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Concrete - A hard, strong construction material consisting of sand, conglomerate gravel, pebbles, broken stone, or slag in a mortar or cement matrix.

To help media professionals save time and maximize the effectiveness of their web research about concrete, Schmitz Ready Mix has developed this link listing of online concrete resources.

Media professionals will also find links to good background information about ready-mixed concrete on the Press Room Archives page of this portal and links to neat information about concrete (and Schmitz Ready Mix press releases) on the New, Cool, Interesting page of this portal.

One of Schmitz Ready Mix’s goals in undertaking its web site renovation in 2006 was to establish by merit schmitzmix.com as a reliable online resource for homeowners and construction and media professionals in Southeastern Wisconsin.  Your feedback on how well the site renovation lived up to this goal is appreciated.  Click here to forward your comments and suggestions for improvement.

Links to Information about Concrete Basics 

http://nrmca.org/aboutconcrete | Concrete Basics provides great background information about ready-mixed concrete: what it is, how it is made and delivered to job sites, inspection and testing information, and types of concrete available.  The information is provided by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), the leading industry advocate working to expand, improve, and promote the ready-mix industry through leadership, education, and promotion.  Schmitz Ready Mix is a proud member of the NRMCA.

http://www.generalpolymers.com/tech_lib/concrete101.pdf | Concrete 101 is a 16-page technical primer, in PDF format, produced by General Polymers, a leading provider of products for the protection and restoration of concrete, including polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxies, and novolacs.

http://www.cement.org/basics/concretebasics_faqs.asp | Concrete Basics, provides good information from the FAQ section of the Portland Cement Association (PCA) web site.  PCA represents cement companies in the United States and Canada, conducting, on behalf of its members, market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.

Links to Information about Decorative Concrete Flatwork 

http://www.decorative-concrete.net | DECORATIVE CONCRETE NETWORK - The Decorative Concrete Network is a pioneering Internet resource, dedicated to providing information on and promotion of the fastest growing segment of the concrete industry.  Media professionals can learn more about the technical aspects of decorative concrete and view projects by visiting the site's extensive photo gallery.

http://www.wrmca.com (click on Enter; click on Clever Uses of Concrete; click on Colored & Stamped Concrete) | Colored & Stamped Concrete is an excellent article from the Clever Uses of Concrete section of the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association (WRMCA) web site and includes a link to a listing of Wisconsin-based decorative concrete contractors.  Schmitz Ready Mix is a proud and active member of the WRMCA.

http://www.concretenetwork.com | CONCRETE NETWORK - The #1 source for information on stamped, textured and colored concrete patios, driveways, pool decks, and interior stained floors. The site includes the largest online collection of decorative concrete photos and reliable "how-to" information.

http://www.scofield.com | L.M. SCOFIELD - L.M. Scofield manufactures engineered systems for coloring, texturing and performance in architectural concrete. Their web site contains design ideas, product and technical information, and an exceptional projects section.  Schmitz Ready Mix’s Construction Supply Division is a distributor for L.M. Scofield architectural concrete systems.  Contact Todd Schulz, Construction Supply Division Manager, 414.831.2437 • TSchulz@schmitzmix.com.

Links to Information about Insulated Concrete Homes, including ICF Homes 

http://www.cement.org/homes | CONCRETE HOMES - Great background information about why concrete is a better way to build a better home.  Review the latest research results on insulating concrete form homebuilding systems (ICFs).  View some of the beautiful Concrete Show Homes sponsored by the Portland Cement Association.  A special plan section allows site visitors to view more than 80 plans specifically designed for ICF homes.  This landing portal is part of the Portland Cement Association web site.

http://www.eco-block.com | ECO-BLOCK INSULATING CONCRETE FORMING SYSTEM - This site provides excellent information on insulated concrete forms (ICFs) used in residential and commercial building systems and includes a photo gallery and logical discussion about the environmental advantages of ICF homes. Schmitz Ready Mix’s Construction Supply Division is a distributor for the ECO- Block Insulating Concrete Forming System.  For information about Southeastern Wisconsin ICF projects, contact Todd Schulz, Construction Supply Division Manager, 414.831.2437 • TSchulz@schmitzmix.com.

http://www.forms.org | INSULATING CONCRETE FORM ASSOCIATION (ICFA) – The ICFA promotes the use of ICFs, and helps construction professionals overcome obstacles to industry growth.

The site includes information about the association’s primary activities (promotion, codes and standards, research, partnering, and education) and includes a ICF Project Section with neat case studies of residential and commercial ICF projects.

http://www.wrmca.com (click on Enter; click on Clever Uses of Concrete; click on Concrete Homes ...) | Concrete Homes, an Idea Whose Time as Come, is an excellent article from the Clever Uses of Concrete section of the Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association (WRMCA) web site and includes a link to a Virtual Tour of Wisconsin ICF homes.

