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INDUSTRY
NEWS
A Reminder to Attend the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Portland
Kelley Lloyd Project Published in July 31 Issue of ENR
Fall Short Course School 100 Shifting Into Third
Application of Infrared Imaging to Fresh Concrete
Chairman's Safety Awards Competition Now Underway
Hanson Pipe & Precast Announces One of the  Largest Automated Pipe Plants in the U.S.
Spotlight on Associate Members
Website Updates


Mississippi Valley State Highway Transportation Officials Conference Report
Hawkeye Recognized as an Iowa Innovator 

Concrete Pipe News Needs You



Canadian Concrete Pipe Associations Plan Joint AGM in 2007





The Ministry of Transportation Ontario Gravity Pipe Design Guidelines Published





Tracking Resin Prices



A Reminder to Attend the AASHTO Annual Meeting in Portland
     
AASHTO’s annual meeting is being held October 25 – 31, 2006 at the Hilton Executive Towers in Portland, Oregon. ACPA has its Fall Board meeting scheduled for October 26 – 27, 2006 at the same venue. A reception sponsored by the ACPA will be held at the Oregon Museum of Science & Industry on October 27th.  All state officials and their staffs will be invited. To make this event successful, each concrete pipe company in the ACPA should contact the D.O.T. Secretary, his/her Deputies and the Chief Engineers to invite them personally to the reception. 
     The AASHTO Board is comprised of the Secretaries of Transportation from each of the 50 states, D.C. and territories such as Puerto Rico. The AASHTO secretaries are political appointments by state governors, and generally have political and administrative backgrounds. The State Chief Engineers have their own meeting on Friday and Saturday. The Secretaries meet on Sunday and Monday.
     In addition to the meetings and reception to introduce our industry to many AASHTO delegates, ACPA is reinforcing its presence with its exhibit booth and displays on October 27 – 28, 2006. The unique aspect of our exhibit is that we have collaborated with the American Concrete Pavement Association to share the costs of the space rental and to reinforce each other’s association and membership. Also, the American Concrete Pavement Association and American Concrete Pipe Association will team up to host an "ice cream break" on Friday, October 27th from 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. in the Lower Level, Prefunction A area of the Portland Convention Center. The ice cream break will take place in lieu of the ice cream social that the American Concrete Pavement Association had hosted in the past, due to the revised timing and format of AASHTO's meeting. With greater visibility, we hope to attract the attention of more delegates.
     Last year was the first year we held an ACPA reception during the AASHTO Annual Meeting.  The reception was a huge success thanks in part to the efforts of our members in promoting it.  Once again, we need your help in attracting AASHTO executives. Please email, or personally deliver an invitation to anyone in your state that will be attending the AASHTO Annual Meeting to attend the reception. The invitation gives your company a great excuse to visit the Secretary or Chief Engineer of your state.
     If you would like to attend this event or need invitations to invite your DOTs, call Wanda Cochran at ACPA Headquarters, (972) 506-7216.


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Spotlight on Associate Members

     
The American Concrete Pipe Association has over 60 Associate Members. These companies play a vital role in the business of Producer Members and the affairs of the American Concrete Pipe Association.
     ACPA features a section in each issue of e-NEWSCAST that recognizes the contribution of its Associate Members. Companies are selected alphabetically with one from the beginning of our roster and one from the end - working toward the middle. Once completed, the rotation will begin again, picking up new companies along the way.
     In this issue, ACPA shines its spotlight on East Jordan Iron Works, Inc. and The Hill & Griffith Company.

East Jordan Iron works, Inc.
www.ejiw.com

     East Jordan Iron Works, Inc. (EJIW) has been a member of the City of East Jordan, Michigan community since 1883. The company has grown over the years with sales offices now located in major markets across the country. The manufacturing facility, hydrant and valve assembly and corporate office are located in East Jordan. The company operates foundry production facilities in Denham Springs, Louisiana, and Ardmore, Oklahoma. They provide castings for EJIW's sales and distribution operations throughout the United States.
     In November of 2004, EJIW acquired Norinco, a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ductile iron access covers and frames for all types of underground networks, including water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, and cable TV. Norinco has sales and distribution facilities in France, Spain, Italy, England, Brazil, Germany, and Singapore. The corporate office is located at the foundry site at St. Crépin, France. Norinco provides castings to infrastructure markets throughout the world.
     East Jordan Iron Works is a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of construction castings for use in road building, underground, and utility construction. It produces castings to meet the specifications of Federal, State and local agencies nationwide. EJIW gray and ductile iron castings conform to stringent ASTM and AASHTO requirements.
     EJIW manufactures steel risers for manhole and catch basins. Several EJIW branch locations fabricate a variety of products including junction boxes, steel grating and frames, trash racks, handrails, tree grate frames and other specialty-engineered products to specification.  It has introduced a new design for manhole covers and other utility access devices. The adjustable system of the covers fits onto the manhole cone providing full support and stability for the entire assembly surface. PCSI manhole covers adjust to meet different roadway heights and grades.

