jl 06 july august 14[1]

113 PCIJOURNAL

HigHligHts of tHe 2006 PCi Committee Days

Approximately 400 PCI committee members converged April 26–30 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, Ill., to participate in PCI Committee Days. In addition to the more than 40 committee meetings held over 5 days, various social functions al-lowed for camaraderie among concrete industry colleagues.

thursday luncheon

PCI President Jim Toscas welcomed PCI members to Committee Days in the opening luncheon on April 27. PCI Membership Committee Chair Todd Adams also addressed the crowd gath-ered in the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Ballroom. After lunch, the group was entertained by ComedySportz Chi-cago, which performed an audience-interactive competition between two teams of professional comedians.

education foundation Bylaws Ceremony

At the Education Foundation Bylaws Ceremony at the Friday luncheon, on April 28, PCI President Jim Toscas introduced details of the PCI Founda-tion. The mission of this initiative is to foster improvement in the quality and sustainability of the build environment by promoting education, research, and technology programs in support of precast concrete construction systems and the industry that produces them. One major goal of the foundation is to expand and maintain productive re-lationships between the industry and academic communities. The emphasis is on fostering advanced technology, especially research and development.

leslie D. martin memorial Ceremony

A major highlight of Committee Days was the memorial ceremony honoring Leslie D. Martin. The event took place at the Saturday luncheon, on April 29. Martin, PCI Medal of Honor recipient and principal author of the PCI Design Handbook, died on April 25, 2005, only two weeks after address-ing the luncheon audience at Commit-tee Days (see “Contributors to Design Handbook Honored at PCI Committee Days,” PCI Journal, May–June 2005, pp. 126–127).

Honored guests who were present at this year’s ceremony were Martin’s wife, Vera Martin; his brother Lanny Martin; and his son Russ Martin. Jason Krohn, PCI technical director, conducted the ceremony and remi-nisced on the life and experiences he shared with Martin and his family. Krohn said that Martin always regard-ed PCI as his second home and reiter-ated Martin’s closing remarks at last year’s Committee Days that this event was not going to be his swan song; Martin’s name and the inspiration he left behind will live on. The Certificate of Merit Award (for best technical com-mittee report) has been renamed the

Leslie D. Martin Award of Merit, and a new Professorship in Civil Engineering has been established at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in his honor. The inaugural Leslie D. Martin Award of Merit was bestowed on the PCI In-dustry Handbook Committee (Kim Seeber, chair). Together with Martin, this committee played a major role in the development of the sixth edition of the PCI Design Handbook.

Mike LaNier (TAC chair) presented the Leslie D. Martin Award of Merit plaques to Vera Martin, Seeber, and all the other members of the Industry Handbook Committee who were pres-ent at the luncheon. In accepting the award on behalf of her husband, Vera Martin recounted the fact that she and her four children all participated in producing the first edition of the PCI Design Handbook. Literally hundreds of hours were expended at their home typing, printing, collating, and binding early versions of the original book.

iNDUstRy NeWs

PCI Associate Member Jim Voss addresses the crowd at the Education Foundation Bylaws Ceremony.

…Continued on page 116PCI Membership Committee Chair todd adams speaks at the Thursday luncheon during Committee Days.

114 PCIJOURNAL

July–August2006 115

116 PCIJOURNAL

Soon after the death of Leslie Mar-tin, PCI established a Martin Memorial Fund. Some $7500 was contributed. PCI thanks everyone who contributed

so generously to this fund. A PCI com-mittee decided that the most appropriate course of action would be to establish a Professorship in Civil Engineering at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Martin’s alma mater. University of-ficials readily agreed to this proposal, provided that the required amount of money could be raised. PCI chipped in $2500, and Lanny Martin generously donated the balance. Details of the pro-fessorship are still being worked out.

In his emotional remarks, Lanny Martin said that despite his brother’s busy professional career, Leslie Mar-tin still found time to be generous to the members of his large family, par-ticularly by attending anniversaries and other special events.

Also during the Saturday luncheon, three professionals were recognized with plaque certificates for their distin-guished services as PCI technical com-mittee chairs:• Roger Becker, for his many years

of service as a member of the Technical Activities Committee;

• Don Raths, for his outstanding service, spanning 13 years, as chair of the Journal Advisory Committee; and

• Don Theobald, for his dedicat-ed service during difficult times (including Hurricane Katrina) as chair of the Prestressed Concrete Piling Committee.

social events

Three social events were held dur-ing this year’s Committee Days. The first event was JVI’s popular annual banquet held on Thursday, April 27, at the company’s headquarters in Lincol-nwood, Ill. The now traditional tender-loin, salmon, and assorted delicious en-trees were, as usual, outstanding. JVI’s Concrete Chefs dinner party and social gathering has become a popular place to meet business partners, clients, and friends. Thanks go to Jim Voss and his Concrete Chefs for their hospitality and gourmet cooking.

Another important social event was The Consulting Engineers Group Inc. reception at its new offices in Mount Prospect, Ill. This event took place on Friday, April 28, and featured hors

d’oeuvres and other delicacies. We ap-preciate Mike Malsom and his CEG staff for their hospitality and generos-ity. PCI wishes CEG an enjoyable and prosperous future in its new premises.

The final function took place Friday evening, April 28. The event featured a tour of the 570,000 ft2 (53,000 m2) con-crete accessory manufacturing and dis-tribution facilities of Universal Form Clamp Co. in Bellwood, Ill. Much was learned on this tour, and the food and beverages were enjoyed by all. Our thanks go to Universal for arranging this tour.

…Continued from page 113

Vera martin receives a plaque from TAC chair Mike Lanier.

Roger Becker was recognized for his service to the Technical Activities Committee by Chair mike lanier.

Don Raths receives a certificate recognizing his 13 years as Journal Advisory Committee chair from TAC Chair mike lanier.

PCI technical director Jason Krohn addresses the crowd at the Leslie D. Martin Memorial Ceremony.


RegioNal CoUNCil

PCi Regional Council meets at Headquarters

PCI and the Regional Council held a joint meeting April 13 and 14 at PCI headquarters in Chicago. The council met to discuss ways that the PCI staff can help council members and how PCI and the Regional Council can avoid du-plicating efforts.

Regional Council members also re-ceived training on PCI’s new member-ship database.

Chicago-area Building officials learn advantages of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Products and methods

PCI, Precast Prestressed Producers of Illinois and Wisconsin (PPPI&W), and executive director of PPPI&W Marty McIntyre offered their local Suburban Building Officials Conference (SBOC) of Illinois a special precast concrete training program. The three-hour work-shop was accredited by the Internation-al Code Council (ICG) and provided attendees with much-needed learning units in this important subject.

On March 17, more than 150 build-ing and public officials attended this educational event near Chicago. Rep-resentatives from several organiza-tions and area communities attended. The lectures were focused on hollow-core floors and walls, architectural and structural precast, and parking struc-tures. Housing, commercial, office, public works, and a variety of other types of applications constructed in the Midwest were featured.

Many strategic lessons were learned:

• The shortfalls of the International Building Code (IBC) with its relaxed height and area separations that can greatly increase fire loads in buildings inducing structural col-lapse and fire spread.

• The vulnerability of property and life safety when extensive sprinkler tradeoffs eliminate non-combus-tible constructed compartments that serve to confine fire to its point of origin.

• The need for better building codes and local ordinances that will better ensure that structures can endure fire, wind, rot, mold, impact, earth-quake, floods, arson, and terrorist attacks.

• The inability of the insurance industry underwriters to absorb the losses that are occurring with low-grade construction methods and materials.

• The legacy of bad construction, poor housing, and early blight that can be imposed on local commu-nities when minimum codes and standards permit marginal builders and developers to profit and run.

• The right of local community leaders to insist on better quality construction and buildings that will perform in their regions.

• That precast, prestressed concrete products and methods are techni-cally advanced, quality driven, and both durable and attractive.

• A complete review of the benefits to designers, builders, owners, occupants, and the community when precast, prestressed concrete products and methods are used.

• How public officials can work with the precast, prestressed concrete industry to upgrade codes and achieve precast, prestressed con-crete construction locally.

• How to partner with the precast, prestressed concrete industry to ensure quality and excellence when these materials and methods are used.

PPPI&W retained Ed Gregory of GDS Inc., a PCI consultant, to conduct these lectures. Gregory has served as a building official and is an active teach-ing member in the ICC.

PCI Producer Members Dan Kolb of

Prestress Engineering and Phil Iverson of Spancrete Industries also participat-ed with commentary and fielded vari-ous questions from the floor.

Each participant also received the PCI fire brochure and the Portland Ce-ment Association multi-housing bro-chure. Other PCI publications were also made available at literature tables.

