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New Report Explains Sustainable Planning and Development

February 26, 2010

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sustainability is the hottest trend in urban planning and real estate development, and now there's a report that explains what it means and what opportunities it presents. The report, which is being offered at no charge, is titled Beyond Green Building: How to Get Deals Done in the New Era of Sustainable Community Planning and Development. It was prepared by Partnership for Sustainable Communities (PSC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting land use reform, including higher density zoning, infill development, and measures to encourage affordable housing. The report gives practical information on and analysis of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing the way communities are planned and buildings are constructed. It includes articles on topics such as: - How to make sense of the fast-growing list of green building certifications and standards; - Where to find financing for energy retrofits; - Overcoming community opposition to affordable housing; - Financing for mixed use; - Federal programs that promote sustainable development; plus - The results of an exclusive survey of developers on their land use concerns. Partnership for Sustainable Communities helps developers and architects work with cities to enact progressive policies and smooth the entitlement process for affordable housing and mixed-use projects.
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AIA New York and IES Collaborate to Host Monthly Building Performance Analysis Training Courses

February 25, 2010

Two-day Sessions Educate Architects on Incorporating Energy, LEED and Daylighting Analysis Right From the Start BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES), a provider of integrated performance analysis software and consulting services for sustainable building design, announced it will be hosting monthly AIA Continuing Education System- registered training courses at the Center for Architecture in New York City. Arranged in conjunction with the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, which runs the Center for Architecture, these courses will be held over two days every month, starting on March 2-3 and 4-5, and will focus on BIM and performance analysis, utilizing IES’ software.
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BMW of North America, LLC Receives Two Green Building LEED Certificates

February 25, 2010

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- BMW of North America, LLC announced today two of its Regional Distribution Centers located in suburban Chicago (Minooka, IL) and Eastern Pennsylvania (Lower Nazareth, PA) have received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council. According to LEED guidelines, both facilities were constructed in an environmental and sustainable way. Highlights include energy and water usage being reduced by more than 20 percent compared to standard building practice. Further, over 80 percent of all construction waste was recycled or otherwise diverted from landfills. Both facilities were noted for using recycled and locally sourced materials, drought tolerant landscaping, and eliminating permanent irrigation systems to reduce the use of potable water. The facility in Lower Nazareth, PA received "LEED certified" recognition, while the facility in Minooka, IL was awarded "LEED silver certified."
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Parex USA Announces the Launch of 121 Optimum Wet Base Coat and Adhesive

February 25, 2010

Anaheim, CA – February 23, 2010 – Parex USA, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco, and Merkrete today announced the launch of Parex 121 Optimum Wet Base Coat and Adhesive. 121 Optimum Wet is a premium EIFS base coat and adhesive that promotes higher acrylic content and enhanced workability. This is the newest product in Parex's new Optimum Series line and is intended to be used as a component of the new Optimum Series EIFS. When launching the new Optimum Series of EIFS we knew the contractor’s preference for base coat and adhesives was evenly split between dry & wet bases. The launch of 121 Optimum Wet was done to satisfy the needs of those contractors who prefer a wet base product. With this introduction, Parex Optimum Series EIFS includes a wet base coat in addition to the 121 Optimum dry and now has all the components to push for national expansion into this premium EIFS marketplace. “With its higher acrylic content and enhanced workability 121 Optimum Wet is a premium base coat and adhesive that provides easier installation and longer term durability,” said Quenton Roehricht, Brand Manager. "Similar to our 121 Optimum (dry mix), early feedback from test usage of this product has been overwhelmingly positive. We have received an enthusiastic response and eager anticipation for its launch." 121 Optimum Wet was primarily designed for use on Optimum series EIFS but like all Parex Base Coats and Adhesives this product can be used in all Parex EIFS and as a skim coat. About Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc., a California Corporation, is a subsidiary of the ParexGroup, a division of Materis, S.A., a French Corporation. The ParexGroup is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and ready-to-use mortars for the construction industry. With over 45 manufacturing sites in 18 countries the ParexGroup employs more than 2,700 industry professionals who are the corner stone of this thriving global organization. For more information regarding Parex USA, Inc. visit www.parexusa.com.
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GREENGUARD Environmental Institute Revamps Web Site

February 24, 2010

Offers New and Improved Features for Manufacturers, Architects & Designers, Consumers, and Owners & Builders ATLANTA, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) unveiled today a completely redesigned Web site, providing visitors with a wealth of updated, easy-to-find, user-specific information on indoor air quality (IAQ), children's health, and GREENGUARD Certification programs. One of the biggest improvements to the site is the enhanced GREENGUARD Product Guide?, which allows users to find GREENGUARD Certified products and materials within seconds by using a number of search criteria: keyword, product type, manufacturer, sustainable credits, and/or certification type. In addition to a new overall design, other new features on the Web site include an online "technical center" for in-depth information on testing methods and standards; a library of industry-relevant white papers; and a calendar of events outlining various conferences and trade shows in which GEI participates. Another section focused on eco-labels helps to educate consumers about dubious "green" marketing claims and how to avoid them.
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Microdesk Named Autodesk Seek Content Service Provider

