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e-news Brief

A weekly electronic newsletter from the National Concrete Masonry Association.

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e-news Brief - 5/10/2012

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Free webinar series on SRWall 4.0 software
NCMA Share

Michael Bernardi, P.E., technical editor of the Design Manual for Segmental Retaining Wall, 3rd edition and software with more than 20 years of experience in the design of geosynthetically reinforced retaining structures, will conduct these webinars and provide an in-depth instruction on the segmental retaining wall design software SRwall. Dates: May 15 and June 5.

May 15: An overview of the SRW static design methodology, software and how to design SRWs (one hour).
June 5: Seismic design of segmental retaining walls — reinforced and gravity SRWs, centered and off-center reinforcement, strength design and allowable stress design (one hour).

All webinars will begin at 1 p.m. EDT. The live session will be limited to the first 100 registrants; however, a recording of each session will be available for unlimited viewing following the webinar. PDHs will be available. To register for the webinars, click here. More information about the software and a free trial download version of the software is available here. Notify your retaining wall designers about this great opportunity. If you have additional questions, contact NCMA Geotechnical Engineer Gabriela Mariscal.

Association News

Present your product at the NCMA Product Development and Creative Concepts Forum
NCMA Share

NCMA's Product Development and Creative Concepts Forum recognizes and advances the development of new and existing concrete masonry products, methods of production, innovative block and brick designs, and systems integration within the concrete masonry and concrete hardscape industries. This popular forum is where your best ideas can be presented free of charge to your most important audience, potential licensee producers and distributors. Please fill out the application and fax to 703-713-1910, Attention: PDCC Liaison. Deadline is June 30. MORE

NCMA SRW Installer Train-the-Trainer Course, Level I and Advanced
NCMA Share

This Train-the-Trainer course teaches SRW installation guidelines, material and system component properties, soils and compaction, site practices and how to teach this subject to installers. The SRW Installer Basic and Advanced Courses and certification exams are delivered locally by NCMA-authorized industry representatives (SRW Installer Trainers). NCMA members whose employees complete this Train-the-Trainer course can provide a valued service to and build relationships with SRW installers by sponsoring local course sessions and certification exams. The courses will be held July 18-19, at the NCMA headquarters, Herndon, Va. To register, please return the attached form.

Local News

Daniel Zechmeister receives award of merit from ASTM committee
ThomasNet News Share

ASTM International Award of Merit and accompanying title of fellow from Committee C15 on Manufactured Masonry Units. ASTM International member since 1987, Zechmeister was honored for his contributions to standards for manufactured masonry units of fired clay and shale, concrete and sand-lime units. Outside of ASTM International, Zechmeister is member of numerous societies, councils and associations. MORE

Masonry council calls on Texas cities to enact stronger building standards
PRWeb Share

Texas municipal officials can and should do more to prevent wild fire and windstorm-related deaths and injuries by strengthening local building standards, says the Texas Masonry Council. Click here to read the letter sent to North Texas government leaders by TMC Executive Vice President Rudy Garza.

Industry News

Structural resiliency could eventually earn LEED points
Pacific Standard Share

Building-sustainability authorities want LEED points for a structure's "resilience." If a building doesn't collapse or remains operational in the aftermath of an earthquake, tsunami, severe storm or volcanic eruption, then it provides a major benefit, say experts. "For green buildings or something that you're calling sustainable, it doesn't make sense to call it sustainable if you haven't evaluated the long-term risks associated with the natural hazards for that building," says Erik Kneer, an associate engineer. MORE

Economic News

NAM weekly economic report
National Association of Manufacturers Share

Economic indicators released were mixed. Manufacturing continues to advance, boosting output and overall job creation. The Institute for Supply Management released its latest Purchasing Managers' Index, which showed new orders, production and employment growing at a faster pace than previous months. One encouraging sign was the improvement in new export sales, which should help to propel new activity moving forward. Likewise, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported sharply higher labor productivity for manufacturers in the first quarter, up 5.9 percent, led by stronger output. The productivity figures suggest that manufacturers should continue hiring.MORE

Modest cement consumption growth expected for 2012, greater growth beyond
Portland Cement Association Share

Stronger-than-expected job creation and the beginning of a construction industry recovery means gains in real construction spending will materialize this year — after seven years of consecutive declines. According to the new forecast from the Portland Cement Association, increases in cement consumption will follow. PCA revised its fall forecast upward, anticipating a modest 3.7 percent increase in 2012, followed by a 7.6 percent jump in 2013 and a 14.1 percent increase in 2014. MORE

EXPO News

2012 NCMA Midyear and ICPI Summer meetings
NCMA Share

NCMA and ICPI will come together again this summer for their annual Midyear and Summer meetings, Aug. 22-26 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Mich. The Midyear meeting is the time that members come together to determine the association's direction and make important budgetary decisions for the 2013 coming year and beyond. Following the meetings, visitors to this beautiful area can hike a pine-scented forest path, bike along the bay, kayak a lazy winding river, fish in world-class trout streams, climb a windswept dune, tee up on a championship golf course or witness an awe inspiring sunset. This year's summer meeting promises plenty of important industry discussion, networking and fun-filled adventure. To view the most current NCMA schedule, please click here.

Midyear Meeting Hotel information
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Located near Traverse City, Mich., and along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, the Grand Traverse Resort is known as the area's top golf resort and spa getaway. The 900-acre resort property is one of the Midwest's finest full-service, year-round, resorts and conference destinations. Group rates are $199 single/double. $15 per person for each additional adult. There is an additional discounted daily resort fee of $11.95, which includes unlimited use of resort fitness center, whirlpools, saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, high-speed Internet, in-room coffee, shuttle service to Cherry Capital Airport and the Turtle Creek Casino. To make a reservation, please call 800-968-7352. For more information on the hotel and information on reservations, please click here.

It's tee time at the Midyear Meeting
NCMA Share

You don't want to miss the 2012 Joint NCMA/ICPI Networking Golf Outing being held during the Midyear Meeting at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Aug. 22–25. The outing will be held Aug. 25 at the Wolverine golf course at the resort. Grand Traverse Resort & Spais renowned for many things, but their Michigan golf resort experience is among the best anywhere. For each of their three signature Traverse City golf courses, they sought out the finest designers the industry has to offer: The Bear by Jack Nicklaus, The Wolverine by Gary Player, Spruce Run by William Newcomb. This is probably why Golf Magazine awarded it their coveted Silver Medal, and Golf Digest rated the courses among their best. It has also been recognized by Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure and USA Today. This year's Midyear Meeting brings us together again with friends and colleagues from ICPI, and is sure to be a fun and productive event for all attendees. For more information on the Midyear Meeting, click here.