Concrete Connection A publication of Easi-Set ® Worldwide Summer 2014

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Take a New Look at Easi-Set We are making amazing things happen at Easi-Set Worldwide. We have concurrently launched several initiatives aimed at increasing the market awareness of our brand and its compelling value points, while expanding market penetration and licensing opportunities.

OngOing initiativES:Web PresenceOur Web Accessibility Initiative has been escalating not only Easi-Set’s web presence but also all of the individual product websites. We now have two web design/technology/marketing firms working in tandem on our strategy implementation. We continue to evaluate ways to improve content, structure, navigation, functionality, interactivity and visual design. Feedback from our licensees is essential to continued improvements in this area. www.Easiset.com

J-J Hooks Precast Safety BarriersJ-J Hooks continues to be North America’s most successful proprietary precast safety barrier design with over 12 million linear feet of product made and installed to date. Our NCHRP-350 TL3 barriers are now approved in 41 states and 9 countries. Our recently developed FHWA MASH TL3 Bolt-down and Pin-down barrier is now approved in 18 states. Initial installations of the Bolt-down barrier are on Massachusetts DOt and Delaware DOt bridge projects. An intense effort is underway navigating through the individual State DOT and Provincial approval processes and FHWA initiatives. www.JJHooks.com

EngineeringEngineering is busy with a review and upgrade of all standard Easi-Set, Easi-Span and Restroom buildings. Our in-house capabilities are being augmented by a professional engineering firm. The review entails standardizing design calculations, design criteria, drafting and detailing. We anticipate completion of this task within the next 90 days.

SoftSound absorptive noise WallsSoftSound, a porous lightweight wood-aggregate based cementitious material, is the latest sound absorptive technology on the market with the industry’s most comprehensive QA and Product Control Program. SoftSound has been extensively tested and approved by 6 State DOT’s and 2 Canadian Provinces. An intense effort is underway navigating through the individual State DOT and Provincial approvals. www.SoftSoundWall.com

Easi-Set, Easi-Span and Restroom BuildingsOur Easi-Set Restrooms are the only Brand to offer: • Easy Clean-Out wall-to-floor cove detail • Post-tensioned compressed precast concrete means no cracking or leaks • Stainless-steel assembly connector plates and window frames • Modular units with “One-Piece Technology” • Choice of our exclusive Outback™ Roof plus four other standard styles. • Local delivery savings advantage of up to $8,000 We have added new designs to offer a larger selection of restroom choices, a unisex style restroom with two individual units containing a separate chase for housing mechanical, electrical and for storing supplies. Unique industry-leading features include: minimal site preparation while meeting or surpassing current codes. www.EasisetBuildings.com

SlenderWall Exterior Cladding Panels SlenderWall continues to be the most significant exterior wall panel system developed in 40 years. These architectural precast concrete/steel-stud building panels, at 28 lbs. per sq. ft. and extensively tested, provide time-tested components with unlimited design freedom, unmatched product life and unequaled savings. R&D efforts in thermal performance will soon position SlenderWall in a class all its own. www.SlenderWall.com — Art Miles

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Producer News

Welcome to Sherman DixieEasi-Set Worldwide extends a warm welcome to Sherman Dixie, Louisville, Kentucky, our newest J-J Hooks highway safety barrier licensed producer. Earlier this year, the sale of independent Concrete Pipe’s manufacturing facility in Louisville, KY to Sherman Dixie was finalized. Sherman Dixie is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and operates ten (10) precast manufacturing facilities – 5 in Tennessee (Hermitage, Franklin, Columbia, Chattanooga and Lenoir City); 3 in Kentucky (Elizabethtown, Lexington and Louisville); 1 in Alabama (Cullman) and 1 in Indiana (Evansville). For over fifty years, Sherman-Dixie has been committed to producing the highest quality concrete products in the market. — Art Miles

Lexington, KY

Evansville, IN

Elizabethtown, KY

Hermitage, TN

Franklin, TN

Columbia, TN

Cullman, AL

Lenoir City, TN

Chattanooga, TN

Louisville, KY

Design Concrete’s SoftSound Keeps City Streets Quiet Recently, Design Concrete Systems, Ltd., Seaforth, ON, provided 350 SoftSound noise wall panels, containing an ashlar stone finish on both sides, to a project located in Kitchener, Ontario. The residential noise walls were 12-feet high with 12-foot post spacing. The individual SoftSound panels were 2-feet in height and once completed, the wall was stained a stone grey. Design Concrete became a licensed producer of SoftSound in 2012. Prior to adding SoftSound, the company, certified by Ontario’s Ministry of transportation, provided concrete and transparent reflective noise walls for Ontario’s highways and city streets. — Moffette Tharpe

