For advertising rates and information, contact Morris at 800.315.9950 x602.
Subscriptions in US, free upon request. Outside US, $12 per year. To subscribe, contact TCA at the above address.
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Tennessee Concrete welcomes response and rebuttal and will make every effort to print these responses. Send comments to: Editor, Tennessee Concrete, 3026 Owen Drive, Suite 101, Antioch, TN 37013
Tennessee Concrete and its publishers assume no liability for errors or omissions in articles or advertisements appearing in Tennessee Concrete.
All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
In my last column I gave a brief rundown of TCA’s workforce programs that we have launched to get the word out about the many great career opportunities in our concrete industry. Check out Joseph’s new column to get some updates on our progress with Be Pro Be Proud TN, Skate 4 Concrete, and our new ConcreteQuest online game. We are seeing a great response to all of these programs!
With over 50 Tennessee high schools signing up to offer the Skate 4 Concrete curriculum in the coming year, we need our TCA members to step-up to be a local sponsor and supporter for these classrooms in your area. If you are willing to help, please reach out directly to Joseph at jmcdaniel@tnconcrete.org.
As we head into fall, don’t forget about these upcoming events at TCA. Our Scholarship Golf Outing is coming up on October 23, followed by an Eats and Drinks reception in Memphis on October 24. Registration for both of these events is open now so please sign up and attend.
Finally, let me give you my personal invitation to register and attend TCA’s 2025
Annual Convention on February 5 and 6, 2025, at the Cool Springs Marriott in Franklin, Tenn. The hotel block and registration are now open. Please join me for this great event!
Charlie Lay 2024
Alan Sparkman Executive Director
Contributing Author
Joseph McDaniel
Workforce Coordinator 2 New Student Hub
www.tnconcrete.org
Select: Workforce
Then: Student Hub 3
Scholarship Golf Outing 23 October 2024
THE NEXT GENERATION
We are pleased to introduce a new column in this issue of Tennessee Concrete magazine. Our Workforce Coordinator Joseph McDaniel will be a regular contributor going forward and will use his column to keep TCA members up to date on our efforts to attract and retain the workforce of the future. There is some exciting progress here, so be sure to read Joseph’s column to bring yourself up to date.
TCA has also launched a new Student Hub section on our website. The Hub brings together all the resources and programs that TCA is providing to the next generation of concrete people. Be sure to check it out!
Attracting the next generation is a big deal for every business, not just the concrete industry. That means we are competing for the next talent pool, and I believe this requires a shift in the way the concrete industry thinks about both attracting and retaining the people who power our industry.
The saying, “You can't solve a problem with the same level of thinking that created it," is attributed to Albert Einstein. I believe this is right on target for us as we think about the future of finding people to power our organizations. What level of thinking are you using as you contemplate finding the people you need to power your business into the next 25 years?
Remember to sign up for the Scholarship Golf Outing and get your projects entered into TCA’s Annual Concrete Design Awards competion. Plus, it is not too early to register for the 2025 Convention! 1
2024 Membership Directory
TCA Services & STAFF
The Tennessee Concrete Association (TCA) was founded in 1986 to work on behalf of the concrete industry across Tennessee. Our mission statement is: “The TCA is the unified voice for the concrete industry to improve our image and awareness through advocacy, promotion and education that support our members, our community, and our future.” We work to fulfill this mission in all of our activities. We invite you to join us in building a concrete industry we can all be proud of. Supported by membership dues and program income, TCA is governed by a 12 member Board of Directors representing all three membership categories (Producers, Associates, and Affiliates).
Association STAFF
Alan Sparkman Executive Director Darla Sparkman Director of Certifications & Accounts
John E. Pearson, P.E. Director, Technical Services
Joseph McDaniel Workforce Coordinator
Drag Yarbro West TN Liaison
2024 TCA PROGRAMS
Annual Convention – Brings all members together to celebrate the year’s accomplishments and to learn about the latest issues.
Tennessee Concrete Magazine – Published 3 times annually with research reports and current industry articles.
Membership Directory – Published annually with information advertising your company.
Member Updates – Thoughout the year (via email), to keep you informed of Association programs, industry activities and promotional events.
