Tower to Trump Chicago's Skyline

Chicago’s 92-story Trump Tower received its 227-feet tall decorative spire last week, topping out the structure.

The spire will be able to house a limited amount of communications equipment and stretches the height of the Trump hotel and condominium to 1,361 feet. That is 90 feet shorter than Sears Tower and a foot shorter than Two World Trade Center. 

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), Chicago's 92-story Trump Tower will be the tallest concrete building in the United States and the tallest building built in North America since the completion of Sears Tower in 1974. Reaching a height of 1,134 ft. above grade without the spire, the 2.6 million-square foot structure includes condominium, service apartments, health club, parking, and retail functions.

Reinforced concrete was selected as the material of choice for the high-rise tower based on its high stiffness, mass, damping, and superb acoustical properties. The use of flat-plate construction allowed for more floors to fit within the same height compared to a steel-framed building. It is believed to be the first application of 16,000 psi self-consolidating concrete pumped and placed to an elevation up to 650 feet above grade.

Project completion is scheduled for June or July of 2009; however, based upon the phased-occupancy plan, the 339-room hotel opened January 30, 2008, well before the topping out of the structure.
Read the complete Trump Tower case study.

PCA Staff to Present World of Concrete Seminars

PCA staff will be presenting several seminars at the 2009 World of Concrete in Las Vegas.

Donn Thompson, PCA’s manager of building technologies and sustainable codes, will present two seminars:  “Insulating Concrete Forms Installation” on February 5, 8-11 am and “Sustainable Concrete Homes” on February 5, 3:30-5 pm.  The ICF session will provide thorough information and basic skills in the correct construction of walls using insulating concrete forms. 

“Sustainable Concrete Homes” offers an overview of green building features of various concrete homebuilding technologies. The benefits of concrete walls, floors and roofs, pervious pavements, decorative stamped and colored floor finishes will be featured as well as exterior options like concrete roof tiles, fiber cement siding and stucco.  Both sessions are co-sponsored by PCA and the NAHB’s Concrete Home Building Council.

Michelle Wilson, PCA's director of concrete knowledge, will present “Adding Water on Site:  To Add, or Not to Add?,” Tuesday, February 3, 8-11 am.  The seminar provides a better perspective on how to troubleshoot concrete field problems including fresh concrete properties, hardened concrete properties, and durability.

In addition to their WOC continuing education seminars, Wilson and Thompson will participant in "Ask the Experts," Q&A sessions at the PCA booth (C4113). Thompson will take attendee questions on "Sustainable Concrete Solutions for LEED Homes," February 3, 2-3 pm and on "PCA100 Prescriptive Method for Cast-in-Place in One- and Two-Family Construction," February 4, 3-4 pm. Wilson will present "Fundamentals of Concrete," February 3, 3-4 pm, "Supplementary Cementing Materials for Use in Concrete," February 4, 2-3 pm, and "Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures," February 5, 3-4 pm.
Register at www.worldofconcrete.com

Organizational Changes in Research and
Technical Services

PCA has announced several staff changes and promotions in Research and Technical Services:

Rick Bohan, previously director of construction and manufacturing technology, is now PCA’s director of manufacturing technology. His new position focuses on advancing manufacturing technology and training industry personnel to support the business continuity goals of PCA’s new strategic plan.

Connie Field, previously manager of information services, was promoted to director of library and technical services. This new position and department emphasizes PCA’s leadership in providing research information and technical services to support advocacy and market development.

Michelle Wilson, previously manager of product development, was promoted to director of concrete knowledge, a position focusing on technology transfer to professionals in the concrete industry.

Paul Tennis has rejoined PCA as manager, cement and concrete technology. He will be responsible for managing PCA's product standards and technology. Tennis has been serving as a consultant to PCA since 2003, prior to which he was PCA’s program manager, cement and concrete technology.

Promoted at PCA

Ruth Schram has been promoted to senior benefits administrator in PCA’s Human Resources department.  With 13 years as PCA’s benefits specialist, Schram  is now responsible for the 401(k) Plan, the Human Resources Information System, and other HR responsibilities.

Larry Novak was promoted to director, engineered buildings. Novak is responsible for promoting the use of concrete and cement for buildings, stadiums, environmental, and other structures.

Kiln Process Course Scheduled for February

The next session of PCA’s Kiln Process course is February 10-13, 2009. Kiln Process is a four day, comprehensive program focusing on the decision-making and processing in cement plant operations. The fundamental physical properties and processes that contribute to the production of clinker are presented by expert speakers throughout the industry.

Specific topics include:
> Pyroprocessing and kiln operations... fundamentals and beyond
> Clinkering... what happens where, when, and why
> Real world problem solving and prevention strategies for tower flushes, material pushes, rings, build-ups, and cycling
> Understanding what causes process upsets and how you can prevent them
> Learning how operations directly impact your emissions
> Special topics like refractories, kiln mechanicals, and clinker coolers
More info or to register

2009 ICFA Conference & EXPO Announced

Despite the slowdown in the building sector and a faltering economy, the 2009 ICFA Conference in Orlando, Florida, September 28-29 is expected to draw a greater attendance than ever as more builders seeking solutions to energy efficiency and durability are turning to insulating concrete forms (ICFs).

This year the Insulating Concrete Form Association (ICFA) has chosen “Fortified Green with ICFs” as the conference topic.  Sessions will address practical solutions using insulating concrete form construction. Pre-conference events are set for Sunday, September 27, with the full conference on Sept. 28 – 29, concluding with the Awards Banquet on Tuesday night.

This conference is open to both members and not-yet-members, including ICF distributors, installers and professionals interested in learning about ICFs.
Further information available at the ICFA Web site www.forms.org.