Don Plass, SBOC officer and build-ing official, expressed gratitude for excellent program content and its rel-evance to the local community needs. Several public officials expressed their appreciation and requested ongoing support from PPPI&W and PCI in their work.

Several officials asked that pre-cast/prestressed concrete technology be more clearly discussed in the fu-ture versions of the IBC, possibly in a new and separate chapter. Others asked that PCI Plant Certification be made more visible and easy to ref-erence in IBC. They were assured that the industry would work toward those ends.

PCI Producers nationwide are encour-aged to follow the lead of PPPI&W and other PCI groups that are now working with public officials and building and fire inspectors to inform and educate on precast/prestressed concrete prod-ucts, methods, and benefits. These are the people who vote on the codes and enforce them with architects, builders, and developers each day.

Let us win the support, earn the re-spect, and establish a preference for precast/prestressed concrete with these community leaders. Our markets will grow and prosper as we better serve humanity with our advanced technolo-gies and methods.

Building officals get learning units at precast concrete training program.

…Continued on page 118

Due to the popularity of the May–June 2006 issue of the PCI Journal, we are offering our subscribers an online version of the issue on our website, five months ahead of its normal posting date. Thank you for making PCI Journal your resource for the latest information about the precast/prestressed industry.

Test sample size and configuration shall conform to the following parameters in order to validate compliance by brick manufacturer with PCI Standard for use in embedded brick precast concrete systems:1. Minimum Number of Test Specimens: Comply with appropriate specifications except for freezing-thawing and

tensile bond strength tests on assembled systems.2. Minimum Number of Test Specimens for Freezing-Thawing and Tensile Bond Strength Test: Two assembled

systems measuring 12 in. × 32 in. (300 mm × 810 mm) long with the brick embedded into the concrete substrate (assembled system), and then saw cut into two equal specimens, Sample A and Sample B, each 12 in. × 16 in. (300 mm × 405 mm).

The precast concrete substrate shall have a minimum thickness of 2 1/2 in. (63 mm) plus the embedded brick thickness. The precast concrete shall have a minimum compressive strength of 5000 psi (34.5 MPa) and 4% to 6% entrained air. The embedded brick coursing pattern for testing purposes shall be modular size brick on half running bond pattern with a formed raked joint geometry of 3/8 in. (9 mm) wide and a depth no greater then 1/4 in. (6 mm) from the exterior face of brick. Five brick on each Sample A shall be tested for tensile bond strength (Item #16), five brick on each Sample B shall be tested for freezing-thawing resistance (Item #17), and then tensile bond strength (Item #16).

PCi staNDaRD foR tHiN BRiCK

The objective of this standard is to outline material standards and specification criteria for brick manufacturers to adhere to when supplying materials to precast concrete manufacturers. The intent is to establish acceptable dimensional toleranc-es and consistent testing standards for brick embedded in precast concrete systems. The brick manufacturers must confirm through the provision of independent test results that their brick products comply with the PCI Standard.

The PCI Standard should appear in all specifications as the new approved industry standard. Brick manufacturers have agreed to promote the compliance of their brick with the new PCI Standard.

The following parameters have been established based on the successful use of embedded brick in precast concrete projects. The parameters set forth for use in these proposed standards are attainable brick properties that have been de-rived with input from brick manufacturers, precasters, engineers, and architects, as well as consideration of existing test results.

A. Thin Brick Units: PCI Standard, not less than 1/2 in. (13 mm) or more than 1 in. (25 mm) thick with an overall toler-ance of plus 0 inches, minus 1/16 in. (+0 mm, -1.6 mm) for any unit dimension 8 in. (203 mm) or less and an overall tolerance of plus 0 inches, minus 3/32 in. (+0 mm, -2.4 mm) for any unit dimension greater than 8 in. (203 mm) mea-sured according to ASTM C67.

1. Face Size: Modular, 2 1/4 in. (57 mm) high by 7 5/8 in. (194 mm) long.2. Face Size: Norman, 2 1/4 in. (57 mm) high by 11 5/8 in. (295 mm) long.3. Face Size: Closure modular, 3 5/8 in. (92 mm) high by 7 5/8 in. (194 mm) long.4. Face Size: Utility, 3 5/8 in. (92 mm) high by 11 5/8 in. (295 mm) long.5. Face Size, Color, and Texture: [Match architect’s approved samples] [Match existing adjacent brickwork].

a. <Insert information on existing brick if known>6. Face Size: Metric modular, 57 mm high by 190 mm long.7. Face Size: Metric norman, 57 mm high by 290 mm long.8. Face Size: Metric closure, 90 mm high by 190 mm long.9. Face Size: Metric utility modular, 90 mm high by 290 mm long.10. Special Shapes: Include corners, edge corners, and end edge corners.11. Cold Water Absorption at 24 Hours: Maximum 6% when tested per ASTM C 67.12. Efflorescence: Provide brick that has been tested according to ASTM C 67 and rated “not effloresced.”13. Out of Square: Plus or minus 1/16 in. (+/-1.6 mm) measured according to ASTM C 67.14. Warpage: Consistent plane of plus 0 inches, minus 1/16 in. (+0, -1.6 mm).15. Variation of Shape from Specified Angle: Plus or minus 1 degree.16. Tensile Bond Strength: Not less than 150 psi (1.0 MPa) when tested per modified ASTM E 488. Epoxy steel plate

with welded rod on a single brick face for each test.17. Freezing-Thawing Resistance: No detectable deterioration (spalling, cracking, or chafing) when tested in accor-

dance with ASTM C 666 Method B modified to withstand 300 cycles.18. Modulus of Rupture: Not less than 250 psi (1.7 MPa) when tested in accordance with ASTM C 67.19. Chemical Resistance: Provide brick that has been tested according to ASTM C 650 and rated “not affected.”20. Surface Coloring: Brick with surface coloring shall withstand 50 cycles of freezing and thawing per ASTM C 67

with no observable difference in applied finish when viewed from 10 ft (3 m).21. Back Surface Texture: [Scored], [Combed], [Wire roughened], [Ribbed], [Keybacked], [Dovetailed].

118 PCIJOURNAL


teCHNiCal aCtiVities

Blast Resistance and structural integrity Committee

This committee (Alvin Ericson and Rafael Magna, chairs) met April 27 during Committee Days at the Mille-nium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, Ill. S. K. Ghosh presented on the topics of structural integrity, seismic design, and progressive collapse. Status of the PCI Research Fellowship and testing at Tyndall Air Force Base was presented by Clay Naito. Guest Steve Samuels gave a presentation on blast testing.

Connection Details Committee

Larbi Sennour chaired a meeting of the Connection Details Committee during Committee Days on April 29 in Chicago. The committee is immersed in the production of the next edition of the manual, with an expected publica-tion date of October 2006.

Hollow-Core slab Producers Committee

David Wan, chair, presided over the Hollow-Core Slab Producers Commit-tee Meeting on April 27 during Com-mittee Days in Chicago. Dan Fisher, from Girder-Slab, gave a comprehen-sive and targeted presentation on how hollow-core producers can help market and participate in upcoming Girder-Slab projects. Ed Gregory reported on the Fire Committee’s activities, namely that the insurance industry’s reports fol-lowing last year’s hurricane losses gave precast concrete structures high marks.

industry Handbook Committee

The Industry Handbook Committee (Greg Force, chair) met on April 27 during Committee Days in Chicago. Helm Wilden (Continuing Education Committee, chair) updated the com-mittee on the nine Design Handbook Seminars held to date. Member Steve Peterson offered the committee an update on the Sixth Edition PCI De-sign Handbook errata. The committee further discussed feedback from the

production of the sixth edition of the handbook and offered suggestions and lessons learned for publication of the seventh edition. Chairs for the seventh edition of the handbook reported on the status of their respective chapters.

Journal advisory Committee

The Journal Advisory Commit-tee (Millard Barney, chair) meeting was held on April 28 during Commit-tee Days in Chicago. Staff members presented a PCI style guide that was being developed, and asked for input. Staff members also discussed proposed changes to the organization of the PCI Journal. These changes are expected to be incorporated this year.

Precast sandwich Wall Panels Committee

On April 29, the Precast Sandwich Wall Panel Committee (Pat Hynes, chair) met during Committee Days in Chicago. The progress of the State-of-the-Art report was discussed. The final report will be published in PCI Jour-nal. The committee also discussed the status of the request for proposals for Recommended Practice and promotion of sandwich wall panels.