February 24, 2010

Microdesk to help building product manufacturers build and publish 3D models to the Autodesk Seek web service NASHUA, N.H., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- AECO industry consultant and Autodesk Gold Partner, Microdesk, Inc., has become an Autodesk Seek Content Service Provider. As a Provider, Microdesk will begin contributing 2D and 3D models of building products to the Autodesk Seek web service so they can be used in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process. Autodesk Seek allows design professionals to search for specific building product manufacturer design files, such as ceiling systems, ductwork, doors, chairs, or even trees, directly from their Autodesk design applications or via a web browser. These 3D models, 2D drawings, visual images, or part and product specifications can then be integrated directly into building designs helping designers make more accurate decisions earlier in the design process.
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Georgia-Pacific Gypsum Roof Assembly Reduces Sound Penetration by More Than 50 Percent

February 23, 2010

Independent, ASTM E-based Tests Show Acoustical Effectiveness of Innovative DensDeck(R) Roof Board System for Lightweight Commercial Roofs NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia-Pacific Gypsum - long an innovator in the development and use of fiberglass mat-based gypsum panels - announced that its assembly for retrofitting lightweight commercial roof decks based on its DensDeck® Roof Board product can reduce sound penetration by more than 50 percent. According to the results of acoustical performance tests conducted in December 2009 by Architectural Testing Inc., the Georgia-Pacific Gypsum roof deck assembly with remediation components received a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 54, versus a rating of 43 for the baseline assembly alone. This 11 decibel improvement equals a reduction in sound penetration of more than 50 percent. Georgia-Pacific Gypsum will showcase its innovative roofing assembly, as well as the testing results, in Booth #2727 at the 2010 International Roofing Expo, February 22 to 24, in New Orleans. The assembly's significant reduction in sound penetration is just one of its many features. Another is that the lightweight assembly is added on to the existing roof, a sustainability benefit since it eliminates the need to dispose of existing roofing materials. Also, when properly installed the sophisticated design helps prevent the accumulation of moisture between the new and old roofing assemblies, which is a common problem with retrofitted roofs. "As airports expand and flight paths change, the need for creating a quieter in-building environment is evolving dramatically," said Reinhard Schneider, DensDeck Roof Board product manager, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum. "We have spent nearly a decade developing a number of sound isolating new roof assemblies to address this problem, and we're delighted that these independent tests confirm the effectiveness of the DensDeck Roof Board -based remediation system, as well." Components of the DensDeck Roof Board Roofing Assembly The DensDeck Roof Board-based lightweight commercial roofing sound remediation assembly includes the following layered components, which were used in the acoustical tests: - 1" rigid mineral fiber board - 5/8" DensDeck Roof Board - 45-mil TPO roofing membrane The assembly is designed for buildings with low-slope roofs in the vicinity of airports or other high-decibel environments. These include hotels, apartments, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools and other low-rise commercial buildings. The acoustical tests of the Georgia-Pacific remediation assembly were conducted in accordance with four industry-standard testing methodologies (ASTM E 90-09, ASTM E 413-04, ASTM E 1332-90 and ASTM E 22350-04).
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Bay Colony Corporate Center Receives LEED Silver Certification – UGL Unicco LEED Accredited Professionals Support the Process

February 19, 2010

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bay Colony Corporate Center has received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for the entire four-building campus. UGL Unicco LEED Accredited Professionals provided project management and consulting services to help the property manager, Broadway Real Estate Services, move through the accreditation process. Beyond what it says about the property’s environmental standing and management practices, the designation is significant since it is one of only a few commercial real estate campuses nationwide that has achieved LEED for Existing Building status for an entire campus. The property consists of three 4-story buildings and one 3-story building totaling 980,000 square feet situated on 58 acres. LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance certification sets standards, and measures sustainability under several categories such as: sustainable sites, including landscape management and light pollution; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources, including solid waste management and sustainable purchasing; indoor environmental quality; and innovations in operations.
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The National Building Museum Honors 'Civic Innovators'

February 19, 2010

Architecture Firm Perkins+Will; The Founders of New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village--Harry Connick, Jr., Branford Marsalis, Ann Marie Wilkins, and Jim Pate; and The U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon to receive 24th Honor Award on May 11, 2010 On May 11, 2010, the National Building Museum will hold its 24th Honor Award ceremony to recognize three organizations that have advanced the quality of our built environment through their unique civic and social innovations: architecture firm Perkins+Will; New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village founders Harry Connick, Jr., Branford Marsalis, Ann Marie Wilkins, and Jim Pate; and The U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon. Architecture and interdisciplinary design practice Perkins+Will will be celebrated for its legacy of socially-relevant design that has promoted human wellbeing over the course of the firm's 75 year-history. Perkins+Will, one of the world's largest design firms with 23 offices globally, has a remarkable portfolio of complex, high-performing institutional projects for civic, education, healthcare, government, and private-sector clients. Even though an international leader, the firm focuses on educating its professionals to design structures and built environments that harmonize locally--conserving resources and preserving local ecosystems, promoting the health of occupants, and unifying communities through design. The founders of the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village--Harry Connick, Jr., Branford Marsalis, Ann Marie Wilkins, and Jim Pate--will be honored for their creation of a multi-generational village to house musicians in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, thereby preserving and promoting the cultural traditions and practices that define New Orleans. The group's leadership in restoring and revitalizing the Upper Ninth Ward has been a catalyst for additional community development in the neighborhood. The founders will be celebrated for their role in helping sustain local culture and inclusion of low-income populations that support a vibrant and successful city. The U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon will be recognized for its commitment to educating the next generation of engineers, architects, and builders through a creative "whole building approach" with renewable energy, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible systems. Since 2001, the Solar Decathlon has increased public awareness and consumer interest in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the marketplace. The Department of Energy and its Solar Decathlon have helped spur research and development through partnerships with leading educational institutions around the world.
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Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence Earns Prestigious Green Building Certification