Contact:
Thomas M. Teske

ejiwsales@ejiw.com

Office
P.O. Box 439
301 Spring Street,
East Jordan, Michigan  49727
T: 231-536-2261
Toll Free: 1-800-626-4653
F: 231-536-4458

The Hill & Griffith Company
www.hillandgriffith.com

     The Hill and Griffith Company was founded in 1896 in Birmingham, Alabama, by John Hill and Tom Griffith. Hill and Griffith has grown to five manufacturing facilities to support the growth of the metal casting industry of North America. The company continues to be recognized as a leading quality supplier to the metal casting industry. It offers a full line of release agents, partings, lubricants and core oils for green sand, foundry, die casting and permanent mold applications. Its manufacturing plants are located in Birmingham, Burbank (OH), Chicago, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. Worldwide distribution includes: United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim. Direct sales warehouse facilities are located in Birmingham, Burbank, Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Milwaukee.
      Hill and Griffith has created an entire family of specialized concrete form release agents and bond breaking compounds. The company offers a full line of VOC compliant and biodegradable concrete form release agents under their GRIFCOTE® brand, which improve spray performance and cold weather stability. GRIFCOTE biodegradable and renewable concrete form release agents are non-staining and will help reduce bug holes. All GRIFCOTE concrete form release agents are non-carcinogenic, non-DOT regulated, low odor, non-combustible and non-flammable.
     Hill and Griffith also offers a full line of hydraulic fluids under its GRIFLUBE® line. GRIFLUBE products include anti-wear, biodegradable, fire resistant, moisture resistant, high pressure and extreme temperature hydraulic fluids. In addition, the company offers custom packaging, blending and intermodal transportation services for bulk materials such as powder, clay, rock, aggregate, minerals, liquids, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Freight is received in railcars or trucks, custom packaged, and then shipped in trucks, super sacks or paper bags.

Contact:
Bob Waterloo

bwaterloo@hillandgriffith.com

International Office
100 French Street
Cold Spring, Kentucky  41076
T: 513-921-1075
Toll Free 1-800-543-0425
F: 513-244-4199

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Kelley Lloyd published in July 31 Issue of ENR

     Engineering News Record has published a summary of one of the articles carried in the Summer Issue of Concrete Pipe News. ACPA was contacted for editorial material for the ENR Underground Construction section published July 31. The article submitted by Kelley Lloyd of Hanson Pipe and Precast for the 2005 DOT Project Achievement Award fit their requirement. The project was a four-barrel, 12-foot x 10-foot precast box culvert that was selected to replace a pair of parallel bridges on Interstate 20 near Oxford, Alabama. The bridges were settling because of underground limestone sinkholes.
     Be sure to take advantage of submitting your DOT project story for the 2007 Project Achievement Award.  Your story will not only get published in Concrete Pipe News but might land in a national publication. 

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Website Updates
     There have been new postings in the Members Only section about HDPE pipe standards. There is now a very powerful photo library on the site for use by members in their marketing and promotion initiatives. New information and publications are routinely posted on the Home page.
     Recently, ACPA staff distributed an Info-Mail that announced a new printable membership directory. To access the directory, go to the Members Only site from www.concrete-pipe.org and log-in. Go to Membership Directory & By-Laws. There you will find the printable directory. You have an option to print the complete directory or view and print a specific section. This information is generated directly from the Association’s database, so the directory will always include current information.
     ACPA’s public website is going through a major face lift and content update. Main tabs will be located on the left side of the site for easy location of information. Page loading is fast with quick links to current events and recent news along the bottom of the page. Stay tuned for a major announcement to be distributed to the members when the new look is ready.
     The Resource Catalog has been revised and is posted on the public site. This document contains all the materials that are available from the ACPA Resource Center as well as the free documents that are downloadable from the website.
     Please take advantage of the many materials that are available to you, both on the public and members only site.

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Concrete Pipe News Needs You!

