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Fog Sealing Older Pavements

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

In its “A Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual”, the Asphalt Emulsion Manufacturers Association and theAsphalt Institute describe a fog seal as a “light application of slow-setting emulsion sprayed on an existing asphalt surface.” Properly applied and applied at the right time, a fog seal can be a valuable aid in the maintenance of an asphalt pavement. The question is, what is the proper application and when is the right time to use fog seals in a pavement ... Read More

Tender Pavements

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

A tender or slow-setting asphalt pavement is defined as one that scuffs under horizontally applied shearing loads after compaction has been completed, such as when power steering turns are made by a stationary vehicle. There are several causes of “tender pavements” including a faulty mix design, low compaction, and liquid asphalt saturation. Although each of these causes contributes to tender pavement, the most common root cause of a tender asphalt pavement is premature application of a ... Read More

Trouble Brewing…The Disaster of California State Pensions

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

Trouble Brewing…The Disaster of California State PensionsBy Stuart Buck, Distinguished Doctoral Fellow, Department of Education Reform, University of Arkansas, (abridged)\California has promised its public employees lavish pensions and retiree healthbenefits without setting aside nearly enough money to pay for those benefits. As aresult, California already admits to a $75.5 billion shortfall in paying for those promisesto public employees—$40.5 billion for the teachers’ retirement plan (California StateTeachers’ Retirement System, or CalSTRS) and $35 billion for the California ... Read More

Be Aware: New Sales And Use Tax Rates And Changes In Vehicle Registration Renewals

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

Effective July 1, 2011, the statewide sales and use tax rate is set to decrease from 8.25% to 7.25%. In municipalities where there are voter-approved district taxes, the total tax related to sales will be the statewide base tax rate of 7.25% plus the applicable district tax. Please see http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/pdf/Pending_Rates-07-11.pdf for a complete list of changes and RatesAlso, for vehicle registration renewal fees due July 1, 2011 and later:• State law requires DMV to implement changes ... Read More

E-mail Expectations

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

E-MAIL EXPECTATIONS – DO YOU RESPOND IN ONE DAY OR LESS?In a recent survey of the general public, adults aged 18 – 64 were asked about how quickly they believe an e-mail message deserves a response. Fifty-six percent said “within the same day” and 12% said more than one day. Thirty-two percent had no opinion. Given that this survey was conducted among members of the general population, certainly this sets a high bar for business, for ... Read More

New iPhone App: Graniterock Construction Calculator!

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Thu, 31 Mar 2011, 3:24 pm

You can now calculate right from the job site the correct amount of the high-quality Graniterock Products to do your job. Get your free download of the Graniterock iPhone App Version 1.0 Construction Calculator, now available in a convenient form right from your phone. Check it out! Read More

Discussion of Economic Outlook

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

Business leaders met recently to review the current business climate and the economic outlook for the future. The business people reside in California, Arizona, Oregon, Indiana, and Illinois. Looking to 2011, with regard to the national economy and their state economies, any acceleration in the rate of recovery has slipped out until at least the middle of 2011 and probably not until 2012. These leaders do not anticipate a double-dip recession but expect economic growth next ... Read More

June California Employment Report… More Economic News

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

California’s construction industry continues to lose employment. During June, 8,500 more people lost jobs bringing the total for the year to 74,400 (12% of the total construction workforce). In previous months, the construction sector lost the most jobs but in June the largest job losses were in the Government Sector. The Counties with the lowest unemployment are: Marin, San Mateo, and San Francisco – all below 10%. The highest unemployment is 27.6% in Imperial County. Unemployment ... Read More

Unlawful Harassment Reminder

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently announced a settlement in an unlawful harassment case the Commission brought against a large operator of Interstate truck stops. The complaint by the EEOC charged that female cashiers at a Love’s truck stop in Arizona were sexually harassed by customers stopping for fuel. According to the complaint, the offending truck drivers made crude and suggestive comments to the cashiers, pressed for personal information, and engaged in other unwelcomed conduct. ... Read More

Economic Outlook Based on July Results

Author: Graniterock Posted by Graniterock on Wed, March 18th, 2015, 8:16 am

The majority of U. S. economists believe that the economy continues on a very slow growth path and that the danger of a double-dip recession is not high. In July, U. S. private companies added 71,000 jobs but total employment fell by 221,000 jobs as more Census workers were laid-off. June’s private sector employment number was reduced to 31,000 people. The number of new jobs being added cannot bring down the rate of unemployment because there ... Read More

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