February 17, 2010

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence has earned the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® Silver certification. The USGBC's Green Building Rating System(TM), is an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. The center, which opened March 2009, was designed, built and now operates with environmental efficiency. Some of these features include: - Compacting, composting and recycling systems divert more than 90 percent of the site's waste stream from landfills. - Low-flow plumbing reduces water use by about 43 percent. - Construction products contained 23 percent recycled materials. - 100 percent of the site's paints, sealants and adhesives are low-emitting and contribute to better air quality. - Reflective roofing reduces heat emittance. - More than 5,000 energy efficient light bulbs reduce energy consumption. - Energy savings from the CLE avoids over 318 metric tons of carbon per year. - Green cleaning products and green linens reduce the facility's operational impact. - Reserved parking for energy efficient cars encourages employee green behavior.
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Tennessee State Fire Marshall’s Office Rolls Out Electronic Plans Review for Building Construction Safety Codes

February 17, 2010

New Online Submission and Review Site Will Significantly Reduce Costs for Architects and Engineers NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The State Fire Marshal’s Office’s (SFMO) process for reviewing architects’ and engineers’ drawings for compliance with construction safety codes has just gotten easier and less expensive, with the implementation of an online submission application. The new application is expected to save architects and engineers hundreds of dollars per submission. The new service can be found at www.tennesseeanytime.org/tnsfmo/. The new electronic plans review system allows for plans, documents, and review fees to be submitted over the Internet. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s SFMO enforces fire and building construction safety codes for certain types of buildings. For these occupancies, an architect’s or engineer’s design drawings are submitted for review and approval by the State before construction begins. “This new portal means that our plans-review office is essentially open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for document submission and fee payment, including payment by e-check,” said Commerce and Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Leslie A. Newman. “Building plans involve very large files, and having them in our office as electronic documents will make it much easier to access, store and archive these plans. As documents are reviewed and any needed re-submittals are made, the time and money savings for construction projects will be significant.” Additional automation and time accountability regarding a project’s status will be available in the next phase of the program. Tennessee is among the first states to implement a process to allow electronic submission of plans and will soon be in the forefront in the nation by offering services allowing owners, architects and engineers access to project information and automated notices designed to streamline the plans approval process.
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Adaptive Re-Use of Industrial to Creative Space in Culver City, CA, Area Earns Urban Offerings, Inc. LEED Gold Award

February 11, 2010

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When developer Urban Offerings, Inc. of El Segundo, CA, acquired a 1956 vintage bow truss industrial building in the Culver City area of Los Angeles in 2007 to renovate it for adaptive creative office space, the company envisioned an even greater concurrent challenge: to make an existing building energy sustainable. Both goals were achieved, the company reports. Urban Offerings and its partner, Meridian Group Ltd. of Los Angeles, have completed their renovation of the 28,000-square-foot building located at 3641 Holdrege Ave. Concurrently, Urban Offerings announces that it has received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for core and shell renovation, the second highest sustainability designation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. Stating that the LEED Gold certification was a “team recognition,” Nucich praised lead consultant Zinner Consultants of Santa Monica, CA, general contractor Oltmans Construction Co. of Whittier, CA, and architect Lynch/Eisinger/Design (LED) of New York, NY. “The major challenges in achieving LEED Gold were associated with accomplishing the required energy efficiency with the creation of two new 20-foot glass walls. The Douglas Fir vertical screens hang over the glass walls to provide the necessary solar shading, while the cool roof as designed by Independent Roofing Consultants provides the necessary R Values in achieving the required energy efficiency for the building,” Nucich said. He emphasized that the “cool roof system” reflects the sun’s heat. “This also allowed us to retain the architectural integrity of the original bow truss roof system. It is a beautiful structural and architectural feature virtually impossible to re-create today cost-wise,” Nucich said. Other elements contributing to the LEED Gold designation, according to Oltmans Construction Co., include a building material decision that reduces heat island effect by utilizing light colored concrete and shading elements, water use reduction through low-flow restroom fixtures, the absence of automatic landscape irrigation, draught tolerant plants, a contract for renewable energy to provide a minimum 70 percent of the building’s power for a period of two years, recycled or reused non-hazardous construction and demolition water, and skylights and windows to achieve natural daylight in seven percent of the building’s occupied areas.
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GREENGUARD Environmental Institute Awards Prestigious Certifications to Owens Corning Non-Woven Glass Fiber Veils

February 11, 2010

Rigorous Indoor Air Quality Certifications Are First in Glass Fiber Non-Woven Industry TOLEDO, Ohio, Feb. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Owens Corning (NYSE:OC) , a leading global producer of glass fiber reinforcements for composite systems and residential and commercial building materials, today announced that its glass fiber veils for carpet, ceilings and flooring are the first in the glass non-woven industry to be GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified®. The products were also certified for the more stringent GREENGUARD Children & Schools(SM) product emissions standard. The qualifications for Owens Corning non-woven glass fiber veil used in carpeting, cushion vinyl flooring and ceilings showcase the company's continued commitment to sustainable industry leadership and stand alongside GREENGUARD Certifications of a wide variety of Owens Corning products including fiberglass insulation, extruded polystyrene foam insulation and manufactured stone veneer. Glass fiber-based veils and specialty non-wovens are used in multiple applications in industrial applications including batteries, wind turbine blades and pavement reinforcement. In building materials, one of the first market applications was in the cushion vinyl flooring market in Europe as companies there replaced traditional cellulose felt with glass fiber non-wovens to improve dimensional stability. Glass fiber non-wovens are also used in commercial ceiling panels that provide enhanced aesthetics as well as improved acoustic performance. For mold and mildew resistance, glass-based non-wovens are used in gypsum products.
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LMN Architects-designed Vancouver Convention Centre West is World’s First Convention Centre to Achieve LEED Platinum Rating

