Construction Equipment Owner

One of the focuses for the 2009 Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) Summer Meeting, which will be held July 29 - August 1 at Amelia Island, Fla., is “Why Waste a Good Recession?” The CFA has assembled a great line-up of educational programs to assist commercial and residential foundation contractors through this time of economic hardship. The speakers will discuss topics that encourage contractors to take advantage of the downturn to kick-start their marketing, educate themselves on sustainable offerings and learn new skills.

My magazine, Concrete Contractor, is sponsoring our columnist Bob Harris of the Decorative Concrete Institute to speak to CFA members on the topic of decorative concrete. Hear Bob talk about what he’ll discuss at his seminar.

 Bob Harris to give decorative concrete seminar at the CFA Summer Meeting: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (128)

The Lego company has introduced some pretty cool special sets over the years — Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pirates and even SpongeBob SquarePants. Even though SpongeBob has a special place in my heart, I’m really impressed by the recent introduction of Lego kits to build two Frank Lloyd Wright structures – the Guggenheim and Falling Water. Check out the pictures below.

In an economy where ever dollar counts, construction companies are looking for ways to make their jobsites more efficient and their projects more profitable. Many of them are turning to technology. NPR ran a great story this AM on 3D construction design company Autodesk’s software program that helps turn “shovel-ready” projects into computer simulation previews of road and bridges. We won’t see Spiderman swinging his way around tomorrow’s bridges, but the software does bring a little bit of Hollywood into the construction market. Listen to the story here.

Take a look at this humorous article, about a 3-year old in New Zealand who bought a piece of earthmoving equipment in an online auction. Watch out, kiddies, this gal is Queen of the Sandbox!

I want to congratulate Rick, winner of Concrete Quiz #1. The Question: What is the name of the oldest concrete street in America and in what city and state can it be found?

Rick’s answer was Court Street in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

Congratulations, Rick! Your Concrete Contractor coffee mug is in the mail. Stay tuned for the next Concrete Quiz, available here in a couple of weeks.

The DIY Network’s webpage for its program “Rock Solid” has some inspirational concrete-themed videos to check out. Happy viewing!

Got your own video on a decorative concrete project? Post the link in the comments section and share with the rest of us.

And don’t forget to submit an answer to my first Concrete Quiz.

I’m starting a little trivia fun on the “Concrete Thoughts” blog. Every month or so, I’ll post a concrete-themed quiz question. The first person to post the correct answer in the comment or reply area will win an attractive and useful Concrete Contractor coffee mug! (I’ll contact you personally after the quiz to get your mailing address.) The first Concrete Quiz question is:

What is the name of the oldest concrete street in America and in what city and state can it be found?

Concrete is a versatile building material with countless uses in the built world. And the industry continues to advance. National Geographic online posted an article “Bendable Concrete Heals Itself — Just Add Water.” Check it out!

The construction industry is constantly producing new techniques and products to make building construction faster, safer and stronger. Technology and innovation are bringing us more energy efficient buildings and superior building products. But I also believe in the importance of preserving our past and recognizing the architectural history we find all over this country.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently released its list of the 11 most endangered historic places in the country. On the list is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Unity Temple in Oak Park, Ill. The ChicagoTribune.com posted an article on Unity Temple’s situation. The building, which opened in 1908, is one of the first buildings to feature exposed concrete; however, a century of water damage has left the building with a restoration bill that could reach $25 million. The Unity Temple Restoration Foundation is working to raise funds to complete the restoration.

Many historic buildings are saved through a modern restoration plan, building techniques and products. I’ve written about a few of them in the pages of Concrete Contractor. (See “Repairing a Concrete Masterpiece” about the Guggenheim Museum and “Concrete Meets History” about the Virginia State Capitol.) It would be a huge loss to the concrete industry, the architectural community and the cities and towns in which these buildings stand to see structures like the Unity Temple fall victim to a lack of support for their restoration.

There are all kinds of handy tools on the internet, and you never know when you’re going to want to use one. ProSpec recently put together a video on installing recessed shelving in showers – a tricky project considering the potential for mold and rot if done wrong. ProSpec’s shower niche system offers solutions for the contractor or do-it-yourselfer to easily install a waterproof shower niche with products and techniques that will prevent mold and rot. Take a look at it and bookmark the site — you never know when you might be working in a client’s bathroom, or your own bathroom, and see the potential for a built-in shampoo caddy or soap nook.