Van der Graaf‘s Extreme Duty Motors are designed to withstand harsh abrasive environments associated with the mining and aggregate industries. The drum motor’s design eliminates the need for an external motor, gear box, sprockets, chain, chain guard and pillow block bearings, requiring less space to install while improving worker safety. These motors are the best choice for driving your conveyor lines, even in the toughest conditions.

Eriez’ new animated video features its equipment as its used to improve material handling efficiency and tramp metal removal in aggregates applications.

The video demonstrates its vibratory feeders, suspended magnets and metal detectors in action at an aggregates plant. First, the vibratory feeder takes in the aggregate material, which is then conveyed to a suspended magnet that removes unwanted ferrous materials. Finally, the aggregate material passes through metal detectors, which identify ferrous, nonferrous and non-magnetic stainless steel metals, and a magnetic head pulley, which detects small iron contaminants.

The Guardian horizontal screen. Photo courtesy of Superior Industries.

Superior Industries Inc. completed research and development of its first aggregate screen.

Known as the Guardian horizontal screen, the triple-shaft, adjustable oval stroke design was engineered using customer feedback, the company says. According to Superior, several key features help distinguish the horizontal screen as a unique new processing solution for the aggregates industry, including bottle jack lifting points that simplify and speed spring replacement and improve safety; a segmented belt guard and sectioned tailgate that lighten the loads of these two features, requiring only one person to remove and return the guards and gates during maintenance; bolt-locking, hinged access doors, which allow access for screen media maintenance; and a fully-enclosed belt guard that ensures safety while an integrated, on-board tensioner accelerates maintenance to the motor belt.

Superior designs and manufactures Guardian horizontal screens in two- and three-deck configurations for 5-ft. x 16-ft., 6-ft. x 16-ft. 6-ft. x 20-ft., 7-ft. x 20-ft. and 8-ft. x 20-ft. models. Each unit is equipped with spray bar knockout holes for wet processing applications.

Vulcan Materials Co. released its second-quarter results, which show earnings growth and margin expansion despite below-trend shipment growth due to extremely wet weather and slower-than-expected large project starts.

Compared with Vulcan’s second quarter results from 2015, aggregates shipments rose 1.3 million tons, or 3 percent, to 49 million tons, and aggregates pricing increased 84 cents per ton, or 7 percent, the company reports. Aggregate segment sales increased $58 million, or 8 percent, to $791 million, and aggregates freight-adjusted revenues increased $56 million, or 10 percent, to $615 million.

In addition, total revenues increased $62 million, or 7 percent, to $957 million in the second quarter. Gross profit increased $58 million, or 25 percent, to $292 million, and shipments increased 3 percent, or 1.3 million tons, to 49 million tons.

According to Vulcan, for the first half of 2016, aggregates shipments grew 9 percent over the same period in 2015, and aggregates pricing increased 8 percent.

Compared with the prior 12-month period ending June 30, total revenues increased $452 million, or 14 percent, to $3.6 billion, and gross profit increased $311 million, or 45 percent, to $1 billion during this 12-month period.

Aggregates segment sales increased $442 million, or 17 percent, to $3 billion, with aggregates freight-adjusted revenues increasing $351 million, or 18 percent, to $2.3 billion when comparing this 12-month period to the prior 12-month period. In addition, total aggregates shipments increased 9 percent, or 15 million tons, to 185 tons; same-store shipments increased 8 percent; sales price increased 9 percent; and segment gross profit increased $264 million, or 43 percent, to $883 million.

“The fundamentals of our aggregates-focused business remain attractive, and we are reaffirming our full-year adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) guidance,” says Tom Hill, Vulcan chairman and CEO. “In several markets, higher levels of public funding for transportation and other infrastructure have yet to convert into construction activity, creating a ‘lull’ in materials shipments to these end uses. Taken in total, however, our first-half aggregates shipment growth of 9 percent was roughly in line with recent trend. Longer-term project pipelines appear healthy, and the foundations for sustained, multi-year volume and pricing growth remain in place.”

CalPortland representatives and others from industry associations met with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to discuss the value of the aggregates industry.

