A study by Rice University researchers found that graphene derived from metallurgical coke, a coal-based product, could serve not only as a reinforcing additive in cement but also as a replacement for sand in concrete. “This could have a major impact on one of the biggest industries in the world,” said James Tour, Rice’s T. T. and W. F. Chao…
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USDOT Awards $645 Million for Rural Transportation Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that the Biden-Harris Administration has awarded $645.3 million from the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (Rural) to help communities around the United States complete transportation projects that will increase mobility, improve safety, and generate regional economic growth in rural areas. Rural roads face a disproportionally high rate of fatalities, and a significant proportion of…
Read MorePesky Pigeons: A Solution for Behavior and Control
By Mark S. Kuhar Did you ever go out to the plant and find a line of pigeons sitting on the conveyor? That’s never good. Before you’re tempted to get out the shotgun, consider a long-term plan for controlling the population. Effective pest control relies heavily on pest behavior to get the job done. For example, when baiting a pest,…
Read MoreGraniterock’s Assistance to Firefighters Sparks Gratitude
Quick action by Graniterock’s Wilson Quarry haul truck drivers helped Cal Fire firefighters get a handle on a blaze that threatened the Aromas, Calif., Quarry and nearby properties. The blaze started on a neighboring property – a lumber storage yard on Quarry Road. Tracy Rego and Robert Ramirez were awakened around 3:15 a.m. Oct. 31 with a phone call from…
Read MoreThe 2024 HCEA Calendar Is Available!
Sand Shortage or Not? A Realistic View on the Construction Sand Market
Recently, I traded my office chair for the sandy shoreline of a picturesque lake where I had the delightful opportunity to enjoy one of my favorite summertime hobbies: fishing. As I stood on the fine sandy surface, basking in the serene environment and reeling in a particularly feisty trout, a thought occurred to me: the debate surrounding the impending “sand…
Read MoreDrones and Robots
By Mark S. Kuhar How do you use drones and robots to make underground mining less risky for workers? Virginia Tech researcher Richard Bishop and his West Virginia University collaborators are working to answer this question. A recent two-year, $569,149 Alpha Foundation grant will allow the team to study ways to use autonomous drones to predict and prevent roof collapses…
Read MoreOn the Rocks: Happy Hour With Arkay Beverages
By Mark S. Kuhar I have been known to indulge in a nice cold craft beer or two, and I certainly won’t turn down two fingers of good Kentucky bourbon. But I was very intrigued when I was contacted by Arkay Beverages, a company shaking up the cocktail industry – pun intended – with a line of no-alcohol (NA) liquor. Why…
Read MoreHumor Helps – Even in Aggregates
While doing some online research I came upon the website for Manchester Sand & Gravel Co. in Hooksett, N.H., part of the Boston Sand & Gravel family of companies. What caught my eye was the company’s motto: “Customer service & humor, sets us apart from the competition.” Intrigued, I reached out for more information on how humor fits into the…
Read MoreCracking the Concrete Code
New Research Develops Self-Sensing Metamaterial Concrete for Smart Infrastructure Systems. By Mark S. Kuhar Concrete is the most used material in the construction industry and dates to the Roman Empire. Engineers at the University of Pittsburgh are now reimagining its design for the 21st century. New research introduces metamaterial concrete for the development of smart civil infrastructure systems. The paper,…
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