The cement shortages of 2007 are behind us, and demand is currently down. However, the federal stimulus package is projected to increase demand for concrete and related products. In a response to an open invitation from Structural Engineer, a number of companies provided the following information about their products. Company web addresses are provided for immediate access to additional information. To participate in Structural Engineer Specifiers’ Guides, visit www.gostructural.com/specguide.

Ainsworth Pourform HDO (www.pourform.com) concrete-forming panels are designed to provide the finest architectural finish. The high-density overlay minimizes the transfer of veneer texture to the concrete, and the high resin content produces a uniform and glossy concrete appearance suitable for architectural applications in high-rise and large-scale projects.


The American Concrete Institute’s (ACI, www.concrete.org) eLearning program allows access to ACI Certification training programs online. Participants can earn CEUs through training modules, directed self-study, reference documents, learning exercises, educational videos, and a final exam to evaluate understanding of the topic. Members receive free online CEUs.


Barsplice Products, Inc. (www.barsplice.com) offers high-performance mechanical splices for reinforced concrete. Choose from Grip-Twist, Zap Screwlok, BarGrip, and BPI Barsplicer systems for new construction or retrofit work, welding to structural steel, dowel bar replacement, or headed reinforcement. See the new QLOK for precast work.


Chomarat North America (www.carbongrid.com) added four products to its family of C-GRID reinforcements. C-GRID is a patented composite reinforcement technology used in place of, or along with, steel mesh and light rebar. C50 3.5 x 4.0 is especially designed for shotcrete, light-weight concrete, and pervious concrete. C50 2.9 x 2.9 is tailored for heavy duty structural applications such as industrial tanks, load-bearing panels, and structural slabs. C50-2.2 x 2.2 is intended for reinforcing light-weight precast concrete and other thin concrete and décor applications. CT-275 is made to replace wire mesh in concrete décor and countertop applications, offering rustproof reinforcement, crack resistance, and flexibility for complicated shapes.


CTS Cement Manufacturing Corporation’s (www.ctscement.com) Rapid Set cement outperforms other concrete repair materials in terms of durability, repetitive loading, chemical attack, permeability, freeze/thaw, abrasion resistance, and shrinkage, according to the company. Rapid Set reaches 3,000 pounds per square inch in one hour, achieving structural or drive-on strength.


Civil/Structural VO Repair Mortar by Dayton Superior Corporation (www.daytonsuperior.com) is a cement-based mortar designed for structural repairs of vertical or overhead concrete substrates, above or below grade, without the need for forming. Enhanced with a corrosion inhibitor for rebar and steel protection, Civil/Structural VO is especially formulated for use in spray applications. Suitable for both interior and exterior applications, it offers superb workability, with a thermal expansion similar to concrete, the company claims.


Decon USA Inc. (www.deconusa.com) Decon Studrails can replace stirrup cages or column capitals. Installation is much quicker and simpler than older methods. The result is a smooth slab soffit and minimal congestion. Decon Studrails are being used increasingly to reinforce against bursting stresses in banded post-tension anchor zones.

Delta Building Systems’ (www.baugridusa.com) BauGrid Welded Reinforcement Grid (WRG) eliminates cumbersome end hooks and provides for more efficient placement of confinement reinforcement. BauGrid removes the need for fabrication of the tie assembly, arriving on site as a custom-manufactured and dimensionally accurate high-strength, cold-formed steel WRG.


Foresight Products, LLC (www.earthanchor.com) manufactures MANTA RAY, STING RAY, and DUCKBILL earth anchor systems for tiebacks, shoring, bulkheads, block walls, segmental retaining walls, foundation stabilization and augmentation, utility poles, landscape, and horticultural applications. It features no excavation, no soil disturbance, and ease of installation with capacities ranging from 300 pounds to 50 tons.


Fyfe Company LLC (www.fyfeco.com) specializes in the Tyfo Fibrwrap Advanced Composite Systems for strengthening, protection, and repair of structures. These systems are comprised of carbon, glass, and aramid fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials. The Fyfe Group includes engineers, designers, material specialists, material manufacturers, and project support personnel.


Holcim (www.holcim.com) says its Envirocore line of cementitious materials delivers a lower carbon footprint product by reducing the proportion of clinker in cement. The company uses granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, and limestone in the production of composite cements. Envirocore is suitable for bridges, buildings, highways, and more.

The Acoustic Concrete Tester (ACT) from Inspection Instruments, Inc. (www.inspectioninstruments.net) evaluates concrete bridge decks, pavements, retaining walls, slabs, tunnel liners, silos, footings, and more. It examines if a concrete element is built to the specified thickness and aids in reassuring that it is free of flaws (delaminations, voids, spalling, and honeycombing).

