Latest Edition Now Available (Vol. 26, No. 3, December 2005)

Concrete Technology Today is a PCA newsletter for architects, concrete producers, engineers, and concrete technologists. Articles in this issue include:

• Portland Cement Characteristics–2004


• Maturity of Concrete


• FAQ: Effect of Lubricating Oil on Concrete
• Education Foundation Selects 2005 Fellowship Recipients

Click here for a pdf of the current edition.
Click here for all CTT newsletters.

Update on Cement Characteristics

A new cement survey provides comprehensive and valuable information on the properties and chemistry of modern cements. The information will provide guidance for ASTM to develop and revise cement specifications and test methods. It also allows historical comparisons to cement characteristics of the 1950s and 1990s.

Results show that early-age strengths increased for modern cements compared to cements manufactured in the 1950s . Strengths have not changed significantly during the past 10 years. A side-by-side comparison of the data from 1994 and 2004 shows that there were also no statistically significant changes in other cement properties during that time. More.

Guide Specification for High Performance Concrete for Bridges (EB233)
This guide is for those developing specifications for all high-performance concretes supplied for highway bridges, whether produced by a ready-mix supplier, a general contractor, or a precast concrete manufacturer. The document provides mandatory language that the specifier can cut and paste into project specifications. It also includes guidance on what characteristics and limits should be specified to ensure satisfactory performance for a given element or environment. More.

Reducing the Noise Generated in Concrete Pavements through Modification of the Surface Characteristics (SN2878)
This report outlines the systematic research effort conducted towards developing methods to reduce tire-pavement noise through surface modification of portland cement concretes. The basic tenet of this research is that carefully introduced porosity of about 15% - 25% in the concrete will allow sound waves to pass through and dissipate. Two methods of introducing porosity are explored—one through the use of porosity in the mortar portion of the pavement, resulting in enhanced porosity concrete (EPC), and the other through the use of soft inclusions in the matrix. More.

Free Educational Program at World of Concrete

“Top 10 Myths in Concrete Construction”
Speaker: Michelle Wilson, PCA
Wednesday, January 18, 2006, 2:00-3:00pm

Get a revealing look at ten popular, but mistaken ideas that still exist in concrete construction. Using examples and demonstrations, this is a perfect seminar to combat the “but this is the way we’ve always done it” mentality. A point-by-point discussion provides the facts to do the job right the first time and increase customer satisfaction. For more information or to register click here.

Click here for free registration to World of Concrete before December 30th.

What are the Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings for concrete and masonry walls?

The actual Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating for your wall will depend on the type of wall, the finish, and the weight of the wall per square foot of surface area. STC ratings for partition materials may range from 40 to more than 60 with higher values providing less sound transmission. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires a minimum STC of 46 to limit sound transmission from unit to unit in multi-family dwellings. More.

Click here for more Concrete FAQs.

ACI and ASTM Adopt New Standards in 2005

A number of new standards were adopted by ACI and ASTM in 2005 relating to cement, concrete, concrete aggregates, and other concrete topics. For a list of noteworthy documents, click here.

Buy One Get One Free

Save $50 on PCA's most popular resource, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures. This bestselling manual on concrete technology and practice covers all the essentials of materials, mixing, placing, testing and new developments.

Now when you purchase the book, you get the interactive CD version for free (A $50 value.) Act now. Offer expires January 15, 2006. Click here to purchase.

Avoid Scheduling Conflicts

Plan ahead for conferences coming up in your field, and make sure there are no schedule conflicts. Check PCA’s list of upcoming conferences. Continually updated, the list includes both U.S. and foreign cement- and concrete-related events.

If you don’t see a particular conference that you think should be on our list, please let us know at library@cement.org and we'll add it right away.