The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) releases the first edition of The Architecture of Tilt-Up, a manual on the design and construction of site cast tilt-up construction. Consisting of more than 130 pages of full color, detailed photography and corresponding information, the initial concept of selecting tilt-up through an immense variety of building types, finish options and design features are covered. A general overview of the construction process is provided, as well as information to help designers capitalize on the economy and efficiency the construction medium offers while also serving as a solution for complex design vernaculars. The manual includes appendices that provide guideline specifications, common detailing solutions and theories, as well as a directory of the most current product suppliers. For more information, call TCA at (319) 895-6911.
The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) releases a new brochure, Epoxy-Coated Steel Reinforcing Bars, Thirty Years of Success in Corrosion Protection. The 16-page full-color brochure celebrates 30 years of success using epoxy-coated reinforcing steel in concrete construction. Covered in the detailed history are uses, costs, special programs, research, and other areas of interest. For additional information or for a copy, contact Scott Humphreys at (847) 517-1200; e-mail shumphreys@crsi.org or visit www.crsi.org
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The new Blastrac® 2-4800DH Shot Blasting System is featured in a new DVD. This DVD features five videos that provide an overview of the system, and show how the machine is used to strip, clean and profile large concrete and steel surfaces such as highways, bridge decks, ramps, airport runways, military vessels, barges, and other commercial marine vessels. For a copy, visit the website at www.blastrac.com or call (800) 256-3440.
Knaack Manufacturing Company introduces its WEATHER GUARD® Vehicle Solutions™ software that assists end users and vehicle upfitters to interactively design van storage solutions. The web-based software tool allows users to custom-design work vans with shelving, cabinets, racks, and accessories. The 3-D software produces simple-to-use interactive graphics to help the user visualize the custom design prior to purchase. Design revisions are quick and easy and once the van is finalized, the end user can print the design drawing and the corresponding list of materials needed. Because of the logic embedded in the software, the program will not allow the user to configure the van design with products that are inappropriate for a particular vehicle model, thus eliminating costly errors. A virtual "walk-through" allows the user to zoom in and out, rotate and spin the vehicle and change perspectives. Once the design is completed, the user has the option of uploading the design to a local upfitter that will provide a quote for materials and labor. For further details, call (800) 456-7865 or visit the website at www.knaack.com
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Caterpillar has released a new engine idle software package to help maximize fuel efficiency and allow customer flexibility in managing work idle speeds. The Engine Idle Management System (EIMA) is available for five Cat® Wheel Loader models ranging from the 938G Series II to the 972G Series II. The idle management system is part of the Caterpillar Midsize Wheel Loader complete Intelligent Loader System (ILS). The software comes with four idle control settings, hibernate mode, work mode, low voltage mode, and warm-up mode. All settings were developed with specific customer requirements in mind. Other features of the EIMS are the warm-up mode for cold weather operations and low-voltage mode to prevent battery discharge. For information, e-mail Kris Shorter at Catleads@jacksongroup.com
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The Internal Revenue Service released the construction Industry Federal Tax Curriculum, an 80-page guide to federal income and payroll tax issues that commonly arise for construction businesses. Topics include accounting methods, travel and entertainment, depreciation, recordkeeping, worker classification, employment taxes, and electronic filing and paying, as well as basics of income and business expenses. The guide is designed for students who will enter construction or have construction clients but also provides a good introduction for small-firm owners. Visit the web at www.irs.gov/pubirs-utl/construction_curriculum_2004.pdf
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The Asphalt Institute introduces its latest software offering SW-1 Asphalt Pavement Thickness Design Software for highways, airports, heavy wheel loads, and other applications. The software is a mechanistic-empirical pavement thickness design software based on familiar Asphalt Institute methods as well as an integrated pavement design suite for highways, streets, parking lots, airports, and industrial facilities supporting heavy wheel loads. Designed to run on Microsoft Windows® operating systems including Windows XP, the software is written in strict conformance to the Asphalt Institute MS-1, MS-11, MS-17, and MS-23 manuals. The Windows-based user interface seamlessly integrates previous A1 thickness design programs into a single, easy-to-use program. SW-1 features improved data file handling and management, as well as an extensive context-sensitive HELP file that addresses common pavement design questions. A companion User's Guide with example problems is also included. A full version as well as a free trial version is available at http://www.asphaltinstitute.org/thicknessdesignsw/
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ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) releases the 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure with updated grades on the condition of roads, bridges, drinking water, transit systems, energy, security, and schools, among others. To learn more, visit www.infrastructurereportcard.org
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Klein Tools offers online versions of its catalogs for professional hand tools and occupational protective equipment (OPE). Designed for quick, easy navigation, product catalogs can be accessed through the website at www.kleintools.com
. Klein offers virtually every major type of hand tool made, with an emphasis on tools used to work with electrical wire and cable. The company also offers a complete line of OPE products to help protect professionals in a variety of work situations and locations. In addition to new products, the web-based catalogs offer more photographs and drawings, as well as more listings of features/benefits, specifications, dimensions, and other important information.