Prestressed Concrete Poles Committee

The PCI Committee on Prestressed Concrete Poles (Fouad H. Fouad, chair) held its meeting on April 29 during Committee Days in Chicago. In the absence of Fouad, Dennis Mize conducted the meeting. Mike LaNier (TAC chair) and Chuck Merydith (PCI marketing director) were present at the meeting and contributed substan-tially to the discussion. The first order of business was to finalize the session on prestressed concrete poles at the up-coming PCI Convention in Grapevine, Tex., this fall. A tentative list of top-ics and speakers was selected and will shortly be finalized by the chairman of the committee. LaNier emphasized that the committee had the full support of TAC and encouraged its many activi-ties. Merydith said that he would pro-duce a marketing brochure on poles for

the committee by convention time. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to re-viewing the report on “Recommended Practice for the Design of Prestressed Concrete Sports Lighting, Communi-cations, and Traffic Signal Poles.” It is expected that this report will be sub-mitted to TAC for final publication ap-proval later this year.

Professional member Committee

The Professional Member Commit-tee (Don Raths, chair) held its meet-ing on April 28 during PCI Committee Days in Chicago. Major topics includ-ed proposed changes to the PCI bylaws (regarding changes to the member classifications) and ways to retain new members gained through Design Hand-book Seminar promotions.

manual aids evaluation, Repair of Precast Concrete Bridge Components

PCI has published a bridge-repair manual that will aid designers, state agency officials, and precasters in eval-uating damage that has occurred with precast concrete components during early stages in the plant, in transit, or during erection of a beam, deck panels, or similar precast products. The manu-al presents methods for repairing any defects to keep the bridge construction on schedule.

PCI MNL-137-06, Manual for the Evaluation and Repair of Precast, Pre-stressed Concrete Bridge Products, is designed to promote a greater degree of uniformity among owners, engi-neers, and industry officials and ensure that damage is accurately assessed and treated, explained John Dick, direc-tor of transportation systems with PCI. The 80-page, perfect-bound book took more than two years to complete and has been circulated in draft form to a variety of agencies, where it has re-ceived favorable responses.

Sixteen experts, including state en-gineers, precasters, and university researchers, contributed to the book. “The manual provides a significant re-source that will aid owners, designers,


120 PCIJOURNAL

inspectors, and fabricators in reaching informed decisions regarding repair options and help ensure their responses are measured, appropriate, and cost effective for the situation,” Dick said.

Included in the manual are chapters on troubleshooting approaches, stan-dard repair procedures, patching meth-ods, epoxy-injection procedures, and references for additional information. The troubleshooting guide features sections on causes and prevention of common damage, as well as engineer-ing effects and repair considerations.

“This manual meets a market need that is currently not provided to design-ers,” Dick said. “Plant-cast prestressed concrete bridge beams and similar prod-ucts fabricated in PCI-Certified plants are manufactured in quality-controlled environments that meet high standards for processes and equipment. But, as with any manufacturing process, dam-age or defects can occur. This guide helps provide a uniform assessment and approach to fixing many defects.”

The manual is available at the sug-gested retail price of $50, with a 50% discount for PCI members. To order a copy, visit the PCI Bookstore at www.pci.org/Publications, or request a copy from 209 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60606-6938; Phone: (312) 360-3214; Fax: (312) 786-0353; or Email: [email protected].

iNDUstRy PeoPle

seguirant, Brice, Khaleghi Receive 2006 t. y. lin award in st. louis

At the Structural Engineering Insti-tute Awards luncheon on May 19 in St. Louis, Mo., Stephen J. Seguirant, P.E., M.ASCE; Richard Brice, P.E.; and Bijan Khaleghi received recognition for their January–February 2005 PCI Journal paper “Flexural Strength of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete T-Beams.” The 2006 T. Y. Lin Award went to the paper for its role in clear-ing up American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials code conflicts, which led to code adop-tion of analytical procedures proposed by the paper.

Seguirant, a PCI fellow, is vice presi-dent and director of engineering at Con-crete Technology Corp. in Washington State, Brice is a software applications engineer with the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT), and Khaleghi is a concrete specialist with the Washington DOT.

The T.Y. Lin Award was endowed to ASCE in 1968 by Professor T.Y. Lin, the design engineer, teacher, and author who contributed enormously to the early growth of prestressed concrete in the United States. This award is pre-sented to the best paper in the subject area of prestressed concrete published during a 12-month period in a publica-tion from the American Concrete In-stitute, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.

Bruce inducted into tulane engineering Hall of fame

Robert N. Bruce Jr., Ph.D., was se-lected for induc-tion into Tulane University’s School of Engineering Hall of Fame for

2006. Bruce has been an institution in the Tulane School of Engineering for over 50 years as both a teacher of civil engineering and a researcher in the field of prestressed concrete. Bruce’s many accomplishments include three Fulbright honors and PCI’s Martin P. Korn Award. Bruce has a B.S. in civil engineering and his M.S. degrees from Tulane. He completed his Ph.D. in civil engineering at the University of Illinois. The Engineering Hall of Fame was es-tablished in 1994 and is among the high-est school honors bestowed by the Tu-lane University School of Engineering. An inscribed plaque bearing Bruce’s image will be on permanent display.

Burns Receives aCi’s anderson award

Ned H. Burns ac-cepted the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) Anderson Award “for contri-butions in research

and development of code provisions for post-tensioned, unbonded, flat-plate slab systems and for his lifelong contributions to teaching and research in prestressed concrete structures.”

Burns is a PCI Fellow and received PCI’s Distinguished Educator Award in 2000.

aCi’s CRC Boase award goes to ghosh

S. K. Ghosh was recognized by ACI for his work in the areas of earthquake engineering and seismic design. He is an authority on

the structural design of concrete and on seismic design.

Ghosh is a PCI Fellow and received the Charles C. Zollman Award in 1998 and 2005 for his work on a PCI Journal paper.

Herrin Joins gate Precast

Hal Herrin has joined the sales and marketing de-partment at Gate Precast Co., a manufacturer of ar-chitectural precast

concrete. For over 20 years, Herrin has worked in various positions in the construction industry. His background includes project management, opera-tions, and sales management. He most recently served as area sales manager with Metromont Corp.

Hurd given aCi award for Distinguished service

Mary K. Hurd was the recipient of ACI’s Delmar L. Bloem Award for Distinguished Ser-vice for her direction of ACI’s Committee

124 on Concrete Aesthetics.Hurd is a PCI Professional Member.



Johnsrud Named first Director of midwest Precast association

Michael Johnsrud, formerly the execu-tive director of the Minnesota Con-crete Masonry As-sociation (MCMA), has been named ex-

ecutive director of the Midwest Precast Association (MPA). Johnsrud is the first executive named to lead this group, which to date has worked informally as an Organizational Member of PCI.

“My strong background in formulat-ing marketing and business plans will help this experienced group of Mid-western precast concrete manufacturers communicate with architects, engineers, and buildings owners,” Johnsrud said. “Precast concrete offers a great deal of benefits for all types of commercial buildings, and I intend to work closely with the members to ensure owners and designers have the resources and infor-mation they need to create aesthetically pleasing, quickly constructed, and cost-effective structures.”

MPA consists of 12 precast concrete manufacturers based in Iowa, Nebras-ka, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The group was formed in 1999 by several Iowa precast-ers who wanted to focus on commercial architects rather than the local depart-ment of transportation, which was served by the existing precaster organi-zation. Those members were joined in 2001 by precasters in several surround-ing states. MPA is now formalizing its activities and creating a more compre-hensive marketing program.

Johnsrud spent six years at MCMA, where he created plans to expand the group’s penetration into other market segments. Prior to that, he was vice president of marketing for the hospitali-ty firm Tonka Total Triple Inc. He holds an MBA in operational marketing from Hamilton University in Akron, Ohio, and a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from Aalborg University Center in Aalborg, Denmark.

Johnsrud began his tenure with MPA on April 17, and he is currently creating marketing plans to alert local designers and engineers to the capabilities and re-

sources available through MPA and the member precasters. For MPA contact information see PCI Regional Direc-tors & Offices on p. 136.

lapier Named sales specialist for Degussa admixtures

Degussa Admixtures Inc. announced the addition of positions dedicated to precast concrete sales in the Eastern United States.

Gerald Lapier was named sales specialist, responsible for coordinating the precast concrete sales efforts and support in the eastern division. Lapier began his career with Degussa Admix-tures Inc. in January 2002 managing precast concrete customers in New England.

Johnanthony Fiorilli joined Degus-sa Admixtures as the new precast sales specialist for Pennsylvania, New Jer-sey, and Maryland in March 2006. He comes to Degussa from the construc-tion products division of Bekaert Corp. Fiorilli will report to Lapier.