Jackson Precast SlenderWall project wins Architectural Record’s Good Design Awardarchitectural Record magazine, the nation’s premier commercial architectural publication, chose the Bioinnovation Center in New Orleans as one of the annual top ten good Design award winners. The 6-story biotechnology research facility was recognized in part for its unique interior design that encourages collaboration among its occupants, as well as a striking exterior and sustainable practices. The 65,000 sq. ft. building was designed by renowned architects Eskew+Dumez+Ripple in a sustainable and energy efficient manner. The LEED gold facility — the first of its kind in Louisiana — takes steps to manage water, control solar heat gain and optimize interior day lighting. Jackson Precast of Mississippi, an Easi-Set licensed producer, supplied 22,123 sq. ft. of insulated (R21) SlenderWall architectural precast exterior building panels for the project, contributing greatly to the overall design appeal and energy efficiency of the building. — Dale Neal

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Producer NewsEasi-Set Licensed Producers take Honors at Annual NPCA Convention in HoustonCongratulations to all licensed producers who garnered 2014 awards from the national Precast Concrete association for their outstanding work. — Dale Neal

norwalk Concrete industries: 3rd Place (tie) – Above-Ground CategoryShea Concrete Products: 1st Place – Sustainability Award, Producer Plant 3rd Place (tie) – Above-Ground CategorySmith-Midland Corporation: 1st Place – Sustainability Award, Producer Project 1st Place – Above-Ground Category Honorable Mention – Above Ground Category Honorable Mention – Underground CategoryStructureCast: Honorable Mention – Above-Ground Category

Additional Recognized Entries:Roman Stone Construction Co. – Above-Ground CategoryShea Concrete Products – Above-Ground CategoryStructureCast – Above-Ground Category

SoftSound Chosen for Major Transportation Infrastructure Project Easi-Set’s absorptive sound wall product, SoftSound, is applied to precast sound panels manufactured by licensed producer, Smith-Midland Corporation, as part of the new Washington, DC to Dulles International Airport Metro Rail commuter system expansion. During Phase 1 of this multi-year virginia DOt project, 2191 panels (277,000 sq. ft.) of sound wall are being installed along a section of the Dulles Commuter Road from Route 123 to Interstate 66 in Fairfax County. The superior absorptive qualities of SoftSound will play an integral part in protecting the adjacent residential neighborhoods from the noise of both the highway traffic and the newly constructed Metro Rail line that will run down the center median. SMC will be delivering up to 4,000 sq. ft. per day, completing Phase 1 installation in early 2015. — Dale Neal

SY

MBO

L OF QUALITY

1903

Roman Stone Construction Co.

Norwalk Concrete Industries Pond Wall

StructureCast College Buildings

Shea Concrete Sea Wall

Smith-Midland Corp.Luxury Apartments

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Easi-Set News3 New Restroom Designs added to the Easi-Set ProgramTo ensure that the Easi-Set Buildings Program continues to lead the precast concrete building industry, Easi-Set Worldwide is introducing three new restroom models. To expand our restroom segment, we continually look for ways to become more competitive with other manufacturers by offering restrooms ranging from the single,

dry, Outback™-style Blue Ridge model to the latest, large, “family-style” restrooms desired by larger Parks. With over a dozen Licensed Building Producers throughout North America, Easi-Set Buildings and Restrooms are the most widely-used, locally available, option for buyers. — Jeremy Smith

SlenderWall can Meet/Exceed the 2012 IECC Thermal RequirementsRecent ASTM C1363 “hot box” thermal tests on an insulated 3-foot by 5-foot SlenderWall test panel, clearly demonstrate that the SlenderWall System can meet/exceed the continuous insulation and U-value requirements contained in the 2012 international Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The test panel was designed to yield the highest possible continuous insulation R-value and the lowest possible U-value in a 8 ½-inch deep SlenderWall profile. The results exceeded expectations. The modified SlenderWall panel used: 4-inch stud/channel with holes, instead of the traditional solid 6-inch ones; a longer headed-anchor providing a 2 ½-inch air gap, instead of the traditional ½-inch; and 5 ½-inches of closed-cell foam insulation. Now that the thermal performance has been demonstrated, our next step is to refine the enhanced design and perform dynamic tests, before releasing it to production. — Moffette Tharpe