February 10, 2010

Building is Home to International Media at 2010 Olympic Games VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As media from around the world descend upon Vancouver, B.C. for the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, they will experience in the Games’ broadcast media center an unparalleled model of sustainability. Designed by Seattle-based LMN Architects, in collaboration with Vancouver-based MCM and DA, the Vancouver Convention Centre West (VCC) has just been awarded LEED® Canada Platinum certification, the first convention centre project in the world to earn what is the program’s highest rating. A prominent feature to be recognized around the world is the centre’s six-acre living roof, which is Canada’s largest and the biggest non-industrial living roof in North America. Landscaped with 400,000 native plants and grasses, the green roof acts as an insulator to mediate the exterior air temperature, as well as contributes to the building’s stormwater utilization and integrates with the waterfront landscape ecosystem. Highlights of the building’s green features include: * Restored marine habitat that is part of the building’s foundation * On-site black water treatment and desalinization systems that are projected to reduce potable water use 60 to 70 percent over typical convention centers * A heat pump system that takes advantage of the constant temperature of the adjacent seawater to produce heating and cooling * Extensive use of local materials, including Douglas fir and Hemlock wood finishes harvested from Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast * Energy efficient fixtures and advanced energy management systems * Natural daylighting and ventilation
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No-Burn® Plus Intumescent Coating Meets Ignition Barrier Requirements over Open Cell Polyurethane Foam Plastic Insulation

February 10, 2010

No-Burn, Incorporated has recently participated in testing with its No-Burn® Plus intumescent coating over spray polyurethane foam plastic insulation manufactured by BASF Polyurethane Foam Enterprises LLC to achieve the required ignition barrier rating for code compliance under applicable sections of the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). No-Burn® Plus intumescent coating is accepted for use over BASF’s semi-rigid, open-cell polyurethane foam plastic insulation, branded ENERTITE® US, in attics and crawlspaces without a prescriptive ignition barrier per ACC-377 test results and as referenced in the recently released IAPMO ES Report No. 0172. “We are very pleased with the outcome of the testing performed with No-Burn® Plus over this foam plastic insulation product,” stated Bill Kish, President of No-Burn, Incorporated of Wadsworth, Ohio. Mr. Kish continued, “This provides users of this product with a practical and economically attractive option for meeting ignition barrier requirements, and fits nicely with our continuing efforts to develop and market high performance coating products that have a meaningful impact on our customers and other stakeholders. We look forward to continuing to expand our presence in the spray foam industry by providing innovative products that offer tangible benefit to the customers we share with providers of SPF.” According to the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance, “Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation is rigid, lightweight, flexible, wind resistant, and effective in extreme temperatures and weather conditions. SPF insulation has the highest R-value per square inch of any commercially available insulation material.” No-Burn® Plus intumescent paint has a host of end-uses including application as a fire protection measure over wood, gypsum wallboard, and a wide variety of other paintable surfaces. Additional information may be obtained by contacting No-Burn, Inc. at 800-989-8577, email to info@noburn.com or through the Web: www.noburn.com. To learn more about BASF Polyurethane Foam Enterprises LLC, please visit www.basf-pfe.com. No-Burn, Incorporated has been leading the way in the field of fire resistance technology since 1998. By removing the fuel a fire needs to burn, these products dramatically reduce the possibility of a fire ever starting when applied over substrates such as wood, drywall, fabric, carpet, furniture, fiber-reinforced plastic and many other materials. Equally important, No-Burn® can reduce toxic smoke by as much as 80 percent. All No-Burn® products carry a “Class A” rating and are completely non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Several No-Burn® products also offer a dual level of protection, reducing the risk of fire and resisting the growth of toxic-black mold. To learn more, please visit our Web site: www.noburn.com, or contact us at 800-989-8577 / 330-336-1500.
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Parex USA Announces the Launch of Accel-Pak Product Significantly Reduces Time Required for Adhesive Setting

February 10, 2010

Anaheim, CA – February 9, 2010 – Parex USA, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, Teifs, LaHabra, El Rey Stucco, and Merkrete today announced the launch of new set accelerator product, Accel-Pak. Accel-Pak is an 1 lb. admix that may be used with any Parex 121 Base Coat & Adhesive product to greatly reduce the time required for the material to set an adhesive in EPS insulation. Accel-Pak was primarily designed for winter use but can also be used in other seasons for EIFS patch & repair work. “Winter is a difficult time for scheduling work on a job site”, said Quenton Roehricht, Brand Manager. “Workable days can be few and far between and it is critical for the maximum amount of work to be accomplished on these days. Accel-Pak allows contractors to adhesively stick foam and apply base coat in the same day. This process would normally take two days during the winter but Accel-Pak allows contractors to accomplish this in one day!” Accel-Pak comes as a dry admix to be added to existing base coats and adhesives. Competitors require purchasing a separate "Rapid-Set" base coat & adhesive which typically carries a shorter shelf life. Another advantage of Accel-Pak is its ability to be used in either wet or dry mix 121 series base coat & adhesives providing additional flexibility. Competitors offer their "rapid set" base coat and adhesives as dry mix products only. "Parex stands for product innovation and service. We provide customers the opportunity to only manage an additional admixture to the products they use and carry instead of an entire new base coat and adhesive which can be an expensive proposition,” Roehricht commented. We’ve provided contractors who are more comfortable using wet mix base coats and adhesives, the benefit of a rapid set admix without being forced to use a dry mix product. These may seem small and simple advantages but they mean a great deal to contractors." About Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc. Parex USA, Inc., a California Corporation, is a subsidiary of the ParexGroup, a division of Materis, S.A., a French Corporation. The ParexGroup is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and ready-to-use mortars for the construction industry. With over 45 manufacturing sites in 18 countries the ParexGroup employs more than 2,700 industry professionals who are the corner stone of this thriving global organization. For more information regarding Parex USA, Inc. visit www.parexusa.com.
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New Design Configuration Wins Top Honors at 2009 International Road Federation Awards Competition