       Concrete Pipe News is our industry’s premier publication that reaches out four times each year to share knowledge and information about the application of precast concrete drainage products, research on concrete pipe performance, the characteristics of alternative products, standards development, industry insights, and notification of major opportunities for continuing education.
     Members have the opportunity to showcase their businesses through case studies highlighting the performance of concrete pipe and boxes for a wide range of uses. In doing so, all of our industry benefits, as the stories give credence to the initiatives of our industry to provide buried lifelines that last for generations and meet the design life of projects.
     Once published, articles sometimes draw interest from editors of other publications, including mainstream industry magazines, who request permission to republish. It is important to our industry to be seen as leaders when it comes to knowledge of buried infrastructure, including alternate materials. We need to be recognized as the source for technical information about pipe performance and behavior of all kinds. Technical articles go a long way to achieving this objective.
     ACPA makes it easy for its members to get published. There is a consulting editor to write and edit articles. All articles are peer reviewed by industry experts so that the chance for errors and omissions is significantly reduced and the publications are tracked so that authors are contacted repeatedly for new submissions, as time passes. There is a writing planner and photo guide, as well to make it easy to submit an article for publication. This document follows. It will also be posted on the "members only" web site for downloading under Marketing Information/CP News.  Anyone who belongs to a member firm may submit an article. Use this form and let us know about a unique application that may be used elsewhere by members, or a major installation where concrete was specified or favored over an alternative product.
     To draft an article for Concrete Pipe News, consider the audience. Is the article to be written for contractors, consulting or municipal engineers, or DOT officials? Is the purpose of the article to share technical information or solve a problem on a project, or for a customer? Considering these questions will create the context for the article. Articles do not have to be fully written. Photos and a corporate profile are needed.  To receive a template to make it easy to submit an article for publication, please contact us. Articles are now being accepted for the October Issue. Please send content and photos to Grant Lee at glee@aglmarketing.com, or Karen Hunter at khunter@concrete-pipe.org.

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Fall Short Course School 100 Shifting Into Third

    The pace is beginning to pick up for the members of the Fall Short Course School Task Group. The 2006 Fall Short Course School will be held at the Westin Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina from October 16 to 18. Select from a variety of courses in three different tracks – Basic Engineering, Advanced Engineering and Marketing. A variety of classes will be offered on various pipe-related topics, as well as interpersonal and business skills.
     Guests are encouraged to attend. It is hoped that the Charlotte venue will make it easier for some Department of Transportation officials to attend the seminars and learn about the design and specification of pipe products.
     Please use the electronic flyer and registration form, which was sent in a previous info-email to promote the training to your customers. Information is posted on the website at www.concrete-pipe.org/2006fallscs.htm where you can refer engineers for more information. Printed programs were mailed in June, so you can inform your customers about the school. If you need more programs, contact LaHonda or Susan at the ACPA office.
     A special thanks to our sponsors to date for supporting the Fall Short Course School:

PLATINUM Sponsors:
CTI, Inc./Pedershaab Concrete Technologies
Hamilton Kent
Ivy Steel & Wire

GOLD Sponsors:
The Hawkeye Group, Inc.
NPC, Inc.

BRONZE Sponsors:
CAM – Concrete Accessory Manufacturing
Eastern/Southern/Western States Steel Corporation
Mar-Mac Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Mel C. Marshall Industrial Consultants, Inc.

     If you have questions about the training, contact Karen Hunter khunter@concrete-pipe.org or Wanda Cochran wcochran@concrete-pipe.org at 972-506-7216.

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Application of Infrared Imaging to Fresh Concrete: Monitoring Internal Vibration
       Concrete pipe industry association staff is always monitoring publications for breaking technology and research. The following account of research conducted at Cornell University was published in the newsletter of the Portland Cement Association. It may be of interest to some member firms.
     Careful and thorough consolidation of fresh concrete is necessary to ensure proper placement and uniformity. Internal vibration is the most commonly used method of consolidation. It is ideal to have a way to determine if an area of concrete has been vibrated properly. Currently, a device to measure the adequacy of consolidation of concrete in-situ does not exist and the judgment of adequacy is normally left to the vibrator operator. Judging consolidation adequacy may be one of the most difficult jobs in concrete construction as the vibrator operator can only see the surface of the concrete during vibration. Ultimate assessment of vibration adequacy does not come until the forms are stripped and the surface inspected, or when deterioration or strength problems arise. Unfortunately, at this stage, it is too late to repair the concrete by additional vibration and costly repairs or retrofits may result.
     Recently, thermal imaging technology has been shown to be a possible solution to determining the adequacy of vibration (Burlingame 2004). The ability to assess consolidation adequacy via thermal imagery allows visual confirmation of proper placement and technique.