Concrete Excellence Awards – Design, Construction and Environmental awards for projects and plants across Tennessee.
Product Demonstrations & Seminars –
Decorative, Pervious, Insulated Concrete Forms, Whitetopping, Flowable Fill and more ….
Statewide High School Concrete Essay Contest Trade Show Displays
Concrete Career Academy – Our online learning system offers prep courses to help concrete professionals prepare for certification courses in flatwork, and more. https://www.pathlms.com/cca
TCA Website – www.tnconcrete.org and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ tnconcrete/
Training and Certification – Exams and training were also offered in the following:
• Concrete Flatwork Associate, Finisher, and Advanced Finisher
• Decorative Concrete Flatwork Finisher and Associate
• Residential Concrete Foundation Technician
• Concrete Quality Technical Manager
• Tilt-Up Supervisor and Technician
NRMCA Certification Programs
• Plant and Truck Certification
• Pervious Concrete Contractor Certification
• Certified Concrete Sales Professional (CCSP)
• Exterior Flatwork Finisher Certification
Training – TCA Staff has over 100 years of combined concrete experience and we provide specific training for several of the certifications listed above. Contact John Pearson, PE directly for more information.
PAST TCA PRESIDENTS
1986-1987
Reid Brown, PH.D. Vulcan
Richard Jones, Jr.
Inc.
Ernie Walker, Sr. Transit-Mix Concrete
1993-1994
E.H. (Sonny) Garrott III
Garrott Bros. Continuous Mix Galatin
1995-1996
Joe Bigford
City Concrete Co.
Jackson
1997-1998
Carl Storms Concrete Materials Inc. Morristown
1998-1999
Joe Fulks Harper Construction Shelbyville
1999-2000
Mike Carrier Carrier Concrete Memphis 2000-2001 Walter Law Ready Mix Concrete
Products/Services: Ready Mixed Concrete Sales: Shelley Parham-Tri-Cities (423)7440022, Javier Melendez-Chattanooga (423)595-0954, Derek Moore-Knoxville (865)210-0598, Mark Doty-Knoxville (423)327-1395, Adam Long
Additional Information:
Bristol
501 Janie Hammitt Dr. Bristol, VA 24201
Phone: (276) 669-3107
Chattanooga 604 Hudson Road
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Phone: (423) 892-6444
Chattanooga 2 Pelican Dr. (River Plant)
