool can be used for wet or dry grinding. ForConstructionPros.com/20971099
New metal tooling with grit levels 40, 70, and 150 have been added to the Wagman Revolution GHP System. Wagman Metal Products Inc., introduces new metal diamond tooling for the GHP System. • The metal tooling allows for faster and more economical removal of the top surface layer. • The durable metal bond is aggressive while lasting much longer than the hybrid tooling. • The 40 metals will help process to the medium to large aggregates while the 150 metals will stay more in the cream. • The metal tooling can be used on 36” and 46” walk-behinds as well as 6’ and 8’ ride-on power trowels. ForConstructionPros.com/20999141
Diamatic USA LYNX Pad
Diamatic USA is proud to announce the launch of the company's revolutionary concrete polishing, maintenance and overlayment tool, The LYNX Pad. • The Lynx Pads are available in grits 50 through 3000. • Lynx pads are a high density long life pad made to hold up under the weight and RPMS of today’s machines and will produce a polished floor with high DOI and can bring the shine and reflectivity back to an existing floor. • They are designed to fit under BMG series of grinders as well as other equipment brands in the field. ForConstructionPros.com/20982826
THE NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR INDUSTRIAL CONCRETE FLOORS!
Lythic Polished Concrete Products offer a complete flooring solution with unique colloidal silica technology. 100% reactive silica ensures the concrete is chemically hardened prior to mechanical polishing. Use Lythic Densifiers, Protectors, and Cleaners for long lasting performance. For more information, visit www.lythic.com
www.solomoncolors.com • www.lythic.com 800.624.0261 www.ForConstructionPros.com/10074663
Revolutionary new polyurea chemistry provides for superior adhesion, moisture tolerance and a more consistently flush finished profile with a wider shaving window than comparable polyureas. Edge-Pro 90 Heavy Duty Polyurea Joint Filler is the first product to offer heavy duty performance and durability comparable to our legendary MM-80 Heavy Duty Epoxy Joint Filler and can fill and protect joint edges in the most demanding industrial floor settings such as warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. Edge-Pro 90 is a color stable joint filler which maintains a consistent color profile and resists fading, yellowing or other discoloration in normal conditions. Please contact us at 800-223-6680 or email us at info@metzgermcguire.com for more information on THE NEW INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR INDUSTRIAL CONCRETE FLOORS
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Runyon Magnetic Preload System (MPS)
The Runyon Magnetic Preload System (MPS) is an innovative tool holding system for power trowels, auto scrubbers and swing machines. Runyon MPS allows for the fast and efficient changing of any 3" velcro-backed tooling on a standard 14" or 16" pad driver. The system consists of a stainless steel ring that bolts to the pad driver and high density polymer tool holder rings with embedded magnets on one side and six recessed slots for 3" velcro-backed puck style tools on the other.
The HTC SUPERPREP Tool Series
Simpler, more effective and especially designed for floor prep – these were the bywords in producing the new HTC SUPERPREP tool series. The tools have been specifically developed for the coarsest floor grinding jobs, when thick coatings are to be removed or floors leveled. Special focus has been put on making work go faster through tools with exceptionally high grinding capacity. At the same time, improved service life for the tools is also assured, which means improved profitability. • In common for all 24 tools in the new series is the new green color and the easy method for making the right choice: the optimal tool is easily identified using a simple visual guide. • All tools in the series are best used with HTC’s floor grinders and dust extractors for maximum synergic effects with, for example, the AirFlow™ technology. ForConstructionPros.com/20977257
Pearl Hexpin Floor Preparation System
Runyon Surface Prep Rental & Supply also carries slurry management supplies, trowel machines and parts, and tooling in conjunction with the magnetic preload. ForConstructionPros.com/21004677
The Pearl Hexpin System has been revolutionizing the flooring industry for over 20 years. Engineered for use on standard floor buffers and dual-headed diamond grinders, the Pearl Hexpin System is a convenient tool that gives you choices. Use the standard Hexpin Plates or Hexpin Blocks with our patented system of interchangeable Hexpins for grinding, sanding, polishing and coating removal. Pearl’s unique spring-based technology allows the Hexpin attachments to float easily over rough surfaces while the fluted plate design helps maintain dust control. When looking to increase productivity, professionalism and profitability, Pearl has the solutions for all your floor preparation needs... The Pearl Hexpin System. ForConstructionPros.com/20983118
by
A NEW GENERATION OF LAVINA GRINDERS. Explore the new models on superabrasive.com. www.ForConstructionPros.com/10076302
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INDEX ADVERTISER............................... PAGE
ADVERTISER............................... PAGE
American Concrete Institute........................... 2 American Honda Motor Co. - Engines........ 31 American Honda Motor Co. - Generators... 13 American Technical Publishers..................... 41 ASL Machines................................................. 50 BackSaver....................................................... 29 Bloom Manufacturing Inc.............................. 24 BORIDE Engineered Abrasives.................... 47 Cresset Chemical Company......................... 28 Curb Roller Mfg. LLC..................................... 50 Diteq Corp................................................. 9, 33 HMI................................................................. 22 Kingdom Products......................................... 25 Lura Enterprises, Inc...................................... 35 Max USA......................................................... 39 MBW Inc......................................................... 25
