Worthy of Remembrance
On September 28, 2011, the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated at a ceremony in Washington Square Park in Kansas City, Missouri. The project, which started as an effort to demonstrate the benefits of Tilt-Up concrete construction as part of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association’s (TCA’s) annual convention, quickly turned in to something so much more. Not only is the project a testament to the versatility, applicability and beauty of Tilt-Up construction, it is a demonstration of the generosity, pride and good will of TCA members. Most importantly, it continues the legacy of Korean War Veterans and recognizes those who paid the supreme sacrifice and gave their lives in defense of South Korea.
Dedication – 25 Years of TCA Membership
It is hard to believe that this past year, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association turned 25 years old. It seems only yesterday that we were celebrating the 20th year with our friends during the World of Concrete and in a blink of an eye another five is gone. “Gone”, however, is a relative term as there is no point in the 25 year history of the TCA where one could say that the passing of time was wasted, or ineffective…in essence “gone” from a chance to make an impact. Quite the opposite is true. One has to look no further than to some of the stalwart companies that helped establish the TCA and have actively participated, as well as observed from an experienced perspective, in the transition of an industry thanks to the leadership of membership companies and dedicated staff.
21st Annual Tilt-Up Achievement Awards
This year, the panel of judges recognized a total of 33 award recipients, and selected 10 overall Excellence in Achievement winners that best represent the heights the industry has attained. These projects exemplify the current state-of-the-art achievement in Tilt-Up construction with their unique and inventive use of the method.
Task Force Completes Investigation
One of the main goals of the TCA is to serve as an advocate for the industry to grow use of the method. As many of you will recall, earlier this year, site cast Tilt-Up received media attention regarding the performance of Tilt-Up structures in high wind events. This was in response to the EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin, Mo. on May, 22, 2011. Located in the direct path of the tornado was a Home Depot constructed using the Tilt-Up method. Following the tornado, an article appeared in the June 25th edition of The Kansas City Star that singled out the performance of Tilt-Up construction and made many false and misleading claims about the method’s performance.
A Good Day for TCA
For those of you that were not able to attend our recent convention, you missed a great event. Not only was the event incredibly valuable as I picked up information that is sure to improve my business, it was inspiring and I had a great time. I would like to highlight a few things that [...]
Convention 2011 – It’s a Wrap!
We have closed the books on another successful TCA Annual Convention. While attendance wasn’t as good as it was in “pre-recession” days, it was better than it has been the previous two years as we staged our most exciting and ambitious event ever. Outdoor exhibitions and demonstrations were added back into the mix this year [...]
Thermomass® achieves 4-hour ASTM E-119 fire resistance rating
December 9, 2012 (Boone, Iowa): Thermomass®, the leading manufacturer of building insulation systems for the concrete industry, is proud to announce the successful completion of the ASTM E-119 fire test. The fire test was conducted on a sandwich wall panel consisting of a 2-in exterior wythe of concrete, 2-in insulation core, and a 5-in interior [...]
Return to Inch-Pound Markings – Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
(Schaumburg, IL – November 14, 2011) At their recent meeting on November 9, the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) Board of Directors urged all CRSI producer members to revert to an inch-pound bar marking system for all sizes and grades of deformed reinforcing steel products. CRSI members produce more than 90% of domestic reinforcing steel. [...]
Building the Future – Students Participate in Tilt-Up Demonstration
Students at Pittsburg State University had the opportunity to participate in the nation’s first college-level “tilt-up” concrete panel demonstration Saturday at the Kansas Technology Center.
Don Musser, First Executive Director of the TCA, Passes Away
Don Musser, the first executive director of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, passed away on September 25, 2011. Don was the leader assembling a group of tilt-up contractors and engineers interested in forming the TCA in 1985 and 1986. Don was selected as the first executive director of the TCA and held that position until his [...]
CONNECT-EZ Introduces Two New Products Proven to Eliminate Field Welding, Improve Safety
CONNECT-EZ, a leader in engineered labor saving products for the concrete industry, has announced the launch of two new products — CONNECT-EZ Panel Anchor, “PA” and the CONNECT-EZTM “V”. Both have already proven to save time and money in cast-in-place, precast and tilt-up concrete construction projects.
Taper-Lock Form Saver Engineered to Provide Fastest Connections in the Industry
New Taper-Lock Form Saver from Dayton Superior providing contractors a 23% faster installation and savings of $100 per form in rental repair fees.