Chattanooga, TN 37416
Phone: (423) 892-6444
Dalton
419 N. Selvidge St. Dalton, GA 30720
Phone: (706) 278-6044
Gray
102 Watertank Rd. Gray, TN 37615
Phone: (423) 246-7701
Greeneville
1532 Industrial Rd. Greeneville, TN 37745
Phone: (423) 639-2041
Kingsport
1543 S. Wilcox Dr. Kingsport, TN 37660
Phone: (423) 246-7701
Knoxville
2200 Neyland Dr. Knoxville, TN 37916
Phone: (865) 544-0320
Knoxville
10509 Lexington Dr. Knoxville, TN 37932
Phone: (865) 573-4501
Lafayette 22920 Hwy 193
Lafayette, GA 30728
Phone: (706) 278-6044
Maynardville
762 Maynardville Hwy.
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (423) 587-2050
Morristown
663 South Sugar Hollow Rd. Morristown, TN 37813
Phone: (423) 587-2050
New Tazewell
600 Richie Kewis Rd
New Tazewell, TN 37825
Phone: (865) 573-4501
Rockford
547 National Dr. Rockford, TN 37853
Phone: (865) 573-4501
RIVER CITY CONCRETE
9160 Hwy 128 South Savannah, TN 38372
Primary Contact: Wade Williams Phone: 731.925.0271
Products/Services: Full Line Admixture & Fiber Supplier
Additional Contacts: Jeff Raymer (615)5139441 jeffrey.raymer@chrysoinc.com, Tim Moss (770)786-6686 tim.moss@gcpat.com, Trevor McFarlin (205)765-5584 trevor. mcfarlin@gcpat.com
SIKA CORPORATION
1930 Sarasota Business Parkway Northeast Conyers, GA 30013
Associate Members 2024
Primary Contact: Jason Zelinski Phone: 864.909.0869
zelinski.jason@us.sika.com http://www.sikausa.com
Products/Services: Chemical Admixtures, Fibers, Decorative Color, Concrete Waterproofing, and Sustainability Admixtures supplied to Ready Mix Producers. Additional Contacts: Bryan Strevel-Sr. Sales Rep.(615)828-7332 strevel.bryan@us.sika.com, Paul Ramsburg-District Mgr.(864)344-4109 ramsburg.paul@us.sika.com, Patrick Armstrong-Sales/DST(423)680-0620 armstrong.patrick@us.sika.com, Rickey Swancey-Sales (615)840-3046 swancey.richard@us.sika.com
E5 INC
1718 Pleasant Street
Noblesville, IN 46060
Primary Contact: Meg Gumbel Phone: (574)304-2754 mgumbel@e5nanosilica.com http://e5nanosilica.com
Products/Services: Experts in Nano SilicaBased Concrete Solutions. A pioneer in the field, we have unlocked the secrets to concrete that is both high-performing and highly sustainable, through successful placement of millions of yards of concrete in both civil infrastructure and commercial structures and years of independent laboratory verification.
AGGREGATES
E.
DILLON & CO.
2522 Swords Creek Road
Swords Creek, VA 24649
Primary Contact: Mike Miller Phone: 276.873.6816
mmiller@edillon.com http://www.dillonrock.com
Products/Services: Aggregates & DoloKrete (Mineral Filler Additive for Replacing or Reducing Fly Ash)
Additional Contacts: Steve St.Clair (276)701-0015, Donny Dye-Construction Sales Mgr(276)971-0965
PINE BLUFF MATERIALS CO.
1030 Visco Drive
Nashville, TN 37210
Primary Contact: Mike Bohleber Phone: 615.390.5419
mike.bohleber@pbmat.com http://www.pbmat.com
Products/Services: Specification Sand, Gravel & Stone
Additional Contacts: Charles Smith (205)234-3867 smithch@vmcmail.com, Charles Vines (205)298-3722, Jeremy Allen (256)390-1981 allenje@vmcmail.com, Mike Bishop (256)366-0761 bishopme@ vmcmail.com, Shelley Wright (757)544-3495 wrightch@vmcmail.com
CEMENT CEMEX
5000 Grantswood Road Suite 230 Irondale, AL 35210-3661
Primary Contact: Steven George Phone: 205.777.2858 stevend.george@cemex.com http://www.cemexusa.com
Products/Services: Portland Cement
Additional Contacts: Jonathan Culver (865)541-5525 jonathane.culver@cemex. com, Scott Showerman (336)512-3552 scotte.showerman@cemex.com
CONTINENTAL CEMENT CO.
16401 Swingley Ridge Rd Suite #610 Chesterfield, MO 63017
Primary Contact: Stewart Parker Phone: 314.406.4723
Products/Services: Beth takes the fear out of technology & helps you with effective apps & tools that can integrate into your everyday life & business.
MT&M GROUP, LLC
1201 Dotsonville Rd
Clarksville, TN 37042
Primary Contact: Charles Terry Phone: 931.801.8301
chuck@mtandm.net
http://www.mtandm.net
Products/Services: MT&M specializes in consulting & assisting employees with employee benefit programs.
SPOT EMPLOYMENT SCREENING
1332 Reliance Dr. Franklin, TN 37067
Primary Contact: Ben Hutto Phone: 615.497.9070
ben.hutto@spot-screening.com
http://www.spot-screening.com
Products/Services: Pre-Employment Background Checks & Drug Testing
FRACTAL
35 East 7th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
Primary Contact: Jason Reed Phone: 859.468.0477
jreed@fractalpay.com
http://www.fractalpay.com
Products/Services: Fractal is a nextgeneration FinTech innovator crafting intelligent payment solutions specifically for SaaS pioneers. We empower tech platforms to seamlessly add the lowest-fee, seamless payments to their solution — enabling platforms to quickly add more payment tech, more solutions, and more versatility.
