KC Construction, a Contractor based in Ivyland, PA, found a new way to utilize a pair of Zimmerman Industries Volumetric Mixers.

In bidding on several Dam Projects in Pennsylvania, they determined that if they could produce the material required, Roller Compacted Concrete and a High Strength Grout, they would be able to compete with much larger companies.

Zimmerman Industries, along with LaFarge Cement, worked with KC in meeting the requirements of the bid, and aided in testing with the Army Corp of Engineers.  The results were that the materials, mix designs, and method of production were approved, and the dam was built.

From the knowledge and experience gained, KC has now finished a second dam, and is preparing for a third.  In the course of these projects, they have produced as much as 1300 cubic yards of RCC in a day with their 2 units.  The raw ingredients are loaded continuously, and the RCC produced non-stop.  This not only allowed for the project to come in early, but meant that the RCC could be placed with a minimum number of joints.

The ability of the Zimmerman units to be quickly and easily changed to meet any delivery proportions, along with the support provided in design and testing, made each of these projects a success.

Due to the logistics and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) project demands, the Zim-Mixer® volumetric concrete was the ideal solution for the concrete delivery on this Liberty Island project, home to the Statue of Liberty.  This construction project involved enhancing and adding to the existing Visitor’s Center.

The featured equipment at the Liberty Island project is manufactured by Zimmerman Industries and is their signature Model ZM-409SP Zim-Mixer®, 9 cubic yard capacity, producing 30 cubic yards per hour.  For Zim-Mixer® owner John Bernal of All County Mobile Mix, Yonkers, New York, there were many obstacles to overcome.  John had to arrive at the dock fully loaded by 6:00 a.m. and take his unit onto a barge for a 30 minute cruise to the site.  The job had to end by 9:45 a.m. every day so that the visitors to the Statue of Liberty monument would not be kept waiting.  The amount of concrete varied from 3 to 6 cubic yards per day. Being able to mix on site and keeping the concrete fresh was imperative. With John’s expertise and the capabilities of the Zim-Mixer® volumetric mixer, the contractor’s demands were met.

This project was interesting in many areas, since it was a green project. A special blended cement that contained a 40% ground granulated blast furnace slag and a 4000 PSI mix design was needed to meet specifications.  The test results exceeded specifications, breaking in 7 days at 5400 PSI. Lastly, since Liberty Island is a mere 12 acres in size, it was essential that there was little or no waste from the concrete. The Zim-Mixer® delivered the precise quantity required with no waste, making it a perfect fit for this Liberty Island project.

The last few years have shown an increase in the usage of Latex Modified Concrete.  This product is typically used as an overlay on bridge decks, and parking garages.  The product enables the concrete to resist water, and more importantly any salts or chemical deicing agents, from infiltrating the deck and causing damage to the reinforcing steel and structural members below.  This product is best delivered by a Volumetric Mixer due to the unique characteristics and consistency requirements.  Zimmerman Industries has been in the forefront of this industry since the early 1980’s, and continues to be the leader today.

Since 2008, we have delivered Zimmerman Latex Volumetric Mixers to both small and large contractors.  Some of these provide the Latex Modified Concrete to other contractors, and others produce the material for their own placement crews.  This summer Zimmerman Industries delivered four Latex Modified Volumetric Mixers to one of the most well respected contractors in the area, Trumbull Corporation of West Mifflin, PA.  Trumbull Corporation, along with P.J.Dick and Lindy Paving, are a closely linked family of companies that brings innovative solutions, dedicated professional personnel, a legacy of quality and safety, and more than 50 years of construction experience to the table.  Trumbull Corporation has been a major contributor to the local Pittsburgh and regional construction marker since it’s inception in 1955.  Although they are headquartered in Pittsburgh, they operate a regional office in West Virginia, and establish project control centers wherever they have large construction projects.  Among the dozens of awards that are displayed in their offices, Trumbull Corporation was recently given the Bridge Award of Excellence for their work on the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River in Washington, DC.

Zimmerman Industries Mobile Mixer Training School was recently accepted by the National Ready Mix Concrete Association for inclusion in their STEPS program.  This program, Seminar, Training and Education Programs, is designed to provide individuals certification in one of four career tracks, Business Management, Concrete Technology, Operations & Production, and Sales, Marketing and Promotion.  The end Certification, Certified Concrete Professional, is the highest offered in the industry.  This certification requires 120 total hours of coursework.  Completion of the Zimmerman Industries, Inc. Mobile Mixer Training School satisfies 20 hours of this requirement.

For additional information on the NRMCA programs mentioned, you may contact the Education Department at 888 846 7622 ext. 1166, or visit www.NRMCA.org/STEPS .

Zimmerman Industries delivered a custom designed unit for a specialty concrete producer in the Boston area in August of 2007.  The customer owns several standard Zim-Mixers and has extensive experience with the Zim-Mixer brand of volumetric concrete mixers.  They have used our equipment on projects for the Massachusetts Turnpike, Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Logan Airport.