Princeton Science Library
Pushes the Building Envelope
The new Lewis Science Library at Princeton University, designed by Frank Gehry and DeSimone Consulting Engineers, chose concrete to provide the necessary support for the architect’s signature elements.
Gehry, whose work often features bold, curved shapes that seem to defy the physical limitations of ordinary building materials, used a concrete frame designed by DeSimone that included a typical 12-inch flat-plate concrete floor with spans up to 30 feet. According to DeSimone, the use of concrete is vital to the overall lateral stiffness and supports the Gehry signature roof structure.
The new $73 million library consolidates the geosciences, chemistry, ecology, evolutionary biology, and molecular biology book collections. The 88,000- square-foot structure includes an 81,000 square-foot library complex and expands Princeton University’s current storage for science-related publications to provide additional classroom areas and faculty offices for a diverse range of science disciplines.
More than 300 people attended PCA's Fall Committee Meetings last week at Chicago's Intercontinental Hotel. Among the highlights and special presentations:
- PCA's chief economist Ed Sullivan presented his updated forecast of cement, concrete, and construction trends. (See below.)
- Mickey Brazeal, assistant professor of integrated marketing communications at Roosevelt University, spoke on multicultural marketing and communications.
- PCA's Education Foundation presented the 2007 research fellowships to eight recipients
- PCA's Manufacturing Technical Committee conducted its annual technical session. (See below.)
The 2008 Spring Committee Meetings will be held in conjunction with PCA's Board of Directors meeting, April 28-30, at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare.
Slow Down in Cement Consumption; Economic Growth Forecasted
Rapidly deteriorating economic conditions, caused primarily by the sub-prime crisis, have prompted PCA to adjust its forecast for 2007 and 2008 cement consumption.
At his presentation at the PCA Committee Meetings in Chicago last week, chief economist Ed Sullivan announced that PCA now expects 2007 cement consumption to decline 6.8 percent in 2007 followed by a 1.8 percent decline in 2008.
Technical Session Features Carbon Capture, Sustainable Manufacturing Topics
PCA's Manufacturing Technical Committee held its annual fall meeting and technical session in conjunction with PCA's fall committee meetings.
Highlighting the session were presentations from Dr. Volker Hoenig of VDZ and Dr. Steve Benson of the Energy and Environment Research Center. Dr. Hoenig presented an update on the current trends in carbon capture technology while Dr. Benson addressed current work on carbon sequestration.
The session included four presentations:
- Dr. Henry Liu – Test of Mercury Vapor Emission from Fly Ash Bricks: Important Finding
- Mark Maier – Processing Carbon Dioxide to Carbon Monoxide for Conversion to Ethanol
- Todd Danielczyk – Vibratory Grinding Applications for Clinker Grinding
- Dr. Kristin Cooper-Carter – Sustainability Opportunities: The California Experience
The session was Webcast live and is archived with access through PCA’s Web site.
More information on MTC or to view the Webcast
Contact Rick Bohan
Corps Considers Deep Soil Mixing with Cement to Shore Up New Orleans Levees
Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Donald E. Powell recently announced that an additional $6.3 billion of funding is needed to improve levee protection for New Orleans area. He also reported that the Administration has requested $1.3 billion for a network of interior drainage projects.
U. S. Corps of Engineers has sufficient funding to continue levee repairs until the end of Fiscal Year 2008 (September 30, 2008). The Administration will request additional funds in 2008 to complete the work for a 100-year level of protection. The project is scheduled for completion by 2011.
The Corps is considering deep soil mixing (DSM) methods to stabilize many sections of New Orleans levees. DSM can be used to stabilize the levees and to provide suitable foundation to raise the levees where needed. The Corps estimates that the DSM work may require up to 500,000 tons of cement.
Free Registration to World of Concrete
World of Concrete 2008 kicks off in Las Vegas on January 21-25, 2008. Seminars begin on January 21. The largest show for the concrete industry features more than 1,800 exhibitors and more than 150 seminars and conference sessions.
As a co-sponsor, PCA offers free admission and a discount on seminars to anyone who registers through our Web site. Additionally, PCA receives a rebate from Hanley-Wood based on the number of pre-registered attendees who come to the show.
PCA Announces Spring Schedule of Courses
PCA's spring course schedule continues its commitment to offering seminars that address current industry concerns and challenges. Courses use a combination of practicing professionals with solid experience and the latest in simulations to enable participants to master the skills they need. The courses stress discovering and understanding real-world problems through laboratory experiences that reinforce practical and immediate solutions.
Upcoming courses include:
- Kiln Process - January 28-31
- Mill Grinding – February 5-7
- Concrete: Principles & Practices – February 25-28
- Troubleshooting: Solutions to Concrete Field Problems – March 3-5
- Cement & Concrete Overview – April 10-11
Green Concrete in NYC
PCA's Mike Mota was invited on September 7 as lunch speaker to address architects at Davis Brody Bond Aedas of New York City on the topic of "Cement, Concrete and the Environment." The in-house lunch was sponsored by the New York City Concrete Promotional Council and attended by 25 architects currently working on the Memorial at the WTC Site amongst other notable projects.
Cement-Treated Base in Alabama
On September 12, 2007 the Southeast Cement Association and the American Concrete Pavement Association hosted an open house to spotlight the Alabama Department of Transportation’s first cement-treated base project since the early 1980’s. The projects were let with four base alternatives, and the low bidder chose CTB on each project.
Do you think the sub-prime crisis will lead to a recession in the United States?
Take this week’s PCA Poll
Education and Training
For more information or to
register, contact Julie Lisiecki.
Raw
Mix Chemistry
September 19, 2007
Bethlehem, Pa.
ACI
Certification Program
September 21, 2007
Aggregates and Chemical
Admixtures for Use in Concrete
October 1-2, 2007
Kiln Process
October 1-4, 2007
Mill Grinding
October 22-24, 2007
Concrete: Principles & Practices
October 22-25, 2007
Troubleshooting: Solutions to Concrete Field Problems
November 5-7, 2007
Cement Manufacturing for
Process Engineers
November 5-8, 2007
Meetings and Events
IEEE West
Coast Industry Technical Conference
September 20-21, 2007
Sheraton Gunter Hotel
San Antonio, Texas
More
information
Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavement
September 25, 2007
Louisville, Ky.
More Information
PCA Fall Board Meeting
October 21-23, 2007
Pinehurst, N.C.
Contact Jan Farnsworth
3rd Annual
Joint Western Regional Mine Safety and Health Conference
October 22-25, 2007
Las Vegas, Nev.
More
Information
Pervious
Concrete—
A Stormwater Solution
Indianapolis — October 25
Chicago — October 26
Portsmouth, N.H. — November 2
Jersey City, N.J. – November 5
Jackson, Miss. – November 16
Atlanta – November 19
More
information
2nd Annual Southeastern U.S.
Mine Safety and Health Conference
November 13-14, 2007
Pensacola Beach, Fla.
More
Information
