The RMC Research Foundation today announced the release of two important Prescriptive-to-Performance (P2P) research projects. “Preparation of a Performance-based Specification for Cast-in-Place Concrete” includes a comprehensive review of worldwide performance-based specifications and recommendations for transitioning the industry toward their use. “Experimental Case Study Demonstrating Advantages of Performance Specifications” includes technical […]

The precast concrete industry outpaced the growth of the overall construction industry in 2004, according to an Operating Performance Report recently issued by the NPCA. The report indicates that precast plants in the United States and Canada reported sales volume of $18.5 billion for 2004, a 13 percent increase from […]

The American Concrete Institute announces the availability of three new publications. 334.3R-05, “Construction of Concrete Shells Using Inflated Forms,” provides information on the construction of structural concrete shells using an inflated form. The publication covers major facets of the construction process, including foundations, inflation, monitoring, and backup systems. The geometric […]

After record-breaking cement consumption in 2004 and 2005, Portland Cement Association predicts additional increases through 2009. Cement consumption in 2006 is expected to reach more than 130 million metric tons, a 3.7 percent increase from 2005, and average annual increases of 2.5 percent are projected through 2009. An increase in […]

The Decorative Concrete Council (DCC), a specialty council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors, will hold its annual EXPO March 15 through March 17, 2006, in New Orleans. The EXPO will feature seminars and demonstrations focused on the decorative concrete industry. Seminar topics include “Organization in Management,” “Making Money […]

RAG Aktiengesellschaft, Essen, Germany (RAG), which holds a 50.1 percent interest in Degussa AG through its wholly owned subsidiary RAG Projektgesellschaft mbH, announced plans to acquire all remaining shares in Degussa. The 42.86 percent of Degussa’s capital stock held by E.ON AG will be divested to RPG effective July 1, […]