Industry News

• $3.8B contract awarded to build 2 more La. liquefaction trains
  Sabine Pass Liquefaction has agreed to a $3.8 billion contract with Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals for the construction of the third and fourth liquefaction trains next to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, La., according to a press release. Work is expected to begin on the project in the first half of 2013. SNL Financial (free content) (12/21)     

• $438M utility plant under construction at L.A. airport
  A $438 million utility plant is under construction at Los Angeles International Airport, part of a modernization effort projected to cost more than $4 billion. The plant is being built at the center of the airport's nine terminals and is scheduled to be completed by 2014. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) (free registration) (12/20)     

• Phase I of $300M project in N.J. could begin in February
  Construction of the first phase of a $300 million arts and transit project by Princeton University in New Jersey could start in February after the planning board approved the undertaking. The work calls for construction of theaters and other cultural facilities, as well as relocation of the Dinky commuter rail station. Citizen group "Save the Dinky" plans to appeal the board's decision. The Times (Trenton, N.J.) (12/20)     

• Other News

• Sale of Holcim's cement assets in 2 countries raises $410M
  Bloomberg (12/21)

• Irish firms Quinn Building Products, Lagan Cement Group plan JV
  TheConstructionIndex.co.uk (U.K.) (12/22)     

Technology & Trends

• Supplier delivers pink concrete slabs for a cause
  Pink-colored concrete is becoming the symbol of the breast cancer awareness initiative of Concrete Cares, a group that helps raise consciousness about the disease using pink concrete slabs for specific projects. "Everyone has been touched by breast cancer," says Mike Murray, owner of Kansas-based Murray Decorative Concrete Supply and founder of Concrete Cares. "I think we are put on this earth to make a difference, and that's what I'm trying to do." Concrete Construction (12/2012)     

Sustainability & Green Building

• Precast concrete forms Stockholm's Flat Iron building
  The Flat Iron Building in Stockholm is a version of its historic New York City counterpart, the only difference being the structure is made from precast concrete and is LEED-Gold certified. The use of precast for the building was chosen because it would shorten construction time and still be an effective sound barrier for the noisy train yard behind it and the residential buildings at its front. Inhabitat (12/21)     

Leadership & HR

• End-of-year feedback? You're doing it wrong
  Bosses who hold year-end reviews for their workers are approaching feedback in the wrong way, writes Denis Wilson. Feedback should be a continuous process of praise and gradual course-correction, not a once-a-year blowout event. "Dropping bombs on employees once or twice a year only serves to build up pressure and make feedback sessions feel like indictments," Wilson writes. Fast Company online (12/20)     

Hot Topics

Top five news stories selected by Concrete SmartBrief readers in the past week.

• Defective pillar for Seattle's new 520 bridge needs to be rebuilt (The Seattle Times)

• Home in Argentina features varied uses of concrete (Architizer.com)

• Slideshow: Foundation placement for $297M project in Fla. (American City Business Journals)

• Concrete placement goes awry, floods New York University dorm (DNAInfo.com)

• Are biomimicry, geomimicry keys to developing eco-cement? (TheConversation.edu.au (Australia))

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

Policy Watch

• EPA releases final rules on industrial boiler emissions
  The Environmental Protection Agency has finalized rules for greenhouse-gas emission limits at large industrial boilers. The rules require about 2,300 large sites in the U.S. to comply with the set limits within three years, with a one-year extension available to enable the installation of control equipment. EPA said the rule will reduce the industry's annual compliance expenses. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (12/22)     

ACI News

• Advances in FRC Durability and Field Applications CD-ROM (SP-280)
  This CD-ROM contains 10 papers that were presented at sessions sponsored by ACI Committee 544 at the Spring 2011 ACI Convention in Tampa, Fla. The topics of the papers cover durability aspects of fiber-reinforced concrete, ranging from permeability, shrinkage cracking, long-term behavior in chloride environment and resistance to chloride penetration, as well as applications of fiber-reinforced concrete for coupling beams for highrise core-wall structures, beams for bridges, panels and suspended foundation slabs. Order your copy today.     

• Strategic Development Council seeks concrete technologies to "showcase"
  The Strategic Development Council is currently seeking new concrete technologies to "showcase" at upcoming sessions. Technology Showcases allow companies and/or individuals the opportunity to showcase their new, interesting, or innovative technologies that have the potential to improve and advance the concrete industry. Each new technology that is introduced at SDC gains exposure and possible assistance to address barriers and obstacles that are preventing or slowing acceptance of the technology within the concrete industry. Learn more.     

Editor's Note

• Concrete SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday
  In observance of Christmas, Concrete SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday. Publication will resume Wednesday. Enjoy the holiday!     

SmartQuote

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." --William Blake, British poet and painter