Global cement consumption is expected to show sustained growth in 2015, with further gains forecast for 2016, according to analysis presented in the recently-released Global Cement Report Eleventh Edition.

Rapid International, which unveiled its new Trakmix mobile concrete mixing plant, described it as the first of its kind in the market. The tracked machine was designed in response to growing demand for a mobile continuous mixing plant that provides easy transportation without the need for special transport permits.

Two documents from the American Society of Concrete Contractors, the Safety Manual and the Safety Management Plan, have been newly revised and updated to reflect changes in OSHA regulations and the concrete construction industry.

Atlas Copco’s new BG245 and BG375 walk-behind trowels excel at finishing concrete in limited-access worksites, and close to walls due to their compact bodies and light weight. The upgraded trowels feature an adjustable clutch to enhance versatility; a maintenance stand to make servicing easy; and a centrifugal clutch for safe operations.

Global polymer flooring manufacturer Flowcrete Group Ltd. has secured Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) International Certification for its Flowfresh range of antimicrobial protected cementitious urethane floors. This certification means that food and beverage producers operating an HACCP-based food safety program can specify flooring materials that meet the relevant regulatory authority’s standards for safe procurement, production and processing as well as the requirements of the world’s leading quality and food safety standards.

A soon-to-be released laboratory study, utilizing six different manufacturer’s relative humidity testing equipment and overseen by an ASTM task group, offers two breakthrough findings that will prove immensely useful and profitable for anyone who utilizes the Rapid RH testing method for their projects.

The American Concrete Institute announced that they are mourning the passing of Daniel W. Falconer, ACI Managing Director of Engineering who passed away peacefully on July 29, 2015, at age 59, in his Hartland, Michigan, home surrounded by his family, after a 16-month battle with colon cancer.

ToolCrete has announced its new GFRC (3-jet downward) Sprayer for concrete countertop and mold applications. This tool will apply high-fibered GFRC and aggregate-filled mixes fast and evenly. The hopper holds approximately a gallon at a time and with the proper compressor users can fill a countertop or concrete mold with more than 10 pounds of GFRC in less than 60 seconds.