Metzger/ McGuire......................................... 48 Minnich Manufacturing................................. 15 Olin Pump...................................................... 43 Oneida Air Systems....................................... 19 Oztec Industries Inc....................................... 52 Pulse-Bac Vacuum Systems LLC................... 45 Reliable Diamond Tools................................ 38 Roadware, Inc................................................. 24 Schwing America Inc....................................... 5 Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc........................... 7 Solomon Colors....................................... 23, 48 Somero Enterprises....................................... 11 Spin Screed.................................................... 41 Superabrasive Inc.......................................... 49 Trinic................................................................ 21 Vacuworx Global............................................ 46
Get fast, relevant product information in the Buyers Guide at
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By Brad Humphrey
THE LAST PLACEMENT
Overcoming the Customer’s #1 Objection:
T
here are a host of reasons why a customer might object to your proposed estimate yet there seems to always be the one objection that continues to stump many contractors. It’s the objection that says, “You’re just too high.” While this objection can be stated in various ways, what matters most is that you address it in a way that can win you work. Consider a few reasons why a customer might say your bid is higher than other contractors. • They are trying to see if you will come down a little to allow them to feel like they “got something extra” from you. • Many customers believe that every contractor can always “give me” 5% - 10% off the initial bid price. • The customer has a fixed budget and just cannot pay any more than a set figure. • They are only looking for the lowest price. Consider a few of the following responses you can use when a customer declares your price too high.
OBJECTION #1
Customer: “Your bid is too high.” Contractor: “I appreciate your honesty. We’ve been a quality contractor for many years, so I’m not surprised by your objection. However, when our customers realize what all we are doing for our price, they recognize what a tremendous deal they are receiving. Let’s look at your bid and discuss the reasoning behind our proposed work.” This first objection begs to have more definition behind it. Don’t go soft at this point; they may have only looked at the price and not seriously vetted all that
PRICE $$$$
you are providing. Notice the last line in my response, “Let’s look at your bid and discuss the reasoning behind our proposed work.” Notice I said, “our proposed work,” rather than say, “our proposed price.” When your price is in question, you must transition the focus to your work. You’re selling quality work, and that comes at a higher price. Sixty to seventy percent of the time the customer has not really read all that the bid covers. Don’t cave in to this customer oversight.
OBJECTION #2
Customer: “Your bid is higher than the other three bids I received.” Contractor: “Thanks for gathering that many bids. That shows me you are serious about getting a good quality job. Many customers are not that patient to find the best contractor. Now, let’s look at where the other contractors are cheaper and determine what they are not providing you that we are.” Your response to this price objection needs to be carefully crafted. To respond with something like, “Compared to what?” or “Well how much higher are we; I’ve got a little wiggle room” could send the wrong message and could cost you the job. Let’s look at why the first response is more productive. I provide three compliments in my response: (1) “Thanks for gathering…”; (2) “…you are serious…”; and, “Many customers are not that patient…”. Such a response immediately takes any defensiveness from your tone and reassures the customer that you’re a real professional. Then, “let’s look at where the other contractors are cheaper…”, and, “…determine what they are not providing you…” are great teasers
into undermining your competitors’ intentions without calling them out.
OBJECTION #3
Customer: “If you can come down just another 3% - 5%, I think we might have a deal.” Contractor: “Wow, you are really looking for value for your dollar spent. Let’s compare our proposed work against what your other bids are charging you.” Again, you want to congratulate the customer on taking a closer look at your bid and those of your competitors. However, their line, “…we might have a deal,” has suckered more contractors into lowering their price. For the amateur contractor, the temptation to agree, thinking, “Ya, it’s just 3%,” can cost your company money if this becomes a pattern. Plus, doesn’t it seem like every job we lower our price “just another 3%” winds up causing our crews the most aggravation? The response provided above is the right one as it refocuses the customer on value…not the 3% - 5%. It’s important to point out the differences that you feel present your bid, your work, and your company as the better choice by far. Overcoming the cost objection is as old as the first contractor’s effort to win work. You must be confident but also wise in how you transition the customer’s seeming obsession with cost and move it to something that is really more important, like long-term quality results. Hey, you may not win all of your customer objections, but you sure as heck can be better prepared to handle those price objections. Be proud of what your company provides and don’t sell it cheap.
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