Restrepo Receives aCi award for excellence in structural Research

PCI Professional Member José Re-strepo received the Chester Paul Siess Award for Excel-lence in Structural Research for the

July–August 2004 ACI Structural Jour-nal article “Force-Displacement Char-acterization of Well-Confined Bridge Piers,” which he coauthored with Eric M. Hines and Frieder Seible. Restre-po is involved in the new PCI research and development PRESSS program on diaphragms.

shah Receives aCi’s CRC Philleo award

ACI gave Suren-dra Shah the CRC Philleo Award “for pioneering develop-ments in high-per-formance concrete and fiber-reinforced

cement-based materials and for leader-

ship in the conduct of interdisciplinary research.” Shah is a Walter P. Murphy Professor of civil engineering at North-western University, Evanston, Ill. His research interests include promoting cement and concrete research globally.

tomasetti elected Chairman of New york Building foundation

Richard L. To-masetti, P.E., Hon. AIA, chairman and co-founder of Thornton-Toma-setti, was elected chairman of the

New York Building Foundation, the charitable arm of the New York Build-ing Congress.

The New York Building Founda-tion was formed in 1998 to promote the long-term growth and well being of the industry through a program of re-search, educational, and philanthropic activities. Tomasetti has more than 35 years of extensive experience in the de-sign of major innovative commercial, industrial, and residential projects.


122 PCIJOURNAL

iNDUstRy fiRms

asBi 2005 Bridge award Winners announced

Eight segmental bridge construction projects received recognition in ASBI and Concrete Products magazine’s second biennial Bridge Award of Ex-cellence Competition.

The following bridges were recog-nized November 7 during the 2005 ASBI Convention Awards luncheon in Washington, D.C.:• Victory Bridge, New Jersey: New

Jersey Department of Transporta-tion, owner; FIGG, designer and construction engineering inspection; George Harms Construction Co., contractor; LoBuono/Weidlinger, construction engineering; Dy-widag Systems International, post- tensioning materials; Bayshore Concrete Products Corp., precaster; Southern Forms, formwork; Sika, epoxy/prepackaged grout; Deal and LoBuono Expansion, special erection equipment; and The D.S. Brown Co., devices and bearings.

• Four Bears Bridge, North Dakota: North Dakota Department of Trans-portation, owner; FIGG, designer; Bilfinger Berger AG, contractor; KLJ, FIGG, and Braun Intertec, construction engineering inspec-tion; VSL, post-tensioning materi-als; Sika, epoxy/prepackaged grout; EFCO, formwork; Watson Bowman Acme Corp., expansion devices; and Strukturas, segment lifting beam and winch.

• Air Train JFK International Air-port, New York: The Port Author-ity of New York and New Jersey, owner; FIGG (Superstructure), designer; Air Rail Transit Consor-tium–Koch Skanska, contractor; FIGG, construction engineering; FIGG (Superstructure), construction engineering inspection; Dywidag Systems International, post-tension-ing materials; Bayshore Concrete Products Corp., precaster; South-ern Forms, formwork; Sika, epoxy; FIGG, special erection equipment designer; and Cherubini, special erection equipment fabricator.

• Route 364 Creve Coeur Lake Me-morial Park Bridge, Missouri: Missouri Department of Transpor-tation, owner; Jacobs Civil Inc., designer; Walter Construction, contractor; Parsons, construction engineering; VSL, post-tensioning materials; Sika, prepackaged grout; Watson Bowman Acme Corp., expansion devices; and The D.S. Brown Co., bearings.

• SR9/I-95 Palm Beach Internation-al Airport Interchange, Florida: Florida Department of Transporta-tion, owner; Beiswenger, Hoch and Associates Inc., designer; Reynolds, Smith & Hills Inc., sub-consultant; Botas Engineering Group Inc., sub-consultant; PSI Inc., geotechnical services; Modern Continental South Inc., general contractor; Parsons, construction engineering; Wash-ington Infrastructure Service, con-struction engineering inspection; Dywidag Systems International, post-tensioning materials; Sika, epoxy/prepackaged grout; and The D.S. Brown Co., expansion devices and bearings.

• Sidney Lanier Bridge, Georgia: Georgia Department of Transporta-tion, owner; T. Y. Lin International, designer; Recchi American–GLF Construction Corp. Joint Venture, contractor; Finley McNary Engi-neers, construction engineering; FIGG Bridge Inspection Inc., con-struction engineering inspection; Dywidag Systems International, post-tensioning materials and stay cables; Freyssinet International, heavy lifting and lowering equip-ment; and The D.S. Brown Co., ex-pansion devices and bearings.

• Panama Canal Second Cross-ing, Puente Centenario, Panama: Ministry of Public Works, Panama, owner; T. Y. Lin International, de-signer; Bilfinger Berger AG, con-tractor; Leonhardt, Andra and Part-ners, final construction details; and Freyssinet International, stay cables and post-tensioning materials and heavy lifting and lowering equip-ment.

• Tarango Bridge, Mexico: SEDU-VI, Government of Mexico City, owner; Mexpresa–CFC, designer;

ATCO, contractor; and Mexpresa, post-tensioning materials and form-work and expansion devices.

To be eligible for the award, concrete segmental and cable stayed bridges had to be opened to the public or dedicated between January 1, 2003, and August 1, 2005.

Chicago Carl Walker moves

The Chicago office of Carl Walker Inc. has moved to the following ad-dress:

Carl Walker Inc.2 East 22nd St., Suite 301Lombard, IL 60148

Harris theater in Chicago Receives aia Citation of merit

The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chi-cago, Ill., received the AIA Chicago Citation of Merit Award under its Dis-tinguished Building Awards program. The theater opened in November 2003 in the newly transformed, 24.5 acre Millennium Park in the heart of down-town Chicago.

The Consulting Engineers Group Inc. was the precast structural engineer for the project and worked with Pre-stress Services Inc. LLC to value-en-gineer a precast concrete structural so-lution. Thorton-Tomasetti Engineers acted as the structural engineer. A do-


mestic steel frame was not a viable op-tion because of the cost and schedule.

An unusual feature is that most of the building is underground, and a large portion of the roof has soil and plant-ings covering it, so it functions as part of the park.

Hanson Building materials expands ohio Business

Hanson Pipe & Precast Inc., north-east region, recently announced that it will invest $10.2 million in a plant and equipment expansion project at its Co-lumbus, Ohio, facility. The investment includes the construction of a new physical plant at the present location on 1500 Haul Road and a significant investment in equipment. Construction began in March and is expected to be completed in October. The Columbus plant currently employs approximately 50 people.

Hinman Consulting engineers moves

To accommodate its growing New York office, Hinman Consulting En-gineers has moved to the following Lower Manhattan location:

Hinman Consulting Engineers P.C.61 Broadway, Suite 1608New York, NY 10006

meadow Burke Products and a.l. Patterson Join altusgroup as innovation Partners

Continuing to expand its network of companies that can deliver Carbon-Cast™ precast concrete technology, AltusGroup Inc. has welcomed Meadow Burke Products and A.L. Patterson as Innovation Partners of the organization. These new AltusGroup Innovation Partners will contribute their technical expertise and market-ing strength toward the advancement of CarbonCast carbon fiber–reinforced precast concrete made using C-GRID™ reinforcement.

As part of AltusGroup’s industry technology partnering effort, both companies will contribute to the de-velopment of innovations in precast concrete, currently centering on the use of carbon fiber reinforcing to improve

strength, lower weight, and reduce cor-rosion in precast concrete components. They will also have access to co-mar-keting opportunities at industry events, AltusGroup educational sessions, and advertising in trade publications.

NaCa members Partner for successful gulf Coast Workshops

One hundred and eighty builders, architects, engineers, contractors, and building officials received seven pro-fessional development hours on hur-ricane-resistant concrete construction during three workshops in April in the Gulf Coast states affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Hattiesburg, Miss.; Baton Rouge, La.; and Mobile, Ala., hosted the one-day workshops, which each began with a session on Fortified…for safer liv-ing® homes, a program of the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), followed by sessions on building code requirements, concrete masonry, pre-cast concrete, tilt-up concrete, remov-able forms, and insulating concrete forms.

The workshops were sponsored by Mississippi Concrete Industries As-sociation, Concrete and Aggregate Association of Louisiana, Alabama Concrete Industries Association, Con-crete Homes magazine, and Concrete Monthly magazine. The program was organized by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and presented by IBHS, Portland Cement Association, National Concrete Masonry Associa-tion, Precast/Prestressed Concrete In-stitute, Tilt-up Concrete Association, Concrete Foundations Association, and Insulating Concrete Form Asso-ciation. North American Concrete Al-liance (NACA) members are currently

planning additional seminars in other regions of the country.

oldcastle Building Products acquires mmi Products

MMI Products Inc. announced in April that stockholders of its parent company, Merchants Metals Holding Co., have agreed to sell their interests to Oldcastle Building Products Inc., the North American operation of CRH plc. CRH is a worldwide producer and dis-tributor of building products and con-struction materials, with 2005 sales of over $17 billion. MMI will become the foundation of a fifth product group for CRH’s Americas Products & Distribu-tion Division.