ALSCO UNIFORMS
5277 Comfort Well Dr Kennesaw, GA 30152
Primary Contact: Brian DeLoach Phone: 470.304.2076
bdeloach@alsco.com
Products/Services:
BC SOLUTIONS
100 West Martin Luther King Blvd Suite 718 Chattanooga, TN 37402
Primary Contact: Erika Moon Phone: 423.265.4300
erika@payingyourway.com
http://www.payingyourway.com
PORTMAN SQUARE GROUP
101 South Capitol Boulevard Suite 1203 Boise, ID 83702
Primary Contact: Amy Holly Phone: 212.991.1900
aholly@portmansquaregroup.com
Products/Services: Portman Square Group is a leading global intelligence and risk mitigation firm. Within the heavy building materials industry, we work with clients to evaluate potential acquisitions, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
ROCKET START
200 Horizon Drive Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27615
Primary Contact: Manny Tejano Phone: 919.201.3158
Products/Services: Rocket Start utilizes proven game mechanics to engage employees, create a competitive atmosphere, & provide meaningful rewards that allows not only drivers but any blue collar laborer an opportunity to be an ideal employee in their organization.
ATL CHIPPING SERVICES LLC
6960 Pine Shadow Way Winston, GA 30187
Primary Contact: Mary Lemus Phone: 678.953.2248
atlchippingservices@gmail.com
Products/Services: Concrete Chipping Company
CONCRETE PUMPING CONCRETE PUMP PARTNERS
3950 Dickerson Pike Nashville, TN 37207
Primary Contact: Jon Kemp Phone: 615.299.9899
http://www.pumppartners.com
Products/Services: Concrete Pumping Services
KCS CONCRETE PUMPING LLC
1985 Ridgecrest Dr. Columbia, TN 38401
Primary Contact: Wade Kincaid Phone: 931.490.9782
wade@kcsllc.com
Products/Services: Concrete Pumping
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
Power Rental & Sales
3653A Trousdale Dr. Nashville, TN 37204
Primary Contact: John McCarthy Phone: 615.837.1450
jm.powerrental@yahoo.com
Products/Services: Vertical forms, Masonry Supplies, Power Tools & Grinders
SUNBELT CRUSHING, LLC
58 Midtown Park W. Mobile, AL 36606
Primary Contact: Matt Munger Phone: 251.479.4452 mmunger@sunbeltcrushing.com http://www.sunbeltcrushing.com Products/Services: We recycle concrete & asphalt.
Products/Services: Curb Roller Manufacturing is a leader in the construction equipment industry, specializing in innovative roller screed technology for concrete shaping and finishing. Our diverse product lines, attachments, and accessories are designed to meet the needs of contractors, municipalities, and construction companies. Known for our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service, we at Curb Roller Manufacturing continue to innovate, driving efficiency and improved work conditions in concrete construction projects.
INSULATEDCONCRETE FORMS
A.G. HEINS CO.
INC.
116 Heins St. Knoxville, TN 37921
Primary Contact: A. Gordon Heins III Phone: 865.525.5363 gordonh@agheins.com http://www.agheins.com
9705 Broadway Extension Suite 150 Oklahoma City, OK 73114
Primary Contact: Frank Gordon Phone: 405.212.3144
Products/Services: BuildBlock ICF forms were created to overcome many of the problems and costs encountered with other ICF forms. Most environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, & disaster-resistant method of residential & commercial construction.
NUDURA/TREMCO CPG
596 Summit Point Canton, GA 30114
Primary Contact: John Ritch Phone: 866.468.6299
jritch@tremcoinc.com
http://www.nudura.com
Products/Services: NUDURA is a leading innovator of permanent concrete forming systems & accessories.
MATERIAL SUPPLIES
BAR BENDERS REBAR
PO Box 2603
Chattanooga, TN 37409
Primary Contact: Neill Harris Phone: 423.513.2324
neill.harris@barbendersrebar.com
http://www.barbendersrebar.com
Products/Services: Bar Benders is committed to providing exceptional service, accurate estimates, precise detailing, fast rebar fabrication, on-time deliveries, excellent project management, & a knowledgeable staff.
