Interoperable software
Computers and Structures, Inc. (CSI) released CSIxRevit2009, a significantly enhanced link that allows for data exchange between CSI’s ETABS v9.5.0 and Autodesk’s Revit Structure 2009. CSIxRevit2009 now supports true round-tripping, specifically four different workflows of data interchange:

• exporting from Revit Structure to create a new ETABS model,
• exporting from Revit Structure to update an existing ETABS model,
• importing from ETABS to create a new Revit Structure model, and
• importing from ETABS to update an existing Revit Structure model.

The CSIxRevit2009 link is a powerful integration tool, allowing maximum capabilities of ETABS and Revit Structure 2009. CSIxRevit2009 is only compatible with ETABS v9.5.0, and both require a new license.
Computers and Structures, Inc., www.csiberkeley.com

Anchoring bolts for terra cotta applications
CINTEC offers a stainless steel anchoring system that is ideal for terra cotta repair and attachments. CINTEC anchors can be used to repair and reattach terra cotta used in historical buildings, masonry bridges, monument repair, high rise building, retaining walls, and harbor walls. Compatible with the terra cotta and the substrate, the system has a two-hour-plus fire rating and can be installed to appear invisible. CINTEC anchors can stabilize and strengthen a terra cotta structure without the need for external and internal steel bracing.
CINTEC America, www.cintec.com

Helical soil nails over tieback anchors for securing the face of a cut
Earth Contact Products announces what it says is an improved method,compared with a tieback anchor system approach, when securing the face of a cut after excavation. The new Helical Soil Nails install quickly using a rotary hydraulic torque motor with little or no vibration, even in confined spaces. Once the Helical Soil Nails are installed and the face of the cut is shotcreted, the Helical Soil Nails do not require any post tensioning since Helical Soil Nails provide immediate support, unlike tieback anchors. Contractors also will save the installation labor of any "H" piles, sheet piling or walers. The new Helical Soil Nails are easily tested to verify capacity as well. And, if the installation is temporary, the Helical Soil Nails can be reused.
Earth Contact Products, www.earthcontactproducts.com


High performance concrete mix
The iCrete System provides proprietary concrete mix designs and production processes to meet customized specifications for concrete performance, consistency, strength, durability, and workability. It is ideal for construction on any scale, including high-rise, industrial, residential, and civic infrastructure. The iCrete System improves the way solid matter used in the production of concrete is mixed, thereby reducing the space between solids so that less cement is required to bond them together. According to the company, the result is an optimized concrete product that is more workable, more reliable, more cost effective, and more environmentally responsible than anything else on the market. The iCrete System, delivers higher performance, improved quality control, advanced mix designs, and a reduction of up to 40 percent in greenhouse gases.
iCrete, www.icrete.com

Post-tensioned slabs-on-ground publication
The Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) announced the availability of the 2008 Supplement to the Third Edition of PTI’s Design of Post-Tensioned Slabs-on-Ground. The Third Edition was first printed in 2004. Since that time, the PTI Slab-on-Ground Committee has approved two addenda and various errata. In addition, the supplement includes updated design examples to reflect these changes. The related code standards, Standard Requirements for Analysis of Shallow Concrete Foundations on Expansive Soils and Standard Requirements for Design of Shallow Concrete Foundations on Expansive Soils, are included as appendices as a convenience for designers. These standards are referenced by the International Building Code in its provisions for slab-on-ground foundations.
Post-Tensioning Institute, www.post-tensioning.org.