Modern Contractor Solutions February 2020 : simplebooklet.com

EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONThe Stud FinderMANAGEMENT SOLUTIONThe Case for TrainingSAFETY SOLUTIONSAdvanced Fire SafetySafe Delivery and Handling of DEF44technology solution Intelligent Compactionlong-lasting, durable surfaces result from quality compactionsafety solution Fall Protectionthe right equipment for leading and sharp edge situationssafety solution LED Technologyreduces power consumption, increases brightnesssafety solution Panic Buttonsupgrade as technologies advance for safety monitoring 40FEBRUARY 2020Volume 14 ISSue 02Inside This IssueON THE COVERPhoto courtesy of Somero® featuring its S-22EZ Laser Screed® Machine––The Flagship of the Boomed Screed Fleet at Somero. Barton Malow uses this machine on distribution center projects in cities across this country. Check out the cover story on page 28 and Somero’s ad on page 63.www.somero.com46special focusIN EVERY ISSUEIndustry News .................................08Modern Construction Products.......65What’s Trending ..............................68software solution Unified Softwaregains efficiency and uptime, cuts coststechnology solution Molded Polystyreneunderslab insulations and structural implications5056Safety54Using Instagram for BusinessGuest Post by Micro Startups

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2020 CONEXPO SHOWCASEMust-See Exhibitors ...........................................................14PROJECT PROFILESArchitectural Challenge ......................................................20Wind Turbine Project ..........................................................22Three Holes ........................................................................24EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONSAll-In-One Beacon LED Tower ............................................26Laser Screed Machine .......................................................28Custom Truck Bodies .........................................................30ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONGreen Construction ............................................................34MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONCompany Retreats .............................................................36SOFTWARE SOLUTIONUnified Software ................................................................40LEGAL SOLUTIONAvoid Lack of Privity ...........................................................42TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONSIntelligent Compaction .......................................................44Molded Polystyrene ...........................................................46SAFETY SOLUTIONSFall Protection .....................................................................50LED Technology .................................................................54Panic Buttons .....................................................................56MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONIdle Reduction ....................................................................58FEATURED PRODUCTMi-T-M Corporation: Portable Generators ..........................64BE SAFETY-FOCUSEDDo you get caught in a loop doing the same thing over and over? If so, you’re not alone. Becoming complacent in your daily routine can happen when tasks are not top-of-mind. Being present and focusing on the day’s priorities coincides with best practices and, ultimately, successful projects. In this issue of MCS, the special focus is safety. Whether it’s on the jobsite or in the back office, putting “safety first” is more than a catch-phrase. Read about the safe lift to place a blade on a wind turbine (pg 22) and the best trench to use when digging holes under a crawl space in a historic building renovation (pg 24). Safety on any jobsite involves proper lighting; learn about the All-In-One Beacon LED Tower and its ability to meet three separate lighting needs (pg 26). And, for the safety benefits and increased productivity of custom truck bodies, read the article on page 30.A good place to talk about safety is at your weekly project meetings. And, to brainstorm for the year, consider a retreat for your company leaders and put action items in place to better your bottom line. For a “how-to” on company retreats, turn to page 36 for an article by Christine Corelli. She is a construction industry conference speaker, workshop facilitator, and business columnist with wit and charm. You’ll find safety solutions about fall protection to warning lights and panic buttons in this February issue along with must-see exhibitors in the ConExpo Showcase (pg 14). Are you plugged in to the Digital Toolbox? You can sign up for this weekly eNewsletter on the home page of mcsmag.com. The Digital Toolbox features the latest in tools, equipment, stories from the jobsite trailer, and more. Next up for trade show travels is ConExpo in Vegas next month. You’ll find MCS at Booth #GL11884. Stop by the booth for a quick visit and tell us about the tools, equipment, and technology that captured your interest at the Show. See you in Vegas! Cheers! Donna CampbellEditor in ChiefFrom the Editorwww.mcsmag.com P.O. Box 660197 | Birmingham, AL 35266Donna Campbell Editor in Chiefdonna@mcsmag.commIKe baRKeR Publishermike@mcsmag.com RanDY moon Media Consultantrandym@mcsmag.commIChael fIsChbaCh Media Consultantmichael@mcsmag.com John fRIenD Media Consultantjohn@mcsmag.comKevIn mCClaRan Media Consultantkevin@mcsmag.comlIsa aveRY Art Directorlisa@mcsmag.comseTh saUnDeRs Graphic Artistseth@mcsmag.com RIChaRD CoUnsell Digital Media Specialist richard@mcsmag.comInGRID beRKY Office Manageringrid@mcsmag.comTIm GaRmonCEORUssell haDDoCKPresidentChRIs GaRmonCFODonna CampbellVice President, EditorialTonYa bRownInGVice PresidentSUBSCRIPTION inquiries or changes:205.380.2048No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the staff of Modern Contractor Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to donna@mcsmag.com.For reprint information, contact Chris Garmon at chris@mcsmag.com.Canada Post Publication Agreement #41578525. Undeliverables 355 Admiral Drive, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5T 2N1@mcsmagModern Contractor Solutions MagazineModern Contractor SolutionsVisit the MCS Crew at CONEXPO Booth #GL11884

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com8industry newsCM LABS TO SHOWCASE INNOVATIVE NEW TRAINING CUSTOMIZATION CAPABILITIES CM Labs will showcase at ConExpo an innovative new feature that gives instructors the ability to make changes to training scenarios and push them directly to operator training on CM Labs’ Vortex simulators.Using a tool called the Instructor Operating Station (IOS), which allows trainers to launch and monitor simulator training exercises, instructors can now make changes to exercises on the fly. For example, they can add different objects to the worksite and change the position of vehicles, or simply tailor exercises to individual trainee abilities for even more efficient learning. What makes this possible is the simulation software “under the hood” of the IOS. This software, Vortex Studio, is designed to realistically simulate mechanical equipment and its operating environment, whether for training or for engineering and prototyping applications. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can also leverage Vortex Studio, to make engineering design changes within the software, and push them immediately to a simulator for human-in-the-loop testing. Operating data can also be captured for tracking and analysis. The result is a vast reduction in development risk, and far less reliance on costly field prototypes.See CM Labs Simulations’ new feature on display at CONEXPO Booth #F100911 in the Festival Hall. For more, visit www.cm-labs.com.INEIGHT ADDS EXECUTION INTELLIGENCE TO ITS SOLUTIONS PORTFOLIO InEight announces the addition of interval planning capabilities for superintendents and foremen as it reintroduces InEight Basis as InEight Schedule. InEight Schedule is now one of the few project planning solutions that intelligently integrates front-end and field execution planning in a singular application.InEight Schedule combines Basis’ Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling interface that provides a balanced combination of artificial, human, and risk intelligence at the program and project level with a new interval planning interface. This interface adds easy-to-use, workface planning functionality that captures execution intelligence to make future project plans even more realistic and achievable. “Increasing project certainty requires the depth and breadth of knowledge from project planners and relies heavily on integrating this knowledge with insights from individuals who execute the work in the field,” says Dr. Dan Patterson, chief design officer at InEight. “One benefit of having long- and short-term planning in a single tool is increased visibility. Project teams can quickly

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com10industry newscollaborate to resolve issues such as productivity slowdowns that can impact the project timeline.” Drawing from the tasks, sequences, and durations defined in the CPM plan, field superintendents and foremen can use InEight Schedule’s intuitive calendar view to schedule resources, assign workdays, see potential weather impacts, and log work completed. Productivity rates can be used to plan work, and as the work progresses, measure real-time productivity and re-plan work accordingly. Valuable field execution data is retained in the knowledge library for future projects.Planners using InEight Schedule can spend up to 40 percent less time building plans and reduce the amount of time used in gathering team member feedback by up to 75 percent. Project planning and scheduling are essential components of InEight’s Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) solution, which helps to reduce costs and schedule impacts, increase productivity, and improve predictability for capital and construction projects. InEight will be exhibiting at ConExpo, South Hall 2, Booth #S63029. For more, visit www.ineight.com.LIEBHERR CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN THE USAWith its 50th anniversary theme “United by Success,” Liebherr remains focused on its commitment to U.S. customers. Liebherr has been producing in the U.S. since 1970. The company is a one of the North American suppliers of construction machinery and other technically advanced, user-oriented products and services. The manufacturer sells and distributes products throughout its own locations and through an independent distribution network.To keep pace with its growth, a new $60 million state-of-the-art expansion will be completed in spring 2020 in Newport News, Virginia, which will be home to Liebherr USA, Co. The new site is adjacent to the company’s current facilities, where Liebherr has operated for its first 50 years. The new buildings will add more than 251,000 square feet to the existing 560,000-square-foot campus. Liebherr has 13 other locations across the U.S. For more, visit www.liebherr.com.MACK TRUCKS LAUNCHES MACK MD SERIES MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, INVESTS $13 MILLION TO ESTABLISH NEW OPERATION Mack Trucks launches the all-new Mack MD Series of medium-duty trucks, adding to its already robust product lineup to reach new customers and applications. Serial production of the Mack MD Series will begin in July 2020.Mack also announces a $13 million investment to establish its Roanoke Valley Operations (RVO), a new manufacturing

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com12industry newsfacility in the Roanoke Valley, Virginia, for the production of the Mack MD Series. The project will result in the creation of 250 new jobs. The Mack MD6, a Class 6 model, has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 25,995 pounds, and the MD7, a Class 7 model, has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. Both models are exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET). These new products will meet the needs of trucking applications requiring dry van/refrigerated, stake/flatbed, dump and tank truck vocations. The MD6 model does not require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate for non-hazardous payloads. Mack Trucks will be exhibiting at ConExpo in March, Booth #S61807. For more, visit www.macktrucks.com.MILWAUKEE TOOL TO OPEN MANUFACTURING PLANTMilwaukee Tool will expand its footprint in the U.S. with a new vertically integrated manufacturing plant in West Bend, Wisconsin. Located only 20 minutes from Milwaukee Tool’s Global Headquarters, the facility will manufacture new-to-market Hand Tools for professional electricians and utility linemen. With an initial expected investment of almost $26 million, Milwaukee Tool will break ground in April 2020 on the new manufacturing plant, and expects mass production to begin in early 2021. Milwaukee Tool currently has manufacturing and distribution operations around the nation in Greenwood, Olive Branch, and Jackson, Mississippi, as well as in Mukwonago and Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Along with the new hand tool manufacturing plant in West Bend, Wisconsin, plans in progress to expand in 2020 include: operations in Cookeville, Tennessee, for power tool manufacturing and assembly; in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, for accessories manufacturing; and in Olive Branch, Mississippi, for a new 766,000-square-foot distribution facility. For more, visit www.milwaukeetool.com. HONDA POWER EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE AT LOWE’SHonda Power Equipment, a business unit of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and manufacturer and marketer of a complete range of outdoor power equipment products, announces a new alliance with Lowe’s. Honda will supply Lowe’s with a range of its premium, high-quality outdoor power products including walk-behind lawn mowers, generators, snow blowers, tillers, pumps, and string trimmers for residential and commercial applications. Honda products are available now on www.lowes.com and are being rolled out to Lowe’s retail locations nationwide during the next few weeks, broadening the access for the retailer’s customers to top-rated outdoor power equipment.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com14At booth F6708, Alliance Tire Group, Ltd. (ATG) will be introducing three new tires to the construction industry. Join ATG for the launch of the Galaxy Giraffe ND, a non-directional telehandler tire with a low aspect ratio, super-stable sidewall and reduced volume for more cost-effective foam fill. With open shoulders for more traction, deep tread for longer performance and durable, heat-resistant compound, the Galaxy Giraffe ND will deliver extra stability, longer tire life and higher return on investment. Then check out the new Galaxy Mighty Trac ND Multiple-Terrain Tire for skid steers, whose massive block design and 58:42 rubber-to-void ratio ensure great traction and great wear resistance for outstanding performance on any surface, from sand to concrete to snow. Finally, take a look at the Alliance 585 Multi-Surface Radial. Its steel-belted construction and a unique block-lug hybrid tread pattern deliver radial performance for a bias-ply price. With its large, rectangular footprint, the Alliance 585 transfers more horsepower to the ground for more traction, more push and more dig—all while providing more service life. All of ATG’s tires—under the Galaxy, Alliance, or Primex brands—are engineered and manufactured to deliver modern contractors the lowest total cost of ownership. They’re backed by ATG’s aggressive warranty program as well as the company’s dedicated engineering and customer service teams. And no matter the challenge, the conditions, or the job, there’s a Galaxy, Alliance, or Primex tire built to help you tackle it.www.atgtire.com CONEXPO Booth #F6708