February 09, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--T.Y. Lin International (TYLI), a globally recognized full-service infrastructure consulting firm, is proud to announce that the Sanhao Bridge in Shenyang, China, is the winner of the International Road Federation (IRF) 2009 Global Road Achievement Award (GRAA) for Design. Designed by TYLI’s Chongqing office, this signature cable-stayed bridge features two unique steel arch shaped towers that resemble a butterfly. The prestigious design award recognizes “outstanding achievements in the broad design arena, including aesthetics, applications in challenging environments, cost efficiency and originality.” The Sanhao Bridge is a new design configuration for cable-supported bridges wherein cables are used to impart additional strength to a girder bridge that, alone, would not be able to attain a given span length. Upon news of the award, TYLI Chairman of the Board, Dr. Man-Chung Tang, who conceptualized the partially cable-stayed girder bridge design acknowledged, “With the completion of the Sanhao Bridge, we have achieved yet another engineering milestone. TYLI addressed the City of Shenyang’s need for a design that would both impact people visually and also inspire a spirit of innovation—the kind of innovation that TYLI engineers have embraced for decades. We strove to encapsulate beauty and simplicity in a structure, and in doing so, raised the engineering practice to new heights.”
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Title 24 Compliance

February 09, 2010

CORONA, CALIFORNIA – February 8, 2010 – US Tile Announces Title 24 Compliance for All of Its Clay Tile Roofing Products. US Tile makes it easy for contractors and builders to comply with the new 2010 California Title 24 regulations on any commercial or residential roofing project. All US Tile products, profiles and colors are now Title 24 compliant. No additional testing or certification is needed to conform to the new regulations from the California Energy Commission that went into effect January 1, 2010. Changes to the Title 24 program in California now affect virtually every roofing project. New requirements for CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) Cool Roof color ratings, color fading, product weight and sustainability all factor into the new provisions. US Tile removes the need for detailed product analysis, reflectivity calculations or other product research and documentation needed for compliance. US Tile also warranties against color fading for 20 years, insuring that their products will continue to deliver the Cool Roof, sustainability and energy saving benefits over time. US Tile is proud to produce the widest array of environmentally sustainable clay roofing products in the nation. US Tiles' domestically produced products are the only roofing tiles in the world to receive the prestigious Cradle-to-Cradle certification for all of domestically produced products. US Tile also delivers the most complete line of naturally occurring color portfolio that reaches a depth and vibrancy other products cannot match. For detailed information on all of the changes to the 2010 Title 24 requirements, as well as information on all of the US Tile Title 24 compliant products, please visit the Title 24 page on the US Tile web site. Please note: For additional information about US Tile clay roofing products, Cradle to Cradle Certification, Cool Roofs, LEED point opportunities, or other product or sustainability information, email roofgreen@ustile.com or contact Mike Vogel at (951) 545-7636. For information on all US Tile products, please visit our web site at www.ustile.com.
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Trimble Introduces Indoor Mobile Mapping Solution for Capturing Interior Spaces in 2D and 3D Visualization Models

February 09, 2010

Delivers Rapid, Easy and High-productivity Indoor Mapping HOUSTON, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) introduced today an indoor mobile mapping solution for facilities management. Using innovative technologies, the solution produces fast and accurate maps allowing users to translate their environments directly into 2D & 3D models of structured interiors. The solution enables building owners, facilities managers, engineers and construction professionals to more efficiently plan and manage building assets and properties. The announcement was made today at SPAR 2010 Conference on 3D Imaging and Positioning. Trimble's new solution makes indoor mapping easier and more affordable and it can be used in a variety of indoor mapping applications. The availability of indoor map data on a large scale can change the way the assets are managed. Not only is the data acquisition process much more efficient, it can be utilized by many facilities management stakeholders via Trimble software and other third-party tools.
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Zebra Imaging to Demonstrate at SPAR 2010 Conference: 3D Imagery Transforms Data into Decisions

February 09, 2010

3D laser scanning with digital holographic display offers instant and intuitive visibility of complex data to speed decisions and help prevent costly errors THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- SPAR 2010 -- Zebra Imaging, Inc., the world's foremost provider of 3D holographic display and visualization technologies, transforms point cloud data, BIM model, LIDAR information and other 3D data into high-resolution, accurately-detailed 3D images displayed over 360-degrees without requiring special eyewear. These images help building construction and facility managers, geologists, preservationists and forensic experts communicate complexity, solve problems and make informed business decisions with true 3D display. This week, the company will be showcasing numerous holographic images at SPAR 2010 in booth #23 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.
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Caterpillar World Headquarters Awarded LEED-EB(R) Gold from United States Green Building Council

