American Concrete Institute Seeks Papers for 2010 Conventions

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is currently seeking papers for sessions taking place during the ACI Spring 2010 Convention in Chicago. and the ACI Fall 2010 Convention in Pittsburgh. More information about current Calls for Papers can be found by visiting www.CallforPapers.concrete.org.


Adhesives and Adhesive Anchors

ACI Committees 355, Anchorage to Concrete, and 548, Polymers and Adhesives for Concrete, seek papers for their technical session "Adhesives and Adhesive Anchors for Use in Concrete." This session will take place during the ACI Spring 2010 Convention in Chicago, March 21-25, 2010.

Participants are invited to submit abstracts on topics including, but not limited to, chemical properties and performance of adhesives used for anchoring and attaching to concrete and performance of adhesive anchors in concrete.

Abstracts of 300 words, along with paper title, author name(s), and contact information should be sent to Richard Wollmershauser at wollric@gmail.com no later than Nov. 1, 2009.


Corrosion Resistant Reinforcement

ACI Committee 222, Corrosion of Metals in Concrete, seeks papers for its technical session "Corrosion Resistant Reinforcement - Current Performance and Alternative Materials." This session will take place during the ACI Fall 2010 Convention in Pittsburgh, Oct. 24-28, 2010.

Participants are invited to submit abstracts on topics including field and laboratory studies on the performance of current and future reinforcing bars with the goal of understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the materials and the methods to study these materials.

Abstracts of up to 250 words, along with paper title, author name(s), and contact information should be sent to David McDonald at dmcdonald@epoxy.crsi.org no later than Nov. 30, 2009.



source

Big Dig managers guilty of fraud over substandard concrete

Accidents happens when a construction firm or the persons involved use substandard materials for their construction project not realizing the grave consequences that tail along with it. One of their so-called reasons is they look for an alernative and cheaper materials and methodology as a solution. There is no problem with it as long the application is not critical. But for critical applications, they should have followed the standards and codes.

Read the full Story.


P.S. Live Long and Healthy. read more.

anchor specifications

nowadays, there is a term used in the construction industry w/c is called " composite construction". wherein steel, wood, aluminum is connected to concrete. During our school years, we studied their composition, yielding capacity, strengths of various materials related to construction but sad to say, there is no subject about anchors. by the way, anchors is a way of fastening two different materials, i.e. steel to concrete, aluminum to concrete or wood to concrete. but since our topic is about anchor specifications we will dwell mainly into the fastening of steel to concrete.
Retrofitting is a term in w/c the existing structure is reinforced in order for it to make it stronger, sturdier. old buildings or new buildings w/c their structure is undersized or the design has been changed or modified has to be retrofitted so as to compensate the loads. typical example of an old building that needs to be retrofitted is to check their concrete slabs w/c are sagging due to wear and tear. the sagging of the concrete needs to be reinforced by a steel beam.
Building owners w/c have this problem go to contractors to repair their buildings. but contractors has to be sure if their retrofitting methods is safe. one way of addressing this to consult a "Structural Engineer".
Structural Engineers plays a big role in retrofitting methods because they are the guys who compute and design if the retrofitting method is suitable. one particular area the structural engineer has to consider is "Anchor Bolts". they have to know the technical data of the anchors involved so they can design it accurately.
After the design is finished and has a blueprint, the structural engineer inlcuded in its blueprint plan the anchor specifications w/c is to be followed. the contractor doing its retrofitting project has to work closely with the structural engineer in order to follow his specifications. Contractors not following the Structural engineers specs means the latter will not sign or approved the design. it will be at the contractor's risk if ever the structure will fail.
So anchor specifications are crucial in a new building construction or a retrofitting project. Building owners or contractors not following the anchor specifications because of price issues are inviting risks to themselves and to the property.

how to install expansion bolts

there are 2 types of anchors namely: mechanical anchors & chemical anchors. since our topic is how to install an expansion bolt, then let's dwell on the mechanical side.

instructions:

1. drill a hole into the concrete using a hammer drill. do not use impact drill or steel drill because it will take a while before you can make a hole. also, you have to exert extra strength and effort to push the drill. by the way, the drillbit should be the same diameter as the bolt.

2. clean the hole using steel brush and blow-out pump.

3. install the anchor and slightly hammer it with a hammer so it will fit in all the way.

4. tighten it.