CLEMONS CONCRETE COATINGS
505 Cave Rd. Nashville, TN 37210
Primary Contact: Rich Sanders Phone: 615.872.9099
rich@ccc-usa.com
http://www.ccc-usa.com
Products/Services: Sealers, Retarders,Curing Compounds, Stains, and Form Release
SOLOMON COLORS, INC.
4050 Color Plant Rd
Springfield, IL 62702
Primary Contact: Brian McCarter Phone: 865.385.6757
Products/Services: DUNN Utility Products is a proud manufacturer of concrete pipe and precast products for civil and sitework contractors in the Southeast. In addition to our manufacturing operations, our contractor supply store offers a variety of construction solutions for those specialty projects.
Products/Services: Underground Utility Products & Construction Accessories for the Telecommunications, Energy, Transportation, Building Structures & Water Markets
VANHOOSECO PRECAST
244 Blair Bend Dr. Loudon, TN 37774
Primary Contact: Jeff VanHoose Phone: 865.458.3998 ahudnall@lbfoster.com http://www.vanhooseco.com
Products/Services: Mixer Trucks, Mixer Parts & Mixer Service
TEREX ADVANCE MIXER
7727 Freedom Way
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Primary Contact: Guy Platter Phone: 330.204.1079
guy.platter@terex.com
http://www.terex.com/concrete
Products/Services: Front Discharge Ready Mix Trucks, Complete Parts, Accessories & Field Service Network
PUGMILL SYSTEMS
204 Cemetery Ave.
Columbia, TN 38401
Primary Contact: Jared Allen Phone: 931.388.0626
jared.allen@pugmillsystems.com
Products/Services: We’ve been manufacturing pugmill plants in Columbia, TN for nearly 40 years. We excited to begin offering ready mix concrete plants as well.
INDUSTRIAL PUMP & EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
384 Highland Road East Macedonia, OH 44056
Primary Contact: Scott Gunselman Phone: 440.439.2424
scott@ipecsales.com
http://www.ipecsales.com
Products/Services: Authorized Badger Meter stocking distributor for water batching equipment in addition to the supply and repair of batch controllers, booster pumps, admix dispensers and dispenser components, water heaters, and water chillers.
MCCOY CONSTRUCTION & FORESTRY
1525 J P Hennessy Dr La Vergne, TN 37086
Primary Contact: Alex Fisher
Phone: 317.452.9356
alexfisher@mccoycf.com
Products/Services: We are a local John Deere dealership that has added the Cemen Tech Volumetric Concrete trucks as a part of our product line.
Products/Services: Self Perform Turnkey Concrete Construction. We form the concrete, furnish & install the rebar & furnish & place the concrete. Our work includes infrastructure, industrial, high rise & higher education facilities.
Products/Services: Barton Malow, a leader in construction innovation, excels in pre-construction planning, virtual design, construction delivery & lean practices. Self-Perform multiple trades; Concrete, Steel, Interiors & Civil. We serve diverse sectors, Automotive, Commercial, Energy, Healthcare, K12 & Higher Education, Industrial, Sports & Entertainment.
BELL & ASSOCIATES
PO Box 363
Brentwood, TN 37024
Phone: 615.373.4343
http://www.balp.com
Products/Services: Tilt-up, General Contracting, Bridges, Parking Garages
BHS CONCRETE LLC
860 Vaughn Rd
Memphis, TN 38122
Primary Contact: Joe Brannon
Phone: 901.603.9997
joe@bhsconcrete.com
http://www.bhsconcrete.com
Products/Services: Residential & Commercial, Form & Place Concrete Foundations, Slabs, Flatwork, Walls, Patios & Driveways
BLOUNT CONTRACTORS, INC.
635 Dameron Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37921
Primary Contact: William Hall
Phone: 865.981.9090
wchall@blountcontractors.com
http://www.blountcontractors.com
Products/Services: Full Service Concrete Contractor
BURWIL CONSTRUCTION CO.