February 08, 2010

PEORIA, Ill., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Caterpillar Administration Building, which serves as the company's world headquarters, has been awarded LEED-EB® O+M (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance) Gold certification from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Achieving the certification makes the Caterpillar facility, located in downtown Peoria, the first building in Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area to become LEED-EB certified and the second building in the Caterpillar family to earn the recognition. The Cat Financial Center in Nashville, Tennessee, received LEED-EB certification in April of 2009. LEED is a third-party certification program and a recognized benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED-Gold certification is the second highest rating obtainable in the system. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas: sustainable sites, water savings, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. Specific highlights include: - Decreased energy consumption by 40 percent through improved control systems, operating methods, and lighting automation. - Implemented a new irrigation system for all landscaped areas resulting in a 50-percent water use reduction - Implemented a green cleaning program with new environmentally-friendly chemicals and developed an improved pest management program utilizing the least toxic methods. - Leveraged Caterpillar's purchasing and recycling practices to reduce the environmental impact of materials used and conducted waste stream audits to drive continuous improvement efforts.
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Integrated Electrical Services Announced as a 2009 Merit Winner at 2010 Associated Builders and Contractors National Convention

February 08, 2010

HOUSTON, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Integrated Electrical Services Commercial (NASDAQ:IESC) , a leading national provider of electrical and communications services, announced today that it was presented the prestigious ABC National Safety Excellence Award on Thursday, February 4, 2010 during the 20th Annual Excellence In Construction banquet at the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) National Convention in San Diego, CA. IES was among only 23 winners to receive a Merit award from ABC's membership of more than 25,000 contractor members. IES is being recognized in the Section 7 category for Specialty Contractors with more than two million man-hours worked. Harvey Hammock, vice president for safety at IES, and Robert Warwick, general manager of the East Division for IES, were on-hand to accept the award on behalf of IES. In 2009, 2,231 ABC contractor members applied for the Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) program. 801 of those earned the prestigious STEP Platinum status, given to companies displaying the highest levels of safety performance and long-term commitment to jobsite safety. The ABC National Safety Excellence Award places only 23 ABC contractor members as the pinnacle for merit shop construction safety in the U.S. The criteria for determining the winners was based on data submitted via STEP Platinum applications, company interviews and site visits. Award categories were based on a company's total work-hours per calendar year and placement within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). "IES is part of a select group of ABC contractor members whose achievements in the field of construction safety are truly exceptional," said Chris Williams, director of safety at ABC. "The Excellence in Construction Awards celebration honors the most innovative and high quality construction projects and safety programs in the nation." The award from ABC continues to add to an impressive resume being built by one of the nation's largest specialty contractors. Other safety-related awards received since 2008 include: - ABC STEP Gold and Platinum Level Award - Great Plains Contractor Vanguard of Safety Award of Honor - IEC-CNA 2009 Safety Award - Construction Users Round Table (CURT) 2009 Safety Award - ABC Excellence in Construction Award for the Monsanto Seed Project - AGC Contractor's Safety Excellence Award - Clancy & Theys Construction Gold Safety Star Award - 2009 Gold Hard Hat Award from Colorado Construction magazine
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HACEP Announces National Green Design Competition With $25,000 Awards For Innovative Affordable Housing

February 05, 2010

EL PASO, Texas, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gerald W. Cichon, Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso (HACEP), announces a National Green Design Competition for a $10+ million LEED Green Affordable Housing Project supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. HACEP will grant $25,000 awards to the top three finalists of the National Green Design Competition. Award categories will also include Finalist and Honorable Mention. Additional follow-on AE services may be awarded for Phase II, which may provide the successful AE firm with a substantial level of business. HACEP's goal is to create a spectacular international-quality integrated affordable housing development showing the latest and highest-quality sustainable design practices that minimize the environmental impact of its operations. HACEP launched this architectural competition to design cutting-edge social housing for El Paso. HACEP encourages participating design firms to develop a new exemplary architectural design for affordable housing. The National Green Design Competition seeks the most talented architects to deliver bold, new, and exciting designs that positively impact the way we live. HACEP is looking for architectural design firms with backgrounds in sustainable architectural innovation to implement creative ideas within technical and financial parameters and utilize original design productivity technology and planning concepts.
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NASA Goddard's New Building Achieves LEED Gold Status

February 05, 2010

GREENBELT, Md., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- What does it take to turn silver into gold? For NASA scientists, the answer is "two protons." For Manhattan Construction Company in Washington, it is creative green building solutions which have resulted in the Exploration Sciences Building project becoming the first at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to receive LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The project also earned an additional LEED credit for "Exemplary Performance" in recognition for recycling of construction materials, said Evans.
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Delaware Homebuilder, Schell Brothers, Wins Unprecedented Seven National Awards

