RockBlog
An Overview of Asphalt Sealer Systems
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
Asphalt sealers are not slurry seals (Caltrans section 37.2 specifications) but a lot of people refer to asphalt sealers as slurry seals. Asphalt sealers have been in use for over 40 years and today there are basically three different sealer systems: Asphalt emulsion based sealers, clay emulsion based sealers and coal tar based sealers.The first two systems are the ones most commonly used in California; coal tar systems are not heavily used except around asphalt paved ... Read More
Middle School Students Get a Jump on Algebra
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
From Cal State Monterey Bay News:http://news.csumb.edu/news/2013/jan/7/middle-school-students-get-jump-algebraStanding in front of 50 middle school students, CSU Monterey Bay Professor Hongde Hu demonstrated the solution to a math problem as though he were decoding the collective wisdom of the universe.The class was part of the annual Algebra Academy sponsored by Graniterock, which took place over the students’ winter break. Youngsters from Aromas and Rolling Hills middle schools volunteered to attend.Four days of classes were held at the company’s corporate ... Read More
Hot Mix Asphalt Tennis Courts: Material Selection, Construction, Repair and Maintenance
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
Hot mix asphalt can be used for tennis courts to provide a durable, flat surface with good traction for players, clear defined boundary lines and consistent ball movement. Asphalt surfaces are not susceptible to rain unlike other types of courts and will not require much maintenance. Asphalt can be placed and compacted to develop one level surface without joints and will also allow for specialized coatings to be placed on the surface.ConsiderationsBefore placing asphalt for a ... Read More
Near Term Economic Growth - A Fiscal Cliffhanger II
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
The National Association of HomeBuilders discusses economics and housing policy.The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the third (and final) estimate of real GDP growth for the third quarter of 2012. Growth was revised to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.1%, up from 2.7% in the second estimate (last month) and 2.0% in the advance estimate (October), a marked improvement from the second quarter pace of 1.3%. The revision was largely due to upward revisions ... Read More
Warm Mix Asphalt Update
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
New Technologies Offer Opportunity for Improved RoadwaysWarm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is the name given to conventional Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) that is modified by additives or changes in manufacturing processes that allows asphalt mixes to be produced and placed at low temperatures. Reductions of 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit have been documented.WMA technology has now been in the U.S. about 10 years. Since its introduction, millions of tons of WMA have been placed throughout the U.S, and ... Read More
Winter Driving Tips from Cal Trans
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
Winter weather can be alarming and hazardous for drivers. The best defense is to stay off the roads in stormy weather, but if you must drive, use caution, common sense, and be prepared. Mountain areas and highways in higher elevations (such as I-5 in north Los Angeles County, SR-39 and SR-2, below left) may bring snow, ice, and blizzard-like conditions. The winter driving tips below might save your life.* Use the Caltrans Quickmap (quickmap.dot.ca.gov) to check ... Read More
Finding Your Mentor
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
by Andy Winzelberg, Management ConsultantAfter working on the crew for a number of years, John accepted the challenge of becoming a supervisor. The problem was he didn’t really know what was expected of him now that he was “management”. How was he going to relate to friends he had worked with for years? What should he do when he needed to give them critical feedback or ask them to do something they didn’t want to do? ... Read More
Housing Starts Up 3.6 Percent Nationwide in October
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
Source: National Association of Home BuildersWASHINGTON — Nov. 20, 2012 — Nationwide housing production rose 3.6 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 894,000 units, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. This is the highest pace of new-home construction since July of 2008."This report is in line with our latest builder surveys, which show improving confidence and optimism in the marketplace as buyers take advantage of low mortgage rates and very attractive prices," ... Read More
Many Business Owners Confused by Health Insurance Requirements
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
More than two-thirds of small businesses aren’t sure or think incorrectly they must provide health insurance to employees in 2014 or pay a fine, a new study shows.Even more — 78 percent — said they were not familiar with health insurance exchanges and how they may impact their business, despite subsidies and tax credits offered by the Affordable Care Act.The anonymous online survey of 439 small business who had purchased insurance from eHealthInsurance.com was conducted in ... Read More
Eight Things Remarkably Successful People Do
Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am
This article by Jeff Haden of Inc. Magazine offers advice for business success:The most successful people in business work differently. See what they do--and why it works.1. They don't create back-up plans.Back-up plans can help you sleep easier at night. Back-up plans can also create an easy out when times get tough.You'll work a lot harder and a lot longer if your primary plan simply has to work because there is no other option. Total commitment--without ... Read More
RECENT POSTS
- Graniterock Supply grand opening at new location
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- 125 years of building infrastructure and community
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- Rock N Run generates $43,000 for schools
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