2011 - January-February Archives - National Precast Concrete Association

Dogged Determination

February 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

Last month we lost one of our former chairmen, Wes Dicken, who passed away at age 81. Wes, who chaired the NPCA Board of Directors in 1998, was universally loved and admired by nearly all who knew him, a fact that was reinforced by those who eulogized him at the funeral service held in Fort Thomas, Ky.

ASTM C1227 – Home, Health and Environment: Why Septic Tanks Matter

February 9, 2011 1 Comment

Great news: You’re buying a new house! You’ve dreamed of a beautiful family home surrounded by open space, fresh air and a healthy environment with children running barefoot on the grass in the sun. And now your dream has come true. Today, for 40% of us who invest most of our lifetime earnings in this dream, our new home will come equipped with a septic tank system to process human waste.

Technically Speaking: Vacuum Testing Backfilled Manholes

February 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

Have you ever found yourself on a project where local codes or requirements specify that vacuum testing of manholes must be done after backfill? We’ve received many calls from producers and contractors or installers faced with this same situation. Can’t really blame the owners. Testing after backfilling provides them with a degree of certainty that a watertight system has been installed. There are three major disadvantages when proceeding with this test:

Why a Precaster’s Best Friend is the ASTM Standard

February 9, 2011 1 Comment

The long history of ASTM International proves that its standards are the basis for settling disputes over product performance and testing.

Safety Speak: Stress and the Precast Worker

February 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

Worker stress is insidious, because although it is reportedly widespread and increasing dramatically, it is often unreported. Whether a precast employee is worried about job stability, potential layoffs or lack of job incentive, research tells us that exposure to high levels of stress can result in low morale and decreased productivity. Unresolved stress can adversely affect health at both the worker and the administrative levels.

How Safe (and Legal) is Your Concrete Form Release Agent?

February 9, 2011 2 Comments

Become familiar with the safety standards and regulations to help protect your workers, plant and environment.

Green Piece – Life Cycle Assessment: Valid Measurements of Environmental Impact

February 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

Our industry wants to spread the word that precast concrete products are sustainable. We also want to refine materials, equipment, processes and practices to become more sustainable. How do we measure improvement? Set a baseline. What is our baseline in terms of our impact on the environment? That’s where a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comes in.

Deciphering the Healthcare Bill – Part 2: Blocking and Tackling

February 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

Part 2: Blocking and Tackling By Bridget McCrea The Healthcare Reform Bill (officially titled the Patient […]

New Tax Breaks for U.S. Precasters?

February 9, 2011 Leave a Comment

It’s tax season, and as you work with your tax professional to file your 2010 return, it may be helpful to know a few details of the Small Business Jobs Act passed by Congress in 2010.

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