 |
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| Journal of | ||
| Construction Innovation |
February 2003 |
Nominations
for the 2003 NOVA Awards
By Raabal W. El-Amin[1],
Christine K. Miller[2],
Rasha M. Stino[3],
Ihab A. Ismail[4],
Suzanne Kohrs[5],
and Robert I. Carr[6]
Abstract:
This paper presents summaries of the 35 NOVA Award Nominations
received between
Introduction
This paper presents summaries of
the 35 NOVA Award Nominations received between
Nominations are numbered in the order they were postmarked. Readers can access the individual nominations to obtain more detailed information at www.CIF.org.
1 MORTARLESS MASONRY WALL SYSTEM erects faster concrete block walls
Flexlock Mortarless Masonry
Wall System is an innovation that addresses the masonry industry’s shortage of
masons in the
2 PAVEMENT QUALITY INDICATOR measures asphalt pavement density
TransTech Systems’ Pavement
Quality Indicator (PQI) makes instantaneous, in-situ measurement of field
pavement density. This contrasts with the traditional destructive and time
consuming methods of measuring asphalt pavement density and the strict
licensing requirements associated with the use of the nuclear densitometer.
PQI was developed by TransTech Systems in 1995
under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Agreement.
It makes innovative use of a constant voltage, low frequency, electrical
impedance approach that measures compaction level or density by measuring the
change of the electrical impedance of the material matrix through the use of a
flat sensing plate. The accurate, immediate in-situ field measurements help
achieve better quality and longer service life pavements. NOVA Award Finalist.
Contact: TransTech Systems, Inc.;
3 AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEM collects contaminants through diffusion
OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.1000 requires employers to
monitor and use engineering or administrative controls to bring employee
exposure to airborne contaminants to permissible levels. 3M Air Monitoring
devices help fulfill that requirement. The devices collect contaminants
through the scientific principle of diffusion and provide workplace
environmental contaminant data that can be used to protect workers. However,
the sampling is limited to certain vapors and gases, and not particles. The
simplicity, the small size, the light weight, and the analysis options of the
3M Air Monitoring device makes it attractive for construction employers
working in chemical plants or facilities where construction workers may be
exposed to a contaminated air environment. Contact: Eric Johnson; 3M
Corporation; 3M Center Building; 235-2E-91; St. Paul
4 FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (FRP) REINFORCING BAR is alternative to steel reinforcing
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) reinforcing bars, first
invented in 1960’s, have high strength to weight ratio, electric or magnetic
transparency, and corrosion resistance that fit a wide scale of construction
applications. This is especially true with the last five years’ advances in
production techniques and implementations of design guidelines. FRP bars
reinforce new structures in areas where steel reinforcing bars have limited
life due to corrosion, and strengthen existing concrete, masonry, and wood
members. This ultimately extends infrastructures’ service lives. This
innovation is used on many projects, including the Innovated Bridge Research
Projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration and a number of marine
structure projects. Contact: Doug Gremel; Hughes Brothers, Inc.;
5 ON-LINE BIDDING EXCHANGE facilitates the bidding process between agency and bidder
Bid Express is the first fully electronic, internet-based bidding service, created in 1997 by BidX.com, a subsidiary of Info Tech, Inc. It was first implemented by the Wisconsin DOT. It handled $4 billion in contracts in 2001. The website changed the way DOT agencies conduct their business with contractors by eliminating paper work. New projects are posted on the website, which provides quick access to bidding documents by a larger group of bidders that has increased competition. Bid Express has advantages to traditional bidding, given the lack of availability of early subcontractor bid quotes, the pressure of time and personal commitment, and the need to withdraw and resubmit bids before closing time. Contact: Thomas P. Rothrock, Ph.D.; Info Tech, Inc.; 5700 SW 34th St., Suite 1235; Gainesville, FL 32608-5371; 352-381-4400; Fax 352-381-4444; tom.rothrock@infotechfl.com; www.infotechfl.com.