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202015Buffalo Turbine manufactures dust and odor control equipment. The self-contained, Diesel Dust Controller offers many differences from most of the other dust control equipment on the market. Powering the Buffalo Turbine Diesel Dust and Odor Controller is a Tier 4 compliant 26.5 hp Kohler 3-cylinder diesel engine. Built for industrial and commercial use, the diesel engine features liquid cooling, dual air cleaners, and both heat and oil safety shut offs. A compact, easily maneuverable three-wheel off-highway trailer and common ¾-inch connection which can adapt to most standard municipal water supply makes for a fast jobsite set up. The standard wireless remote will control both nozzle and throttle function. Also available is a 270-degree oscillation feature that can be turned on/off at the machine. Dual 6-gallon fuel tanks extend run time to 8 hours or more. The gyratory atomizing nozzle (GAN) eliminates costly downtime and maintenance associated with clogging tips on common spray nozzles used in the industry. In addition to the diesel dust controller, the NEW Trident model is now available. Powering the Trident is a 74 hp diesel engine to go along with three separate turbines for 3X the coverage. Like the diesel dust controller, the Trident is also self-contained allowing for maneuverability around jobsites and to and from different job locations. With the addition of the Trident, Buffalo Turbine now offers a dust control solution for any application. www.buffaloturbine.com CONEXPO Booth #S6825Conveyor Application Systems (CAS®) is the only Slinger manufacturer to be located in the United States of America and as the first Slinger Company to have both truck mounted and 100% wirelessly remote controlled off-road equipment based Slinger platforms, it is easy to see how CAS has gotten used to being in first place. Since 2004, CAS has been building the highest quality Slingers in the industry. Well known as the preferred Slinger with an overabundance of functionality and super performance, CAS Slingers have long been the industry standard, which foreign based Slinger manufacturers try to follow. The CAS quality systems is a system of continuous improvement to ensure contractors are getting the most advanced Slinging and material placement systems available. For example, CAS was the first Slinger Company to remove the troublesome chain and gear sprocket system and move to the patented slew gear hydraulic system. Most recently, CAS created the industry’s first true work truck in the Fat Boy. Taking steps such as these and pushing the “slinging” envelope is what sets Conveyor Application systems apart. Stop by the CAS booth at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020 and see for yourself why CAS Slingers are superior in every way. On display will be the highly popular AT7 and the TR20 all-terrain Slingers along with the super sexy Fat Boy Slinger Truck. In addition, the RL34, which is the tallest, most durable mobile Reloader on the market, will be present. GO CAS® and Never Look Back! Made in the United State of America.www.slingers.com CONEXPO Booth #C22721

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com16CONEXPO 2020For more than 20 years, CM Labs’ Vortex simulators and services have helped train crane and heavy equipment operators all over the world. Today, CM Labs has over 1,000 simulators in 30 countries deployed with Vortex software. CM Labs’ feature-rich Vortex Simulators provide immersive, ultra-realistic learning environments that promote increased safety and operational efficiency, essential skills development, and reduced training costs. Developed by operators, instructors, and simulation experts, our standards-based solutions prepare operators for the real world.At CONEXPO 2020, CM Labs will be displaying the most popular training simulators in the US today, with its immersive Vortex Advantage and portable desktop Vortex Edge Plus. These simulators can run the company’s full catalog of lifting equipment and earthmoving equipment. This includes simulations for mobile cranes, backhoes, excavators, and many more.Booth visitors can also test drive CM Labs’ new line of entry-level training solutions, which provides an affordable way for organizations to integrate simulation into their training for the first time, or to fill classrooms with the same proven and effective technology that has made CM Labs the largest simulator vendor in the market.Our clients include OETIO, IUOE, Kiewit, Liebherr, Mammoet, Manitowoc, NASA, and more than 100 other world-class companies, OEMs, equipment operators, and trades training organizations. www.cm-labs.com CONEXPO Booth #F100911 Express Blower® machines are the ultimate in pneumatic blowing systems, providing fast and precise blown on application of large quantities of aggregates, soil blends, compost, and mulches to distant or challenging areas. The new Express Blower TR-HD model was designed to accommodate Tier 4 Final EPA requirements and to also include a trailer for ease of transport. Its relatively small footprint makes it easy to maneuver in congested areas, ready for continuous onsite loading. The compact TR-HD has all the power of the Express Blower full-size TM-45HD and TM-70HD models, so you can blow aggregates and rooftop soil mixes vertically 20 stories or more depending upon product and project. This makes it the perfect machine for urban green roofs or any project where there are onsite loading capabilities. Not only will the TR-HD and other Express Blower models add value to your business, but their versatility and productivity open markets and applications you may never have imagined—erosion control blankets and berms, green roofs, aggregate placement, playgrounds, landscaping—all while saving you time and labor. With more than 65 years practical experience and 25 years of manufacturing and selling exceptional equipment, you know that when you work with Express Blower, Inc., you are working with the people who know blower trucks and their markets best. Visit us at the show where you can learn how Express Blower equipment can grow your business. You don’t need more people … You need more machine.www.expressblower.com CONEXPO Booth #C22721

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202017InSite Elevation is a 3D earthwork take-off and GPS modeling software solution for earthwork estimators who require accuracy and time-saving features. Quickly and accurately calculate cut and fill, stripping, strata quantities, paving and concrete materials, topsoil re-spread, areas, lengths, trench excavation, and backfill. The software also includes GPS machine control systems surface export and generates construction staking data.InSite Elevation generates reports that can be exported to spreadsheets, PDF files, and most bid applications. 3Ds, cross section, and plan view cut and fill graphics provide hard evidence of all calculations. The software supports GPS and drone data for grade verification, production, and as-built calculations. Value engineering can be accomplished with the Dynamic Site Balancer module.InSite Software offers live training, exceptional technical support by earthwork experts, and continuous new feature development. To schedule a live demo call 877.746.7483.www.insitesoftware.com CONEXPO Booth #S62745 MAX tools are known by professional contractors as the highest quality line and it is achieved by over 75 years of manufacturing experience and our own production plants having the most up-to-date equipment. Over the years, MAX has provided the market with innovative tools for professionals in a variety of industries. MAX developed the World’s First battery-powered rebar tying tool. Since then MAX Rebar Tying Tools have revolutionized rebar tying all around the world. MAX has continued improving rebar tying technology, which led to the invention of the Twintier RB611T, a dual wire feeding rebar tier. The latest technology allows 4,000 ties per charge, while delivering just the right amount of wire for added productivity and cost savings. These innovative features make the Twintier the best and most innovative and efficient rebar tier in the industry. Today, MAX manufactures a full line of rebar guns that can tie between mesh up to #9 x #10 rebar (varies by rebar manufacturer).Features and benefits of the Twintier RB611T include: increase in productivity with double the speed, cost saving with the wire pull-back mechanism to reduce wire usage, shorter tie height, long-lasting battery, enclosed design, easy push gear release, and a quick and easy process to load tie wire. Largest jaw size of any battery powered rebar tying tool on the market.www.maxusacorp.com CONEXPO Booth #S65716

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com20project profileArchitectural Challengeextensive renovation creates state-of-the-art theaterMASSACHUSETTS MIDDLESEX SCHOOLStudents of the arts at Middlesex School in Massachusetts are among the brightest and most creative in the nation. Its list of graduates reads like a “Who’s Who” list filled with clever and innovative thinkers who won Academy Awards and Pulitzer Prizes and developed influential social media platforms.Architects, engineers, and contractors needed a large dose of similar creativity when school officials decided to expand and renovate its theater and visual arts center. The scope of the project was extensive, and architects were required to complete the work on the existing footprint. The challenge to maintain the architectural appeal of a campus and buildings that dated back to 1901 only added to the challenge. “We make every effort to have the building reflect the school,” says Michelle Oishi, the lead architect on the project for CBT Architects. “Middlesex School has a nice design history. Each project reflects the culture of the school. The project had to stay in character with Middlesex School and honor its history.”SPACE REIMAGINEDThe overall objective of the project at the school for students in grades 9-12 sought to improve the existing theater and create a space where their entire 400-plus students and nearly 100 faculty members could assemble. The previous structure was built in the 1960s, and the renovation involved recreating and reimagining the creative opportunities within the 55,000-square-foot structure. Architects faced an early dilemma when studies revealed wetlands and riverfront restrictions surrounded the existing center on three sides. The design team took creative steps to expand the site without triggering permitting hurdles or imposing on the natural barriers. It then set its sights on interior renovations.EXTENSIVE SCOPEWorkers gutted the original building while preserving the theater’s original perimeter walls and roof structure. In the renovation, they built a new visual arts wing, integrating a rich cross-section of artistic disciplines with a gallery, studio, and classroom spaces.Architects also completely revamped the school’s theater, where they created a new central stage that includes updated theatrical lighting, sound, and an orchestra pit. They also built a new studio theater, dressing rooms, and set-building support spaces that add capacity to the performing arts program. The main stage now includes balcony seating that allows the entire student body and faculty to fit comfortably as an audience for performances, guest speakers, and all-school assemblies. It features a motorized orchestra pit that can be raised up to the stage level. Workers also improved a courtyard to provide accessible entry to adjacent buildings and includes a terrace that serves as an exterior performance venue.KEEPING THE THEATER SAFESix double-leaf acoustical smoke vents manufactured by The BILCO Company were installed on the roof of the new theater. Automatic smoke vents protect property and aid firefighters in bringing a fire under control by removing smoke, By Thomas RennerPhoto by Sarah Hamlin/EverchangingphotoArchitects completely revamped the school’s theater, creating a new central stage with updated theatrical lighting, sound, and an orchestra pit.