According to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), McCarthy met with CalPortland staff and representatives from the National Ready-Mix Concrete Association, the Portland Cement Association and the American Concrete Pavement Association.

The meeting served as an opportunity for  industry representatives to speak with McCarthy about the value of the aggregates while he was in his home district during the congressional recess, NSSGA says. McCarthy answered the group’s questions about various  industry issues and covered topics such as general infrastructure needs, regulatory reform, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the United States rule and the passage of the FAST Act.

In addition, McCarthy mentioned the need to streamline the permitting of aggregates and mining properties, and he referenced the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act sponsored by Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev. According to NSSGA, Amodei’s bill would streamline the permitting process to leverage the mineral resources in the United States, while also paying respect to economic, national security and environmental concerns.

Martin Marietta’s Parkdale Quarry. Photo courtesy of Martin Marietta

Martin Marietta Materials Inc. published its third-quarter performance results, reporting company records for consolidated net sales, gross profit and net earnings. In addition, Martin Marietta’s aggregate product line pricing was up nearly 9 percent.

“Our ability to take advantage of a slow and steady economic expansion and improvement across our markets helped us achieve exceptional performance in each of our business units,” says Ward Nye, chairman, president and CEO of Martin Marietta.

According to Nye, positive underlying market conditions contributed to the company’s Southeast Group and Mid-America Group expanding their gross margin 530 basis points and 90 basis points, respectively. In addition, aggregate product line volume increased 8 percent in the Carolinas, with some markets increasing 15 percent or more.

“This growth was driven by early and small advances in both non-residential and residential demand,” Nye says. “Importantly, these results were achieved despite some market challenges we faced during the quarter. Indeed, volume headwinds were more prevalent than tailwinds during the quarter and constrained construction activity in our markets.”

Specifically, Martin Marietta continues to experience delays in Texas Department of Transportation projects, declines in railroad ballast shipments, abnormally wet weather and a slower energy-related marketplace.

“Our record financial results demonstrate our ability to overcome these and other macro headwinds as our employees focus on executing our business plan and meeting our objectives,” Nye says.

Analysis

According to Martin Marietta’s report, the company’s aggregate product line shipments to the infrastructure market comprised 42 percent of quarterly volumes and decreased 7.2 percent. Infrastructure shipments in the third quarter were impacted by significant rainfall and project startup delays, primarily in Texas, which deferred shipments and led to reduced public-sector volumes, the company says.

The nonresidential market represented 31 percent of quarterly aggregate product line shipments and declined 4.3 percent. The Mid-America Group achieved a 5 percent increase, driven by growth in office, retail and industrial development in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Southeast Group and West Group each experienced a decline in nonresidential activity, primarily related to weather deferrals, further reductions in energy sector headwinds and project timing, according to the company.

The residential market accounted for 18 percent of quarterly aggregate product line shipments, the company adds. Volumes to this segment increased 3 percent, due to the continued housing recovery.

Overall, aggregate product line shipments decreased 4.7 percent, reflecting various department of transportation delays, weather-driven impacts in addition to reduced energy-related shipments and lower ballast demand, Martin Marietta says.

Still, an aggregate product line pricing improvement of 8.5 percent reflects growth in all reportable Martin Marietta groups, led by a 13.7 percent increase in the West Group. The Southeast Group and Mid-America Group reported increases of 7.4 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively.

“As we look forward to 2017, we note that domestic job growth remains a strong catalyst for construction activity and demand for our products,” Nye says. “In fact, during the last three years, the United States added nearly 8 million jobs. Durable employment growth in the East, where North Carolina, Georgia and Florida each rank in the top 10 states nationally for job gains, continues to support the early stages of a construction-centric phase of recovery in many of these states.”

Martin Marietta also anticipates infrastructure activity to grow because of the $305 billion FAST Act and increased state department of transportation funding initiatives.

“We see solid non-residential demand in our key markets driven, in part, by growth in warehousing, data center and wind farm construction, despite the perception of weakening activity at the macroeconomic level,” Nye says. “We believe this perception relates to volatility in quarterly construction start data that is better explained by the natural ebb and flow of mega projects moving through the construction cycle. Residential construction in our key markets is expected to continue increasing, driven largely by historically low levels of construction activity over the previous several years together with low mortgage rates, significant lot absorption and higher multi-family rental rates.