2014 Building Producers Seminar is headed to CaliforniaStructureCast will host the 30th Easi-Set Building Producers Seminar from November 13-15 at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center in Bakersfield, California. Licensed Easi-Set Buildings Producers will travel from all over North America for this annual meeting to share ideas, learn about new technologies, and network with each other. Suppliers should contact Jeremy Smith at 540-439-8911 for sponsorship opportunities. — Jeremy Smith

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EASI-SET STAff: Art Miles - President Chris Reese - EngineerMoffette Tharpe - Managing Director Anne Smith - Administrative ManagerJeremy Smith - Building Products Manager Dale Neal - Advertising Manager

Easi-Set Exhibits all Product Lines at 2014 The Precast ShowIn the 2014, 2013, & 2012 the Precast Shows, Easi-Set’s 20’ X 20’ island exhibit space was large enough to display realistic representations of each of our product lines. The ability for booth visitors to get “up close and personal” with each product, while engaging in one-on-one conversations with those manning the booth, provided an opportunity for them to gain perspective on the breadth and scope of Easi-Set’s licensing program, co-op advertising efforts, and the commitment to continuing product R&D. The theme of this year’s booth - “take a new Look at Easi-Set” - paralleled nPCa’s current marketing theme - “Take a New Look at Precast.” The booth signage, included here, was created to clearly communicate Easi-Set’s program for precasters looking to predictably grow their business and receive support from a national network of producers having common objectives — promoting a specific proprietary product line without being in direct competition with one another. We were able to have in depth discussions with nearly 40 booth visitors, who wanted to know more about Easi-Set and our current/future products.As in the past, our booth also provided a location for our licensed producers attending the show to gather and catch up on Easi-Set’s product development activities, since the previous the Precast Show. The camaraderie and support of Easi-Set’s network of Producers, openly sharing sales and technical information in a non-competing environment, provides a measurable and valuable benefit, unique in the precast industry. — Moffette Tharpe

Seamless Engineering Support ServicesEarlier this year, Easi-Set entered into an agreement with Delta Engineers, architects, & Land Surveyors for extensive engineering support services to the Easi-Set Buildings product line. With growing sales being inevitable, the demand for consolidated, comprehensive engineering resources not only for standards, but also for custom ones is essential. Delta is recognized in the industry for delivering a diverse array of engineering/drafting (multiple disciplines), architectural, and land surveying services to their clients. Delta is known to provide practical, responsive, and innovative solutions to their client’s challenges and is an ISO 9001:2008 certified organization. They have engineers licensed in 47 states and Canada.The partnership with Delta Engineers will enhance coordination of engineering support, improve standardization, optimize designs, and reduce design lead times. To facilitate this, Easi-Set is working with Delta to develop Pre-engineered Design Modules for the various components of design calculations. The pre-designed modules will include additional component designs outside of the standards which will allow for extended offerings, provide flexibility and efficiency in completing custom building designs, and deliver competitive, fixed design fees. Delta Engineers will be attending the 2014 Easi-Set Buildings Seminar to further explain their support services. — Chris Reese

Concrete Connection is published for the benefit of our licensed producers, their staff, our suppliers, team members,and selected interested parties. It is available in both print and electronic form. Moffette Tharpe, Editor Easi-Set®, J-J Hooks®, SlenderWall®, SoftSound®, and Easi-Span® are registered trademarks of Easi-Set Worldwide.© 2014 Easi-Set® Worldwide . PO Box 400 . 5119 Catlett Road . Midland, VA 22728 . (540) 439-8911 . www.EasiSet.com

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The Wide-Wide World of EASI-SET® Licensed ProducersUNITED STATESArkAnsAs