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202021heat, and gases from a burning building. This ensures better visibility, evacuation time, and protection against fire spread, as well as reduced risk of smoke inhalation and structural damage. They are activated upon the melting of a fusible link, and are ideally suited for large expanses of unobstructed space such as factories, warehouses, auditoriums, and retail facilities.The smoke vents used on this project were equipped with electric motor operators that allow them to be opened and closed remotely for ventilation. BILCO’s acoustical vents provide industry-high STC and OITC sound ratings to guard against outside noise intrusion so that the inside performance won’t be disturbed.“The features that were included in the smoke vents were geared to student safety,” Oishi says. “That was of paramount importance. There were also space considerations, and the automated aspect was important due to the fact that we wanted very few things interfering with the rigging sets.”The vents were also painted with a jet-black powder coat finish to add durability and help enhance the environment for theatrical productions. Ryan Cosmini of Pace Representatives procured the smoke vents for the contractor, J.S. Mortimer, Inc. C.E. Floyd served as the general contractor for the project. UNIQUE HISTORYSet on 250 acres about 25 miles outside of Boston, Middlesex School features 18 buildings including a library, chapel, dormitories, gymnasium, and staff offices. The school was founded in 1901 by Frederick Winsor Jr., the son of a Civil War surgeon, and the campus was designed by John Charles and Frederick L. Olmsted. Their father, Frederick, is considered to be the father of American landscape architecture, and his sons followed in their father’s footsteps and their work was included in a number of high-profile projects.Working within the framework of that unique history, CBT Architects were tasked with a complex and challenging project. “The theater is the linchpin for that portion of the campus,” says Oishi. “It’s the continuation of the academic ribbon.”CLOSING THOUGHTThe end result delivered precisely what the school requested. “It’s an awesome space,” says Steve McKeown, the school’s project manager. “It provides a space where our community can gather, and that’s something that is very important to our school.” SOLUTIONS FOR 80 YEARSBUILDING INNOVATIVE TRANSPORT TALBERTMFG.COM | 800-348-5232NOTHING BETTER BETWEEN THE LOAD AND THE ROAD!about the author Thomas Renner writes on building, construction, engineering, and other topics for trade publications throughout the United States.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com22project profileKansas-based company safely completes liftLATTICE BOOM MOBILE CRANEWind Turbine ProjectBased in Pratt, Kansas, Trand took delivery of the first LG 1750 in the United States in March 2019. The LG 1750 is an 850-ton, eight-axle, lattice boom mobile crane with the mobility of a drivable carrier and the lifting capacity of a crawler crane. It has a 633-foot maximum hoist height, six winches, and variable boom systems. Among other items, the crane handled a gearbox assembly and its heaviest lift was 162,000 pounds.THE PROJECTUnder the leadership of Trand president Terry D. Arnett, vice president of operations Andrea D. Arnett, crane operator Ken Cornelson, Jr., and rigger and oiler Patrick Petersen, all of the LG 1750’s standard features, combined with some additional equipment, helped the project get done safely, efficiently, and on schedule.“One challenge we faced during the planning of this job was that the allowable ground bearing pressure was very low,” says Andrea Arnett. “At the time of the crane purchase, we also purchased eight steel mats to help spread the pressure over a larger area and minimize the pressure per square foot to the ground.” The strength of the LG 1750 on this project was its lifting capacity and luffing abilities. Trand also purchased a 344-foot luffing jib with the crane. “The luffer was essential for this job,” Arnett says. “We originally did not plan to use it, but the blades on this rotor had a 40-foot pre-bend and would A Liebherr LG 1750 provided the primary lifting power for Trand, Inc., during a nearly 2-week long project in May 2019. The company provided crane services for a main shaft exchange on a wind turbine with a nearly 400-foot hub height in the Lubbock, Texas, area.

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202023likely have hit the boom using the original configuration.” The crane was sitting at a 110-foot radius and was able to easily remove and replace the rotor. THE TRAND FLEETIncluding the LG 1750, Trand owns four Liebherr cranes: two LTM 1750-9.1 mobile cranes and an LTM 1300-6.2. “We feel the LG 1750 is a great addition to our fleet to service the larger turbines that the current fleet cannot handle. We also plan to use it for plant work,” says Arnett. Trand’s overall fleet consists of 11 mobile cranes. This positions the company to serve the wind power industry, which is continually moving toward larger towers and heavier components. Founded in 1990, Trand specializes in wind industry, refinery and gas plant projects, and employs 22 people.“The courtesy that Liebherr has shown us and our employees is above and beyond,” Arnett says. “With this being a new crane in the United States, there were many obstacles we had to overcome to make it work for our company, and Liebherr went the extra mile to make those adjustments.”CLOSING THOUGHTThe Liebherr LG 1750 is stabilized on an outrigger system which makes it safer than other cranes of similar size and capacity. Companies, like Trand, can appreciate the benefits of fast mobilization and easy assembly and disassembly. for more informationFor more about Trand and its crane services, visit www.trandinc.com. For more about Liebherr equipment, visit www.liebherr.com. Crews use the LG 1750 crane to install the wind turbine’s blade socks.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com24project profileThree Holescontractor hand-digs “excavations” in crawl space under building RENOVATING HISTORIC BUILDINGWhen your state’s Capitol Building is almost 150 years old, it’s going to require constant renovation and modern upgrades. This is true for Michigan’s Capitol in Lansing, which has been renovated many times since its original construction in 1872. That includes, of course, the renovation of the beautiful architecture in the building, which the public can see and enjoy. But it also requires the modernization and upkeep of the building’s almost-150-year-old plumbing.It is the out-of-the-way, behind-the-walls, and under-the-building renovation that can be most challenging for renovation contractors. For example, Hoffman Bros. Inc.—headquartered in Battle Creek, Michigan—was recently tasked with preparing a section of the Capitol’s sanitation system for slip lining, including sections of pipe installed in the original 1872 construction of the building.The installation of the new cured-in-place resin pipe lining required three excavations: a feeder hole, an alignment hole, and a draw hole for the winch to pull the lining through the pipe. Hoffman started the excavation project by digging an easy 2-foot-deep feeder hole on the north end of the Capitol grounds outside the building. However, it was the second and third excavations under the Capitol building that was anything but easy.“Both the alignment and draw holes needed to be dug in a 5-foot crawl space with pipes and conduits running everywhere,” explains Aaron Mast, Hoffman’s superintendent. “Once we were in the correct spot in the crawl space for the alignment hole, we then had to dig an 8-foot-deep hole, which was partly under a conduit 2 feet off the floor.” TRENCH PROTECTION SYSTEM Making matters even more challenging was that the hand-dug “excavations” were deeper than 5 feet, which MIOSHA stipulates must employ one of the three approved trench protection systems: sloping, shielding, or shoring. Mast needed help finding a workable shoring solution, so he turned to the specialists at Efficiency Production, one of the nation’s leading trench shielding and shoring manufacturers, conveniently headquartered 20 miles south of the Capital in Mason, Michigan.“We’ve dealt with Efficiency on a lot of different excavation projects in the past, some using trench shields, some with Slide Rail Systems,” says Mast. “So, I called (Efficiency’s Michigan sales and rental manager) Jim Hamilton, because I knew neither trench boxes nor Slide Rail was going to work for this project.”“When I came out to the Capitol and saw where the Hoffman guys were digging—under the building in a crawl space where you couldn’t even stand up straight in most spots—I knew that the best thing—really the only thing—that would work for trench protection was hydraulic shores,” Hamilton says.UNIQUE SHORING CHALLENGEHydraulic vertical shores consist of a pair of strong 8-inch aluminum rails that are connected by hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders are pressurized outside of the excavation with a hand-pump. Where trench shields are used to protect workers against cave-ins, hydraulic shores are used to actually apply pressure to trench walls to prevent cave-ins—a critical consideration for By James McRayRenovation of Michigan’s historic Capitol Building’s 150-year-old plumbing required hand-digging 8-foot-deep “excavations” in a 5-foot crawl space under the building’s historic rotunda.The excavations were deeper than 5 feet, requiring an OSHA-approved trench protection system.

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202025shoring the 4x6 foot pits in the tight space directly below the Capitol’s famous Rotunda.“Another thing that made hydraulic shores the only thing that would work was that all equipment needed to go down a 2-foot square access hatch to reach the utilities under the Capitol,” Hamilton continues. “The Shores, plus pump bucket and tools, needed to be carried down the access ladder by hand.”EXCAVATIONS HAND-DUG Of the two hand-dug excavations under the Capitol, the alignment hole was about 8-9 feet deep, but there was only 4-4.5 feet of overhead space. The second hole for the winch was 6 feet deep and dug with only 4-5 feet of overhead space. To shore the pits, Hoffman employed eight, single-cylinder hydraulic “spot-shores”—four running in each direction. When activated, the hydraulic pressure from the cylinders prevents the trench walls from collapsing.CLOSING THOUGHT“I hadn’t ever heard of hydraulic shores before Jim explained how they worked; and sure enough, they were slick and did the job,” Mast says. “We have a lot of traditional Efficiency trench safety equipment in our fleet, but I wouldn’t hesitate to use hydraulic shores again if we encounter a problem that can’t be addressed by something we already have in our toolbox.” about the author James McRay is the director of marketing and media for Efficiency Production. He can be reached at 800.552.8800; james.mcray@arcosa.com. Efficiency Production, “America’s Trench Box Builder™,” is an Arcosa Shoring Products company. Efficiency’s versatile trench shielding and shoring systems are designed specifically for safe and cost-effective installation of utility systems and infrastructure improvements. For more, visit www.efficiencyproduction.com.To reach the utilities under the Capitol, all the shoring equipment needed to go down a 2-foot-square access hatch, making hydraulic shores practically the only trench protection system feasible for the project.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com26equipment solutionAll-In-One Beacon LED Tower provides functionality of three separate lighting needsAWARD-WINNING INNOVATIONA common issue for every contractor is the incessant number of tools and equipment needed for each task imaginable. A generator mobile light tower is needed for remote area jobs, an electric mobile tower is needed for indoor work, and a diffuser light tower is also needed for night road side construction work. Not anymore. Lind Equipment, a multi award-winning company, has created a simple lighting solution that provides you with all the functionality of these three separate lighting needs in one award-winning package. The All-in-One Beacon LED Tower can be used as an electric powered light tower, a generator powered light tower, and as a no-glare diffuser light tower. ONE SOLUTION FOR THE JOBSITE The innovative, All-in-One Beacon LED Tower alleviates the need to own three separate towers for different types of jobs. If you need to illuminate remote construction sites with a full-power light tower, the Beacon LED Tower can do that with an onboard generator as small as 1000W. The Beacon LED Tower has proven its durability and ruggedness on construction sites all over North America, including in the far north, on the ocean, and in the desert. You won’t sacrifice light levels, run time, or durability when replacing your traditional generator fed light towers with the All-In-One Beacon LED Tower. If you need to illuminate an indoor site, or want a light tower that can run quietly without fumes on an external power source, the exact same Beacon LED Tower can do just that. With its extremely efficient Lind Equipment LED light heads, the Beacon LED Tower uses 80 percent less electricity than a traditional light tower without any By Dina Panos

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202027reduction in light output. This means you can run two All-In-One Beacon LED Towers on a single 15A circuit. They fit through man-doors and a single person can move them around a jobsite with ease. Lastly, if you need to illuminate areas that require diffused, no-glare lighting, such as events or roadside construction, the exact same Beacon LED Tower can do that too. Just clip on our no-glare diffuser frames in under one minute, and your all-in-one Beacon LED Tower provides the glare-free light that you need.NO-GLARE DIFFUSER FRAMES The no-glare diffuser frames are the feature that makes the Beacon LED Tower the All-in-One. The biggest issue found with balloon lighting is that the unit produces light in all directions—including straight up. Not being able to direct the light where you need it is a major flaw with the original design. Lind Equipment’s award-winning designers recognized the flaw and constructed the no-glare diffuser frames to cover the light heads on the Beacon LED Tower. These frames tightly clip onto the back of the powerful, 30,000 lumen floodlights to prevent any movement while in use. Now you have the ability to not only diffuse your light, but the ability to adjust the light heads in the direction you need it; providing your jobsite with the ample amount of light you require. The no-glare diffuser covers are designed to be easy on the eyes and, although still providing bright light, anyone can stare at the light straight on without difficultly. Once your diffuser needs are completed, the frames simply come off as quickly as they went on. Stack them on top of one another with the covers still on and place into our carrying case. CLOSING THOUGHTLind has always focused on being innovative and solving the common issues found with traditional lighting equipment. The first (and second) generation of the Beacon LED Tower won numerous awards for its innovation in the light tower market. It solved issues with maneuverability, maintenance, and provided multiple power options to expand its lighting applications. These features plus much more are what made the tower a welcome change in the market. Now, by adding in the diffuser tower mode, this full brightness LED tower is the only solution needed to service all lighting applications. about the author Dina Panos is the North American marketing specialist at Lind Equipment, a company that has manufactured and supplied portable lighting and electrical equipment for the toughest jobsites for more than 70 years. For more, visit www.beaconledtower.com.