6 AERIAL CONCRETE WALL SAWING AND DRILLING machine has integrated hydraulics and water
SkySaw is a wall sawing tool
for pre-cast and built-up concrete construction that is designed to improve
productivity, lower maintenance and fuel cost, and reduce operator fatigue. It
is a hydraulic powered saw with self-contained hydraulic and water tanks. A
steel track is first attached to the concrete wall, and the
SkySaw traverses the track and cuts the concrete
wall. A raised work platform or scaffold for the operator to stand on is
erected if the desired wall opening is higher than the operator’s reach from
the floor. Contact: Brian M. Boeckman; JLG
Industries, Inc.; 13224 Fountainhead Plaza; Hagerstown, MD 21742;
240-420-8765; Fax 240-420-8733; bmboeckman@jlg.com; www.jlg.com.
7 GAS MAIN INSPECTION system is based on magnetic flux leakage (MLF)
The Magnetic Flux Leakage Inspection System is a patented
system for corrosion inspection of low-pressure gas distribution pipes.
Inspection requires access at only one excavation site to insert a
mechanically driven push-rod for moving the sensor through the gas mains while
gas is flows through the pipe. The system has been evaluated in several
locations in the
8 DENSE POLYETHYLENE SLAB BLOCKOUT is
left in place , which saves
wrecking-out time
Pocket Form Isolator (PFI) is a ‘leave-in-the-slab” isolation pocket, a diamond-shaped block-out engineered of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). PFI can be left in the slab after the slab is poured. PFI is highly flexible and can be assembled around pre-set columns to allow monolithic pours. It is also easily penetrated with hand tools to accept conduit. PFI is best suited for the separation and expansion joint between inner and outer concrete pours. This eliminates the need for grout, fiberboard, and other separation methods. A contractor-performed time/cost study of PFI showed significant savings on 100 block-out jobs. PFI has been successfully used in many commercial and industrial structures including Target, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, and Home Depot stores. Contact: Ray Hammond; Forrester Manufacturing Co., Inc.; 5073 Bristol Industrial Way; Buford GA 30518; 770-932-8849; Fax 770-932-6259; rayhammond@isoloationpocket.com; www.isolationpocket.com.
9 INTERNET PLAN ROOM INFORMATION NETWORK provides real-time information to clients
Internet
Planroom Information Network (IPIN) is internet reporting computer
software that has revolutionized construction information reporting. IPIN was
created by a group of eight Builders Exchange executives in
10 JOINT OPERATOR & IRONWORKER TRAINING for structural steel erection
In the Raising Gang project ironworkers and crane
operators receive joint training to learn to work as a team to master steel
frame construction. It is a 40-hour week hands-on training program using a
150-ton complex training frame, preceded by eight hours of classroom
instruction. In the past, ironworkers trained by erecting a small frame of
lightweight steel members. Crane operators trained by lifting some structural
steel, but they could not erect it into a structure. Now, iron workers and
crane operators can train together to work together. The Raising Gang allows
both trades to collaborate and combine efforts to improve safety and
productivity. Contact: D. James Walker; Great Lakes Fabricators & Erectors;
11 BEHAVIOR BASED SAFETY augments traditional construction safety programs
BAPP technology is a process approach to reducing
exposure to injury by helping organizations identify safety-related behaviors,
gather data, provide ongoing two-way feed-back, and remove barriers to
improvement. BAAP technology improves the working interface between the worker
and the system and conditions. Behavioral Science Technology, Inc. first
pioneered BAAP in the late 1970s for use in the manufacturing and
petrochemical fields. Since that time the technology has since been
implemented at over 1450 sites located in 39 countries. The approach has been
implemented on multiple construction projects and companies. Contact: R. Scott
Stricoff; Behavioral Science Technology, Inc.;
12 EMBEDDED GALVANIC ANODE protects concrete reinforcing steel from corrosion
Galvashield® XP is a patented sacrificial embedded galvanic anode that provides localized galvanic corrosion protection in reinforced concrete structures. The anode is a zinc core surrounded by an active cementitious matrix. Once installed, the zinc core corrodes preferentially to the surrounding rebar, thereby providing galvanic corrosion protection to the reinforcing steel. The installation requires little or no change from existing concrete repair practices and only a minimal addition in cost. The Galvashield XP embedded anode has been used in North American since 1998 in a wide variety of applications such as deck repairs, joint replacement, pre-stressed and post tensioned repairs, and interface applications between new concrete and existing chloride contaminated concrete. Contact: David W. Whitmore; Vector Corrosion Technologies, Inc.; 417 Main Ave; Fargo, ND 58103; 701-280-9697; Fax 701-235-6706; davidw@vector-corrosion.com; www.vector-corrosion.com.