“Our leadership positions in some of the nation’s most vibrant geographic and demographic markets should allow us to capitalize on a durable construction and infrastructure recovery in 2017 and beyond,” Nye adds. “Driven by expected steady growth in volume and pricing, as well as improved cost dynamics, we believe the company’s profitability and cash generation outlook is the strongest it has been in years.”

The Rocky Transformer produces salable material out of low value aggregates. In a single pass, Rocky can produce 85 to 100 percent usable sand from 1  3/8-in. minus feed material, which is converted into a more uniform shape and size product. Much of the waste material that comes from mining efforts can be changed into concrete or asphalt sand. By creating less waste material and transforming previously unusable or less valuable material, the Rocky also helps mining companies practice cleaner earth initiatives.

www.amcastonline.com

Superior Industries’ Liberty jaw crusher

Superior Industries Inc. unveiled a new machinery solution for crushing applications in the Liberty jaw crusher.

Functioning as a primary crusher, the unit compresses material in stone, concrete, asphalt and ore applications.

Superior acquired the original design in its 2015 acquisition of Canadian-based Clemro Western. After collecting customer feedback, Superior engineers redesigned the unit and added a number of new features.

According to Superior, the Liberty jaw crusher is engineered with an aggressive nip angle that maintains the machine’s ability to consistently grab and process material at a high level of efficiency. In addition, a set of integrated lifting points are designed into the jaw dies for safe replacement or installation.

Another unique feature is pitman toe protection. This replaceable component offers an insurance policy if wearing occurs in the pitman fabrication. In addition, the unit’s motor is frame-mounted, allowing a smaller footprint and freeing up deck space for maintenance, the company says. More maintenance time is freed with the addition of a hydraulic tensioning system and hydraulic wedge adjustment.

Liberty jaw crushers are manufactured in feed openings of 18 in. x 36 in. to 36 in. x 48 in.

Haver & Boecker debuted the two-bearing Tyler T-Class vibrating screen, featuring a top size of 16-inch minus and a cut size range of 20 mesh to 6-inch minus.

Haver & Boecker offers the two-bearing Tyler T-Class vibrating screen for a range of material types and sizes. Image courtesy of Haver & Boecker

A sheave combination and drive belts power the T-Class. A variety of add-on components allow producers to outfit the machine with features to enhance their specific operation, according to the company. These include a dust enclosure, spray system, ball trays, special paint systems and more. Additionally, the company manufactures the machine with a stainless-steel construction, on a skid mount, or as a stationary or portable structure.

Producers can choose from machines ranging in size from 4-ft. x 8-ft. to 8-ft. x 20-ft., as well as 8-ft. x 4-ft. with a twin shaft. The standard model is inclined at 20 degrees, but variations between 15 and 25 degrees are also available.

The T-Class features a body with non-welded side plates, which the company says eliminates cracking along the seams. The shaft housing includes extra-wide flanges to allow Huck bolting through the tube housing flange, side plate and side plate stiffener. The company says this allows maintenance crews to keep the factory seal and creates a very rigid and solid connection to resist the high bending moments in this area.

The company designed the side plates to extend behind the bearing housing, allowing the 16 3/4-in. high tensile strength bolts to sandwich the side plate, reinforcing plate, shaft housing and bearing housing together. This creates more stiffness in middle of the machine where it’s most required to withstand bending and twisting. The manufacturer also forms the reinforcing plate with 90 degree vertical edges to give the side plate stiffness from top to bottom, tying the upper and lower decks together for additional strength. Rigid body brackets manufactured to withstand large static and dynamic loads support the body weight and carry through to the springs, ensuring smooth operation, according to the company.

Haver & Boecker also equips every cambered deck on a T-Class with its Ty-Rail quick-tensioning system, which cuts screen media change-out time by about 50 percent, according to the company. Each Ty-Rail package includes two tension rails, eight angle boxes and eight bolts. To remove the tension rails, an operator simply loosens the bolts on each, shifts the angle box gates up and lifts the rail and bolts out as one piece.