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equipment solutionOur mission revolves around a simple question, “Why?”. For every Somero® employee the answer is clear: We work hard to deliver world-class products and services because we’re passionate about our customers’ success and we strive to ensure our customers achieve their business and profitability goals.Our customers see this passion day-in and day-out, and as a result, we earn their loyalty and are able to retain them as a customer for life.The use of our technology and equipment enables our customers to install every concrete slab faster, flatter, and with fewer people.INDUSTRY INNOVATORSomero technology was developed based on a deep understanding of the industry and direct customer engagement that to this day drives us to develop innovative products and services that enable our customers to produce higher quality floors and increase their productivity and, ultimately, their bottom line.Somero’s business is far more than simply selling equipment. Providing customers access to unparalleled industry expertise, training, and support is core to our success as an educator and innovator in the concrete industry.DIVERSE PORTFOLIOSomero offers a wide portfolio of products that cover concrete slab placements in all types of construction projects. In addition to equipment and software products, Somero sells parts and accessories, and provides service and training to customers to keep their machines up and running, operating optimally. Laser Screed Machinethe evolution of the originalCOVER STORY: SOMERO®®

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PIONEER IN THE MARKETSomero pioneered the Laser Screed®
machine market in 1986 and has sinceled through continued innovation bygrowing its product offering froma single product in 1986 to a broadportfolio of a dozen-plus products,and by developing proprietary designsthat are protected by a portfolio of 63patents and patent applications. Somerooperates in markets across the globewith minimal direct competition.Somero’s customers are a specializedgroup consisting of concrete contractorswho specialize in commercial projects allover the globe. Somero products havebeen sold in more than 90 countriesacross every time zone. Our targetcustomer is the commercial concreteflooring contractor, of any size, whois ready to move to the next level ofprofitability with their business.MOST-ADVANCED MACHINESo how does this all translate to themachines we build? From our very firstmachine to our most technologicallyadvanced machine, we nevercompromise on doing things preciselyand with an appreciation of ourcustomer’s needs. Look no further thanthe S-22EZ Laser Screed Machine. Asthe most technologically advanced LaserScreed machine available in the world,the S-22EZ is packed with features thatgive you the competitive advantage.Equipped with 360-degree machinerotation, a 20 ft/6m telescopic boomand your choice of pivoting screedheads, the S-22EZ continues thetradition of delivering the industry’shighest quality and production rateswith unsurpassed maneuverability. Thecustomized OASIS laser control systemis simple to operate and is upgradeableas technology advances. A redesigned,EZ Clean Head reduces cleanup time andimproves long-term maintenance. Newconvenience features and redesignedstorage compartments improveergonomics around the machine andoperator efficiency.The S-22EZ options platform allowsyou to build the machine you need tomeet your demands. Options include,but are not limited to: 12 ft or 14 fthead width, roller plow, on-boardpressure washer with hose reel, operatorheat, spray bar, and the Somero FloorLevelness System®.for more informationFor more information, visit www.somero.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com30equipment solutionThe key to long-term success in any business is maximizing efficiency. For industrial operations, such as construction, aggregates, and mining, achieving this might look more like a complex game of chess. The strategy involves managers carefully maneuvering employees, equipment, and materials across the board to reach the prefect balance of productivity and safety. However, hauling and offloading efficiency are often overlooked factors in these calculations. With the proper equipment, operations can maximize the capacity and offloading efficiency of each load. But when a mismatch between material and equipment occurs, it can cost operations greatly in terms of lost productivity, component wear, and extended maintenance. As a safer and more efficient alternative, many operations are opting to invest in rear eject truck bodies for their haulers. This technology has several key benefits, including eliminating various time-consuming aspects of the standard dumping process and increasing operator safety. And, depending on the manufacturer, further productivity can be found with low- or no-maintenance rear eject designs. Here are a few ways rear eject bodies can maximize production without the need for risky techniques.ELIMINATE UPS AND DOWNSOne hindrance of end dump trucks is the time it takes to stop, dump, and wait for the body to completely drop back down before driving away. It takes roughly 12 seconds for bodies to lift and another 7 seconds to drop back down. And that doesn’t include the time it takes to find steady ground and empty the truck. On paper this doesn’t seem like a significant amount of time, but in reality, when trucks take dozens of trips each day, those seconds start to add up. Alternatively, rear eject bodies eliminate the need to stop and lift during the dumping cycle, saving valuable time with each dump and increasing efficiency by up to 25 percent. They also provide the operator with complete control of discharge and the ability to dump materials on the go, something highly discouraged with end dump trucks due to increased safety risks. Incorporating rear eject technology allows operators to push material out of the truck body at a steady rate. The action can occur while the vehicle is moving, offering a uniform distribution of material to fall behind the truck. Compared to the large piles left by end dump trucks, this even spread requires significantly less dozing and spreading time. Rear eject bodies can further increase efficiency by providing 100 percent material offload, eliminating carryback.Additionally, a rear eject body allows safe offloading in conditions that would be impossible or unsafe for standard trucks, such as on slopes, uphill, and in locations with a softer footing. On these uneven surfaces, the rear eject design provides a low center of gravity which allows safe offloading—even with the truck at rated capacity. This gives operators more flexibility when it comes to where they can offload, resulting in less maneuvering with other vehicles, like dozers and loaders, to get the material where it ultimately needs to go.Custom Truck Bodiesincreasing safety and productivity PUSHING THE LIMITSBy Josh SwankON THE WEBFor more safety and maintenance benefits, read this article on mcsmag.comRear eject technology provides operators with complete control of discharge and the ability to dump materials on the go, something highly discouraged with end dump trucks due to increased safety risks. Watch the technology in action on a Volvo A35G with rear eject body from Philippi-Hagenbuch. https://vimeo.com/350230978

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202031increase PrODUcTiViTYIt is easy to see the benefits of choosing a rear ejector as part of a custom solution. However, that is just the beginning when it comes to productivity enhancing options available from custom manufacturers. For hauling operations working with significantly lighter materials, such as refuse or some light-weight aggregate, adding a custom truck body can further increase productivity. For example, if a 30-cubic-yard body on a 40-ton off-highway dump truck was filled to volumetric capacity with refuse, averaging 650 pounds a cubic yard, the total weight would only be around 10 tons—one-fourth of the rated capacity of the truck. Working with a custom truck body manufacturer could provide a solution that offers up to three times the volumetric capacity, 90 to 100 cubic yards. With the increased volumetric capacity of a custom body, operations can haul the same amount, but at a faster rate for less money. If five trucks were operating with 90-cubic-yard bodies and handling lighter materials, such as refuse, they would be able to move 3,000 tons of material in 20 trips per day for each truck. With a standard body, moving the same amount of material would end up taking roughly 40 trips per day due to underhauling each load. Assuming a 3-mile trip per dump load, custom bodies can save an operation more than $70,000 in fuel per year—not to mention the maintenance and service savings that comes from fewer trips.Increased volumetric capacity doesn’t mean the truck can haul more than the OEM rated capacity, and doing so may cause damage or violate the truck’s warranty. Rather, it allows operators to maximize productivity when hauling lighter materials, resulting in a more efficient, cost-effective operation. cLOsinG THOUGHTSettling for a “one size fits all” approach can be a costly mistake when it comes to haul trucks. Instead, operators should discuss their options with a custom manufacturer to make sure the vehicle they’re running offers the best solution for their operation. From rear ejectors to increased volumetric capacity, custom truck bodies can revolutionize productivity and safety. Working with specialists to maximize efficiency allows an operation to reach its full potential. about the author Josh Swank is vice president of sales and marketing engineering for Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc., the global leader in off-highway truck customization with innovative tailgates, push blocks, rear-eject bodies, and trailers. For more, visit www.philsystems.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com34environmental solutionGreen Constructionkeeping up with changes GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS AND TECHThe demand for green construction services continues to build. According to the most recent research by the U.S. Green Building Council, construction industry respondents expected more than 60 percent of their projects to be green through 2021.To successfully compete in this market, contractors will have to work hard to keep up with changes in green building standards and technology. A culture of continual learning should be part of every successful business in order to provide a competitive advantage. So, here are three trends to keep an eye on during 2020 and beyond.TACKLING EMBODIED CARBONThe green construction industry is beginning to tackle the challenge of reducing “embodied carbon,” looking beyond the idea of simply finding ways to limit carbon emissions during construction. For years, green standards have just focused on reducing operating emissions, but with the explosive growth of the built environment, though, this is being rethought. Awareness of the importance of dealing with embodied carbon has increased over the past decade. The term refers to the CO2 emitted during the manufacturing and transportation of the construction materials used in building a structure, as well as what is emitted over the lifecycle of the finished structure.Why is embodied carbon such an issue? It’s estimated to be currently responsible for 28 percent of building sector emissions. The world is projected to add the equivalent of an entire New York City to the planet every 34 days for the next 40 years, according to a United Nations global status report. So, if standards remain the same, this will only increase.In late 2019, Carbon Leadership Forum and C Change Labs released the Embodied Carbon Construction Calculator (www.buildingtransparency.org/en) to help construction teams analyze the various carbon impacts of products. The problem is also being addressed in v4.1 of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which includes updates to its Materials and Resources (MR) credit category to incentivize reductions in embodied carbon. Currently in pilot phase, the revised standards are expected to be ratified this year.EVOLVING GREEN REGULATIONS AND STANDARDSState and local governments will continue driving more demand for green construction through regulations and ever-tighter standards. In 2019 alone, Washington, D.C., and New York City passed major new laws requiring significantly increased energy efficiency for existing buildings. Roughly two-thirds of states and thousands of municipalities currently By Tommy Linstroth

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202035require some sort of green certification for construction companies to be eligible to bid on government projects, and there is no sign this is going to change.Standards continue growing stricter. This means there will be a continual learning curve for all of those people who are chasing green construction work. Those requirements aren’t going away. Everyone who is participating in the process will need to get up to speed on these requirements.Frankly, any builder or contractor who is looking to build a fire station or a police station or a municipal building needs to be prepared to manage the process and meet contractual obligations for green certification, if they want to be competitive in today’s marketplace.MODULAR TECHNOLOGYAnother green construction trend we’re watching is the growing adoption of modular technology. According to McKinsey, wholesale adoption of modular construction techniques could eventually save construction companies in the U.S. and Europe $22 billion per year in reduced build costs.As a green construction option, it certainly makes a lot of sense—components and structures can be built off-site in factory-controlled conditions, which reduces waste during both manufacturing and installation. It is also a means to speed up the construction process because teams can just show up on-site and put panels or modules together, rather than building them from scratch.We are seeing contractors begin to adopt modular construction techniques on a larger scale, whether it’s using prefab walls and components or even whole structures. We’ve seen modular construction technology grow into a long-standing trend in the interior side of things, and now we’re starting to see it more frequently on a larger scale with the capacity for the production of complete modular buildings versus just interior components.CLOSING THOUGHTFrom dealing with embodied carbon to staying educated on state and local regulations, green construction companies will have to keep up with a changing marketplace. It’s an exciting time to be in the industry, and staying on top of trends will help benefit your bottom line in the long run. about the author Tommy Linstroth is founder and CEO of Green Badger, a cloud-based solution for equipping project teams of all levels of experience with the tools they need to document LEED as efficiently as possible. For more, visit www.getgreenbadger.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com36management solutionCompany Retreatsto retreat or not to retreat … that is the questionBUSINESS INVESTMENTCompany retreats represent a significant investment of time and energy. Many construction contractors and related businesses refrain from holding them because they are regarded as time-consuming, and perhaps even a bit frivolous. However, conducted properly, retreats can be the best overall investment a contractor can make. Regardless of the size of your business, bringing key people together for a retreat is a smart move. It can be an excellent opportunity for strategic planning, and to make decisions on what actions to take to enhance business development, establish higher levels of customer loyalty, improve overall performance, and find ways to be proactive in preventing problems and complaints. It may even open your eyes to things you didn’t know. Effectively planned and executed, a retreat is also an excellent platform for reinforcing leadership skills, brainstorming ideas, solving problems, stimulating teamwork, nurturing a sense of camaraderie, and clarifying and reaffirming your organization’s policies in the office and on the jobsite. The following are tips to assist you in planning a successful retreat. BE CLEAR ON WHAT YOU WANT YOUR RETREAT TO ACCOMPLISHSpecifically, answer these two questions: What has to happen to consider the retreat a success? What specific issues do we want or need to discuss? HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE ON YOUR RETREAT TEAM No more, no less. Remember, this is not a reward or a popularity contest. If you don’t have the right players, your retreat will not be productive. The next tip may help you to designate your retreat team. DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO INVITE ONLY YOUR EXECUTIVES OR INCLUDE YOUR MANAGEMENT TEAM AND KEY PEOPLE IN YOUR COMPANYConsider the benefits of including your CFO or accountant, your HR person, project managers, superintendents, and your high-contributing employees, who are emerging leaders. Before the event, ask your management team to give confidential surveys to their teams on the topics for discussion at the retreat. This feedback represents the voice of the people in their departments. You’ll be surprised at what you might learn. Survey questions could include:• What, in your opinion, are the three biggest strengths of our company?• What are you hearing in the field? • How can management help you to perform your job more effectively?• How can we improve productivity on the jobsite, teamwork, communication, and morale?• If you were “in charge” what would be the first thing you’d change?ESTABLISH YOUR OBJECTIVESWhile every organization has its unique challenges, the following are examples of areas for discussion that you might address:• How well do we deliver what our customers want, need, and expect?• What do our project managers hear about us in the field? • What three complaints do we hear most often? • What current processes or procedures don’t make sense and hold us back from flawless execution? • How can we better support our estimators and business development team?• What is the overall level of performance of our employees?• Do our workers and employees have the skills, tools, and training they need?SET A TIGHTLY FOCUSED AGENDASelect the three most important topics for discussion. If you try to cover too much, in too little time, you will not be satisfied with the result. Stay on track. Be sure to not let anyone monopolize conversations.By Christine Corelli