13 PREFABRICATED CLADDING DEFENDS STRUCTURES against air blast explosions
Firexx Fortification is a
prefabricated construction cladding material that uniquely defends structures
against catastrophic effects of air blast explosions. The physical principle
behind the material is to ‘soften’ the structure rather than ‘hardening’ it to
attenuate blast overpressure through thermal and kinetic energy absorption.
Firexx Fortification is much lighter and less
expensive than blast protection grade reinforced concrete. It is detachable
and reusable, non-corrosive, and flexible in terms of shaping. The material is
patented worldwide (26 US patents and 111 total patents).
Firexx Fortification has been installed for such projects in the
14 MULTI-USE ELEVATED WATER STORAGE TANK provides concessions and indoor office space
In 1997, Lannie Corbin, City
Manager of Niceville,
15 INTERNET BASED PLAN ROOM is virtual private network for contractor bidding
The iSqFt system was designed to emulate the flow of information throughout the construction bidding process over the internet in lieu of traditional plan rooms. It has two components: Internet Plan Room and Private Construction Office. Each system allows paying subscribers access to plans, specifications, bid forms, site photos, and other relevant project information on projects. Information can be downloaded (even with a dial-up connection) as desired, including printing to scale on plotters. The Private Construction Office allows individual contractors (often general contractors) to post projects they are currently bidding and invite bids from subcontractors online. Contact: Dave Conway; Construction Software Technologies, Inc.; 8926 Beckett Road; West Chester, OH 45069; 513-645-8004; Fax 513-645-8005; info@isqft.com; www.isqft.com.
16 TEAM-BASED BUILDING DESIGN PROGRAM introduces students to construction
The BDP was developed to introduce construction and its
career potentials in a positive and fun manner while presenting challenges in
math, science, communication, and design to students. Teams of students design
a 1,000 square foot house for a family of four keeping the cost under $25,000.
The program follows a ten-lesson plan that introduces students to the concepts
of scale, estimating, converting (e.g. scale), measuring, brainstorming,
problem solving, listening, writing, oral speaking, and research/reading.
Students maintain journals, floor plan sketches, site layouts, job cost
worksheets, scale models, a report on five construction industry careers, and
a final report. Contact: Carol Kueker; NAWIC
Education Foundation;
17 WORK FLOW MANAGEMENT progressively reduces uncertainty, makes work ready
The Last Planner System (LPS) is a lean production-based
project planning and management system that links milestones to crew level
assignments. Phase pull schedules are developed by working backward from
project milestones to establish the best sequence of activities and durations
and determine float. Six weeks before action, activities drop from the phase
pull schedule to the lookahead plan. Activities
are checked for accuracy of production rate, and constraints are adjusted
accordingly. Assignments are determined by foremen, lead hands, design
leaders, etc. to reflect the schedules. Throughout the project, the system
identifies incomplete activities so they can be resolved. Application of the
LPS has indicated simultaneous improvement in cost, schedule, quality, and
safety. Contact: Gregory Howell, P.E.; Lean Construction Institute; P.O. Box
1003; Ketchum, ID 83340; 208-726-9989; Fax 707-248-1369;
ghowell@leanconstruction.org;
www. leanconstruction.org
18 INTERNET TRACKING OF WORKER STATUS accesses training and drug screening database
A collaborative effort between the Safety Committee of
the Great Lakes Construction Alliance, Management and Unions Serving Together
(M.U.S.T.), and Coastal Training Technologies Corporation, Safe2WorkTM
is the proven internet solution that delivers, reports, documents, and tracks
the basic safety awareness training and drug screening status of
19 PLASTIC COVERED STEEL GUARDRAILS protect workers, public, and equipment
For over ten years, Ideal Shield Protective Guardrail has
reduced maintenance and material and labor costs and has proven to protect
employees and expensive equipment from injury and damage. This guardrail
system makes obsolete the easily damaged and often replaced rail of the past.