February 04, 2010

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del., Feb. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Homebuilders recently held its prestigious annual event in Las Vegas, titled "A Night of Recognition". The exclusive affair honored the best of the best homebuilders across the country and, as usual, some of the smartest design and marketing minds were in attendance, hailing from places like New York and California. These heavy hitters from the marketing and architectural industries were there representing the big boys in homebuilding for whom they had created house plans, marketing, and more. Amid the expected attendees at the event were three star-struck representatives from Schell Brothers, a small homebuilder in Sussex County, Delaware. One of the three, Christina Wagamon, summed it up best, "This night is bigger than life - it's like the Academy Awards for homebuilders." During the evening, Schell Brothers emerged as the beloved underdog, with the MC playing victory music as the women were called to the stage to accept their first award. In a room full of Industry Goliaths, Schell Brothers surprised all by winning not one, but two National Gold Awards: Best "On the Boards" Single Family Detached Home for The Milton model at Heritage Creek in Milton, and Best Interior Merchandising for The Mariner model at The Retreat at Love Creek in Lewes. In addition to the two coveted gold awards, Schell Brothers walked away with three National Silver Awards including Best Custom Home and two Best in American Living Awards. According to Wagamon, it's extremely rare for any company from Delaware to win a single National award, so for one small Delaware homebuilder to win seven in one year is a classic Cinderella story.
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Jensen Landscape & Construction Company Takes 'Best in Show' Two Years Running

February 03, 2010

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Jensen Landscape & Construction Company recently took the "Best in Show" honors at the 2009 California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jensen, a leading provider of landscape construction and maintenance services in Northern California, won the prestigious "Stuart J. Sperber Memorial Sweepstakes Award" for quality construction and maintenance work on a Pleasanton, California Estate. This is the second year in a row that Jensen took home this prestigious honor. Additionally, Jensen Corporation Landscape Contractors, the company's commercial arm, was recognized with a separate award for the Best Entry in Commercial Installation category for its installation at the Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel & Spa in Menlo Park, California.
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Multiquip Launches Recycling Product that Eliminates the Need for Reusable Debris to be Removed from Construction Sites

February 03, 2010

Multiquip / EZ Grout Hog Crusher Job Site Material Recycler Saves Time and Money World of Concrete 2010 LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Multiquip, a diverse manufacturer and supplier of industrial products and solutions, will be displaying its EZ Grout Hog Crusher Job Site Material Recycler (Hog Crusher) at World of Concrete today. Multiquip’s Hog Crusher is capable of pulverizing recyclable material in minutes, thus eliminating the need to have debris removed from construction job sites. The product is capable of recycling materials such as brick, block, stone, rock, asphalt and non-reinforced concrete. The Hog Crusher can reduce material down to two inches or smaller and can discharge up to ten tons per hour. Featuring built-in forklift pockets, the Hog Crusher easily attaches to a skid steer loader or forklift. The machine has a one-half yard capacity, a 24 inch crushing rotor and has heavy steel plate construction. Additionally, the Hog Crusher uses replaceable carbide bits, a hardened breaker, as well as cleaner and cheek plates for easy on-site maintenance.
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Trimble Introduces 3D Scanner for Building Construction Applications

February 03, 2010

Trimble CX 3D Scanner Captures Dense Clouds of Data Ideal for Recording As-Built Structures for Mechanical, Engineering and Plumbing Contractors LAS VEGAS, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today introduced the Trimble® CX(TM) 3D Scanner for building construction applications. This advanced, high-accuracy sensor captures more than 50,000 position points per second - enough data to record the details of a target's shape, size and position with very high precision. It is ideal for building construction applications requiring the accurate measurement of as-built structures, in particular, by mechanical, engineering, and plumbing contractors involved in HVAC and pipe installations. The announcement was made today at World of Concrete 2010, the concrete industry's annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. When preparing to install a new HVAC or pipe system, contractors can use the Trimble CX 3D Scanner to accurately record existing systems and spaces to ensure the new installation will fit correctly - even before it is designed. This capability can prevent errors and rework, increase overall efficiency, and help provide contractors with a competitive edge. Trimble proprietary WAVEPULSE(TM) technology in the Trimble CX 3D Scanner combines the high short-range accuracy of phase-shift technology with the low-noise sensitivity and high-distance characteristics of time-of-flight technology. This ensures high-precision measurements over the full operating range to provide clean 3D data. An integrated camera collects additional image information, which improves the visualization, post-processing and communication of captured data. A rugged design with IP54 rating and protective housing for the rotating laser ensures the Trimble CX 3D Scanner delivers continuous, reliable results even in difficult building construction environments. With the intuitive, streamlined Trimble Access(TM) software running on the Trimble Tablet(TM) Rugged PC, capturing data with the Trimble CX 3D Scanner is fast and easy to learn. Data can then be seamlessly transferred from Trimble Access to Trimble RealWorks(TM) or Trimble LASERGen(TM) office software. Trimble RealWorks provides tools to identify features captured and simplify the interpretation of data. The Trimble CX 3D Scanner is available now from select dealers in Trimble's North America Building Construction Distribution Network.
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HORIZON AT PLAYA VISTA BECOMES FIRST GROUND-UP OFFICE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION IN LOS ANGELES TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS GOLD LEED® CERTIFICATION IN ‘CORE & SHELL’ CATEGORY

February 02, 2010

Horizon at Playa Vista, a modern urban office development encompassing 466,000 square feet of space in the east end of Playa Vista, has been awarded Gold LEED Core & Shell (CS) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first ground-up office building construction in Los Angeles to achieve the distinction in this category. Horizon at Playa Vista was developed by Lincoln Property Company and ASB Real Estate Investments, and currently consists of two, five-story buildings surrounded by pedestrian pathways and open courtyard spaces. The buildings incorporate a number of modern aspects, including a progressive contemporary design by renowned architecture firm Johnson Fain and state-of-the-art workplace technology. The building is located in the burgeoning community of Playa Vista. Today, more than 6,500 people live in Playa Vista, the first mixed-use community to be built in West Los Angeles in the last 50 years. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the U.S. Green Building Council’s primary rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient and high-performing buildings. The LEED Core & Shell category is typically reserved for those projects where the developer does not control all aspects of the building’s design and construction. There is an understanding that some tenant-related systems are not determined by the building owner. LEED Certification of Horizon at Playa Vista was based on a number of green measures taken to reduce the project’s impact on the environment and prevent global climate change. These measures include: a sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.
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IAPMO Releases First-Ever Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement