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202037PROVIDE MATERIALS FOR REVIEWDistribute copies of Modern Contractor Solutions or an article on managing and motivating employees.BRING INFORMATIONBefore the management retreat, ask your team to write down any “intelligence” about what they are hearing about your competitors. KEEP IT QUIETWhether you want to work together for 3 days, or you can only spare 1 day, the best place for your retreat is a quiet atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the contracting environment. KEEP IT SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE, IF BUDGET IS A CONCERNMoney is not the key component in a successful retreat. Consider holding your retreat in a simple meeting room, or at a country bed and breakfast inn (with an appropriate private room for your sessions plus a dining room for breaks). Most companies hold retreats that last an entire weekend. Whatever you decide, make sure it is an energizing experience for your retreat team, and that everyone leaves with an Action Plan.CONSIDER HIRING A RETREAT FACILITATORWhile it’s possible for you, or anyone in your company, to conduct the retreat, you will often get better results if you hire an experienced corporate retreat facilitator. A facilitator ensures no single individual has to wear two hats by being both a facilitator and a participator. CLOSING THOUGHTYou’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish during a retreat for your business. If you’ve never held one, or if you’ve never held them in the right manner, just do it. Holding a retreat doesn’t have to be costly or formal. I’ve known companies that hold them in someone’s backyard! Holding a retreat with the right structure, format, and facilitator is not an unnecessary expense, but an investment that is well worth making. about the author Christine Corelli is a conference speaker, workshop facilitator, and business columnist. She has worked with an abundance of construction contractor companies and been a featured speaker at industry associations. To contact her for an upcoming meeting, conference, or special event, call 847.477.7376. For more, visit www.christinespeaks.com.ON THE WEBCheck out this article on mcsmag.com for more tips and an example of a 2-day retreat

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com40software solutionUnified Softwaregains efficiency and uptime, cuts costsCONNECTING WORKFLOWS IN REAL TIMESwitching from paper and spreadsheets to specialized software brings proven advantages to the equipment maintenance workflow. The benefits increase when that fleet management software is connected in real time with the construction scheduling software and the field tracking software. Here are two practical examples of how New York heavy highway contractor Lancaster Development uses a unified platform every day to gain efficiency, cut costs and increase equipment uptime.MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT Doing maintenance when equipment is not being used seems like an obvious strategy. A recent survey, The State of Heavy Construction Scheduling and Dispatch, sponsored by B2W with more than 200 contractor participants, however, suggests many contractors may not grasp how connecting the maintenance and scheduling workflows is necessary to make this happen.When asked who would benefit from real-time visibility into the schedule, contractors put project managers (71 percent), schedulers and dispatchers (71 percent), and foremen (60 percent) at the top of the list; only 12 percent cited equipment or shop managers.Dan Corbett sees things differently. “One reason we switched to construction maintenance software is to have an all-in-one package, where everything is tied together, and we get a streamlined effect,” the equipment manager for Lancaster Development explains. “Prior to this, we were using a generic maintenance software package that did not couple with anything else we were using in the company as far as the jobs go.”With maintenance software unified with scheduling software, Corbett’s team can see planned and actual equipment utilization at jobsites. They use that insight to service equipment at times that don’t interrupt the job whenever possible. “We look at the schedule and say ‘hey, they’re not using it on a specific day,’ and we coordinate so we do the maintenance on that day,” he explains. “This has been very helpful to us and it provides the crews a vast uptick in uptime.”BETTER REPAIR REQUESTSRepair requests drive a lot of non-preventive maintenance work. Relying on phone calls or a paper-based process typically delays the flow of that information from the field to the shop by a week or two and often leads to incomplete information and forgotten calls.An electronic process allows richer, structured data to be submitted instantly. At Lancaster Development, operators and managers create work requests in the field using the same field tracking software that they use for performance reporting. The maintenance team sees those requests immediately in the construction maintenance software and can respond faster and more efficiently, addressing small problems before they become big ones or before they force unnecessary downtime.CLOSING THOUGHT“It’s been a win-win situation for the field and the maintenance department for the crews to have the ability to put in a work request,” says Corbett. “On the fly, as they’re doing things, they can submit a request.” Operators and foremen elaborate in the notes section on concerns or issues. They can even add pictures. for more informationFor more about the workflow solutions offered by B2W, visit www.b2wsoftware.com.Don Corbett, Lancaster Development

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com42legal solutionAvoid Lack of PrivityEXPRESS THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY CLAUSESThe emergence of modern and specialized inclusions on projects creates an environment where contractors are inundated with various contracts and agreements. Contractors often enter into contractual agreements with subcontractors who enter into contractual agreements with sub-subcontractors. As the typical construction contract chain becomes larger, the contractor and the owner are more and more removed from the basis of the bargain of each contract. Contracts, however remote, that fail to name owners and contractors as express parties to those contracts pose a challenge to enforcement. The remedy? Express third-party beneficiary clauses. THE DOCTRINE OF PRIVITYThe Doctrine of Privity is a common law principle which bars a person or business from enforcing a contract unless they are an express party to that contract. If not expressly named as a party to a contract, an owner lacks privity of contract when a contractor enters into a contractual agreement with a subcontractor. Likewise, if not expressly named as third-party beneficiaries, an owner and a contractor lack privity of contract when a subcontractor enters into a contractual agreement with a sub-subcontractor. Lack of privity essentially means lack of ability to enforce a contract. However, most, if not all, states recognize an exception to the Doctrine of Privity concerning third-party beneficiaries. A third-party beneficiary to a contract is one who will benefit from the contract despite not being an express party to a contract. When one proves that they are a third-party beneficiary to a contract, they may enforce the terms of that contract. Generally, one who is not an express party to a contract may bring an action regarding the contract, as a third-party beneficiary, if two elements exist. First, the express parties to the contract must have an intention that the contract was to benefit the non-party bringing the action. Next, the benefit claimed must be a direct benefit of the contract rather than one which is incidental.THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARYWhen contracts do not contain express third-party beneficiary clauses, it is up to the court to determine whether a third party is an intended third-party beneficiary. When determining whether a third party is an intended third-party beneficiary to a contract, the benefit and/or the beneficiary need not be expressly written in the contract; rather, the intent can be derived from the terms of the agreement and/or the surrounding circumstances including through typical courses of dealing. THE CLAIMED BENEFITOne who is not an express party to a contract may bring an action on a contract if the parties to the agreement intended to directly benefit the non-party, rather than unintentionally create an incidental benefit. For example, when a contracting party enters into a proper contract with the intent that it secures a benefit on behalf of a contractor or an owner, a direct benefit exists. Courts have held that certain agreements, such as collective-bargaining agreements, where it is widely known that these agreements contain certain conditions which are incorporated into or part of separate contracts, confer a direct benefit. If necessary, one could argue that subcontracts and sub-subcontracts are agreements simply containing conditions which are part of a larger contract. A TWO-STEP BATTLEWhen a contract expressly names a third-party beneficiary, and when that contract expressly states that the third-party beneficiary gains a direct benefit from the contract, a court of law does not have to determine if a party who is attempting to enforce a contract is an intended, direct third-party beneficiary to the contract. However, if a contract fails to expressly name a third-party beneficiary, an owner or a contractor must first prove that they have a right to enforce a contract before obtaining contractual enforcement. This is typically a question of law for the court.By Alexis Hailpern and Danielle Waltz

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202043A SIMPLE REMEDYGenerally, courts of law favor express terms in a contract versus terms that have to be interpreted or terms which are missing from the contract. To avoid extra costs of enforcement and litigation, contractors should reformulate their agreements to contain express provisions naming the owner and the contractor as an express third-party beneficiary to the contract. Likewise, contractors should require any sub-subcontracts to include the owner and the contractor as express third-party beneficiaries to the contract. Rewriting contracts and naming the owner and the contractor as third-party beneficiaries on the front-end of a project can decrease costs of legal representation and litigation on the back-end of a project. If there is an issue with a project, naming a contractor as a direct third-party beneficiary may create an avenue for a contractor to bring an action against a subcontractor or a sub-subcontractor on its own rather than an action for reimbursement after going through a legal quarrel with an owner. The contractor now only has one legal issue to handle. Additionally, the contactor and the owner can combine forces to enforce subcontractor contracts saving everyone time and money.Giving yourself and the owner of a project the ability to enforce terms of a contract through express third-beneficiary clauses should be an everyday practice. For example, if you, the contractor, are purchasing specialized materials for a project, make sure that the purchase order states “for the benefit of (f/b/o) X owner.” A simple “f/b/o clause” could save you time and money when it comes to enforcement. CLOSING THOUGHTThe labyrinth of construction contracts need not bring an extra level of complexity to a construction project when risks are mitigated with clauses such as express third-party beneficiary clauses from the outset of a project. While each jurisdiction is different in the enforcement of contracts, placing express terms into all of your project documents may lessen any legal burden that arises from a project. about the authors Alexis Hailpern is a commercial attorney in Jackson Kelly PLLC’s Denver office. She represents a variety of construction professionals. She can be contacted at alexis.hailpern@jacksonkelly.com. Danielle Waltz is a commercial and construction litigator and government relations specialist in Jackson Kelly’s Charleston, West Virginia, office, where she is a member. She represents a variety of construction clients. She is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) and is active in its Construction Law and Litigation Committee. She can be contacted at dwaltz@jacksonkelly.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com44technology solutionIntelligent Compactionlong-lasting, durable surfaces result from quality compactionACHIEVING UNIFORM DENSITIESIt has been more than a few years since the term and method of “intelligent compaction” (IC) has become a given in discusions of paving. Today, it has become the norm—compaction is pretty much considered intelligent compaction.NO MORE GUESSINGHere is a simple dictionary type definition: IC refers to the compaction of road materials, such as soils, aggregate bases, or asphalt pavement materials, using modern vibratory rollers equipped with an integrated measurement system, an onboard computer reporting system, Global Positioning System (GPS) based mapping, and optional feedback control. IC rollers facilitate real-time compaction monitoring and timely adjustments to the compaction process by integrating measurement, documentation, and control systems. IC rollers also maintain a continuous record of color-coded plots, allowing the user to view plots of the precise location of the roller, the number of roller passes, and material stiffness measurements.“Operators have told me that intelligent compaction takes the guessing game out of their rolling pattern,” says Daniel F. Brown, president of Phend & Brown, Inc., Milford, Indiana. “They no longer need to remember which utility power pole or mailbox they started or stopped at with their rolling pattern. Additionally, uniform pass coverage is assured because pass coverage is being measured and documented.”RESEARCH PROJECT RESULTSBack in 2011, the FHA reported on a major 3-year research project which was designed to verify that IC, which at the time had been considered “emerging technology,” was mature enough to be implemented in the real world. The intent of the project was to create the blueprint in the FHWA IC strategic plan. This study was under the Transportation Pooled Fund project, which included 12 participating state department of transportation: Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The report’s Executive Summary states that the project “demonstrated tried-and-true Intelligent Compaction (IC) technologies through 16 field projects and open house activities, numerous meetings and training for State personnel and local earthwork/paving contractors, and assistance on the development of State IC specifications.”The IC project’s key conclusions:• IC mapping of existing support layers is effective in identifying weak support areas for corrective actions prior to the compaction of the upper layers. • With HMA paving, IC tracking compaction roller passes and HMA surface temperatures can provide the necessary means to maintain a consistent rolling pattern within optimal ranges of temperatures for coverage of 100 percent of the construction area. • IC technologies can be especially beneficial to maintain consistent rolling patterns under lower visibility conditions, such as night paving operations.IC technology, the report states, will have profound influence on the responsibilities of various stages of pavement constructions and will eventually help produce better and more consistent pavement products. “We are currently running Topcon C-53 IC Systems acquired through the Topcon Solutions Store on two Caterpillar CB-534 D XW rollers, and two systems on Bomag BW190 AD rollers,” states Brown. “At the By Jeff Winke