Operators can pair the T-Class with any type of screen media, including the company’s Tyler engineered media. This includes the long wear life of Ty-Wire, Ty-Max and Ty-Deck.

An estimated 422 million metric tons of construction aggregate were produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the first quarter of 2018, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). That figure is a slight increase from the 417 million metric tons during the same period in 2017.

The five leading states, in descending order of production for consumption, are Texas, California, Florida, Georgia and Arizona. Their combined total production for consumption was 143 million metric tons, a 9 percent increase from the same period in 2017.

Crushed stone

Additionally, 256 million metric tons of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2018, according to estimates from USGS. That figure is slightly down from the same period in 2017, when 262 million metric tons of crushed stone were produced and shipped.

Production for consumption decreased in 29 of the 44 states for which estimates were made. The five leading states were, in descending order of production for consumption, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Construction sand and gravel

The U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2018, meanwhile, was 165 million metric tons, an increase of 7 percent from the same period in 2017.

Production for consumption increased in 22 of the 44 states for which estimates were made. The five leading states were, in descending order, Texas, California, Arizona, Washington and Florida.

The above estimates are based on information reported to USGS on its quarterly sample survey by construction aggregate producers. Read the entire USGS first-quarter report here.

The Guardian horizontal screen. Photo courtesy of Superior Industries.

Superior Industries Inc. completed research and development of its first aggregate screen.

Known as the Guardian horizontal screen, the triple-shaft, adjustable oval stroke design was engineered using customer feedback, the company says. According to Superior, several key features help distinguish the horizontal screen as a unique new processing solution for the aggregates industry, including bottle jack lifting points that simplify and speed spring replacement and improve safety; a segmented belt guard and sectioned tailgate that lighten the loads of these two features, requiring only one person to remove and return the guards and gates during maintenance; bolt-locking, hinged access doors, which allow access for screen media maintenance; and a fully-enclosed belt guard that ensures safety while an integrated, on-board tensioner accelerates maintenance to the motor belt.

Superior designs and manufactures Guardian horizontal screens in two- and three-deck configurations for 5-ft. x 16-ft., 6-ft. x 16-ft. 6-ft. x 20-ft., 7-ft. x 20-ft. and 8-ft. x 20-ft. models. Each unit is equipped with spray bar knockout holes for wet processing applications.

Vulcan Materials Co. released its second-quarter results, which show earnings growth and margin expansion despite below-trend shipment growth due to extremely wet weather and slower-than-expected large project starts.

Compared with Vulcan’s second quarter results from 2015, aggregates shipments rose 1.3 million tons, or 3 percent, to 49 million tons, and aggregates pricing increased 84 cents per ton, or 7 percent, the company reports. Aggregate segment sales increased $58 million, or 8 percent, to $791 million, and aggregates freight-adjusted revenues increased $56 million, or 10 percent, to $615 million.

In addition, total revenues increased $62 million, or 7 percent, to $957 million in the second quarter. Gross profit increased $58 million, or 25 percent, to $292 million, and shipments increased 3 percent, or 1.3 million tons, to 49 million tons.

According to Vulcan, for the first half of 2016, aggregates shipments grew 9 percent over the same period in 2015, and aggregates pricing increased 8 percent.

Compared with the prior 12-month period ending June 30, total revenues increased $452 million, or 14 percent, to $3.6 billion, and gross profit increased $311 million, or 45 percent, to $1 billion during this 12-month period.

Aggregates segment sales increased $442 million, or 17 percent, to $3 billion, with aggregates freight-adjusted revenues increasing $351 million, or 18 percent, to $2.3 billion when comparing this 12-month period to the prior 12-month period. In addition, total aggregates shipments increased 9 percent, or 15 million tons, to 185 tons; same-store shipments increased 8 percent; sales price increased 9 percent; and segment gross profit increased $264 million, or 43 percent, to $883 million.

“The fundamentals of our aggregates-focused business remain attractive, and we are reaffirming our full-year adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) guidance,” says Tom Hill, Vulcan chairman and CEO. “In several markets, higher levels of public funding for transportation and other infrastructure have yet to convert into construction activity, creating a ‘lull’ in materials shipments to these end uses. Taken in total, however, our first-half aggregates shipment growth of 9 percent was roughly in line with recent trend. Longer-term project pipelines appear healthy, and the foundations for sustained, multi-year volume and pricing growth remain in place.”