What is Thermal Imaging?
     All objects emit electromagnetic radiation as a function of their temperature and the nature of their surfaces. The wavelength of this radiation depends on an object’s temperature. Many of these wavelengths extend into the infrared range and thus are invisible to the human eye. These infrared waves can be detected by a variety of infrared sensors that compute and display the apparent surface temperature of an object based on incoming radiation and environmental factors. Through the use of digital conversion techniques, a two-dimensional array of infrared sensors can produce a picture (thermograph) by assigning colors based on the apparent temperature of each picture element (pixel) (Figure 2).
     Infrared imaging is a non-contact method of measuring the temperature of an object. Thermal imaging systems have been used for a wide range of industries, including medical, environmental and electrical applications. In the medical profession, local deviations in temperature may indicate health problems ranging from a fever to the presence of cancer cells, while in industrial settings, local temperature differences may indicate design flaws, poor workmanship, or damaged components.
     Infrared imaging technology has also been used in the concrete industry to assess the health of hardened concrete—finding defects and areas of localized delamination. Infrared imaging has also been used to check for areas of voids and honeycombing in fresh concrete by viewing the outside of the formwork during concrete placement.
     A hot vibrator can provide local heating to the concrete it touches, leaving a persistent "thermal signature" as shown in Fig. 2. This thermal signature can be detected using infrared imaging after the vibration operation is completed. This allows an inspector to return to an area of fresh concrete and observe the remaining heat signature up to 20 minutes after vibration was completed.

Limitations of Infrared Imagery as a Quantitative Quality Control Tool
     Along with the possibilities for use of infrared imagery the researchers also found limitations that must be kept in mind when using this technology. There may be an inherent variability, or lack of repeatability, with the same internal vibrator under similar operating conditions that could limit the usefulness of infrared imagery as a qualitative tool for indicating consolidation effectiveness. For example, it may be possible to observe vibration insertion points with an infrared imager; however, one should not specify that the vibrator operator vibrate concrete until a certain temperature or temperature difference is achieved unless the variability was controlled or included within the tolerance.
     It was also observed during laboratory testing and through field observations that the heat signature of the vibrator could be made less distinct or completely removed by floating and finishing operations. As the concrete is screeded and finished, the concrete on the surface is mixed, and locally heated zones may be displaced. These processes tend to average out the concrete surface temperature. Also, temperature variations within the fresh concrete due to delivery from more than one source could show localized hot spots that could be mistaken for vibrator insertion points.

Summary
     Infrared imagery can be effectively used as a quality control tool. The use of infrared imaging would allow a concrete inspector to determine the location of the vibrator insertion points in a section of concrete. The spacing of these insertions could then be checked against specifications and recommendations for a given mixture. Previous research has established recommendations for optimal vibrator insertion spacing under various conditions and thermal imaging could be a useful tool in ensuring that proper insertion spacing is performed.

Reference
     Burlingame, S. E., Application of Infrared Imaging to Fresh Concrete: Monitoring Internal Vibration, MS Thesis, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 2004. Available as PCA Serial Number Report 2806.

Source: http://www.cement.org/tech/cct_research_infrared.asp


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Chairman’s Safety Awards Competition Now Underway
       A letter dated June 7, 2006 from Rich Holston, Chairman of the Safety & Environmental Committee is the official launch of the 2006 Chairman’s Safety Award. This award recognizes plants and/or companies that have implemented successful safety initiatives resulting in a safer and more productive workplace.
     The purpose of the award is to share ideas that can make a difference in a pipe plant by helping to eliminate hazards. The 2006 winners will be chosen in the categories: "Company-Wide", "Equipment-Related", and "Individual Location." The nomination form accompanied the letter from Mr. Holston. The deadline for an entry to be received by the ACPA is December 1, 2006.
     Entries are narrowed to finalists by the ACPA’s Safety Task Group and then winners are selected at the ACPA’s Production Short Course School.
     A trophy will be awarded to the winner of each category during a ceremony at the 2007 Production Short Course School in Orlando Florida, and at the Annual Convention at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. An overall winner will be chosen from the three category winners. The overall winner will receive the right to display the Chairman's Safety Award Cup at their plant for the year 2007. The trophy will remain at the plant until the Chairman's Safety Award winner is crowned in the following year.
     Ideas for the Chairman’s Safety Awards nominations should come from the safety culture. It should be part of the everyday safety of the plant. Don’t wait until the nomination deadline to try to remember safety initiatives.  Apply now to avoid missing simple but innovative ideas that are implemented during the year.
     Following are ideas that may lead to a nomination:
  • It helps if the ideas are generated from safety issues that arise during the year. They could be from a suggestion box, safety committee, safety inspection or safety meetings. Good communication can help disclose safety issues that call for immediate action.
  • After a problem has been solved by either changing a process administratively, or by introducing a new type of equipment, it would be helpful if it were documented for recall in December. Consider completing a nomination form, taking pictures and keeping the record in a notebook, as you move throughout the year.
  • Get input from plant staff on the presentation of the initiative. Get ideas on the method of presentation on each initiative from the management staff, safety committee and anyone else who has been involved throughout the year. Hold a meeting, serve lunch and make it fun.
  • Try to be as descriptive as possible in the entry. Use the nomination sheet, pictures, drawings, shop drawings, the safety program, and anything else that will help get the point across. Use your team to help assemble a nomination. Be sure to describe issues that led to the initiative.
  • Once nominated, you can form a task group to help prepare a presentation at the ACPA’s Production Short Course School. Get as many employees as possible involved and hold regular progress meetings. Be creative and discuss ideas from your meeting members. Try to get a diverse group of people.
  • Use all of the space provided for your presentation. Models, posters, PowerPoint presentations and other creative means can be used to show your safety initiative.
  • Finally, stay with the presentation during the Welcome Reception at the ACPA’s Production Short Course School, so that it can be explained to the judges as they view the submissions.
              The nomination form can be filled out electronically by clicking on "What’s New" on the ACPA home page. Photos may be inserted into the form, hard copies printed and then the form can be sent to the ACPA with the click of a "Submit" button. You can also fax a nomination form to LaHonda Holle at 972-506-7682, or mail an entry to the ACPA’s office at Walnut Hill Lane.
     Entering the contest is the only way to win. For more information regarding the Chairman’s Safety Award, contact Michael Beacham, ACPA Director of Government Relations at 402-797-7101 or mbeacham@concrete-pipe.org.

