'Full-Scale SRW Test Wall Research' report is now available
NCMA
The final report summarizing this NCMA sponsored research is now available online. The final report documents the results and findings of two full-scale field tests designed to demonstrate that Segmental Retaining Walls can be constructed with "marginal" reinforced fill soils (15 and 65 percent fines) and produce satisfactory performance. The tests documented that SRWs can withstand substantial positive pore water pressures provided they are designed and built to do so. This report MR-35 or a brief summary MR-35S can be found here. For more information, contact Gabriela Mariscal at NCMA.More

Learn more about the draft Plant QC Program
NCMA
A joint NCMA-ICPI committee has been hard at work drafting a proposed new industry certification program for plant quality control. Before implementing this program, however, the input of producers potentially interested in this program is needed. A webinar has been recorded and is free for NCMA members to view. Click here to watch the webinar at your convienence. A copy of the latest version of the BETA plant certification program is available here. For more information on the draft plant certification program or this upcoming webinar, please contact Jason Thompson.

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Huge publication fire sale
NCMA
The NCMA Research and Development Laboratory is expanding (happy face). However, they are expanding into the NCMA mail room and publication storage space, which means we have to drastically reduce our publication inventory (sad face) — but this means great deals for you (happy face). Included are some recent publications such as our brand new four-color Concrete Masonry Walls for Metal Building Systems TR149A, which has been cut to print cost only. Older publications have been reduced to below-print cost, including many of our TEK. Some are even free. Click here for a complete list and order form. Click Here for descriptions of most of the publications on sale. Check the e-TEK site to see PDFs of NCMA TEK. The list includes most of our new formatted, four-color TEK. These items are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For questions, contact the NCMA Publications Department or call 703-713-1900 to order by phone. Shipping and handling charges apply to all orders.More

Members in the news
NCMA
Concrete Block Insulating Systems — CBIS will be able to produce 80 percent of the factory's energy thanks to 1,500 panel solar power system recently installed on their roof. More

Mortar Net USA, Ltd. — Between now and May 19, Mortar Net will donate $30 for every person who registers to support Architecture for Humanity by registering at the company's website or at the Mortar Net AIA Convention booth #1701. Mortar Net will base the amount it donates solely on the number of registrants, up to a total of $7,500. More

NCMA — NCMA is featured in Construction Digital's February edition. More

Bonsal American Inc. — Bonsal American Inc., an Oldcastle® Company, announced that it has acquired the TXI Package Products business of TXI Operations, LP, a subsidiary of Texas Industries Inc., which is based in Dallas. MoreMore

Opt-in to vote on LEED 2012 under way
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED 2012, which includes updates to the LEED for Homes program, will be balloted from June 1-30. To vote, you must join the Consensus Body during the Opt-In Period, which begins April 2. Employees of USGBC national member organizations in good standing are eligible to opt-in and vote.More

HNA registration opens June 1
Hardscapes North America
Online registration for Hardscape North America will open June 1. The tradeshow is set for Oct. 24-26, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. HNA, which is produced by the ICPI and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association and NCMA, is co-located with GIE+EXPO, the Green Industry & Equipment Expo, to comprise the ninth-largest tradeshow in America. Together, the shows offer 750 exhibitors indoors and outside in a 19-acre demonstration area. Early bird registration fees for hardscape contractors and distributors start at $35 until Sept. 12. To learn more about the show, please visit www.hardscapena.com. More

Concrete Joint Sustainability Initiative
Sustainable Concrete
The Concrete Joint Sustainability Initiative met in Chicago on April 18. This organization contains multiple different players in the concrete industry, all who are focused on sustainable design. The largest topic focused on was how to incorporate the resilient design concept as a green design criterion. This organization gives the opportunity for NCMA to partner with other concrete associations and develop sustainable solutions for contractors, designers and manufacturers. More information can be found on the CJSI website.More

NAM weekly economic report
National Association of Manufacturers
The U.S. economy continues to grow at a "modest to moderate pace," according to the Federal Reserve Board's latest Beige Book, which was released the week of April 9. Manufacturers have played a significant role in this growth, with manufacturing production and employment one of the bright spots across most of the Fed's districts. In light of the increased activity, though, many manufacturers have concerns about their inability to attract highly qualified talent.More

PPI: Steel drops, concrete, asphalt, lumber increase
U.S. Department of Labor
In March, the year-over-year change in the Producer Price Indices for steel, concrete and asphalt, increased 0.4 percent, 1.9 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively. Steel and asphalt's year-over-year percent changes have increased each month since early 2010. Lumber was down 0.5 percent from March 2011. Steel's PPI was down 0.6 percent from February, but the other building materials each increased from the prior month. Lumber showed the largest month-over-month gain at 2.0 percent, while concrete and asphalt increased 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent respectively. More

Positive conditions persist for Architecture Billings Index
American Institute of Architects
The commercial sector continues to lead the Architecture Billings Index, which has remained in positive territory for the fifth consecutive month. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the March ABI score was 50.4, following a mark of 51.0 in February. This score reflects a slight increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 56.6, down from mark of 63.4 the previous month.More

Save the date — NCMA 2012 Midyear Meeting
NCMA
NCMA will conduct the 2012 summer Midyear Meeting at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, Mich., Aug. 22–25, in conjunction with the ICPI's summer meeting. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 800-968-7352. The group guest room rate at the hotel is $199, plus an $11.95 resort fee. The Midyear Meeting serves as the forum for important committee program planning, budgeting and priority setting activities. Contact NCMA's meetings department for additional information at 703-713-1900.More