At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $486.7 billion, new construction starts in February were essentially the same as January’s amount, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. After the strong finish to last year, the construction start statistics have shown lackluster activity during the first two months of 2014. The flat pace for total construction…
Read MoreAuthor: Mark Kuhar
Industry Slams OSHA’s Crystalline Silica Proposal
By Mark S. Kuhar The Construction Industry Safety Coalition, which represents 25 different construction trade associations, issued the following statement on Feb. 11, 2014, as it filed comments regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed Crystalline Silica Rulemaking: “After an exhaustive analysis that involved hundreds of construction safety professionals, builders, construction managers and specialty trade contractors representing virtually…
Read MoreJanuary Construction Slides 13 Percent
HIGHWAY AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION FELL AS WINTER TEMPERATURES HIT HARD IN SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTY. By Mark S. Kuhar The value of new construction starts fell 13 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $485.0 billion, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. The downturn followed a healthy performance in December, which…
Read MoreWhat Makes River Rock Round?
For centuries, geologists have recognized that the rocks that line riverbeds tend to be smaller and rounder further downstream. But these experts have not agreed on the reason these patterns exist. Abrasion causes rocks to grind down and become rounder as they are transported down the river. Does this grinding reduce the size of rocks significantly, or is it that…
Read MoreThe Deal Goes Down
THE MERGER OF MARTIN MARIETTA MATERIALS AND TEXAS INDUSTRIES CREATES A CONSTRUCTION-MATERIALS JUGGERNAUT. By Mark S. Kuhar The biggest merger news in years hit the aggregates industry in January. Martin Marietta Materials Inc. and Texas Industries Inc. (TXI) announced that the boards of directors of both companies had unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which Martin Marietta will…
Read MorePutting on the Brakes to Move Forward
Nugent Sand’s Barge-Spotting Operation Uses Oil Shear Brakes to Slash Winch Downtime and Operating Costs. By Mark S. Kuhar In Fairfield, Ohio, the scene is serene and picturesque. Sunshine reflects off the light chop of the Ohio River, as a barge winds its way into the view afforded through the trees bursting with autumn colors. While those driving along Louisville’s…
Read MoreWho’s Number One?
With the announcement that Martin Marietta Materials Inc. and Texas Industries Inc. unanimously approved a merger agreement came the assertion that “Martin Marietta will become the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates, supplying the crushed stone, sand and gravel used to build the roads, sidewalks and foundations on which Americans live.”
Read MoreEllicott Honored
March 13, 2014 – In a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation’s (OPIC) President and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth L. Littlefield presented Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC and its Ellicott Dredges LLC entity with OPIC’s inaugural “Impact Award” for Ellicott’s work in Iraq. Ellicott was one of only eight organizations across the country receiving this award…
Read MoreLetting the Cat out of the Bag
March 2, 2014 – Caterpillar hosted more than 50 trade press editors from all over the world in Tucson, Ariz., prior to ConExpo-Con/Agg to offer a preview of new machines and a sneak peak at what the company has in store for customers at the show in Las Vegas.
Read MoreBlast With the Best at Beckmann Quarry
Strategic Alliance partners Sandvik and Dyno Nobel held their annual Quarry Academy Nov. 12-15, 2013, at the Omni La Mansion del Rio Hotel in San Antonio. The event included a site visit to Martin Marietta Materials’ Beckmann Quarry. During the tour the participants received a plant overview; viewed primary loading and the company’s gigantic O&K in-pit mobile HSI crusher; saw…
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