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Mississippi Valley State Highway Transportation Officials Conference Report

     There are four State Highway and Transportation Officials regions in the U.S. They are WASHTO, NASHTO, SASHTO and Mississippi Valley. Their regional conferences are historically attended by Chief Engineers and/or the CEOs of the State DOTs. Ten DOTs comprise the Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC). They are: Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. ACPA staff attended the MVC on July 12-14, 2006.
     Some of the discussion topics and presentations were:
  • National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission - An Open Forum
  • Impact of Federal Policy on State Transportation Systems
  • Rebuilding the Nation’s Interstates-Focus on Construction and Delivery
  • Pennies from Heaven—How States are Piecing Together Their Budgets for Transportation
  • Rebuilding the Nation’s Interstates-Focus on Planning and Financing
  • Jumping Through Hoops—Successfully Meeting New FHWA Financial Requirements
              The conference focused on how to rebuild the interstates with a revenue collection method that is outdated and inefficient. DOT CEOs are faced with how to create capacity and reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) with limited funds. Most of the discussion revolved around supplementing the gas tax revenue with tolling dollars and charging drivers for their actual VMT through onboard GPS systems. Most CEOs agree that what is lacking is "Congressional Bravery" to allocate the appropriate funds to address the interstate predicament. Many states fund high dollar projects through "pork" projects because the combined state and federal highway revenue is not enough to maintain existing roads, create more capacity and fund major projects.
     Section 1909 of SAFETEA-LU requires that a National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission be formed. Two members of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission gave an update on the Commission’s activities. The Commission is to "…examine not only the condition and future needs of the nation's surface transportation system, but also short and long-term alternatives to replace or supplement the fuel tax as the principal revenue source to support the Highway Trust Fund over the next 30 years." Not later than July 1, 2007, the Commission shall submit to Congress a final report that contains a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission; and the recommendations of the Commission for such legislation and administrative actions as the Commission considers to be appropriate. The Commission is currently forming a Technical Advisory Committee and asked for interested parties to volunteer. Mike Beacham volunteered ACPA to be on the Technical Advisory Committee.
     For further information about the outcome of the meeting and any outstanding action items, contact Michael W. Beacham, P.E., Director of Government Relations at mbeacham@concrete-pipe.org, or 402-797-7101.

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Hanson Pipe & Precast Announces Ground Breaking for One of the Largest Automated Pipe Plants in the U.S.
171,000-Square-Foot Facility to be Built in Winter Haven, Florida

     WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA – July 17, 2006 – Hanson Pipe & Precast, Southeast Region recently announced the ground breaking for what will be one of the largest automated pipe plants in the United States. The 171,000-square-foot facility will reside on 91 acres of land off of Lucerne Loop Road in Winter Haven, Florida. The ground breaking ceremony will be held Thursday, July 27 at 10:30 a.m.  The plant is scheduled to begin operations in August 2007.
     Joan Blecha, president of Hanson Pipe & Precast’s Southeast Region, stated, "We at Hanson Pipe & Precast are thrilled to be a part of the City of Winter Haven and Polk County Community. We are dedicated to being the best corporate citizens we can be. We look forward to providing a positive economic impact for the area and hope our presence encourages further economic growth."
     With two completely automated pipe production lines, the Winter Haven facility is set to be Hanson’s flagship pipe plant in the Southeast Region. The facility will feature the latest technology in quality control and testing, and automated production lines will yield a priority on safety.
     "The City of Winter Haven is very pleased to welcome Hanson Pipe & Precast and its automated flagship plant to our community. Working with the people of Hanson over the last year to make this project a reality has been a great experience, and we look forward to continuing this community partnership far into the future," said Debbie Murphy, account services division director for the City of Winter Haven.
     While employing approximately 50 personnel, the plant will operate two shifts five days a week.  The facility’s central location will enable it to provide service to all of Florida.

About Hanson Pipe & Precast
     Hanson Pipe & Precast is part of the Hanson family of companies and is one of the world’s largest producers of aggregates, concrete pipe and precast products, and ready-mixed concrete. Its other principle products are bricks, concrete roofing tiles, and pavers. The Hanson companies operate in North America, the UK, Continental Europe, Australia, and Asia.

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Hawkeye Recognized As An Iowa Innovator
     The Iowa Department of Economic Development and Iowa Newspaper Association have recognized The Hawkeye Group of Mediapolis, IA as an Iowa Innovator. Iowa Newspaper Association publishers are writing a series of articles that describe initiatives of Iowa communities to attract businesses, and articles that demonstrate community innovation. In addition, they publish articles on Iowa companies on the leading edge of technology, business expansion, workforce development and recycling.
     The Hawkeye Group is a long-standing member of the American Concrete Pipe Association. Owned and operated over two generations by the Schmidgall family, the company is preparing a third generation to carry on. The company is an employer in rural Iowa with a base of approximately 250 staff. It designs, manufactures and sells high-tech production machinery and ancillary equipment for precast concrete pipe and boxes, manholes and other precast products worldwide. The company was established by Hank Schmidgall in 1949 as a concrete pipe plant.
     Hawkeye is currently expanding its facility and expects to hire more staff. To support the industry it serves, Hawkeye established the Hawkeye Institute of Technology; a school dedicated to empowering its students with the knowledge and skills that allow them to take ownership and pride in the operation of Hawkeye equipment. It holds 22 patents on its production equipment designs.
     Ron and Don Schmidgall graduated from the Iowa State in 1974 from the Engineering Operations program. Since then, eight additional third-generation Schmidgalls have joined Hawkeye with degrees from Iowa State in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Business Finance. Together, they continue to innovate and introduce new products to the manufacturing marketplace.
     See www.hawkeye-pipe.com for more information.

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Canadian Concrete Pipe Associations Plan Joint AGMs in 2007
     The Canadian Concrete Pipe Association, Ontario Concrete Pipe Association and Tubécon (Québec concrete pipe producers) are planning a joint conference and annual meeting in Québec City on February 2 and 3, 2007. Meetings and accommodation will be at the The Auberge St-Antoine from February 2 to 4.
     The joint conference is being held during Carnaval de Québec. For slightly over half a century, this world-famous arts, culture and sports event is a celebration of winter for the whole family. The biggest winter carnival of all delights everyone who participates. The program features international ice-sculpting contests, a canoe race on the St. Lawrence, dog-sled races and extreme skiing demonstrations – all interspersed by variety shows. The event has its own giant snowman mascot, Bonhomme Carnaval. After dark, everyone gathers for traditional folk dancing.
     Members of these concrete pipe associations are asked to mark their calendars now for a memorable visit to one of Canada’s hottest winter destinations to work with colleagues in planning long-term strategies for the Canadian concrete pipe industry. The annual meetings and conference are valuable events for networking and learning.
     For information, contact Grant Lee at glee@aglmarketing.com or 905-877-5369.

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MTO Gravity Pipe Design Guidelines Published
     The Ministry of Transportation Ontario has published its Gravity Pipe Design Guidelines (September 2005). The Ontario Concrete Pipe Association participated extensively in the preparation of the Guidelines.  The 177-page document is available for download from MTO’s Web site as a PDF file at www.mto.gov.on.ca.  Query the Ministry’s library using the key words gravity pipe guidelines. This will take you to a link in the library to the PDF file.
     Sections covered in the Guidelines include: design procedure, project description/evaluation, environmental considerations, site geotechnical/physical characteristics, hydraulic evaluation, structural design evaluation, durability design evaluation, life cycle cost analysis, and pipe alternatives. Copies of the Guidelines can also be purchased from the MTO.