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202045time of purchase, the C-53, which offers the GX-55 control box, was the newest technology available.“We like that the technology provides for remote mobile access via Sitelink to allow process balance decisions to be based on real-time data for the entire paver/roller operation, which in turn ensures that optimal production rates and density values are consistently achieved.” TRACKING FOR PERFORMANCETopcon Positioning Systems offers an intelligent compaction system that is designed to track pass counts of multiple rollers or IC machines working on the same project. Through secure connectivity to Topcon’s global Sitelink3D service, each compactor not only performs its tasks, but also becomes part of the overall monitored project. “Each operator is not only able to see their own passes, but those made by other machines on-screen in real time,” Brown says. “And in real time, the paving superintendant, foreman, and general contractor personnel can also see what exactly is going on via the Sitelink platform. This ensures proper compaction from each machine and eliminates redundancy.” ESSENTIAL FOR BIG JOBS“We’re using the Topcon C-53 IC System with a GX-75 control box on our 850 Series Sakai oscillation/vibration paving roller, which allows the machine operator to monitor the compaction pattern and the temperature as they’re working,” states Sergio Muniz, paving superintendent with Payne & Dolan, Inc., Waukesha, Wisconsin. “I like that I can jump onto my laptop and see the work being completed in real time and make certain we’re complying with the tough DOT state specifications.”Muniz adds: “We’re finding the Topcon system to be essential for our high-profile big jobs to ensure we remain on task and is instrumental for when we work at night. It also is proving handy for smaller parking-lot-type jobs as well.”CLOSING THOUGHTThe key benefit of IC is greater control over the compaction results, which in turn provides better finished paved results. Compaction at its most elemental is the exertion of force on something so that it becomes more dense, while Intelligent Compaction provides the technological means to ensure that compaction is performed consistently, thoroughly, and accurately. The goal is to achieve optimum densities that ensure adequate support, stability, and strength. Achieving these densities uniformly is key, and clearly IC aids this process. about the author Jeff Winke is a business and construction writer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He can be reached through jeff_winke@yahoo.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com46technology solutionMolded Polystyreneunderslab insulations and structural implicationsASTM C578 AND D6817 EXPLAINEDLightweight and versatile, molded polystyrene foam is a commercial building material that despite being commonly used remains somewhat misunderstood. Frequently identified by the misnomer Styrofoam, molded polystyrene products range from lightweight structural materials and insulations used in commercial construction to packaging for medicines, electronics, and other delicate payloads to OEM applications like the hull of a jet ski, or insulation fill in RVs, and so much more.“Molded polystyrene foam is versatile and efficiently solves a lot of common challenges,” says Dale Mullikin, a national account director for Atlas Molded Products.STRUCTURAL FILLMolded polystyrene has incredible compressive strength, making it well suited as a lightweight structural fill. At Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort in Utah when a new 23,000-square-foot guest center was built at 14,000 feet on top of Hidden Peak, molded polystyrene geofoam helped stabilize a 45-year-old mountainside tram. Designers didn’t want any loading from settling soils to be added to the tram’s foundation wall as the result of the new building. Designers developed a structural barrier that will never erode by filling the void between the guest center’s foundation and the tram wall with Foam-Control Geofoam. THERMAL INSULATIONLike compressive strength, molded polystyrene’s thermal insulation capacities are also quite exceptional. Used as insulation, molded polystyrene rigid foam is ideal almost anywhere a high-performance building envelop is desired. At Badger State Fruit Processing, a Wisconsin Cranberry processor, Foam-Control PLUS+ molded polystyrene insulation was selected based on a combination of performance, environmental impact, and cost. Badger State’s insulation objectives were a full building envelop solution—walls, roof, foundation perimeter, and underslab—making it a six-sided challenge. The underslab insulation was Foam-Control PLUS+ 400. With a compressive strength of 40 psi, the stackable insulation can support the weight of the plant’s massive freezers without risk of structural collapse.MODULUS OF SUBGRADE REACTION Atlas Molded Products manufactures Foam-Control Geofoam and Foam-Control PLUS+ across a wide range of compressive strengths that begin at 15 psi and scale up to 60 psi. Though structural loading is never an issue for molded polystyrene; occasionally, proving it can be. Recently, a company building a large food processing facility had some questions about using Foam-Control PLUS+ insulation beneath the cold storage slabs that Mullikin had never been asked before.By Sean O’Keefe

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202047The engineer’s reply by email read in part:I was forwarded your technical brochures regarding the properties of Foam-Control PLUS+ insulation. I wanted to verify if you had technical information regarding the insulation foundation modulus (equivalent modulus of subgrade reaction) for your product. We are expecting very high point loads on the slab for this project, so I’d like to have that information available for verification and future reference.“This was a first for me,” says Mullikin. “The term modulus of subgrade reaction wasn’t something I was familiar with.” Fortunately for Mullikin, a reliable resource was at the ready in Todd Bergstrom, Ph.D., of AFM Corporation. Bergstrom has spent the last 22 years applying his Doctorate in material science and engineering from Northwestern University to researching, developing, and testing molded polystyrene against variables of every sort. From conducting water absorption testing and quantifying structural performance to proving R-values, Bergstrom has invested his career in molded polystyrene.“Modulus of subgrade reaction refers to the relative stiffness of the layers of support beneath a concrete slab,” says Bergstrom. Quantified, the modulus of subgrade reaction assists engineers in selecting the appropriate molded polystyrene foam to support the pressure of the loaded slab. “In this case, the engineering proved that Foam-Control PLUS+ molded polystyrene insulation would support the same loads as a subgrade composed using XPS.”SEPARATE ASTM DESIGNATIONSBergstrom shares that some of the confusion surrounding molded polystyrene is that it can be used as both an insulation as in the case of Badger State Fruit Processing and a structural fill called geofoam as in the Snowbird guest center. Though the materials are identical, there are two separate designations within ASTM International standards, ASTM C578 for insulation and ASTM D6817 for geofoam.Rigid cellular polystyrene has been used as a roof and in-wall insulation in commercial construction for more than 50 years. It was first tested and published in ASTM standards under ASTM C578 “Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation.” Rigid cellular polystyrene products include both extruded polystyrene and molded polystyrene materials whose practical purposes in commercial construction have grown well beyond the original thermal insulation objectives to now prominently include structural support.“Until 2002, all rigid cellular polystyrene fell under C578 when ASTM D6817 was introduced specifically to account for structural applications using geofoam,” says Bergstrom. “Many architects still think of these products exclusively as insulations and problematically, the original structural capacities listed in the insulation standard for XPS materials are inadequate without adjustment factors. Structural loading should always be specified using the structural capacities in ASTM D6817.”ASTM D6817 “Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam” determines the structural capacity of rigid cellular polystyrene by compressing the material until it is deformed by only one percent. The insulation specification, ASTM C578, compresses the same material until it is deformed by 10 percent.“C578 is meant to compare two types of materials against one another,” summarizes Bergstrom. “D6817, however, defines the loading capacity the material can support indefinitely when used structurally.”While both Foam-Control Plus+ molded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene materials can support the intended structural load at the Midwestern cold storage facility, Foam-Control PLUS+ is much more efficient to build with. Insulations made from XPS are manufactured in flat, rigid sheets just a few inches thick and must be stacked to achieve depth. Foam-Control Plus+ is molded in blocks as large as 8 ft x 4 ft x 36-inches-thick. Despite their size, these large blocks are easily moved by hand and builders can quickly and easily install large structural fill sections in tight places with only manual labor. Hot wire cutters are used to easy to customize blocks to fit around pipes, columns, or other obstacles.CLOSING THOUGHT“Twenty-plus years of working with clients on insulations and structural solutions and they never run out of questions,” says Mullikin. “Atlas Molded Products wants to make sure owners, engineers, architects, and contractors understand the incredible capacity, resiliency, and versatility of molded polystyrene foam and we’ll do it one project at a time.” www.alumaklm.comAluma Trailers are in for the long haulabout the author Sean O’Keefe has more than 20 years of experience articulating the complexities, challenges, and camaraderie of construction and design. He writes Built Environment stories for owners, architects, contractors, and product manufacturers. He can be reached at sean@sokpr.com.

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202051Working at height can be a risky business. That’s why many personal fall arrest systems rely on lifeline materials to perform in hazardous conditions where falls from height are a definite possibility. But there are some applications where use of the wrong product—for example, where a lifeline contacts a sharp or leading edge—can have disastrous results. That’s why its critically important to not only understand sharp and leading edge hazards, but to make sure you have the right equipment for these situations and that you use a fall protection system specifically designed to address leading edge hazards while working at height. WHAT IS A SHARP EDGE? A sharp edge is one that, for practical purposes, is not rounded and has the potential to cut and even completely sever most types of lifelines. An example of a sharp edge application is a steel beam with a ragged edge that has the potential to cut or sever a lifeline if a worker falls over the edge. Do you know how sharp the edges are on your worksite? The ANSI/ASSPZ359.14 standard states that for sharp edge certification, the lifeline of the fall arrest device must be tested over a piece of steel bar with a radius of no more than .005 inches. The device must arrest the test mass and the mass must not strike the ground. WHAT IS A LEADING EDGE?To visualize a leading edge, picture a worker installing decking substrate on a new building. Now imagine the worker’s fall protection system is anchored at foot level behind him, as is often the case. As the worker moves out and away from the anchor point while installing the decking, the worker is exposed to a potential fall over the edge of the decking. WHAT ARE THE UNIQUE RISKS OF LEADING AND SHARP EDGE APPLICATIONS? In sharp edge applications, the primary risk is that if the worker falls over the edge the lifeline can be frayed, cut or even severed, resulting in the worker falling to the level below. However, even a fall over a leading edge can pose risks in addition to the risks associated with a sharp edge, including: Increased fall distances: When workers are attached at foot level, as they often are in leading edge applications, they will fall further than they would if they were anchored at shoulder height or directly overhead. The required clearance when anchored at foot level varies by product, so make sure to reference the manufacturer’s instructions prior to use. Lock-up speed: Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) react to a fall when the lifeline accelerates out of the housing at a

