Student Uses Concrete for Innovative Design

The versatility and recyclability of concrete was put to the test in the third annual “Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World” student design competition (see below).

Antonio Vigil of the University of New Mexico won first place in the recycling center category for his interesting blend of programmatic elements built around the prominent sustainable theme of reduce, recycle, reuse.  His recycling center was located in a central shopping area and included a local market or “Mercardo” where people could sell and exchange goods.  In addition to providing a venue for a local cultural tradition, the “Mercardo” reinforces the idea of reuse.

Vigil’s project was praised by jurors for his “innovative use of concrete.” They also noted how the design challenged “the current models of recycling centers.”

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and Portland Cement Association (PCA)-sponsored competition included more than 800 students from 33 architecture schools around the world.  Students either created an environmentally responsible recycling center, focused on reusing today’s materials to preserve tomorrow’s resources, or designed a building element that provides a sustainable solution to real-world environmental challenges.

Winners Announced in PCA’s
Third Annual Student Design Competition

Student architects from around the world shared their vision for environmentally friendly uses of cement-based products in the third annual “Concrete Thinking for A Sustainable World” Competition.

More than 800 students from 33 architecture schools around the world competed.  Students either created an environmentally responsible recycling center, focused on reusing today’s materials to preserve tomorrow’s resources, or designed a building element that provides a sustainable solution to real-world environmental challenges.

Antonio Vigil of the University of New Mexico won first place in the recycling center category (see Project of the Week). The building element category, won by Anne Miller, from the University of Toronto, explored the minimal use of materials and resulted in a reusable fabric concrete form liner.

The competition is sponsored by PCA and administered by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). Winning students, their faculty sponsors, and schools will receive cash prizes and software totaling nearly $50,000. Included in the prize package is StructurePoint©, concrete design software, with a retail value of nearly $10,000.

Prize-winning projects will also be exhibited at the 2008 Greenbuild Expo in Boston, the 2009 American Institute of Architects national convention, and the 2008 ACSA annual meeting.
More at www.cement.org/newsroom
Contact Dave Shepherd

California Portland Cement Company Announces North America Brand Launch

California Portland Cement Company last week launched its new identity— CalPortland—uniting the company and all of its subsidiaries.

Under the new brand, the companies possess the single vision of providing the best possible cement, concrete, aggregate, asphalt, as well as service and other construction solutions to its customers and stakeholders in the western regions of the United States and Canada.

The CalPortland network is composed of the following companies:

> California Portland Cement Company
> Arizona Portland Cement Company
> Glacier Northwest
> Union Asphalt
> Catalina Pacific Concrete Company
> Chaparral Concrete
> A-1 Aggregates
> Imix
> CPC Southwest Materials
> Silver State Materials

USGBC Chapter Tours Roanoke Cement

Members of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Southwest Virginia Chapter toured Roanoke Cement Company’s (RCC) Troutville, Va., plant last month to learn from the company’s successes in reducing energy use as well as how cement and cement-related products help build a more sustainable community.  More than 60 attendees—including USGBC members, ready-mixed concrete producers, as well as plant management and employees—enjoyed presentations, refreshments and a bus ride tour highlighting the last 15 years of the facility’s environmental progress. 

The only active cement plant in Virginia, Roanoke Cement is one of only 10 plants ranked in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Top Performing Plants” in the country, earning a 2007 Energy Star® for superior energy efficiency within the cement industry. Specifically, during the last five years, RCC has spent $50 million in capital upgrades with $30 million spent in the last two years to further modernize the plant and improve environmental performance.  

Nell Boyle, the USGBC chapter chair, applauded the plant’s efforts: “RCC’s efforts to improve energy efficiency benefit both the environment and their bottom line. A tour like this allows our members to be exposed to and educated about how plants can modernize and become more green.”

Updated Pervious Concrete Research Compilation Released

The RMC Research & Education Foundation recently released the revised version of its Pervious Concrete Research Compilation. The new document includes information on pervious concrete research studies completed and underway since the original compilation was published in June 2006 as well as abstracts of study findings and links to study information on the internet where applicable.

The compilation was updated by the original author, Dr. Heather J. Brown with the Concrete Industry Management Program at Middle Tennessee State University.

The revised pervious concrete research compilation may be downloaded from the Foundation’s Web site at www.rmc-foundation.org. Hard copies of the report are also available.

Air-Barrier Provisions Appealed at ASHRAE Meeting

At its recent Summer Meeting, the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Board Appeals Panel heard PCA’s presentation requesting disapproval of the publication of Addendum “z” to Standard 90.1 on technical and procedural grounds. 

Addendum “z” is the provision to require air barriers for the building envelope.  These requirements have an adverse affect on exterior walls using single wythe masonry. 

PCA sought to document evidence on improper action by the Project Committee in responding to PCA public comment on the addendum, evidence of a lack of consensus on the part of the committee in approving the addendum, and the inadequacy of a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study on building air leakage that was relied to mandate air barriers   The Appeals panel is now deliberating the case.
Contact Steve Skalko

Nedli Named PCA Controller

PCA has named Laura M. Nedli, CPA, as its controller.

Nedli has significant experience in accounting and financial operations, auditing, and team management, with more than 20 years of service in the not-for-profit and profit sectors.

Prior to joining PCA, she was director of financial operations and information systems for the Brethren Benefit Trust Inc., in Elgin, Ill. 

Nedli is a certified public accountant in Illinois and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and the Illinois CPA Society.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from DePaul University, Chicago.
Contact Laura Nedli