Peterson Concrete Tank Co.N. Little Rock; J-J Hooks®

CAliforniAStructureCastBakersfield; Buildings

ColorAdoSEMA Precast, Inc.Englewood; J-J Hooks®

floridALeesburg Concrete Co., Inc.Leesburg; Buildings, SlenderWall

Seminole Precast Mfg., Inc.DeBary; J-J Hooks®

United Concrete Products, LLCMedley; J-J Hooks®

GeorGiASeminole Precast Mfg., Inc.Macon; J-J Hooks®

The Industrial Co.Savannah; J-J Hooks®

illinoisMcCann Concrete ProductsDorsey; Buildings

Utility Concrete ProductsMorris; J-J Hooks®

indiAnAIndependent Concrete PipeIndianapolis; J-J Hooks®

Indiana Barrier Wall, LLCFt. Wayne; J-J Hooks®

kentuCkySherman DixieLouisville; J-J Hooks®

Oldcastle Precast, Inc.Lexington; J-J Hooks®

MAssAChusettsShea Concrete ProductsWilmington; Buildings, J-J Hooks®

MiChiGAnKerkstra PrecastGrandville; J-J Hooks®

MississippiJackson Precast, Inc.Jackson; SlenderWall®

nevAdARockway PrecastN. Las Vegas; Buildings

new JerseyJersey Precast Trenton; J-J Hooks®

new yorkBinghamton PrecastBinghamton; J-J Hooks®

fort Miller Co., Inc.Schuylerville; J-J Hooks®

Kistner Concrete ProductsE. Pembroke; J-J Hooks®

L.C. Whitford Materials Co., Inc.Wellsville; J-J Hooks®

Roman Stone Const. Co.Bay Shore; Buildings, J-J Hooks®

north CArolinAConcrete Pipe and Precast, LLCDunn; J-J Hooks®

Smith-Carolina Corp.Reidsville; J-J Hooks®, Buildings, Farm Products, Beach Prisms™

ohioNorwalk Concrete Ind.Norwalk; J-J Hooks®, Buildings

oklAhoMAGNC Concrete Products, Inc.

Catoosa; J-J Hooks®

pennsylvAniAEagle Concrete Products, Inc.Somerset; J-J Hooks®

faddis Concrete ProductsKutztown, New Castle*, Downingtown; J-J Hooks®

* Sublicensed by Eagle Concrete Products

Oldcastle Precast Inc.Easton; Buildings

tennesseeChris-Hill ConstructionMemphis; J-J Hooks®

texAsLonestar Prestress Mfg., Inc.Houston; Buildings

Tricon PrecastHouston; J-J Hooks®

Valley Prestress (Williams Bros.)Houston; J-J Hooks®

W.W. Webber, Inc.Houston; J-J Hooks®

verMontSD Ireland Concrete Const. Corp.Williston; J-J Hooks®

virGiniASmith-Midland® Corp. Midland; J-J Hooks®, Beach Prisms™, SlenderWall®, Buildings, SoftSound, Farm Products

west virGiniAEastern Vault CompanyPrinceton; J-J Hooks®

CANADAnovA sCotiA

The Shaw GroupLantz; J-J Hooks®

ontArioC J Pink, LtdLondon; J-J Hooks®

Design Concrete Systems, LtdSeaforth; SoftSound

Hy-Grade Precast ConcreteSt. Catharines; Buildings, J-J Hooks®, SoftSound

QuebeCBétons Préfabriqués Du Lac Inc.Alma; SlenderWall®

Béton Provincial LteeQuebec City; Beach Prisms™ , SoftSoundLecuyer et fils LteeSt. Remi; Buildings

MExICOOptiCretos, S.A. de C.V.Monterrey; SlenderWall®

AUSTRALIAAustralian Road BarriersVictoria; J-J Hooks®

BELGIUMOude firma DeClercq EdGent; J-J Hooks®

TRINIDAD & TOBAGOSpancast Caribbean Ltd.Arima; J-J Hooks®

NEW ZEALANDNZ BarriersAuckland; J-J Hooks®

Strong J-J Hooks Sales in a Slow EconomyEven though our economy has been in the doldrums since 2008, J-J Hooks highway safety barrier sales remain strong. In fact, since January 2013 to present, six J-J Hooks licensed producers have manufactured and delivered over 750,000 linear feet of temporary barrier to state DOT projects. These eight leading producers (in alphabetical order) are: Chris-Hill Construction, Memphis, TN; Concrete Pipe & Precast, Dunn, NC; independent Pipe & Precast, Indianapolis, IN; norwalk Concrete industries, Norwalk, OH; Peterson Concrete tank, Little Rock, AR; SEMa Precast, Brighton, CO; Seminole Precast, Macon, GA.; Smith-Carolina, Reidsville, NC, and Smith-Midland, Midland, VA.J-J Hooks free-standing temporary barrier is North America’s most widely-known and successful brand. It is the lowest-cost-to-produce and lowest-cost-to-install/remove design available in the industry. The MASH-tested anchored (bolted/pinned) design is the only barrier in the industry to use two bolts to anchor a 12-foot section. — Moffette Tharpe