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Tracking Resin Prices
     The Plastics Exchange is a website that publishes information on the process of various resins including rationale for fluctuations and forecasts. For current pricing details of HDPE, see www.theplasticsexchange.com or historical information at www.ides.com.

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ACPA Upcoming Meetings & Events


2006
Aug 26 – 30
WASHTO ANNUAL MEETING
Honolulu, HI
Sept 10 – 12
AASHTO/AGC/ARTBA JOINT MEETING
Emerald Point Resort  • Lake Lanier Islands, GA
Sept 10 – 13
APWA
Kansas City Convention Center • Kansas City, MO
Sept 17 - 20
ASTM C-13
Hilton Tucson El Conquistador • Tucson, AZ
Oct 16-18
FALL SHORT COURSE SCHOOL
Westin • Charlotte, NC
Oct 25 – 31
AASHTO ANNUAL MEETING
Portland, OR
Oct 26 – 27
FALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING

The Heathman • Portland, OR

2007
Jan 21 - 25
TRB 86th Annual Meeting
Washington, DC
Feb 20 – 22
WASHINGTON BRIEFING
Loews L'Enfant Plaza Hotel • Washington, DC
Feb 20 - 22
PRODUCTION SCHOOL
Wyndham Hotel • Orlando, FL
Feb 22 – 24
MCPX
Orlando, FL
March 11 - 14
99th ANNUAL MEETING
Ritz-Carlton • Amelia Island, FL
July 8 - 12
AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges & Structures
Newcastle, DE
July 9 - 11
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ANNUAL MEETING
Radisson Plaza Hotel • Minneapolis, MN
July 11 – 13
MISSISSIPPI VALLEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Holiday Inn • Chicago City Center • Chicago, IL
Aug 3 - 8
SASHTO
Von Braun Civic Center • Huntsville, AL
Aug 12 - 16
AASHTO SUBCOMMITTEE ON MATERIALS
Lincoln, NH
Sept 9 – 12
APWA
Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center • San Antonio, TX
Sept 28 – Oct 2
AASHTO ANNUAL MEETING
Milwaukee, WI

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ACPA STAFF
1303 West Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 305
Irving, TX 75038-3008
Phone 972.506.7216
Fax 972.506.7682

Matt Childs
President
mchilds@concrete-pipe.org
Mike Beacham
Director of Government Relations
mbeacham@concrete-pipe.org

Josh Beakley
Director of Technical Services
jbeakley@concrete-pipe.org
Tom Finn
Western Regional Engineer
tfinn@concrete-pipe.org

Karen Hunter
Director of Marketing
khunter@concrete-pipe.org

Wendy Lambert
Controller
wlambert@concrete-pipe.org
Kim Spahn
Engineering Services Manager
kspahn@concrete-pipe.org
Wanda Cochran
Marketing Project Coordinator
wcochran@concrete-pipe.org

Susan Foster
Administrative Assistant
sfoster@concrete-pipe.org
LaHonda Holle
Administrative Assistant
lholle@concrete-pipe.org

Emily McCarthy
Engineer Intern
emccarthy@concrete-pipe.org


EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Lynn Schuler
Chairman of the Board
Cretex Companies, Inc.
311 Lowell Ave
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 441-2121
Fax (763) 241-8210
lschuler@cretexinc.com
Tom Wheelan
Vice Chairman of the Board
Hanson Pipe & Precast
P.O. Box 40444
Houston, TX 77240
(713) 466-6306
Fax (713) 466-3503
Tom.Wheelan@hanson.biz

Bill Washabaugh
Treasurer
Northern Concrete Pipe, Inc.
401 Kelton Street
Bay City, MI 48706
(989) 892-3545
Fax (989) 892-3533
wwashabaugh@ncp-inc.com
Al Hogan
Secretary
Sherman-Dixie Concrete Industries, Ind.
3641 Central Pike
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 316-2166
Fax (615) 354-6066
gahogan@shermandixie.com

Ron Metzger
Past Chairman
Rinker Materials-Concrete Pipe Division
6560 Langfield Road - Bldg. 3
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 590-5306
Fax (832) 590-5393
rmetzger@rinker.com


BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Regional Reprentatives


Mark D. Omelaniec
Canadian Region
Langley Concrete & Tile Ltd.
20142 Logan Ave
Langley, BC V3A 4L6
CANADA
(604) 533-1656
Fax (604) 533-8191
pipeman@langleyconcretegroup.com