Precision sure-lock acquired by actuant

Actuant Corp. announced in April that it purchased the outstanding stock of Precision Sure-Lock for about $43 million. Precision Sure-Lock will be part of the industrial tools business within Actuant’s tools and supplies segment.

Precision Sure-Lock, based in Dallas, Tex., generated approximately $25 mil-lion in sales in the past 12 months and employs approximately 75 associates.

shockey Provides Precast Concrete for Hospital Parking structures

Shockey Precast Group was re-cently awarded contracts for parking structures at the Johns Hopkins Bay-view Campus and Sinai Hospital, both in Baltimore, Md.

The precast concrete components for both structures were fabricated at Shockey’s Winchester, Va., plant.


124 PCIJOURNAL

The Johns Hopkins structure required 5217 yd3 (3989 m3) of double tees, walls, stairs, columns, beams, and slabs, while the Sinai Hospital structure used 3684 yd3 (2817 m3) of flanges, slabs, stairs, stair walls, beams, spandrels,

columns, walls, and ramp walls.The parking facility for Johns Hop-

kins has four levels of buff concrete with a sandblast finish, and the span-drels and wall panels use thin brick.

Challenges to constructing the 400-car parking structure and pedestrian bridge for Sinai Hospital included nearby traffic congestion and the prox-imity of surrounding office buildings.

thornton-tomasetti organizes Kansas City autodesk Revit Users group

Thornton-Tomasetti, a 500-person international engineering and design firm, announced that Patrick Davis, a senior building information mod-eler in the Kansas City, Mo., office, has organized the first regional users group for Autodesk Revit, a family of architectural design and engineering software specifically created for build-ing information modeling. Davis will serve as president of the group.

Todd Williams, a CAD manager for HOK SVE, will serve as vice pres-ident. Dave Willard, a CAD manager with Gould Evans, will serve as secre-tary of the users group.

User group meetings, currently open to new members, will feature guest speakers such as Autodesk applica-tion engineers, Autodesk technical

evangelists, and architects, engineers, and designers sharing their knowledge of the Revit family of products. User groups will focus on the needs of in-dividual members and will provide educational opportunities and share information pertinent to their locale. Local user groups can also be a great source for industry news, product sup-port, and relationship building within a multitude of technical fields.

More information on the group can be found at www.kcrevit.com.

gagliano Joins timothy Haahs & associates

Vicky Gagliano has joined Timo-thy Haahs & Associates Inc. as a parking specialist.

Her responsibilities include re-searching, analyzing, and recommend-ing solutions to parking problems through the performance of parking supply and demand, alternatives and site analysis, market and financial fea-sibility, shared parking, revenue con-trol, and parking management studies.

Gagliano earned her master’s de-gree in business administration from the University of South Florida. Her professional affiliations include the Florida Parking Association and the National Parking Association as a cer-tified parking facility manager.

The Johns Hopkins Bayview campus in Baltimore, Md., added a 700-car parking structure with shockey Precast.


ReseaRCH &DeVeloPmeNt

Daniel P. Jenny Research fellow-ships awarded for 2006–2007

Earlier this year, PCI solicited pro-posals for Daniel P. Jenny Research Fellowships from the civil engineer-ing departments of universities in the United States and Canada.

Out of the 36 high-quality propos-als we received on topics pertinent to PCI’s interests, the R&D Committee (C. Douglas Sutton, chair) selected 7 fellowships at the PCI Committee Days meeting in Chicago, Ill., in April.

The selection process was based on the timeliness of the proposed research and its potential benefit to the precast/prestressed concrete industry, as well as on the research capabilities of the investigator and additional industry support available from producers or state associations. The following seven fellowships have been approved for an award of $20,000 each:1. “Shear Strength of Deep Hollow-

Core Slabs” at the University of Min-nesota under the direction of Profes-sor Art Schultz. The primary objec-tive of this research program is to investigate the shear strength of thick hollow-core floor slabs. A series of tests will be performed on 12-in.-thick (300 mm) and 16-in.-thick (400 mm) hollow-core slabs at varying magnitude of prestress. The experi-

mental results will be evaluated in re-lation to shear requirements specified in ACI 318-05 Building Code.

2. “Horizontal Shear Tie Require-ments for Composite Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Construc-tion” at Lehigh University under the guidance of Professor Clay Naito. The objective of this research is to assess whether horizontal shear ties can be eliminated or significantly reduced in precast concrete bridge beam construction while still main-taining composite action. The scope of work includes a literature review of relevant past and ongoing re-search, a survey of local industry practice, an analytical assessment of the horizontal shear demands in standard PCI bridge beams, and an experimental investigation of topped beams without horizontal shear ties.

3. “Standardized Physical Property Testing for Self-Consolidating Con-crete (SCC)” at the University of Wyoming under the supervision of Professor David Mukai. The prima-ry objective is to develop a series of standardized test procedures and the associated test equipment for SCC produced at PCI plants to measure segregation, compressive strength, tensile strength, creep, and shrinkage. The equipment and procedure devel-oped through this research will allow

PCi toleRaNCe Committee NeeDs yoU

PCI is soliciting interested participants for the re-formation of the PCI Tol-erance Committee. Previously, this committee developed manual MNL–135, Tolerance Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete Construction. The publication of this manual established PCI as one of the tolerance leaders in the construction industry. After the publication of this manual in 2000, the commit-tee asked to be discharged, as its mission had been completed.

With the advent of new CAD technology, new connection technology, and the continuing evolution of interfacing building systems, there is a need to take another major step forward to maintain the PCI construction tolerance leader-ship in the building and bridge construction industry.

This committee needs members with both practical and theoretical tolerance backgrounds and/or interests. Members with a knowledge of precast qual-ity control, field construction quality control, and erection of precast concrete members would also be excellent contributors to the work of this committee.

If you have an interest in this important subject, contact Jason Krohn, PCI technical activities director, [email protected], for appointment to this committee.


NeW aPPoiNtmeNts to PCi Committees

The following individuals have ac-cepted appointments to PCI commit-tees. We appreciate their interest and voluntary participation.

Blast Resistance and structural integrity CommitteeBill SandersSirko Associates Inc.Denver, Colo.

Building Code CommitteeNew Chair: Christopher P. MosleyThe Consulting Engineers GroupSan Antonio, Tex.

Hollow-Core slab ProducersKurt R. MelbyTulsa Dynaspan Inc.Broken Arrow, Okla.

Greg SaterdalenHanson Structural Precast Midwest Inc.Maple Grove, Minn.

Mark SchumacherCTI Inc.Green Bay, Wis.

Han-Ching WuConArt Inc.Cobb, Ga.

Parking structures CommitteeRobert D. HylandHNTB Architecture Inc.Kansas City, Mo.

David L. ChapinTpac, a division of Kiewit WesternPhoenix, Ariz.

student education CommitteeVan V. DiepThe Consulting EngineersGroup Inc.San Antonio, Tex.

Carin L. Roberts-WollmannVirginia Polytechnic Instituteand State UniversityBlacksburg, Va.

126 PCIJOURNAL

To: PCI Producer, Associate, and Professional Members

Do you know that each year PCI allocates 7% of producerand associate member dues for projects conducted under the auspices of the PCI Research & Development Committee? Despite this commitment by PCI, total industry expenditures for research conducted on topics of specific interest to the precast industry are still relatively low compared with those for other competitor industries. It is especially important thatwe spend PCI’s research dollars wisely. Accordingly, we are asking for your help.

Periodically we solicit input from the entire PCI com-munity regarding your opinions on technical researchactivities that could produce knowledge which would benefit your organization and the industry’s market share.We summarize these data in the form of a prioritizedlisting titled Top 10 PCI Research Topics. This list is

then shared with prospective researchers to assist them asthey develop research proposals to be funded as regularPCI (major) projects and/or PCI (Dan Jenny) ResearchFellowships, as well as those to be funded entirely or inpart by other research agencies, such as NSF, NIST, andFHWA.

We have created a survey form designed to facilitate yourproviding us with opinions regarding current technical research needs. In addition, we are requesting that you tell us about your company’s current and recent (nonproprietary) research and development activities.

Please send your response to Paul Johal at PCI as indicated on the survey form.

C. Douglas SuttonChair, PCI Research & Development Committee

SURVEY ON HIGH-PRIORITY TOPICS FOR RESEARCH AT PCI

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SURVEY

Please list below the four most pressing technical problems that, in your opinion, confront the precast/prestressed concreteindustry today. Provide a brief statement of scope and objective(s) of research that would address each proposed topic. Attachadditional sheets as required.

1. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please describe your company’s current and recent (past 5 years) nonproprietary research and/or testing. Attach additional sheetsas required.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional comments. Attach additional sheets as required.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please mail/email/fax this sheet to:Paul JohalDirector, Research and EducationPrecast/Prestressed Concrete Institute209 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 500Chicago, IL 60606Telephone: (312) 360-3213 Fax: (312) 786-0353Email: [email protected]

Name: _______________________________________________(Please Print)

Position:______________________________________________

Company:_____________________________________________

Telephone: ___________________Fax No: ___________________

Email:________________________________________________


PCI Producers to win the approval of state departments of transportation in the use of SCC products.

4. “Determination of Strength Re-duction Due to Fire Damage” at Clemson University under the di-rection of Professor Scott Schiff. The scope of work includes a litera-ture review of past and current re-search, destructive and nondestructive testing of damaged and undamaged beams, and final analysis of all the research data. A correlation between established fire endurance models and the test results will be analyzed to establish a model for predicting the post-damage strength of fire-damaged structural concrete members.

5. “Behavior of Connections Made of Re-inforcement Cast in Grouted Conduit Subjected to Static and Cyclic Load-ing” at Portland State University under the guidance of Professor Franz Rad. The purpose of the research program is to experimentally determine the behav-ior of connections made of reinforce-ment cast in grouted conduit subjected to monotonic pull and cyclic loading. The research is especially relevant to walls that are subjected to shear forces and overturning moments.

6. “Design of Anchorages for Unbond-ed Post-Tensioned Strands in Seis-mic Regions” at the University of Notre Dame under the supervision of Professor Yahya (Gino) Kurama. The objective of the research pro-gram is to investigate the ultimate strength and deformation capac-ity of unbonded post-tensioning strands for use in seismic regions. Premature failure of the strands has been observed inside the anchorage during recent investigations of un-bonded, post-tensioned, precast con-crete frame and wall systems. The research will develop seismic design guidelines and recommendations for the practical application of anchors.

7. “Analysis of Precast Wall Panels Subjected to Blast” at the Univer-sity of Alabama under the direc-tion of Professor James Davidson. The objective of this research is to understand blast energy manage-ment mechanisms and the effective-

ness of blast reinforcement concepts for precast concrete walls subjected to blast forces. The program includes analytical work and explosive test-ing of precast concrete walls to be conducted as part of the collabora-tion between the Air Force Research Laboratory, PCI, and other concrete industry trade associations.

stUDeNt eDUCatioN

young educator achievement award goes to Roberts-Wollmann

Carin L. Roberts-Wollmann will be conferred with the PCI Young Educa-tor Achievement Award in October at the PCI Annual

Convention & Exhibition in Grapevine, Tex. This award recognizes young edu-cators in the fields of engineering, ar-chitecture, and construction technology who have made significant contribu-tions in their early careers to the precast/prestressed concrete industry. Roberts-Wollmann has been an assistant profes-sor at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg since 1999. Her research interests include

investigating innovative materials and construction procedures to improve concrete bridge performance.

Roberts-Wollmann received a B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska, and her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Her industry experience includes four years working for a bridge contractor in Texas as an engineer in the precasting yard for a segmental bridge project. Roberts-Wollmann has also worked for Parsons Brinkerhoff Quade and Douglas and was involved in many segmental and conventional bridge design projects.

Roberts-Wollmann is a member of PCI’s Bridges, Journal Advisory, and Student Education Committees.

steinberg selected for PCi’s Distinguished educator award

Eric P. Steinberg will be conferred with PCI’s Distin-guished Educator Award for 2006 in October at the PCI Annual Conven-

tion & Exhibition in Grapevine, Tex. The award was developed by the



128 PCIJOURNAL

Student Education Committee and recognizes distinguished educators in the fields of engineering, archi-tecture, and construction technology who have made significant contribu-tions to the precast/prestressed con-crete industry.

Steinberg is an associate profes-sor in the Civil Engineering Depart-ment at Ohio University in Athens. He joined the faculty at Ohio Uni-versity after completing his Ph.D. at Michigan Technological Univer-sity in 1991. He served as assistant chair for the department from 1997 to 2005.

Steinberg developed a prestressed concrete design course at Ohio Uni-versity shortly after arriving and has taught the class numerous times, with over 100 students completing the course. The course also includes a tour of a prestressing/precast facility to provide students with another av-enue to learn about the industry. He has also taught an annual reinforced concrete design course that has intro-duced approximately 500 students to the concepts of precast/prestressed concrete. Steinberg’s research in-terests include prestressed concrete design, ultra-high-performance con-crete, and structural reliability.

Steinberg is a member of PCI’s Student Education Committee, for which he produced the PCI Elec-tronic Image Library, and he has also been actively involved with the Big Beam Student Competition. Steinberg is also a member of PCI’s Bridge Committees, on which he has worked with the subcommittee that produced the recently published document A Manual for the Repair of Precast Prestressed Bridge Beams and Deck Panels. He has served as a reviewer for PCI Journal and the FHWA/PCI Bridge Conferences and Symposiums numerous times. Stein-berg has annually attended PCI Com-mittee Days and Convention and has provided some consulting services to the industry.

In 2005, Steinberg also was named PCI Central Region’s Professor of the Year.

iNDUstRy Notes

PCi Promotes Precast month in september

PCI is inviting its producer mem-bers to participate in National Precast Month, a celebration of precast con-crete technology, manufacture, and construction. The promotion is high-lighted by plant tours and luncheons during which designers learn about how the versatility and speed of precast concrete can enhance their projects.

National Precast Month will be con-ducted similar to the 50 Days of Pre-cast event held in 2004. Postcards and emails will announce details for regis-tration, a producer kit, and other pro-motional items.

PCi launches marketing intranet

As PCI’s new branding initiative—designed to reposition precast concrete in the construction industry and re-fresh the image of PCI as an organiza-tion—continues to accelerate and gain momentum, our branding team has launched a new resource: an intranet for PCI marketing. Called Brand Cen-tral, this information hub displays all aspects of the branding initiative and is designed to give members a complete array of information and tools to keep them in sync with the marketing and branding efforts of PCI. We’ll contin-ue to update and expand the resources available to the extended family of PCI marketing professionals.

You can access Brand Central under the Members section of the PCI web-site, www.pci.org.

U.s. army to switch to leeD Construction standards

In a January memo, Deputy Assis-tant Secretary of the U.S. Army (In-stallations and Housing) Joseph W. Whitaker announced an update to the Army’s strategy for “integrating the principles and practices of sustainabil-ity on our installations as we minimize the impacts and total ownership costs of Army systems, material, facilities, and operations.”

To help achieve this goal, Whitaker

said the Army will shift from its Sus-tainable Project Rating Tool (SPiRiT), its own system, to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGB’s) Lead-ership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System,® effective with the fiscal year 2008 military construction program. LEED ratings to be achieved are desig-nated for the various project types.

labor Relations Board settles illinois Jurisdictional Dispute over Precast Concrete setting

In April, the National Labor Rela-tions Board decided that employees of Freesen Inc. represented by Iron Work-ers Local 112 are entitled to perform the setting of precast concrete beams on steel bearings for bridge work on the Interstate 74 upgrade in Peoria, Ill. The board came to this conclusion based on employer preference and past prac-tice, area and industry practice, relative skills and training, and economy and efficiency of operations.

Freesen CEO James Buhlig and man-ager of bridges and structures William Coates testified that the Iron Workers could perform the work more effi-ciently and economically because they require a five-person crew. The Mid-Central Illinois Regional Council of Carpenters, which filed the complaint, would require a six- or seven-person crew, including two Iron Workers be-cause only they can adjust the bearings and set the anchor bolts for the retain-ers. The Carpenters did not approve of Buhlig’s initial proposal that Freesen use a crew of Carpenters, Iron Work-ers, and Laborers Local 165 members.

Highway construction company Freesen Inc. is a signatory member of the Associated General Contractors of Illinois, through which it is bound to a series of collective-bargaining agree-ments with Iron Workers Local 112, Carpenters Mid-Central Illinois Region-al Council, and Laborers Local 165.

mit academic leader to Be lehigh’s Next President

After directing research for one of the world’s leading research univer-sities for almost five years, Alice P.



Gast, vice president for research and associate provost at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was named to head Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn., on May 9.

As the next president of Lehigh Uni-versity, she succeeds Gregory C. Far-rington, who last fall announced his plans to step down in June. Gast offi-cially starts her new role as Lehigh’s 13th president on August 1.

