Nanotechnology offers tremendous potential for improving building materials, including cement and concrete, coatings, thermal insulation, composites and fire retardants, said Joannie Chin, leader of the Polymeric Materials Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colo. “A revolution has begun in science and engineering due to new-found abilities to manipulate and analyze materials at the nanoscale. This revolution is beginning to infiltrate the building and construction community in ways that you may not yet be aware of,” she said. Chin was a panel member at the 40th Annual ECC Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., Sept. 3-6, organized by the
Compact Loaders: Rubber-Tracked The 279C, 289C and 299C compact loaders feature steel-embedded rubber tracks with steel undercarriage components for durability while reducing overall ground damage to a jobsite. The 289C (near right) has a rated operating capacity of 3,850 lb while the 279C (far right) can handle 3,200 lb. All models have a top speed of 8.5 mph and can accept a wide range of attachments. Caterpillar Inc.; 309-675-8995; www.cat.com Gas-Powered Fastener: Powerful Shot The TY150GSC is a Gas-Powered Fastening System able to deliver 67 ft-lb of driving force. The fastener weighs 8.3 lb and is powered by rechargeable NiMH
As crane experts gathered in Toronto Sept. 18 to discuss issues plaguing crane workers, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent out advance-review drafts of a forthcoming rule to members of its Cranes and Derricks Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (C-DAC), which in 2004 hammered out an update to OSHA's decades-old crane regulation. The much-anticipated federal rule, which is slated to go out for public comments on Oct. 3, could save at least 53 lives and prevent 115 injuries a year, says OSHA. It would supplant a rule promulgated in 1971, which has seen few revisions despite rapid changes in crane
Temporary Guard-rail System: OSHA-Compliant The Safety Boot is a corner piece for temporary guard rails that can be assembled from materials readily available on a construction site. The boot can be anchored into most subfloor materials, including concrete, and it has slots designed for two 2x4’s to form the base of a sturdy post. Keeping the safety boots no more than 8 ft apart ensures OSHA compliance, and the modular nature of the system allows for simple dismantling and relocation as well as simple placement along curved roof edges. Safety Maker Inc.; 800-804-4741; www.safetyboot.com Fall-Protection System: Dual Tie-Offs The Miller
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. Cordless vacuum Three years ago, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. juiced up the $12.3-billion tool sector with 28 Volts of cordless power, pushing past a longtime 18-Volt plateau with lithium-ion cells. Refinements to batteries and motors are now enabling new lines of speciality tools. The Brookfield, Wis.-based tool maker is starting to roll out new li-ion tools geared toward smaller, niche tasks, partly in hopes of mitigating effects of a sluggish economy but also to take advantage of the lightweight combination of battery chemistry and “frameless” electric motors. In the mix are a copper-pipe cutter, hacksaw, vacuum
Compact Tractor: Multiple Attachments The CT450 Compact Tractor features the Bob-Tach quick attachment mounting system option which allows for easy switching of front-end attachments, such as a bucket and pallet forks. The tractor is powered by a 50-hp Tier-IV diesel engine and has a hydrostatic transmission with three travel-speed ranges. It has a maximum three-point lifting capacity of 2,625 lb, with an optional features such as an enclosed cab and loader joystick. Bobcat Co.; 866-823-7898; www.bobcat.com Cordless Drill-Driver: Lightweight The BHP454 18V LXT lithium-ion cordless hammer drill-driver kit is capable of delivering a maximum 560 in. lb of torque. According
Hydraulic Breaker: Powerful Punch The MB 1500 Hydraulic Breaker attachment is designed with fewer moving parts than other breakers to increase reliability. It can handle demolition, road work, trenching and secondary rock breaking. It has an impact frequency of up to 640 blows per minute with a high impact force. The breaker has a service weight of 3,310 lb and is designed for carriers in the 17- to 29- metric-ton weight class. Its AutoControl system sets the power to the material conditions to avoid slippage. Atlas Copco Construction Tools; 413-746-0020; www.atlascopco.com Backup Generator: Quiet Design The Generac Liquid-cooled Automatic Standby
Compact Track Loader: Tier-III Compliant The MTL316 Compact Track Loader has a Tier-III engine operating at 66 hp. It has a 2,315-lb-rated operating load at 50% capacity. Two-speed travel allows the loader to move at either 4.5 mph or 6.3 mph, and it features an improved foot throttle for better fuel efficiency. Controls in the cab are redesigned for accessibility, with auxiliary hydraulics controlled by a thumb switch and the loader’s float function set to a push button. Mustang Manufacturing Co.; 262-334-9461; www.mustangmfg.com. Rugged PC: Withstand Shock and Vibrations The LPM 17 Series of Off-Road Mobile PC is designed to
Integrated Generator: Built-in Power The Cummins line of diesel generators can now be integrated into remote infrastructure elements such as sewage lift stations (photo right). The generator is part of a pre-engineered lift station, and is able to supply backup power to pump controls, submersible pumps and communication equipment. It features open transition transfer switches for smooth transfer to grid power and back again, allowing for continuous operation during outages. Cummins; 800-888-6626; www.cumminspower.com. Flexible Welding: Quick Changes The Tough Gun 2122 MIG welding guns now feature the Quick Load 2122 Gooseneck System, which allows quick adjustment of the welding angle
Bulk Pulverizer: Dexterous Demolition The BP 2900 Bulk Pulverizer Attachment can provide 399 tons of maximum cutting force and and 125 tons of crushing force at its jaw tip. Designed for carriers in the 25-to-35 tonne weight class, it can rotate 360 degrees and has a maximum hydraulic pressure of 5,075 psi. It is designed for light-to-medium building demolition, secondary concrete reduction and material separation. Atlas Copco Construction Tools; 413-746-0020; www.atlascopco.com Gas Heating: Contained Design The The PTS/PTU Series Tube Heaters are designed for high-heat-loss areas and spot heating such as machine shops and heavy equipment service areas. The heater
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