February 02, 2010

ONTARIO, Calif., Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Sustainable Building Industry today has a powerful and revolutionary new tool at its disposal with the formal release of IAPMO's Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement, the most comprehensive document ever created to standardize sustainable residential and commercial plumbing and mechanical systems. "The building codes are perhaps the biggest hindrance to the adoption of green buildings," said Dave Viola, IAPMO director of Special Services and staff liaison to the Green Technical Committee (GTC) that developed the document. "There's so little information about how to do green systems properly and safely within existing building codes, so we've rolled out a document that shows exactly how it's done." The Green Supplement serves as a complement to any adopted plumbing and mechanical code, smoothly bridging the previously troublesome gap between existing codes and established green building programs. Where code language and green building concepts lack cohesion, the Green Supplement creates harmony by addressing such areas as: - Use of alternate water sources (gray water, rainwater harvesting) - Proper use of high-efficiency plumbing products - Conservation of hot water - Energy conservation in HVAC systems - Training/education in green plumbing systems Established in January 2008, the 25-member GTC is comprised of a who's who of industry leaders in all facets of the sustainable plumbing and mechanical fields, along with 60 other plumbers, contractors, engineers, inspectors and energy/water conservation experts enlisted for task groups.
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USGBC Maryland Chapter Announced 2009 Award Winners

February 02, 2010

5th Annual Awards recognition of outstanding green building projects, professionals and companies in the state of Maryland BALTIMORE, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U. S. Green Building Council, Maryland Chapter (USGBC Maryland) announced the recipients of the 2009 Green Building Awards. This annual awards program now in its 5th year recognizes projects, professionals and companies that exemplify innovative green and sustainability practices. Congressman John Sarbanes and Goucher President Sandy Ungar gave the opening comments to over 500 attendees of the green building community at the awards ceremony on Thursday, January 28, at the Athenaeum at Goucher College. Acknowledged are projects and professionals who meet the USGBC Maryland mission statement to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live, work, learn and heal. Award recipients include the Awake House, a one-story, water and energy efficient home with excellent air quality and low operating costs that serves four tenants with intellectual and developmental disabilities; Baltimore Medical System, a 30,000-square-foot building that received a LEED Platinum rating; and Health Care for the Homeless' 56,000-square-foot building. In addition, the Young Professional award went to students at Harford Technical High School, which partnered with Harford Habitat for Humanity to build a LEED Modular Home. After learning about the guidelines and parameters, they were the first high school students to construct a LEED Modular Home in Maryland. The following recipients received awards: - Homes: The Awake House - Commercial Interiors: Baltimore Medical System Highlandtown Healthy Living Center - Core and Shell: Schilling Green - Existing Buildings: One Washingtonian Center - Major Renovation: 217 International Circle - New Construction: Health Care for the Homeless - Schools and Universities: Evergreen Elementary School - Un-built work: Woodlands Perryville - Young Professional: HABITECH GB1: Harford Technical High School's Habitat for Humanity project - Special Accomplishment: Greenwood Initiative - Special Accomplishment: Stanley Sersen - Special Accomplishment: The Athenaeum at Goucher College - Special Accomplishment: Fairfield Inn - Special Accomplishment in Green Development: Corporate Office Properties Trust - Special Accomplishment in Green Construction: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company - Special Accomplishment in Green Transformation: St. John Properties, Inc. - Member of the Year: Zolna Russell - Elected Official of the Year: The Honorable Dan K. Morhaim - Board Member of the Year: Amy Wortman - Volunteer of the Year: Tracy Marquis - Volunteer of the Year: Heather Dalton - People's Choice: 217 International Circle - President's Award: David Pratt Other entries that received special recognition are as follows: - PNC Bank: Harbor East Branch - 1414 Key Highway Offices - 3700 Fleet Street - Gateway Exchange Three - Miller's Court - Herring Run Watershed Center - Old Town Youth Center - SEED School of Maryland Dormitories - Chuck Cooper - USGBC Northern Chesapeake Branch
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W. R. MEADOWS Introduces 588™-10K Non-Shrink, Non-Ferrous, Mineral-Aggregate-Based Precision Grout

February 02, 2010

Hampshire, IL – W. R. MEADOWS is proud to announce its newest product to their line of construction-grade grouts, 588-10K. 588-10K is a hydraulic-cement-based, precision, non-shrink, load-bearing grout designed to transfer load effectively and safely, ensuring long service time of the grouted item. It is a non-corrosive, non-metallic, mineral-based precision grout, developed to have high initial and ultimate flexural and compressive strengths. It can be mixed quickly, as needed, on the jobsite. 588-10K offers exceptional workability and is easily placed by pouring or pumping. The product is designed to give non-shrink performance under various conditions for both interior and exterior applications. 588-10K is designed for precision grouting of machinery and equipment base plates, windmill turbines, generators, rolling mills, compressors, or similar types of machinery. 588-10K is also designed for grouting soleplates, bridge seats, precast columns and beams, steel column pads, precast beams, and segmental bridge construction. 588-10K can also be used for anchoring of guardrails, signposts, bridge seats, anchor bolts, guide wires, and dowels. For more information on 588-10K, call (847) 214-2100, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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