Ideal Shield Protective Guardrail is fabricated using a unique combination of
Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 steel pipe encased in a high-density polyethylene
thermoplastic tube. This assembly withstands the force of multiple 12,000-lb
forklift impacts while maintaining its structural integrity and resisting
cracks. Ideal Shield protects some of our nation’s best, including Ford,
General Motors, Daimler-Chrysler, and now the Detroit Lions new Ford Field
Stadium. Contact: Frank Venegas Jr.; The Ideal
Group;
20 REMOTE DATA ENTRY DAILY TIMESHEET tracks craft worker hours and quantities by cost code
REALabor is a real time labor
cost and productivity tool designed for the daily interactive tracking of job
site performance. Initially developed in-house but now available commercially,
REALabor was developed for the sole purpose of
tracking daily labor cost and productivity in a labor-intensive industry
without adding tasks to the project supervisor's daily routine. Its use has
demonstrated the profitability of knowing this information on a real time
basis. After the introduction to other Companies in the industry it was easy
to see that our industry and perhaps others were ripe for such a tool.
Contact: David H. Arnold; Arnold, Dugan & Meyers;
21 LAUNCHED
STEEL
GIRDER
BRIDGE ERECTION technique
eliminates in-place steel erection
Environmental and economic constraints with erection of
the $21M, 1,630-foot US 20 Iowa River Bridge in Steamboat Rock,
22 ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE DUCTILE CONCRETE provides long spans without reinforcing
Ductal is a patented
ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) material with a unique combination of
ductility, strength, durability, and aesthetic flexibility. In 2001, a 58'
diameter clinker silo in
com; www.lafargenorthamerica.com.
23 HOLISTIC “GREEN”
OFFICE
BUILDING uses 1/10 energy of
comparably sized building
The 32,000 square foot
24 CONTRACTOR WEB-BASED TRAINING for employees, owners, AEs, and subcontractors
In April 2002, Turner Construction created Turner Knowledge Network (TKN), a web-based portal that houses both a Document Management System (DMS) and a Learning Management System (LMS) for 4,700 employees on 1,600 projects and over 25,000 subcontractors and all of their trades and craftsmen. DMS transfers knowledge and best practices to employees and new hires and provides them with documents and forms needed in every step of the construction process. LMS provides web-based and instructor-led courses for employees that address their personal knowledge gaps (e.g., OSHA, business skills). Turner saved more than $70,000 in 2002 in online PC skills training. TKN is being further developed to allow centralized project collaboration and information sharing for all project parties. Contact: James I. Mitnick; Turner Construction Company; 1400 Koppers Building; 436 Seventh Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15219; 888-800-TCCO; Fax 412-642-2940; jmitnick@tcco.com; www.turnerconstruction.com.
25 Open CONTROL NETWORK TECHNOLOGY ON A CHIP is broadly accepted for smart facilities
In the 1990’s, Echelon Corporation created
LonWorks, the only existing open, non-proprietary
control technology platform that networks everyday products as diverse as
semiconductors, boilers, and elevators from different manufacturers and
enables them to communicate with one another and to be controlled, monitored,
and managed over the internet with a web browser. Previously, the controls
world was a fragmented series of separate, monopolized vertical markets. Now
LonWorks guarantees interoperability of thousands
of manufacturers’ products across almost every vertical industry (e.g., HVAC,
lighting, security). LonWorks has benefited
manufacturers and end users by creating an open market; simplifying control
systems design, construction, and installation; and reducing
initial/running/management costs. LonWorks has
countless successful applications in commercial buildings, industrial
settings, transportation systems, homes, and utilities. NOVA Award Finalist.