Jerry Linn
Central Region
McPherson Concrete Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 369
Mc Pherson, KS 67460
(620) 241-4362
Fax (620) 341-5254
jlinn@mcphersonconcrete.com
Bill Washabaugh
Northeastern Region
Northern Concrete Pipe, Inc.
401 Kelton Street
Bay City, MI 48706
(989) 892-3545
Fax (989) 892-3533
wwashabaugh@ncp-inc.com
Al Hogan
Southeastern Region
Sherman-Dixie Concrete Industries, Inc.
3641 Central Pike
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 316-2166
Fax (615) 354-6066
gahogan@shermandixie.com

Aldo Bussio
Western Region
Geneva Pipe Company
P. O. Box 356
Orem, UT 84059
(801) 225-2416
Fax (801) 225-2467
abussio@geneva-pipe.com


Board of Directors
At-Large Representatives


Barry W. Bundrant
Independent Concrete Pipe Company
P.O. Box 16098
Louisville, KY 40256-0098
(502) 448-2920
Fax (502) 448-3134
bbundrant@aol.com

Jerry Cowden
Rialto Concrete Products Inc.
P. O. Box 398
Rialto, CA 92377
(909) 822-0200
Fax (909) 822-9630
jcowden@ktircp.com

Chris Davidson
Foley Products Company
1291 Hardegree Rd.
Winder, GA 30680
(770) 868-0118
Fax (770) 307-5918
cdavidson@foleyproducts.com

John Finch, P.E.
Rinker Materials-Concrete Pipe Division
1751 Monocacy Blvd.
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 698-7373
Fax (301) 698-5351
johnfinch@rinker.com

George E. Hand
Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
204 Dorset Court
Williamstown, NJ 08094
(609) 561-3400
Fax (609) 461-5786
george.hand@oldcastleprecast.com
Richard Manning
Hanson Pipe & Precast
Reverchon Plaza
P. O. Box 190999
Dallas, TX 75219-0999
(214) 525-5500
Fax (214) 525-5817
richard.manning@hanson.biz

Ron Metzger
Rinker Materials - Concrete Pipe Division
6560 Langfield Road - Bldg. 3
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 590-5306
Fax (832) 590-5393
rmetzger@rinker.com

Lynn Schuler
Cretex Companies, Inc.
311 Lowell Ave
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 441-2121
Fax (763) 241-8210
lschuler@cretexinc.com
Bill Tichacek, Jr.
Americast Concrete Products, LLC
10364 Design Rd. (P.O. Box 1685)
Ashland, VA 23005
(804) 798-6068
Fax (804) 752-7483
btichacek@americastusa.com
Tom Wheelan
Hanson Pipe & Precast
P.O. Box 40444
Houston, TX 77240
(713) 466-6306
Fax (713) 466-3503
Tom.Wheelan@hanson.biz

Associate Representatives

Peter Deem
Holcim (US) Inc.
3609 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Suite 200
Lakewood, CO 80235
(303) 984-6020
Fax (303) 986-4506
peter.deem@holcim.com
Mike McCall
Ivy Steel & Wire
MMI Products, Inc.
400 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. E.
Suite 1200
Houston, TX 77060
(281) 876-0080
Fax (281) 448-6304
mmccall@ivysteel.com

ACPA Committee Chairs

Marketing Committee Chairman
Michael D. Kusch
Sherman-Dixie Concrete Industries, Inc.
28 White Bridge Road - Suite 205
Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 889-0700
Fax (615) 889-7492
mkusch@shermandixie.com
Technical Committee Chairman
Al Hogan, P.E.
Sherman-Dixie Concrete Industries, Inc.
3641 Central Pike
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 316-2166
Fax (615) 354-6166
gahogan@shermandixie.com

Government Relations Committee Chairman
Oliver S. Delery, Jr.
Hanson Pipe & Precast
P.O. Box 50520
New Orleans, LA 70150
(504) 254-1596
Fax (504) 254-3164
oliver.delery@hansonamerica.com

AASHTO Task Group Chairman
Roman Selig
Hanson Pipe & Precast
3898 Industrial Drive
Birmingham, AL 35217
(205) 808-2246 (Direct)
Fax (205) 970-7550
(800) 628-8494, ext. 244
roman.selig@hanson.biz
Manufacturing/Quality Chairman
Mark D. Omelaniec
Langley Concrete & Tile Ltd.
20142 Logan Ave
Langley, BC V3A 4L6
CANADA
(604) 533-1656
Fax (604) 533-8191
pipeman@langleyconcretegroup.com
Safety & Environmental Chairman
Rich Holston
Rinker Materials-Concrete Pipe Division
8311 W. Carder Ct.
Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 791-1600 x-43
Fax (303) 791-1710
rholston@rinker.com

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American Concrete Pipe Association
1303 West Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 305, Irving, TX 76038-3008
972.506.7216     Fax 972.506.7682


www.concrete-pipe.org


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