Founded in 1972, International Grooving & Grinding Association (IGGA) (www.igga.net) is a non-profit trade association committed to the development of the diamond grinding and grooving process for surfaces constructed with portland cement concrete and asphalt. In 1995, the IGGA joined in affiliation with the American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) to represent its newly formed Concrete Pavement Restoration Division.


Nitterhouse Concrete Products, Inc. (www.nitterhouse.com) produces a full range of quality precast, prestressed concrete products and complete building systems, including architectural and structural precast components, double tees, insulated wall panels, hollow-core plank, and residential ConCoreFloor. Nitterhouse has achieved certification year-after-year by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute and employs its own in-house staff of certified, professional engineers.


OCM, Inc. (www.ocm-inc.com) TurboSeal is a polymer rubber gel material that comes in three formulations, allowing it to be used in traditional exterior wrap waterproofing for new or rehabilitation projects including complete structural wrap applications. It can also be injected between slabs or through a structural wall or floor to restore a waterproof condition with existing membranes that can’t be exposed for replacement or repair. It is also used for crack injection applications.


Champ by Pile Dynamics, Inc. (www.pile.com) performs Crosshole Sonic Logging in drilled shafts and is also used to perform Single Hole Sonic Logging in augured cast-in-place piles. The test performed with the Champ assesses the quality of the concrete of the foundation. Data obtained with the Champ may be analyzed by tomography imaging to help visualize potential shaft defects.


Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI, www.post-tensioning.org) provides technical guidance on the design, construction, maintenance, and repair/rehabilitation of post-tensioned concrete structures. PTI publishes informative technical manuals and guides covering most aspects of post-tensioning. In addition, PTI publishes a Technical Journal, newsletters, Technical Notes, Frequently Asked Questions, and Technical Updates, which provide in-depth discussion and analysis of issues pertinent to designers.


Powers Fasteners, Inc. (www.powers.com) offers anchoring and fastening systems for concrete and masonry. Powers, formerly known as Rawl, can provide answers to design professionals for fastening to concrete and support the needs of the contractor at the jobsite.


Propex Concrete Systems’ (www.fibermesh.com) High-Performance Macro-Synthetic Fibers offer the long-term performance of steel fibers at lower addition rates. For commercial slabs-on-ground, composite metal decks, and pavements, Fibermesh 650 is used at moderate addition rates. For industrial slabs-on-ground, pavements, and higher addition rates applications, Novomesh 950 engineered fiber blend reduces early-age plastic cracking and provides long-term drying shrinkage crack control.


Risi Stone Inc. (www.risistone.com) says its DuraHold retaining walls offer high installation rates, low installation costs, and long maintenance-free life in demanding applications.


SpancreLte (www.spancrete.com) is one of the Midwest’s largest suppliers of precast products to the construction industry. The company operates five precast, prestressed concrete plants in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Florida, as well as two concrete pipe plants and one precast machinery company in Wisconsin.


Structural Group (www.structural.net) is comprised of five companies: Structural Preservation Systems, a specialty contractor; VSL, which designs, manufactures, and installs post-tensioning and specialty reinforcement systems; Pullman Power, a leader in chimney, silo, and stack design, construction, maintenance, and repair; Electro Tech CP, a specialty provider of corrosion control and water intrusion prevention services and technologies; and SPS Infrastructure, a specialty contractor providing roofing, waterproofing, and restoration services.


The T-WALL Retaining Wall System by The Neel Company (www.neelco.com)
is comprised of large, precast, reinforced concrete units designed in accordance with AASHTO and AREMA design codes. T-WALL units with a monolithic face and perpendicular concrete stem have no metallic or geosynthetic soil tiebacks and are easily and quickly constructed.


Transpo Industries Inc. (www.transpo.com) manufactures products for concrete construction and repair. T-70 MX-30 Sealate is a high-molecular-weight methacrylate resin system for sealing and filling cracks in concrete structures. T-17 Methyl Methacrylate polymer concrete is designed for use on new construction and rehabilitation of older concrete structures. Visi-Barrier Polymer concrete bridge rail and tunnel panels are used for median barriers, tunnels, bridge parapets, and rails.


Rezi-Weld construction epoxies by W.R. Meadows, Inc. (www.wrmeadows.com)
are available in multiple viscosities to meet bonding, setting, adhering, grouting, and patching needs. All Rezi-Weld products feature easy-to-handle packaging designed to prevent costly component mismatches and guesswork.


Xella Aircrete (www.xellausa.com) says it is the world market leader in the autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) industry. Utilized throughout Europe for more than 60 years, Xella’s Hebel brand has proven its worth in the international market for safe, innovative, and sustainable building solutions.