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com52safety solutioncertain velocity. But, when SRLs are anchored at foot level, the lifeline may not achieve the required acceleration during a fall until after the user’s D-ring passes over the leading edge and the user falls below the level of the anchor. This means the user may already have fallen about 5 feet or even more before the SRL device senses the event to engage and begin arresting the fall.Increased fall arrest forces: Falling farther typically means a more severe impact when the fall is arrested. Increased potential for swing fall hazards: While a swing fall is dangerous, the danger is compounded if the worker’s lifeline is extended over a sharp edge and the lifeline saws back and forth across the edge. This sawing action can lead to catastrophic events.WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN LEADING AND SHARP EDGE FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT?Previously, the industry responded to the hazards of leading and sharp edge situations by such methods as attaching an energy absorber to standard self-retracting lifelines, protecting edges, and elevating anchor points. While these efforts were helpful, many organizations have now decided to incorporate leading edge and sharp edge criteria into their standards (e.g., ANSI, CSA, and CE standards for self-retracting devices). For example, ANSI has confirmed a number of assumptions through its testing and analysis, including the fact that products not specifically designed for foot level tie-off (the type of anchoring most often used in these applications) will generate forces far exceeding accepted safety parameters in the event of a fall. As an example, ANSI Z359.14 requires an external energy absorber to be an integral part of the SRL lifeline in order to accommodate additional impact forces involved in a foot-level fall event.Manufacturers have also developed equipment to comply with the new standards to address the potential risks associated with leading and sharp edge situations. Product enhancements to address these challenges include manufacturing SRL cables out of stronger, more wear-resistance materials, using specialized energy absorbers, and employing features such as impact indicators to positively identify equipment that has been involved in a fall. WHY IS TRAINING SO IMPORTANT?While specially designed equipment is needed to help keep workers safe, fall protection products are only effective if crews understand how to use them and why they need it. Employers must deliver proper training so that workers fully engage and understand the unique hazards related to working at height in different applications. CLOSING THOUGHTThe bottom line when it comes to leading edge and sharp edge applications is that employers should not only be aware of, and be able to identify, the risks and hazards associated with their jobsites, but they need to provide the appropriate fall protection equipment and training to help keep their workers safe while working at height in these specific situations. about the authors Raymond Mann, QSSP, is a global senior specialist application engineer, fall protection technical services, regulatory and R&D at the 3M™ Personal Safety Division. Ray may be reached at ray.mann@mmm.com.Carly Engels Johnston is a global writer and senior web journalist at the 3M™ Personal Safety Division. Carly can be reached at cejohnston@mmm.com.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com54safety solutionTo ensure the visibility and safety of everyone on the road, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) mandates that vehicles such as construction, utility, tow, and snowplow trucks are equipped with hazard and warning lights. Whether roof-mounted beacons or directional surface mounted to the vehicle’s body or grill, these flashing strobe lights to capture the attention of motorists and pedestrians and warn of a potentially hazardous activity or situation. Available in several colors—amber, white, and blue—and a variety of pulsating strobe effects, these lights come in several SAE classes and mounting styles depending on how quickly the vehicle will be moving. THE MOVE TO LEDNow, as the lighting world continues to transition to LEDs, these hazard and warning lights are available in low electrical consumption, long life models that far exceed traditional halogen or gas-discharge options. Making this move even more attractive for fleet managers are the plummeting prices of LED technology, which have decreased to the point that many vehicles that require Class 2 lights are instead being outfitted with brighter, Class 1 options given the minimal price differential.“Today, the entire hazard and warning light industry is undergoing a significant change—namely, the industry’s shift to LED technology,” says Chris Cammack of Grote Industries, a US-based manufacturer of vehicle lighting and safety systems for that has offered warning strobe lights for more than 20 years, including an array of LED models.“The reason for this migration comes down to three factors: energy efficiency, longer service life, and brightness,” adds Cammack. “LEDs consume less power than any other lighting technology on the market and are powered by low voltage, allowing for minimal draw of electrical current from the vehicle’s battery.”By contrast, halogen lights draw an excessive amount of current, which can eventually lead to draining the vehicle’s battery. In addition, they are known for poor energy efficiency, with halogen lights losing as much as 95 percent of their energy to heat.Gas-discharge strobe lights are equally inefficient. However, unlike halogen lights, it is not due to excessive current draw, but instead the intense and concentrated heat generated by the strobe, which can significantly shorten the service life of the flash tube.LEDs, on the other hand, consume only 25 to 35 percent of the power of gas-discharge strobe and halogen lights. As a result, LED strobe lights have a service life that is 10 times longer, often lasting 70,000 hours or more.LED QUALITY INCREASESWith most of the world transitioning to LEDs, the quality has also continued to improve as well. In the early days of LEDs, they were not bright enough to meet SAE requirements for luminous intensity of hazard and warning lights, measured in candelas. However, technology has advanced and LEDs are now as bright—if not brighter—than the average strobe or halogen light.“LEDs today are much brighter,” says Cammack. “Today, they are more than LED Technologyreduces power consumption, increases brightness HAZARD/WARNING STROBE LIGHTS

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202055bright enough to meet the SAE standard for candela over 100 feet.” Another barrier to early adoption was the initial price point, another aspect that has dramatically changed in the past decade, says Cammack.“The cost to upgrade to LED strobe lights was prohibitive, at least initially,” explains Cammack. “Fortunately, the prices have come down significantly in the past 10 years, and now they are about the same.”In fact, Cammack believes LED models will soon become less expensive as fewer manufacturers make models with outdated technology. Companies like Grote have phased out other technologies in favor of LED only. “Fewer companies are manufacturing gas-discharged strobe warning lights, so the price of those units is actually going up,” says Cammack. “In a couple of years, it will actually cost more for a gas-discharge or halogen strobe.” LIGHT OPTIONS AVAILABLEFor manufacturers such as Grote, the options are virtually unlimited. The company offers Class 1-3 permanent, vacuum, and magnetically mounted beacon lights in both regular and high profiles and a myriad of strobe patterns. Most of the company’s LED offerings only draw 0.4 – 0.35 amps at 12 VDC.The company also offers LED directional surface-mount strobes in 3, 6, and 12 diode options that feature 12 different selectable flash patterns in either of two phases, including “steady-on.” These, too, require only about 0.1 amps per diode.Also available are 20, 30, and 40-inch LED “traffic directors” with 34 warning flash patterns and 5 phase options, which are ideal for mounting on front push bumpers, pickup trucks, headache rack, and running board lights.CLOSING THOUGHTCammack adds that it is important when upgrading to LED strobe lights to be cautious when purchasing inexpensive, imported products. Although they may be cheaper initially, some overseas suppliers utilize lower quality LED components. Moreover, it can become an issue of warranty claims arise. for more informationFor more about LED options for warning and strobe lights, visit www.grote.com/warning-hazard.Warning lights with LED technology are bright enough to meet SAE requirements.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com56safety solutionPanic Buttonsupgrade as technologies advance for safety monitoringSAFETY FIRSTWorkplace injuries are the enemy of productivity and employee satisfaction. If a worker is forced to miss days of work due to injuries on-the-job less work is getting done, the company risks increased insurance rates and potentially missed deadlines as well. According to the National Safety Council, construction workers are at high risk for workplace injuries. This industry is among the top five for occupations with the highest number of workplace injuries resulting in days away from work. Lone workers who execute their duties outside line of sight and beyond hearing range of coworkers and supervisors are not only at risk for injury, they could be placed in a situation where their injury and need for help may go unnoticed for an extended period of time. TECH TO MONITORIn recent years many construction businesses have begun to use wearables and mobile technologies to monitor worker location, health indicators, and environmental conditions. Everything from hard hats to safety vests have been infused with technologies that can alert a supervisor or safety manager when an accident occurs or working conditions are putting workers’ health at risk. Workers have also been supplied with a technology similar to that which has been relied on for years to ensure the safety of senior citizens, Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems. These devices, also known as SOS or panic buttons, can be activated with the press of a single button or an alert can be triggered by a fall. They function as two-way speaker phones and can directly connect workers with emergency response. In many situations they can be a lifeline for workers and help mitigate the repercussions of an incident. INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADEThe value of these personal safety monitoring technologies is priceless. However, the technology could become unreliable as telecommunication companies upgrade cellular networks from older 2G and 3G technologies to accommodate next-generation 5G services. Many panic buttons were designed using 3G or even 2G technologies because the data being transferred by the device is light and doesn’t require the higher speeds of a 4G network, let alone 5G. As networks are upgraded 2G and 3G devices could lose coverage and become unreliable. This is because telecom companies will be trading out the 2G and 3G technologies on cell phone towers for faster 4G and 5G technologies. Panic buttons operating on 2G or 3G networks will not be compatible with the new network speeds and their functionality could experience drops in coverage in areas where 2G and 3G coverage no longer exists. DEVICES TO MEET DEMANDEricsson, an information communication technology company that installs 5G technologies on cell phone towers, predicts that by 2023, 20 percent of the world’s population will have 5G coverage. While this will infinitely speed up heavy data transfers like streaming video, the problem that exists for the mPERS industry and end users is that 4G devices have yet to be introduced to the mass market, let alone 5G. The basic functionality of panic button devices has not required rapid advancement of the technology that powers their operation. This and other factors affecting the mPERS industry have resulted in a device drought. There hasn’t been a lot of hype about upgrading mPERS devices in the past because more advanced 4G models have simply not been available to sell. Now, manufacturers are forced to catch up with changing networking standards in order to continue to provide the safety and peace-of-mind customers rely on from their devices.UPGRADE, TEST REGULARLYIndividuals who rely on mPERS devices to ensure their safety and well-being need to know their devices will become unreliable as network upgrades are made. This can be accomplished by contacting the device manufacturer or the company providing monitoring services for the device. If a construction company discovers its devices are operating on 2G or 3G networks, it would be wise to upgrade the panic buttons as soon as possible. Discuss options with service providers to turn in existing devices for 4G/LTE models. Construction companies that have panic By Chris Holbert