Contact: Steve Nguyen; Echelon Corporation;
26 fiber-optic LASER DECONTAMINATION OF METAL surfaces in remote locations
The patented Fiber-Optic Laser Technology for
Decontaminating Metals, developed in 1995, is a fiber optic delivery system
that permits laser energy to be efficiently ported to remote locations and
used for surface cleaning contaminated materials. It addresses the US
DOE’s need to decontaminate nuclear facilities and
the Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory’s many highly
radioactive materials that require isolation in glove boxes and hot cells.
Compared to traditional labor intensive surface cleaning involving chemicals,
steel wool, and soap solutions, the fiber-optic laser system is more
efficient, does not generate secondary waste (which requires special
disposal), and permits operators to work remotely to prevent radiation
exposure. Future applications include destroying hazardous surface chemical or
biological contamination. Contact: Martin Edelson;
Ames Laboratory -
27 INSULATING CONCRETE FORMS remain
in place to increase energy efficiency
ECO-Block forms use leading Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF)
technology. ECO-Block is superior to earlier ICF systems because it is cost
competitive. Reduced expanded polystyrene (EPS) mold and manufacturing costs
are passed on to customers. ECO-Block forms are hollow blocks or panels made
of plastic foam that construction crews stack in the shape of exterior walls.
ECO-Block forms are used to build concrete walls, floors, ceilings, and
tilt-up construction. Reinforcing steel is placed and concrete is poured
between the foam forms. The forms remain in place permanently as insulation.
ECO-Block forms are environmentally friendly, energy efficient, extremely
strong, and versatile, and they suppress sounds effectively and allow quick
construction. Contact: Jennifer Hansell; ECO-Block
LLC.;
28 AUTOMATIC REBAR TYING MACHINE replaces manual task of tying rebar
U-Tier is uniquely designed to replace the manual and backbreaking process of tying rebar. U-Tier holds the crossed reinforcing bars, feeds the tie wire, and winds, cuts, and ties in one action. The result is a strong, single strand, double wrap tie. It is the only machine available in the world to tie 1 mm (18 gauge) diameter wire. Each tie is a double strand tie, which is completed in 1.6 seconds. U-Tier can be used in numerous applications including highways, roads and bridges, concrete slabs, precast/prestressed elements, electrical vaults, foundations, cages, and manholes. Advantages of U-Tier include productivity improvement, reduction of on-the-job injuries, consistent results, and reduction of material costs by decreasing wire consumption. NOVA Award Finalist. Contact: Takaji Nishimaki; U-Tier / A Division of Toyojamco, Ltd.; 11831 Miriam, Suite A7; El Paso, Texas 79936; 915-595-8825 ext. 22; Fax 915-595-8794; takaji@u-tier.net; www.u-tier.net.
29 DIGITAL CLOSE-RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY HELPS CREATE ACCURATE 3D MODELS
Photogrammetry, measuring objects from photographs, has
been used since the late 1800s, most commonly for mapping large areas from
aerial photographs. Digital close‑range photogrammetry (CRP) accurately
measures objects directly from photographs or digital images captured with a
camera at close range. Accurate as-built 3D models of facilities and plant
equipment are produced from multiple, overlapping images taken from different
perspectives. BE&K As-Built Services created CRP software and processes it has
widely used in its consulting. Vexcel developed
and markets FotoG™ CRP software that is broadly
used for exacting measurements. Eos Systems developed and widely markets
PhotoModeler, less expensive CRP software and
hardware for a variety of uses. The Nomination shows James W.