Link to Information about Site-Cast Tilt-Up Construction 

http://www.tilt-up.org | TILT-UP CONCRETE ASSOCIATION (TCA) - The TCA web site supports the mission of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, providing reliable information and resources to help expand and improve the use of Tilt-Up as the preferred construction method enhancing quality and building performance.

Link to Information about Solid Concrete Foundation Walls, also known as Poured Walls 

http://www.cfawalls.org | THE CONCRETE FOUNDATION ASSOCIATION (CFA) - The Concrete Foundations Association serves as an informational and networking tool for construction professionals, touting the benefits of poured concrete foundation walls.

Link to Information about Concrete Parking Applications, including Pervious Concrete Parking Areas, Cast-in-Place Parking Structures, and Surface Concrete Parking Lots 

http://www.concreteparking.org | CONCRETE PARKING LOTS - The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) developed this web site designed exclusively to discuss the benefits of specifying concrete for parking applications.  Discussions include: environmental benefits; initial and life-cycle cost analysis; ease of maintenance; crack control and water-tightness; lighting and safety benefits; esthetics; and environmental benefits.  The site supports the use of ready-mixed concrete for parking structures, parking lots, paths, and for whitetopping pavement rehabilitations.  Schmitz Ready Mix is a proud member of NRMCA.

http://www.perviouspavement.org | PERVIOUS CONCRETE Pervious concrete pavement is an effective method to address important environmental issues and support sustainable development. By capturing rainwater and allowing it to seep into the ground, porous concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater regulations.  This site, created by the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, includes information about applications, performance, engineering properties, design, construction, and inspection and maintenance of pervious concrete pavements.  It also has an excellent, Frequently Asked Questions About Pervious Concrete section.

Link to Information about Flowable Fill (CLSM)

http://www.flowablefill.org | FLOWABLE FILL - The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) developed this web site designed exclusively to discuss the benefits of specifying flowable fill, the self-leveling, low-density-cementitious-back-fill material that can attain 100% compaction without tamping or vibrating.  Flowable fill replaces compacted soil or conventional back-fill and can be designed as a structural fill that drains and is no stronger than the surrounding soil after it has obtained its ultimate strength. The site includes discussions about the performance, benefits, applications, and technical aspects of flowable fill. Schmitz Ready Mix is a proud member of NRMCA.

Link to Information about Green Rooftops 

http://www.greenrooftops.org | GREEN ROOFTOPS - The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association developed this web site designed exclusively to discuss the benefits of specifying concrete for fast, smart, and economical green rooftops.  Greenroofs are becoming an increasingly important construction consideration for construction professionals working in urban environments.  The site includes discussions on the benefits of greenroofs and the technical advantages of specifying waterproof concrete greenroof systems. Schmitz Ready Mix is a proud member of NRMCA.

Link to Information about Whitetopping

http://www.whitetopping.com | WHITETOPPING - This site aspires to become the definitive clearinghouse of information for whitetopping and continues to evolve.  It includes information regarding a whitetopping project initiated by the Innovative Pavement Research Foundation (IPRF), which was initiated to develop guidelines for whitetopping design and construction.  The site includes a great FAQ section and information on design and construction of whitetopping projects, including surface preparation, placement and finishing, surface texturing, and curing.

Links to National Concrete Industry-Related Organizations

http://www.acaa-usa.org | THE AMERICAN COAL ASH ASSOCIATION (ACAA) - The American Coal Ash Association promotes the beneficial use of fly ash and other coal combustion products in ways that are technically sound, commercially competitive, and environmentally safe.  ACAA and its members work to gain the recognition and acceptance of specifiers, designers, contractors, legislators, regulators, and others for CCPs on par with competing engineering and manufactured materials. The site includes information about the association and its members’ research efforts.

http://www.aci-int.net/general/home.asp | AMERICAN CONCRETE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL (ACI) - ACI is dedicated to improving the design, construction, manufacture and maintenance of concrete structures. Its web site features an extensive library of technical publications; a comprehensive index of concrete related organizations; and a searchable database of articles and abstracts, dating back to 1998.

http://www.pavement.com | THE AMERICAN CONCRETE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION (ACPA) The ACPA web site provides information on research, market development, local promotion, design, construction, and best practices of portland cement concrete pavements.  Site highlights include an exceptional archive of free downloads, including tech tips, papers, research reports, ACPA publications, and software; a Frequently Asked Technical Questions section; a Concrete Pavement Fundamentals section; and a great online glossary of concrete pavement terms.