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202057buttons in the field may also want to consider implementing a regular testing schedule to ensure the devices are operational and have coverage at all jobsites. Each time a project begins at a new site, one device could be triggered to ensure that SOS messages are being transmitted. This simple test would only take a few seconds and would quickly determine if backup safety measures need to be taken or if the panic buttons can be relied on at that location. Companies may find that jobsites in more rural areas will continue to have 2G or 3G coverage, while jobsites in urban areas will lose coverage sooner. This is simply because of the tendency for telecom companies to upgrade towers in urban areas with dense populations and large business centers first. Transitioning from 2G or 3G panic buttons to 4G/LTE devices could come with an added cost. But it is an essential upgrade to ensure ongoing protection for employees. Upgrading devices could also give employers access to new device features that will make it even easier to monitor employee safety. CLOSING THOUGHTIn order to continue to provide employees with a safe working environment, employers will need to investigate what networks the panic buttons already issued to workers operate on and if necessary, upgrade them. Upgrading to a 4G/LTE mPERS device will guarantee that coverage is available for workers anywhere there are cell towers. 4G devices will be backwards compatible, so even in areas where 2G and 3G have not yet been upgraded to 4G or 5G coverage will still be complete. Making sure that employees have the latest safety technologies available to them will help construction companies maximize productivity while illustrating to workers that they are valued by their employer. about the author Chris Holbert is the CEO of SecuraTrac. As the CEO, he is responsible for leading the company’s vision of developing, marketing, and selling a suite of mobile health and safety solutions that bring families closer together and improve employee safety through state-of-the-art location-based services and mobile health technology. For more, visit www.securatrac.com. The SecuraTrac® MobileDefender™ Model S (MD-S) is a 4th generation mobile emergency pendant that features a new Fall Advisory capability and a battery technology that gives more than 30 days of battery life on a single charge.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com58maintenance solutionEver wondered why the reduction of idle time is always a hot topic? Have you ever asked yourself what else outside of fuel savings is a big deal? First, let’s define what Idling is. Idling is when a piece of equipment or a vehicle is running but not actually working to increase production. People find themselves idling for many reasons such as heating or cooling down a vehicle for passenger comfort, waiting in line to pick up your kids from school, or waiting for a crew member to finish the last part of his job before everyone leaves for the day. It’s estimated that the average time construction equipment spends idling is 30-40 percent, while Best in Class companies spend closer to 12-18 percent. IDLE REDUCTION BENEFITSHere’s the big deal. Reducing the time your equipment spends idling has many benefits we don’t necessarily think about. Some of these include fuel savings, reduced preventive maintenance cost, reduced pollution, energy conservation, and many more. Did you know that idling of five vehicles cost approximately $20 in fuel a day and that the average transfer truck cost roughly $5.30 on the conservative side in idling? This doesn’t seem like much because of the truck size, but you’re looking at more than $1,000 a year spent on idling, and that is just on one piece. When you multiply that by your entire fleet count, it’s a big chunk of change that goes directly to the bottom line. While the reduced consumption of fuel is the obvious savings, it’s not the only one. Now, you’re probably salivating and asking yourself, what is this list of other benefits I’m speaking of? Here are quite a few: • Reduced fuel consumption• Reduced wear on components• Optimized vehicle performance• Decreased chance of possible loss of diesel particulate filter (DPF) life due to additional soot• Less depreciation• Warranty hours do not expire prematurely• Machine needs to be serviced less frequently• Environmental concerns are often reduced and possibly remediated • Decrease in state penalties (excessive idling is against the law in many states) • Increased residual or trade-in value at the end of ownership• Decrease in ownership and operating cost IDLE REDUCTION PROGRAMAre you wondering how to capitalize on all of these opportunities? The answer is simple—create an idle reduction program. While the answer is simple, the method, not so much. If not thought out and implemented the correct way, you could end up with a not-so-desirable outcome.A great way to have a successful implementation of an idling program is to educate the operators on the equipment they are using. Most people believe frequently starting and stopping an engine uses more gas and causes additional wear and tear on the vehicle; in reality, with today’s fuel injection engines, starting systems are more efficient and don’t require as much fuel to start an engine. Idling, whether at a jobsite or pulling off the road to make a call, consumes gas that could be saved by simply turning off the engine. The worst mileage a vehicle can get is zero miles per gallon, which occurs when it idles.Here are some tips for reducing idle time:• Limit idle time at shutoff; older engines need 2 minutes; newer engines, almost none• Turn off equipment that is waiting more than 5 minutes to perform its next work cycle• Restrict morning warm-ups to 3 to 5 minutesIdle Reductionsaving fuel is not the only benefitBEST PRACTICESBy Justin Smith

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202059• Turn off equipment during lunchtime breaks and other periods when not in service• Use the automatic shutdown feature when available• Create a policy and make it a major initiative for the organization• Educate why (the purpose and benefits) and consider a reward structure for those with the most improvementTo some, it’s hard to think about improving in an area in which you don’t necessarily see yourself or catch yourself making a mistake. Some people don’t even realize they have their equipment idling. Some are also unaware of the high costs the company incurs because of it, so it’s imperative not only to inform but also to train your personnel. Inform them on not only the negative but positive effects they can have while giving them examples of the negative effects idling has on your equipment and company when we don’t reduce and monitor the idle time. Be open and show your employees the numbers; show them how they stack up, not only against other employees but also other companies that have been successful with implementing an idling reduction program. Ensure your people have the proper training by providing informative workshops or classes. You may be surprised by what you thought wouldn’t have a significant effect on an operator’s decision to continue idling or to shut a piece of equipment down. Often, potential incentives will increase cooperation among staff. Let’s just say you discover you spend $60,000 a year on idling in one area of your company. Inform your personnel on how excessive idling harms the equipment and how it causes the company to spend excess money on its fleet. Iterate to them that there could be prospective raises or bonus pay if their idling improves and if it stays below a certain percent; this gives employees an incentive to want to pay more attention to the small things that could benefit them in the near future. It would also be wise to install real-time alerting systems that detect unproductive idling that sends notifications to drivers or managers who can correct the problematic behavior immediately.CLOSING THOUGHTInformation on the benefits of an idling policy needs to be shared, not regulated. Businesses will easily see the advantages without the cost of enforcement or inspections. about the author Justin Smith has multiple years of training in Total Process Reliability (TPR) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). He has been affiliated with TBR Strategies for more than 10 years with the last year and a half serving as the director of operations.

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com64featured productWhether it’s a general contracting job or a high-rise construction project, every contractor wants their project to run smoothly—as smooth as the hum of a Mi-T-M generator.Noise restrictions and emission standards are more prominent in the construction industry than ever before. These trends have influenced the development of Mi-T-M’s portable generator line including the addition of inverter technology.INVERTER GENERATORSMi-T-M now offers 2000- and 3000-watt inverter generators specifically designed to be quiet and powerful. They provide commercial AC power for sensitive electronic equipment and are perfect for charging and powering equipment on a jobsite. A parallel port box allows contractors to connect two inverters to utilize the power of two units simultaneously. This improves a job’s efficiency, which is a priority when meeting deadlines.PORTABLE GENERATORSTime is money and contractors look for equipment that can help complete their projects quickly and efficiently. Mi-T-M’s wide selection of portable generators provide consistent power and offer many options, such as electric start, wheel kits, and lifting hooks to get you where you’re going to get the job started as effortlessly as possible. GASOLINE GENERATORSMi-T-M manufactures standard gasoline generators ranging from 3000- to 14000-watts used to provide power for commercial to industrial applications. Mi-T-M’s 6000-watt portable diesel generator provides heavy-duty power for extended operation. It is more fuel efficient than the gasoline powered generators and is perfect for off-the-grid sites. All Mi-T-M generators come standard with copper windings, large low tone mufflers, magnetic circuit breakers, USDA/USFS-approved spark arrestors, and heavy-duty steel wraparound frames. They’re built to perform and built to last.KNOW YOUR POWER NEEDSEach job is different, so before choosing a generator you should consider power requirements, making sure you select a generator that is large enough to handle your present and future power needs. Designed with contractors in mind, this generator line is perfect for powering a multitude of tools on any jobsite and feature long run times so you won’t need to take a refuel break in the middle of a job. CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN 2021Mi-T-M Corporation is a privately held company located in Peosta, Iowa. Mi-T-M manufactures high quality and dependable industrial products in a one-million-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing, assembly and distribution facility. Mi-T-M’s customers span multiple industries, including: OEM, rental, paint, government, consumer, equipment dealers, and water treatment facilities. For more, visit www.mitm.com.Mi-T-M CORPORATIONPortable GeneratorsMi-T-M 6000 GeneratorMi-T-M 3000 Inverter

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www.mcsmag.com FEBRUARY 202065Hot Shot’s Secret™ announces a new 10W-30 blend in its Green Diamond Fleet Full Synthetic Group III/Group IV engine oil line specially formulated for use in diesel powered vehicles that experience extreme temperatures, heavy loads, stop and go operations, or high airborne particulates. It is a replacement for any CF-4, CJ-4, CI-4, and CI-4 Plus specification oil, and is infused with Hot Shot’s Secret FR3 Nano Technology and is fully formulated CK-4 additive package. This 100% synthetic diesel oil effectively cleans, lubricates, and maintains engines and turbos for long-lasting protection, improved performance and fuel economy, and longer oil drain intervals. For more, visit www.hotshotsecret.com. Pettibone announces its entry into the mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) market. The company is immediately debuting a total of 13 models with work heights ranging from 18.4 to 46 feet. Offered in electric or hydraulic drive configurations, Pettibone’s ANSI A92.20 compliant lifts provide personnel with reliable solutions for safely working at height in indoor or outdoor applications. Key features of the line include a universal drive control box with LED screen, platform extensions with foot pedal control, and large scissor arms for excellent stability and durability. For more, visit www.gopettibone.com.The new ANSI 121-Compliant Vest-Mounted Retractable Tethers combine convenience and productivity with safe tool tethering. Hands-free and tucked away in a pocket, a technician’s vest can safely hold and secure many small hand tools and equipment. This low-profile Gear Keeper family of six retractable tethers is far less obtrusive and cumbersome than using bulky coils and cables. Mounted in a vest pocket, the retractable cables keep small gear safe, out of the way, and easily available for use. Lineup includes tethers for hard hat, smartphone, tablet/large radio, small radio, tape measure, hand tool, and pen/pencil. For more, visit www.gearkeeper.com. WEATHER GUARD announces the new 1175-52-02 Heavy Duty Steel Truck Rack. Rated to hold up to 1,700 lbs (when evenly distributed), the steel rack is designed to accommodate three ladders side by side. Weighing 220 lbs, the singular model comes equipped with adjustable front mounting legs and feet and is the only model in its class to include welded airfoil to reduce wind noise. The steel rack is made to fit any truck bed length from 78 to 96 inches and can be installed with a true no-drill process. The universal design is compatible with most heavy-duty, North American truck models, and is also available with Chevy and GMC specific stake pocket mounting kits. For more, visit www.weatherguard.com.HOT SHOT’S SECRET 10W-30 Green Diamond Fleet Diesel Engine OilGEAR KEEPERVest-Mounted TethersPETTIBONEMEWP ModelsWEATHER GUARD Heavy Duty Truck Rack

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FEBRUARY 2020 www.mcsmag.com68The first-ever multi-association workforce solutions venture will debut at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, March 10–14, 2020 in Las Vegas. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has teamed with industry associations, educational institutions, youth organizations, and heavy equipment manufacturers to showcase industry-wide best practices for recruiting and engaging youth, veterans, and other under-employed groups. These organizations will highlight trade skills to over 1,000 students, as well as provide attendees with industry best practice recruitment information that they can implement immediately upon their return from CONEXPO-CON/AGG. “It’s critical for the construction equipment manufacturing industry and the market it serves to do what it takes now to showcase the incredible career opportunities offered by our industry,” says Julie Davis, workforce development director at AEM. “That’s why AEM has invested in providing the new Workforce Solutions Area at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and is teaming up with a variety of industry associations and organizations to demonstrate interactive and engaging ways to both recruit and promote the industry.” The interactive area, located near the entrance to the Festival Grounds of CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s connected campus, will feature 10 booths and a workforce trailer that will be active and available throughout the show for attendees to experience. YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SHOWCASEThursday and Friday of the show, along with attendees, local high school students will be special guests in the area. Additional demonstrations by SkillsUSA Nevada will highlight specific trade skills by their youth chapters, as well as various presentations being featured throughout the 2 days. “Our Workforce Solutions Area will provide a uniquely valuable opportunity to learn how to make a memorable connection with young people by tapping into kinesthetic learning methods that excite a hands-on workforce,” continues Davis. A passport program will also take place those 2 days for students to explore exhibiting companies in the Festival Grounds. Students will be provided a map with the participating exhibitors indicated. Exhibitors will be promoting their brand, as well as providing experiences for the students to better understand the opportunities available in the industry. PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDE:• National Asphalt Pavement Association• Be Pro Be Proud• Association of Equipment Distributers• Lift & Move USA• Wacker Neuson• Cashman CAT• DoD SkillBridge • Hero’s Make America• Agricultural Future of America• Virgina Tech (Mining Engineering)• Ferris State University (Heavy Equipment)• SkillsUSA • Bridging America’s GapINDUSTRY RECRUITMENT BEST PRACTICESWorkforce Solutionsfirst-ever multi-association venture to debut at ConExpofor more informationAEM (www.aem.org) is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the United States supports 1.3 million jobs and contributes roughly $159 billion to the economy every year.

Modern Contractor Solutions February 2020

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