PO Box 637
Bristol, TN 37621
Primary Contact: Nick Self
Phone: 423.968.4158
nself@burwil.com
http://www.burwil.com
Products/Services: Concrete Services
C.J. MAHAN CONST. CO LLC
3458 Lewis Centre Way Grove City, OH 43123
Primary Contact: Jeff North Phone: 614.875.8200
jnorth@cjmahan.com
http://www.cjmahan.com
Contractor Members
Products/Services: Heavy civil and marine contractor specializing in major bridge structures along with experience with dams, piers, docks, loading facilities, deep heavy capacity foundations, drilled shafts, micro-piles and more.
CHARLES GOAR CONCRETE
1673 Newport Place
LaVergne, TN 37086
Primary Contact: Charles Goar Phone: 615.459.9003
allengoar@gmail.com
Products/Services: Form carpentry, Pour in Place, Commercial & TDOT Roadwork
Products/Services: Paving of City Streets, Curbing, Excavation, Driveways & Pervious Concrete
HI-WAY PAVING INC.
4343 Weaver Court North Hilliard, OH 43026
Primary Contact: Edward Wessel
Phone: 614.876.1700
ewessel@hiwaypaving.com
http://www.hiwaypaving.com
Products/Services: Large scale concrete paving company operating in the southeast and midwestern states. Specializing in airfield and interstate slipform paving.
Specializing in Downtown Improvement Projects, Certified Pervious Installer
RC CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC.
310 West Park Ave.
Greenwood, MS 38930
Primary Contact: Scott Murchison
Phone: 662.453.2424
smurchison@rcconst.net
http://www.rcconst.net
Products/Services: RC Construction self performs Portland Cement Concrete (PCC), Heat Resistance Concrete (HRC), Demolition, Grading, Drainage, and Base Coarse. We deliver all aspects of airport infrastructure including platforms, systems, hangars, transport roads, runways, taxiways, and aprons.
Products/Services: Rushing Concrete Company is a turnkey commercial and industrial concrete contractor with more than 50 years experience. We specialize in slabs on grade, paving, and foundation work.
SERENITY HARDSCAPES LLC
Primary Contact: Rocky Wisley
rocky@serenityhardscapes.com
Products/Services: Serenity Hardscapes
LLC is a design , build, and service company specializing in the complete outdoor living concept. We focus on swimming pool construction and all the features around
the pool. Our crews dig, form, steel, shotcrete application and plumbing. We use subcontractors to complete other phases of our projects. We are a licensed General Contractor in Tennessee and Arkansas. Our Leadeship is deeply involved in the pool education as an educator and involved in the American Shotcrete Association. We have ACI Certified Nozzleman and Serenity is a ASA Qualified Shotcrete Contractor.
SHAW SERVICES, LLC
861 Old Hwy 4
Holly Springs, MS 38635
Primary Contact: Bobby Clanton Phone: 662.629.1006
Products/Services: Construction Materials Testing & Inspection, Geotechnical Services, Phase I/II/III Environmental Assessments, Solar Site Development, Industrial/ Residential Asbestos & Lead Services
AMERICAN ENGINEERS, INC.
65 Aberdeen Dr. Glasgow, KY 42141
Primary Contact: Dennis Mitchell Phone: 270.651.7220
dmitchell@aei.cc http://www.aei.cc
Products/Services: American Engineers is a full-service, civil engineering firm. We provide A/E/ services including site civil, geotechnical, geospatial/surveying/ geophysical, transportation, structural, environmental. Our staff of over 100 engineers, geologists, surveyors, engineering technicains, landscape architects, & CADD specialists serve clients from offices in Glasgow, Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro, Kentucky & Acworth, Georgia.
Primary Contact: Allen Browning Phone: 865.573.6122
abrowning@cmllabtechs.com
http://www.cmllabtechs.com
Products/Services: Geotechnical Drilling & Rock Coring, Construction Materials Testing, Concrete Testing,QA/QC Fill Placement & Density Testing, AMRL Accredited
Products/Services: We are a civil, geotechnical, and environmental engineering company who offer some quality control services.
YTECHNICAL DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE—JOHN
B. PEARSON, P.E.
CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND CONCRETE TAKING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
ou would have to have been living under a rock over the last few decades if you have not heard news stories discussing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and climate change. You have probably also heard stories of how concrete and other construction materials contribute to these greenhouse gases.