The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) has introduced Safety First! A Team Effort (Series 1), a video with three new safety talk programs designed for use in separate training sessions. The 25-minute video, created by SC&RA in cooperation with the Construction Safety Council, features programs on Ladder Safety, Personal Protective Equipment and Personal Fall Arrest Systems. Available in VHS and DVD formats, to order call (703) 698-0291 or order online at www.scranet.org/store
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An information pocket card from OSHA
, Safety in Excavations or Trenches, helps workers and employers understand safe trenching practices and the federal requirements for construction excavation safety. Printed in English on one side and Spanish on the other, the card explains the need for a trench protective system. For information, call (800) 662-6822.
A free Millermatic® Series MIG Welding Buyer's Guide from Miller Electric Mfg. Co. helps make purchasing an all-in-one MIG welding power source easy. A detailed description of Miller's line of MIG welders explaining their functionality provides what a welding operator needs. Designed as an easy-to-use reference guide, it features a question-and-answer section covering some popular customer questions; explains the importance of duty cycles; how to determine the amount of amperage to use; and outlines key features that should be considered in any all-in-one MIG purchase. For a free Buyer's Guide, visit MillerWelds.com or call (800) 4-A-MILLER (426-4553).
Reed Construction Data releases its 2005–2007 edition of the Reed Annual Construction Forecast. The report covers both U.S. and Canadian construction and economic activity over the past decade, and provides a three-year forecast for construction activity in both nations. Included are statistics on total construction spending and put-in-place figures, office vacancy rates, world office rents and occupancy costs, capacity utilization rates, and housing starts by region. The report also reviews key economic indicators over the last two decades, such as GDP, consumer spending, unemployment rates, private investment statistics, and materials and building cost information. The collected data are presented in easy-to-interpret charts, tables and graphs, and accompanied by the in-depth analyses of Reed economists. To order or for more information, visit www.reedconstructiondata.com or call (800) 424-3996.
A free CD from Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems highlights capabilities, features and benefits of the TIREMAAX™ automatic tire inflation system. The new CD, TIREMAAS Tire Inflation System (L882), describes this popular option for INTRAAX® and VANTRAAX® trailer suspension systems. TIREMAAX provides a responsive tire inflation system that taps the trailer air supply to maintain tire inflation. Air travels from the supply tank through air lines inside the axle to the wheel ends. A bolt-in, ball-bearing rotary union allows air to flow through the axle spindle to the rotating hubcap fitting, and hoses connect the hubcap tee to the tires. Call (866) RIDEAIR (743-3247) for a CD.
Metabo has published its 2005 Power Tools
, Accessories, and Abrasives Catalog. The full-color, 102-page catalog covers Metabo's selection of drills, screwdrivers, reciprocating saws, jig saws, sanders, grinders, abrasives, and accessories, including a full range of new products. Metabo's first line of woodworking tools, which includes three miter saws, a table saw and a planer, is included along with rotary hammers and cordless tools. To receive a copy, or for more information, call (800) 638-2264.