Gast is known as a teacher and schol-ar in the field of complex fluids and colloids. Her scientific findings have had a direct impact on and applications in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and advanced materials, and her research has attracted support from major agen-cies, including the National Science Foundation and NASA, as well as from several major industries.

grace launches Website to Promote Decorative Concrete

Grace Construction Products is fo-cusing on “Changing the Color and Texture of Concrete” by launching a website dedicated to showcasing decorative concrete. The new site, www.gracedecorativeconcrete.com, promotes the design and aesthetic op-tions now available with color and sur-

face finishes. The website has separate areas for homeowners, architects and specifiers, and contractors. A photo gallery shows illustrations of decora-tive concrete’s use to add color, style, and a distinctive look to driveways, pool decks, patios, and walkways. The site also features a color selector for easy reference.

In addition, the section for contrac-tors lists the advantages of integral liquid pigments and contains down-loadable information such as Grace’s Top-Cast™ Decorative Finishing Guide and Contractors Guide to Colored Concrete.

PCi implements New Phone system

PCI employees started using their new voice-over-IP (VOIP) phones on May 2. Extensions are now the last four digits of each individual’s direct-dial telephone numbers. Most PCI employees’ telephone numbers have remained the same. The new phones replace the former outdated system and were chosen to serve PCI custom-ers better. The new system uses Inter-net technology, allowing for ease of use when staff members travel. The system also has a new, more user-friendly auto attendant.

Following is a list of PCI employee telephone numbers:

Main (312) 786-0300Atkin, Jennifer (312) 583-6785Brown, Kim (312) 360-3200Bulvan, Chris (312) 360-3218Burgess, Michelle (312) 360-3215Burnett, Jessica (312) 583-6774Coleman, Becki (312) 583-6783Davis, Brenda (312) 360-3211Derwent, Ed (312) 583-6772Dick, John (312) 360-3205DuPere, Ken (312) 360-3208Esho, Esho (312) 360-3216Faul, Colin (312) 583-6781Freedman, Sidney (312) 360-3203Grigonis, Paul (312) 360-3217Johal, Paul (312) 360-3213Krohn, Jason (312) 583-6771Lang, Danielle (312) 360-3212Lopez, Ann (312) 583-6779Lorenz, Emily (312) 583-6773McIntosh, Kris (312) 583-6784Merydith, Chuck (312) 360-3206Nasser, George (312) 360-3202Okun, Allyn (312) 360-3210Pakal, Steve (312) 583-6775Schneider, Jim (312) 360-3207Toscas, Jim (312) 360-3204Ulrich, Keith (312) 360-3209Ward, Cindi (312) 360-3214

iNDUstRy PRoDUCts

New PCi Designer’s Notebook available as standalone Publication

Because of reader demand and the extensive length of the Designer’s Notebook report on Energy Conserva-tion and Condensation Control, PCI has published the series separately. The 64-page booklet combines the three previously published sections from Ascent with the remaining seven sec-tions of this extensive discussion.

Martha VanGeem, P.E., the man-ager of building science and sustain-ability at CTL Group and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)–accredited professional, wrote the series. The first part of this report, published in the spring 2005 issue of Ascent, discussed key factors in energy conservation, including building orien-


130 PCIJOURNAL

tation and shape, glazing and daylight-ing, color, wind, texture, air infiltration, and shading. Part two, published in the summer 2005 issue of Ascent, present-ed information on thermal resistance and thermal bridges. Part three, to be published in the winter 2006 issue of Ascent, focused on topics such as heat capacity and thermal mass.

The remaining sections include dis-cussions of climate; condensation con-trol; sources of moisture; condensation on surfaces; condensation with walls and use of vapor retarders; air infiltra-tion, exfiltration, and air barriers; con-siderations at windows; application of insulation; and precast concrete sand-wich panels.

Order the series online at the PCI bookstore for $4 for members and $8 for nonmembers, or download the pub-lication free at www.pci.org.

aCi Releases guide for the Design and Construction of structural Concrete Reinforced with fRP Bars

ACI’s Guide for the Design and Con-struction of Structural Concrete Rein-forced with FRP Bars (440.1R-06) of-fers general information on the history and use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement, a description of the unique material properties of FRP, and guidelines for the construction and design of structural concrete members reinforced with FRP bars. The guide is based on worldwide experimental research, analytical work, and field ap-plications of FRP reinforcement.

CaDWelD Reinforcing Bar splices exceed minimum specified yield

The CADWELD mechanical splic-ing system joins two sections of rein-forcing bar by interlocking them with molten-steel filler. The CADWELD reinforcing bar splice is a butt splice (metal filled, not welded) that produces a joint with basically the same mechan-ical properties as a continuous piece of reinforcing bar.

The CADWELD process, developed by ERICO in 1938, uses an internally grooved sleeve working in conjunction

with the reinforcement deformations to develop strength and consistency.

The splice is capable of exceed-ing 150% of minimum specified yield (Grade 60). CADWELD splices meet the requirements of ACI 318, ACI 349, and ASME 359. They are also designed to meet or exceed many major building code requirements.

The splices work on all standard grades of reinforcing steel with defor-mations. Only handheld tools are re-quired for installation.

applied technology Council announces availability of guidelines for Data Use in Postearthquake Response

The Applied Technology Coun-cil (ATC) announced the availability of the ATC-54 report, Guidelines for Using Strong-Motion Data and Shake-Maps in Postearthquake Response,

funded by the California Strong Mo-tion Instrumentation Program (CSMIP) of the California Geological Survey. The ATC-54 guidelines address two main topics: effective means for using computer-generated ground motion maps (ShakeMaps) in postearthquake emergency response and procedures for rapidly evaluating (on a near-real-time basis) strong-motion data from ground sites and instrumented build-ings, bridges, and dams to determine the potential for earthquake-induced damage in those structures. The docu-ment also provides guidance on the form, type, and extent of data to be col-lected from structures in the vicinity of strong-motion recordings and pertinent supplemental information, including guidance on replacement of strong- motion instruments in, on, and near buildings, bridges, and dams.

The ShakeMap guidance describes data resources and procedures as well as real and hypothetical examples illus-trating the use of ShakeMap products in emergency response.

North america’s first Ductal™ Highway Bridge opens in iowa

Lafarge and its partners celebrated the completion of North America’s first highway bridge built with Ductal™ at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 5 in Wapello County, Iowa.

Ductal is Lafarge’s ultra-high- performance concrete that offers a combination of superior strength, du-rability, ductility, and aesthetic flex-

Vic Perry (far right) of Lafarge North America prepares to cut the ribbon with (left to right) Brian Moore of Wapello County; Jerry Parker, Mike Petersen, and Steve Siegel of the Wapello County Board of Supervisors; Brent Phares of Iowa State University; and Dean Bierwagen of the Iowa Department of Transportation.



ibility. The Federal Highway Admin-istration’s (FHWA) Innovative Bridge Construction Program funded the Mars Hill Bridge.

The bridge is the result of five years of collaborative research and develop-ment among FHWA, the Iowa Depart-ment of Transportation, Iowa State University’s Bridge Engineering Cen-ter, and Lafarge North America.

With a single-span, three-beam cross section, the bridge contains three 110 ft Ductal girders with no reinforcing bars for shear stirrups. The unique girders were produced by Lafarge’s precast concrete operations in Winnipeg, Mani-toba, Canada, and were delivered to the site in Iowa for installation by local con-tractor Bloomfield Bridge and Culvert.

The compressive strengths of Ductal reach up to 30,000 pounds per square inch, and its flexural strengths reach up to 6000 pounds per square inch.

tX millennium Products Designed as self-Cleaning, Polution Reducing

Essroc Cement Corp. has begun North American production of TX Millennium. TX Millennium was launched in the Unites States in Janu-ary at the Las Vegas, Nev., World of Concrete trade show and consists of two key products: TX Arca cement, which provides concrete with a self-cleaning benefit, and TX Aria cement, which gives concrete the added ability of mitigating environmental pollution.

To accomplish these feats, the product uses a hydraulic binder with photocata-lytic properties.

TX Arca reduces the maintenance requirements for concrete structures or buildings by destroying most organic and inorganic pollutants that come into contact with the concrete surface and cause discoloration.

TX Aria effectively destroys air-borne pollutants, which are responsible for urban organic pollution.

Concrete applications for TX Mil-lennium include vertical and horizontal surfaces, structural and architectural precast concrete, plasters and coat-ings, concrete blocks, median barriers, retaining walls, concrete paving/roads, and cementitious tiles.