The cement and concrete industries have responded to the call to reduce carbon emissions through process improvements in cement production, a shift to Portland Limestone Cement (PLC), and a focus on lower embodied carbon mixes. What you may not be aware of is that during its service life (so after being placed) concrete acts as a carbon sink by sequestering CO2 absorbed from the air through the natural process of concrete carbonation.
Quantifying this CO2 uptake is not a simple task. Researchers at the Concrete Sustainability Hub (CsHub) at MIT have developed a tool to estimate the amount of CO2 that can be absorbed during the use phase and end of life phase of a particular concrete so that credit can be taken for this natural carbonation process, resulting in more accurate whole life carbon assessments. In this way better decisions can be made during the pre-construction phase of a project when developing project specific carbon budgets and considering industry carbon reduction goals.
The MIT CsHub tool estimates carbon uptake based upon inputs provided by the user. The tool also uses widely accepted carbonation rates (k-factors) and correction factors derived from previous industry research that consider the effect of the concrete
mixture and exposure conditions on the rate of carbonation. The Tennessee Concrete Association was recently awarded a research grant from the Concrete Advancement Foundation to see how well the factors correlate with some real-world mixes. For the study TCA placed two concrete mixes: one containing a more traditional level of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and the second being a lower embodied carbon mix containing much higher levels of SCMs.
Our research officially kicked off this April with the help of numerous TCA member volunteers including members of TCA’s inaugural Institute for Concrete Leadership class. TCA member Irving Materials, Inc. (IMI) provided the concrete, and TCA member Baker Concrete Construction provided forming and installation labor. Each mix was used to construct wall sections to represent exterior vertical building elements, and 4x8 concrete cylinders were cast to represent concrete flatwork. The concrete sections will be exposed to various conditions. Exterior wall sections will either be exposed to or protected from rain. The cylinders representing flatwork will either be stored indoors or outside exposed to the elements in both sealed and unsealed conditions. Over a 10-year period depth of carbonation determinations will be made and the results will be compared to the factors used in the CsHUB tool. Stay tuned for updates as this research continues throughout the next several years.■
WORKING TO GROW THE WORKFORCE OF THE TENNESSEE CONCRETE INDUSTRY
Iam Joseph McDaniel, Workforce Coordinator for the Tennessee Concrete Association, and I am excited to bring you an update on how TCA is working to grow the workforce in our Tennessee concrete industry. At the same time, we are working to help our members retain the great workers they already employee.
TCA has partnered with a company called RocketStart to create Driver Dash. Driver Dash is an online “gamification” platform where Concrete Delivery Professionals (drivers) are awarded badges and points based on their performance on the job. Drivers with top performance win gift cards and rewards for their hard work. The top five drivers from 2024 will receive a complimentary registration to TCA’s 2025 Annual Convention. Every TCA member that signs up gets five drivers FREE to enter the Dash. There are currently three TCA members who are in the Dash: Harrison Construction, Ready Mix USA, and Screaming Eagle Ready Mix. Their drivers are killing it!
Skate4Concrete (S4C) is a free Concrete 101 curriculum. TCA provides outlines, quizzes, and videos to make teaching easy for teachers. Students learn concrete basics by studying a concrete skatepark. The final module of the S4C curriculum encourages student teams to build their own miniature concrete skateparks. Teachers are encouraged to choose their top student team to enter our S4C Mini Concrete Skatepark Competi-
tion held April 11, 2025, and hosted by MTSU. Included in the event is a tour of the Concrete Industry Management program.
Over 50 schools across the state have registered for the event, up from 15 this time last year! With this HUGE influx of new schools, we ask for your support to provide them with the kits they need to build their miniature concrete skateparks. Please consider sponsoring a school(s) near you.
The BeProBeProud (BPBP) truck travels to schools across the state teaching students about opportunities in the trades by allowing them hands-on experience on state of the art construction simulators. TCA is a major sponsor of a simulator which allows students to drive a ready mix concrete truck! The drivers and operators of the BPBP truck are Jason and Allison Lewis. They are doing a fantastic job promoting the industry.
