World of Concrete 2016

Largest Show in Seven Years

From start to finish, the 42nd World of Concrete (WOC) exceeded the expectations of show organizers, exhibitors and attendees alike. For five days in early February, over 60,000 industry professionals descended on the Las Vegas Convention Center to learn, network and do business. CSDA and its membership was there and the show was an absolute success for the association.

New for 2016
Diamond Products presented its new line of Fast-Cut early entry cutting equipment and diamond tools at the show. This range of products has been specifically designed to cut green concrete without spalling and includes the CC150XL-EE and CC190XL-EE saws along with a series of early entry blades. Elsewhere, Husqvarna Construction Products displayed an updated version of its FS 3500-G flat saw. The 37-horsepower saw can cut up to 12.375 inches deep and blade guards are available for diamond blades up to 30 inches in diameter. For handheld cutting, Hilti unveiled two gas-powered saws—the DSH 700-X and DSH 900-X—with 70cc and 90cc motors respectively. Models are available to accommodate 12- to 16-inch-diameter blades. Meanwhile, ICS/Pentruder showcased its recently-launched CW630 high frequency chain saw. The 8.8-horsepower unit is suitable for corner and plunge cuts and is compatible with the company’s existing ProForce® diamond chains.

The show had a range of core drilling tools and equipment exhibited too. CS Unitec presented its PLD 450 B core drill motor, designed for drilling holes up to 18 inches in diameter. The 28-pound, 30-amp motor can run at speeds up to 840 RPM. Dixie Diamond Manufacturing displayed its Bullet Bit for fast core drilling and its new Beaver Green Bit, designed to help eliminate bit walking during holes starts. The Beaver Green Bit is available in diameters from 2 to 72 inches.

Brokk had reason to celebrate at WOC 2016 as the company reached 40 years and unveiled its latest demolition robot—the Brokk 120D. This is the manufacturer’s first compact diesel-powered machine and weighs 1.2 tons. The new addition to the Brokk lineup has a lifting capacity of 661 pounds and can run for eight hours on one tank.

As concrete cutting and polishing contractors perform work indoors or in areas with limited access, the control and containment of silica dust is critical. Pullman Ermator exhibited its latest line of vacuums and dust extraction products, which included the T8600. The 530-pound propane-powered dust extractor works at a rate of 410 cubic feet per minute with an 18-horsepower Kawasaki motor.

GSSI showcased its latest ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology at the show. The StructureScan Mini XT handheld unit has updated features that support next-generation digital capabilities for the location of rebar, conduits, post-tension cables and voids in concrete and other materials. Additionally, the redesigned model is IP 65 rated for tough jobsite conditions.

Industry Training and Events
CSDA easily surpassed its previous record at WOC by graduating 115 students this year, an increase of 52—or 83 percent—over the numbers reached in 2014. The association expanded its course offerings to four and saw a surge in registrations across the board. For the fourth consecutive year, registrations for the CSDA Estimating course grew with an impressive 40 students. This number was equaled by the Concrete Polishing 101 course while the association’s new introductory concrete sawing and drilling course—Diamond Cutting: Sharpen Your Skills—had the largest number of graduates for this type of course since CSDA began holding them at WOC in 2010.

In addition, CSDA instructor Chris Swanson certified 22 students in the application of industry Standard CSDA-ST-115 Measuring Concrete Micro Surface Texture—a first for CSDA at WOC and another record for class graduates.

As the industry looks to the future, CSDA continues to provide a platform for up-and-coming business owners, managers and operators to interact with its Next Generation events. A networking reception for this group was held during WOC 2016 and gave around 75 next-generation professionals a perfect setting to meet with their peers. The growing success of this event means it is certain to appear on the association’s WOC 2017 schedule.

Overall Show Statistics
Attendance was up 8 percent from 2015 while 1,532 companies exhibited, an increase of almost 300. These companies filled over 740,000 net square feet of exhibit space, around 10 percent more than the previous show. In addition, WOC organizers saw a 6 percent increase in the number of seminars taken. With numbers up across the board, organizers confirmed WOC 2016 as being the largest show for seven years. The 43rd World of Concrete will be held January 16-20, 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Look out for discounted attendee registration, courtesy of CSDA*, in the September and December issues of Concrete Openings.
*Some restrictions may apply.

Praxis: Understanding Performance-Based Specifications
Practical demonstrations for the CSDA-ST-115 and Concrete Polishing 101 courses were held on a purpose-built slab during an association-sponsored event. Praxis: Understanding Performance-Based Specifications was very popular and the largest slab construction, polishing and roughness average event in WOC history. It gathered representatives from the specifier and insurance communities including Alberti Group, Ankrom-Moisan, Conspectus, Dialog Design, Gensler, Tao Group and Willis Towers Watson with industry professionals including CSDA Executive Director Patrick O’Brien and President Kevin Baron to lead presentations and discuss current challenges. Held at several shows throughout the year, the goal of Praxis is to bring transparency, clarity and accountability to the specification process.

For more information, visit www.praxiseventslive.com.