Italcementi’s Technical Research Center in Bergamo, Italy, developed the TX Millennium technology over a decade of research. TX Millennium was highlighted in the Dives in Miseri-cordia Church in Rome, which contains 256 precast concrete elements and was designed by American architect Rich-ard Meier.

foundation engineering Handbook Now available from mcgraw-Hill

Foundation Engineering Handbook: Design and Construction with 2006 International Building Code by Robert W. Day is now available from McGraw-Hill and contains hands-on engineering data, procedures, and calculations for

all aspects of foundation design and construction, including preliminary subsurface explorations, seismic analy-sis, underpinning, and load testing.

The book also covers:• Determine soil and rock strata

thickness, estimate depth to groundwater, obtain soil and rock samples, and conduct pen-etration tests.

• Calculate existing stresses in soil mass and increase in stresses due to applied loads.

• Calculate correct foundation bearing capacity, estimated settlement, and other critical design parameters.

• Increase safety factors for foun-dations built on slopes with low surficial stabilities.

• Determine soil’s susceptibility to liquefaction in the event of an earthquake.

• Select the optimum import fill for soil improvement.

• Comply with International Building Code requirements for structural tests and inspec-tions, structural design, soils and foundations, concrete, site work, grading, and seismic analysis.

Hamilton form Develops adjustable Riser stair form

Hamilton Form has developed an adjustable riser stair form to increase the number of products that could be cast out of one form. The form was designed to cast on edge with inte-gral head and foot landings and can be adjusted several ways. Riser height, throat thickness, length of landings, and number of steps can be adjusted. The final form can handle a multitude of designs, providing the precaster with added flexibility and a better return on investment.

Keys features of the product include:• An internal soffit was built to act

as a template to adjust the risers from 6 ft to 7 ft (1.8 m to 2.1 m).

• The soffit can be shimmed to different elevations to change the width of the stairs.

• Internal headers can be used to

Wapello County’s newly constructed bridge is North America’s first-ever bridge made with Ductal.


132 PCIJOURNAL

John A. Wilke, director of quality assurance, Precast/Pretressed Concrete Institute, Chicago, Ill., died on May 8, 2006, at the age of 59. For the previous six months, Wilke had been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment for colon cancer. From all indica-tions and his doctor’s assessment, Wilke appeared to be making a remarkable recovery. Indeed, all who saw him at PCI Committee Days the last week in April remarked on how well he looked. Shortly after Committee Days, however, Wilke unexpectedly developed a blood clot that traveled to his heart, resulting in a fatal heart attack.

About 60 people attended Wilke’s memorial service, which was conduct-ed by the Reverend Don Niswonger, on June 3 at the Dieter-le Memorial Home in Montgomery, Ill. In remembrance of Wilke, Jim To-scas, PCI president; Dick Taylor, a sales representative for Strand-Tech Martin Inc.; Henry Clark, Ross Bryan Associ-ates Inc. president; Ed McDougle, Ross Bryan secretary/treasurer; John Dick, PCI director of transportation systems; Jessica Burnett, administrator, quality assurance; and Loretta Snee, a long-time family friend, gave eloquent eulogies.

Wilke joined the PCI headquarters staff in February 2002 as director of certification programs. His main re-sponsibility was to oversee the Plant Certification Pro-gram and work closely with Ross Bryan Associates Inc., PCI’s auditing agency, and the Plant Certification Com-mittee. His tenure at PCI was only four years, yet he made a major impact here. Wilke brought precast erec-tor companies into the PCI membership and developed a certification program for their eligibility. He also worked diligently in revising and updating the Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Structural Precast Concrete Products and the Manual for Quality Control for Plants and Production of Architectural Precast Concrete Products (MNL-116 and MNL-117). In particular, he led the change in product curing procedures. Wilke also en-joyed teaching the quality assurance workshops for plant personnel and took special delight in encouraging young men and women to enter the precast concrete industry.

Wilke received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engi-neering from Newark College of Engineering (now New Jersey Institute of Technology) and a master’s degree in business administration from Rutgers University. After college, he entered Officers Training School and during the Vietnam War was stationed at U.S. military bases in Japan and South Korea.

He began the first 13 years of his professional career in the precast/prestressed concrete industry with Florida Mining and Materials in the Tampa area, where he served

as sales engineer, division engi-neer, and general manager of their Tampa division. Later, he worked for several PCI member compa-nies, including Oldcastle/Span-crete Northeast Inc., Fabcon LLC, Stress-Con Indus-tries, and Atlantic Metrocast.

Wilke also worked for sev-eral years for Wafflecrete in the Philippines and Thailand. There, he helped train

local personnel in setting up efficient production opera-tions and quality control procedures for precasting plants. During the past 30 years, he worked in many different capacities, including plant manager, operations manager, quality control manager, and project engineer. He had extensive knowledge of the precast/prestressed concrete industry and enjoyed his job immensely.

In his spare time, Wilke was an adventurer and outdoor-sman. He and his wife, Susie, were avid motorcyclists and loved animals, especially dogs. Wilke was fond of telling anecdotes about his experiences in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. He recounted heroic stories that his father told him about the U.S. Air Force and espe-cially the Flying Tigers during World War II.

Wilke also liked to poke fun at himself, but he had a serious side, too. He could not tolerate injustice and had deep compassion for the downtrodden. As a final deed, he donated his remains for medical research.

Wilke was born December 5, 1946, in Plainfield, N.J., and was married to Susie on August 30, 1975.

Our deep sympathy goes to Susie Wilke and the Wil-ke’s entire family and friends.

JoHN a. WilKe 1946–2006

John and Susie Wilke socialize at JVI’s banquet during PCI Committee Days.


adjust the length of the landings.• The thickness of the throat area

and landings can be adjusted from 6 ft to 10 ft (1.8 m to 3 m).

• Individual sections are bolted together and can be removed or added to vary the number of tread and risers.

saf-t-mag oN/off magnet improves safety and flexibility

The use of magnets instead of bolt-down systems for adjusting steel rails for concrete forms is fast becoming the preferred method in prestress concrete production. Working with magnets around steel forms has its drawbacks, however. Production personnel must be careful that magnets don’t acciden-tally slam into each other, the magnets can be difficult to disengage, and mag-nets attract metal debris.

To solve these problems, Hamilton Form Co. has announced the availabil-ity of the Saf-T-Mag, ON/OFF magnet. The Saf-T-Mag is designed to be safer and easier to handle than conventional magnets because the magnet can be turned on and off. The magnet will not turn on unless it is placed on a steel surface. Once in place, use a wrench to turn the knob 90 degrees to activate the magnet. The Saf-T-Mag is available in a 500 lb or 2000 lb (227 kg or 907 kg) ca-pacity to stay firmly in place. When the magnet needs to be moved, use a wrench to turn the knob to the “off” position to disengage the magnetic attraction.

Once the magnet is off, it can easily be removed from the casting surface. Metal shavings and debris are not at-tracted to the magnet, which makes cleaning easier. Also, with no magnetic attraction, the magnet won’t acciden-tally slam into a form. Workers no lon-ger face the risk of pinched fingers and injuries associated with conventional magnets.

The Saf-T-Mag allows for quick form release and relocation, and it can be used for a variety of applications in addition to adjusting rail widths. The magnet has also been used for window block-outs and to hold headers and welding plates in place.is


ENGINEERING MANAGER Proven hands-on manager with P.E. in civil or mechanical preferred by dynamic, growing, team-oriented, 58-year-old custom steel form fabricator. Direct department of 3 individu-als & be part of a dynamic Senior Management Team. Company sells nationwide, some travel req’d. Benefits include profit sharing, 401K & performance bonuses. Send resume including compensation requirements & detailed references to: P.O. Box 07847, Colum-bus, OH 43207-0847.

maRKetPlaCe

Hamilton Forms’ adjustable riser stair increases the number of products that can be cast from one form.

PlAcE YouR clAssIfEd Ad

Classifed advertisements are a quick and economical way to adver-tise open positions in your firm. The PCI Journal’s Marketplace listings are attractively placed within the popular Industry News section, making them highly visible to readers.

Marketplace classified ad are avail-able for just $170 per column inch. You write the text, we do all the rest, including typesetting. Your company logo and color can be included for an additional fee.

For more information, call PCI’s Ann Lopez at (312) 583-6779 or email her at [email protected].

ARE You REcEIvING duPlIcAtE coPIEs of thE

PCI Journal?

Is your name misspelled on the address label, or is your address incorrect? Please alert us to any discrepancies in your subscription to the PCI Journal. Send an email with your changes to [email protected] be sure to include:• Your name as it appears on the

Journal mailing label• Your address as it appears on the

Journal mailing label• Your contact information, in case

we need to reach you.

jl 06 july august 14[1]

Documents

pci committee members

pci foundation

pci journal

pci thanks

pci technical committee

pci design handbook

vera martin

years committee days