In addition, Jason and Allison are promoting our third initiative called Concrete Quest. Concrete Quest is another partnership with RocketStart to “gamify” learning about concrete. Students who play the online game work through four levels that cover important concrete content. When students complete the game, they receive a certificate that could potentially help them stand out to future employers. Not to mention, playing could also win them $200 of Amazon Rewards!
TCA appreciates your support and participation in these initiatives. Please be on the lookout for emails about opportunities to sign up your drivers for Driver Dash, sponsor a Skate4Concrete kit, bring a concrete truck to a BPBP event, and more.
Finally, never stop telling your concrete story!
July Driver Dash Winner
CIM UPDATE
by Jon Huddleston, Associate Professor & CIM Director
A BUSY CLOSE TO THE ACADEMIC YEAR
The 2023-2024 academic year was one of the busiest yet for MTSU’s CIM program and it seemed as though we barely got a chance a to catch our breath before the next event began. Since my last update in April, we closed out the spring semester with the CIM Patrons Jim Speakman Memorial golf tournament, which saw a record attendance of more than 230 golfers at a new venue, Champions Run Golf Course.
In that same week we started a new venture by hosting the first annual MTSU CIM Women in Concrete Experiential Workshop. When advertising the event, we had anticipated approximately 75 participants, and we were amazed when that number grew to more than 220 participants from middle schools and high schools across Middle Tennessee. The young ladies had a great time learning about batch plants, a day in the life of a delivery professional, welding, power tools, concrete finishing, and mix design.
We did get a chance to breath for a couple of weeks before the summer kicked off with our CIM NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) interns. This year’s interns experienced many aspects of the concrete industry from ready mix operations to precast and material research. Their materials research included investigating the impact of recycled glass aggregate as a sand replacement, nano silica and its impact on concrete strength and pump pressure, and rheological properties of mix design for 3D concrete printing utilizing our new lab printer.
The summer was not just about learning for these interns as they also mentored the next generation by hosting three science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) camps for area high schoolers and the Civil Air Patrol. The interns rounded out their last week with a community service project, pouring a 150-foot sidewalk at Cannon County high school with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) construction class.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
While the day-to-day running of the CIM program keeps us busy, we must pause and think about the sustainability of the program for future generations. This industry and this program have given a great deal to each of us, and it is our responsibly to ensure that the same opportunities are available for future generations.
Participants
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Cannon County High school students and CIM interns participate in a community service project at cannon county high school
Civil Air Patrol Cadets compete in a mix design competition for highest strength
imi presents a day in the life of a delivery professional at the MTSU CIM Women in Concrete Experiential Workshop
Jon Huddleston CIM Director lectures STEM camp participants
MTSU CIM Girls in Concrete Experiential Workshop Participants
MTSU CIM Students present to participants at the MTSU CIM Women in Concrete Experiential Workshop
Natalie Martin CIM Patrons President presents to participants at MTSU CIM Women in Concrete Experiential Workshop
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finishing concrete at the MTSU CIM Women in Concrete Experiential Workshop
STEM camp participants compete in mix design competition
Knoxville Chattanooga Tri-Cities 865-573-4501 423-892-6444 423-246-7701 We gladly service areas in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. EAST TENNESSEE REGION 2209 W Blount Ave • Knoxville, TN 37920 (865) 573-4501
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At this year’s golf tournament, the CIM Patrons announced that we would be starting a fundraising campaign to endow the MTSU CIM program. Starting an endowment is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and financial health of MTSU’s CIM program. The endowment will be a permanent fund that will provide ongoing financial support through the investment of its principal, with only the income generated going to support operations, student travel, scholarships, and student research. Moreover, establishing the endowment will significantly enhance the credibility and attractiveness of the program. It signals to parents, students, and the community that MTSU and the concrete industry are committed to long-term planning and financial responsibility. By building a solid endowment we can invest in future growth without being overly reliant on annual fundraising efforts or external grants. In essence, an endowment provides both security and flexibility, to achieve our goals with greater confidence and stability. So be on the watch as we formally roll out the fundraising campaign in the coming months and consider donating to this foundational opportunity. ■
CIM interns Hailey Modelli and Hannah Roeger learn about the Mule at Alley Cassetty Block Plant in Lebanon Tennessee