http://www.ascconline.org | AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CONCRETE CONTRACTORS (ASCC) - The American Society of Concrete Contractors was formed by concrete contractors and others who provide services and goods to the industry. It is committed to helping members enhance the quality of their construction and their businesses.  Its Decorative Concrete Council advances the quality and use of decorative concrete systems. Its Manufacturers Advisory Board counsels the ASCC on how to enhance the interaction between manufacturers, service providers, and contractor members.  The ASCC site includes an outstanding Resource Center, with sections on insurance, safety, hot industry topics, and trouble-shooting, and information about ASCC's 26 Position Statements, constructive dialogs covering topics of major interest to concrete contractors and their construction-team partners. Most of the topics were suggested by ASCC members as a result of job site issues.

http://www.astm.org | AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM) - This site provides construction industry news, quality assurance programs, the society's magazine, and standard specifications for concrete construction, including ASTM C-94, the standard specification for ready-mixed concrete.

http://www.cfawalls.org | THE CONCRETE FOUNDATION ASSOCIATION (CFA) - The Concrete Foundations Association serves as an informational and networking tool for construction professionals, touting the benefits of poured concrete foundation walls.

http://www.crsi.org | CONCRETE REINFORCING STEEL INSTITUTE (CRSI) - CRSI's mission "is to increase the use of reinforced concrete in the construction industry.” The organization's Web site offers free downloads of research papers, engineering data reports, case history reports, and white papers on continuously reinforced concrete pavements.

http://www.ecco.org | ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF CONCRETE ORGANIZATIONS (ECCO) The ECCO site promotes awareness of the environmental aspects and benefits of concrete and concrete products, helping to spread the news of concrete as one of the most environmentally-friendly construction products in the history of the planet. Excellent downloads about concrete's role in sustainable development are available here.

http://www.forms.org | INSULATING CONCRETE FORM ASSOCIATION (ICFA) – The ICFA promotes the use of ICFs, and helps construction professionals overcome obstacles to industry growth.  The site includes information about the association’s primary activities (promotion, codes and standards, research, partnering, and education) and includes a ICF Project Section with neat case studies of residential and commercial ICF projects.

http://www.nrmca.org | NATIONAL READY MIXED CONCRETE ASSOCIATION (NRMCA) - Founded in 1930, NRMCA is the leading industry advocate working to expand, improve, and promote the ready-mix industry through leadership, education, and promotion. Construction professionals can find exceptional technical and educational resources here. Schmitz Ready Mix is a proud member of the NRMCA.

http://www.cement.org | PORTLAND CEMENT ASSOCIATION (PCA) - Concrete and Masonry information and technical resources for construction professionals are one mouse-click away.

http://www.silicafume.org | THE SILICA FUME ASSOCIATION (SFA) – Silica Fume is a byproduct of silicon and ferro-silicon metal production and is a key ingredient in high-performance concretes.  This site provides great information, organized in slide-show format, for specific construction professional groups, including specifiers, engineers, and contractors.

http://www.slagcement.org | THE SLAG CEMENT ASSOCIATION - Slag cement is an essential cementitious material for construction. This site contains resources for construction professional to use in understanding what slag cement is, how it improves concrete performance, and how it provides for a more sustainable environment.  Most of the documents on this site are downloadable in PDF format. Information on mix proportioning, production, and placement, specifications, and product application make this a must-read for construction professionals interested in how sustainable construction will play out in the coming decades.

http://www.tilt-up.org | TILT-UP CONCRETE ASSOCIATION (TCA) - The TCA web site supports the mission of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, providing reliable information and resources to help expand and improve the use of Tilt-Up as the preferred construction method enhancing quality and building performance.

Links to Information about Green Building, Sustainable Development, Building Science, and Whole Building Design

http://www.concretethinker.com - CONCRETE THINKING FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLD - The Concrete Thinker web site is a good resource for assisting architects to make sustainable design a reality through the durability, beauty, versatility, and energy efficiency of concrete.  In-depth profiles, case studies, and other solid resources help site visitors to learn how forward-thinking architects rely on concrete to create healthy and vibrant places to work, live and play. This site was developed by the Portland Cement Association to demonstrate the many ways concrete can be used to achieve green building objectives.

http://www.nibs.org | NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCES - The National Institute of Building Sciences Web site is a source of knowledge and advice on matters of building regulation, science and technology. It is broken down into sub-sections relating to the different building disciplines.

http://www.usgbc.org | U.S. GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL - This excellent site promotes construction practices contributing to the building of structures that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work.

http://www.usgbc.org/leed | LEED: LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEM - LEED is the voluntary, consensus-based, national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution.  The site provides construction professionals with LEED Standards and other resources, including a FAQ section on the LEED Certification process.

http://www.wbdg.org | WHOLE BUILDING DESIGN GUIDE (WBDG) - The WBDG is an U.S. web-based portal providing construction professionals with one-stop access to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria, and technology issues, from a "whole-buildings perspective." Organized into two major categories -- Design Guidance and Project Management -- the WBDG provides Resource Pages and reductive summaries on particular whole-building design topics.