Sewall’s use of CRP on the Waldo-Hancock cable
suspension bridge. NOVA Award Finalist. Contact: Jason
Szabo, Ph.D.; Vexcel Corp.;
30 PRESTRESSED CFRP REPLACES STEEL reinforcing in pre and post tensioned bridge concrete
The City of Southfield, Michigan, has replaced the old
31
CONSTRUCTION
CAREERS
WEB
SITE
recruits
high school and college students
Owners and contractors need to attract and recruit the
“brightest and best” into construction. However, the construction industry
faces the two major challenges of workforce demographics and the image of the
industry. The Michigan Careers Recruitment Web Site,
www.miconstructioncarreers.org, was developed by the Greater Michigan Plumbing
and Mechanical Contractors Association (PMC) in 1999 to tackle the
construction image problem. It is the first of its kind in
32 RESIDENTIAL UTILITY TRENCHING MACHINE reduces cost of installing underground utilities
In the 1940s, Ed Malzahn wanted to replace the pick and shovel work needed to install residential utility services. Trench digging was slow using a hand shovel and expensive using a large trencher. Malzahn invented the DWP Trencher, which was patented in 1955. The DWP Trencher had two-piece buckets spaced 4" and a digging depth of 24" and moved on a welded frame with four wheels and pneumatic rubber tires. It provided an intermediate digging solution by digging trenches faster with an affordable mechanized process. The DWP trencher has evolved into today’s Ditch Witch, which is used in trenching for all underground utilities, including television, internet, telephone, plumbing, and electrical services. Contact: Ed Malzahn; Charles Machine Works, Inc.; P.O. Box 66; Perry, OK 73077; 580-336-4402; Fax 580-336-3458; emalzhan@ditchwitch.com; www.ditchwitch.com.
33 POLYETHYLENE SHIELD FOR WOOD POSTS/POLES protects underground wood from rot
Wood post frame construction is attractive for its speed, design flexibility, and value. However, rot decay of subsurface portions of posts limits use. Rot can now be easily and economically prevented by Post Protector, which simply slides over the post prior to its insertion into the ground. Post Protector is made from a specialty virgin polyethylene that has hundreds of years of geo-application life expectancy. It is waterproof, flexible, pliable, and quite strong, so it effectively guards against post decay. Stainless steel lag bolts and washers are installed to compress the pliable sidewall, sealing that location, and joining Post Protector to the post. Post Protectors provide continuous foundation performance at a low cost. Contact: Ken McDonnell; Post Protector; P.O. Box 187; Pottsville, PA 17901; 570-624-7030; 877-966-8768; Fax 570-622-3700; ken_mcdonnell@yahoo.com; www.postprotector.com.
34 ELECTRIC MINI-EXCAVATOR is quiet and free of carbon monoxide/combustion fumes
Michigan Concrete Sawing purchased one of the first electric mini-excavators in the country. It is similar to other mini-excavators with the single exception that it is powered by an electric motor, which operates without creating any fumes. The only noise it generates is the sound of the bucket as it moves through the material being excavated. The excavator can dig to a depth of 60" and will outwork a crew of 5-6 laborers. It is designed for any job where carbon monoxide fumes might be a problem. It is ideal for excavations inside hospitals and schools or the basements of any building, because it eliminates the hazards of internal combustion engines operating inside a building. Contact: Roger Wilkins; Michigan Concrete Sawing & Drilling, Inc.; 12277 Woodbine; Redford, MI 48239; 734-525-5915; Fax 734-535-0211; wnatho@aol.com; www.michiganconcrete.com.
35 GROUND PENETRATING RADAR locates underground and concrete embedded utilities/items
Ground Penetrating Radar Systems, Inc. (GPRS) of Sylvania, Ohio has used its technology since 2001 to help numerous Midwest contractors and engineering firms locate almost anything they want to find on their job sites, including underground utilities. GPRS has recently purchased software that converts scans from radar surveys into a three-dimensional format. No other methods of locating are as cost effective or as convenient. Some scanning systems, such as X-Rays, emit radiation, but radar is hazardless. A GPRS survey can be conducted in an occupied building without disturbing residents or nearby sensitive equipment. Several thousand square feet can be scanned per day on large surveys. Contact: Matt Aston; Ground Penetrating Radar Systems; 8534 W. Central Avenue; Sylvania, Ohio 43560; 419-843‑9804; Fax 419-843‑3816; matt.aston@gp‑radar.com; www.gp-radar.com.