CalPortland representatives and others from industry associations met with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to discuss the value of the aggregates industry.

According to the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), McCarthy met with CalPortland staff and representatives from the National Ready-Mix Concrete Association, the Portland Cement Association and the American Concrete Pavement Association.

The meeting served as an opportunity for  industry representatives to speak with McCarthy about the value of the aggregates while he was in his home district during the congressional recess, NSSGA says. McCarthy answered the group’s questions about various  industry issues and covered topics such as general infrastructure needs, regulatory reform, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the United States rule and the passage of the FAST Act.

In addition, McCarthy mentioned the need to streamline the permitting of aggregates and mining properties, and he referenced the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act sponsored by Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev. According to NSSGA, Amodei’s bill would streamline the permitting process to leverage the mineral resources in the United States, while also paying respect to economic, national security and environmental concerns.

Martin Marietta’s Parkdale Quarry. Photo courtesy of Martin Marietta

Martin Marietta Materials Inc. published its third-quarter performance results, reporting company records for consolidated net sales, gross profit and net earnings. In addition, Martin Marietta’s aggregate product line pricing was up nearly 9 percent.

“Our ability to take advantage of a slow and steady economic expansion and improvement across our markets helped us achieve exceptional performance in each of our business units,” says Ward Nye, chairman, president and CEO of Martin Marietta.

According to Nye, positive underlying market conditions contributed to the company’s Southeast Group and Mid-America Group expanding their gross margin 530 basis points and 90 basis points, respectively. In addition, aggregate product line volume increased 8 percent in the Carolinas, with some markets increasing 15 percent or more.

“This growth was driven by early and small advances in both non-residential and residential demand,” Nye says. “Importantly, these results were achieved despite some market challenges we faced during the quarter. Indeed, volume headwinds were more prevalent than tailwinds during the quarter and constrained construction activity in our markets.”

Specifically, Martin Marietta continues to experience delays in Texas Department of Transportation projects, declines in railroad ballast shipments, abnormally wet weather and a slower energy-related marketplace.

“Our record financial results demonstrate our ability to overcome these and other macro headwinds as our employees focus on executing our business plan and meeting our objectives,” Nye says.

Analysis

According to Martin Marietta’s report, the company’s aggregate product line shipments to the infrastructure market comprised 42 percent of quarterly volumes and decreased 7.2 percent. Infrastructure shipments in the third quarter were impacted by significant rainfall and project startup delays, primarily in Texas, which deferred shipments and led to reduced public-sector volumes, the company says.

The nonresidential market represented 31 percent of quarterly aggregate product line shipments and declined 4.3 percent. The Mid-America Group achieved a 5 percent increase, driven by growth in office, retail and industrial development in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Southeast Group and West Group each experienced a decline in nonresidential activity, primarily related to weather deferrals, further reductions in energy sector headwinds and project timing, according to the company.

The residential market accounted for 18 percent of quarterly aggregate product line shipments, the company adds. Volumes to this segment increased 3 percent, due to the continued housing recovery.

Overall, aggregate product line shipments decreased 4.7 percent, reflecting various department of transportation delays, weather-driven impacts in addition to reduced energy-related shipments and lower ballast demand, Martin Marietta says.

Still, an aggregate product line pricing improvement of 8.5 percent reflects growth in all reportable Martin Marietta groups, led by a 13.7 percent increase in the West Group. The Southeast Group and Mid-America Group reported increases of 7.4 percent and 4.7 percent, respectively.

“As we look forward to 2017, we note that domestic job growth remains a strong catalyst for construction activity and demand for our products,” Nye says. “In fact, during the last three years, the United States added nearly 8 million jobs. Durable employment growth in the East, where North Carolina, Georgia and Florida each rank in the top 10 states nationally for job gains, continues to support the early stages of a construction-centric phase of recovery in many of these states.”

Martin Marietta also anticipates infrastructure activity to grow because of the $305 billion FAST Act and increased state department of transportation funding initiatives.

“We see solid non-residential demand in our key markets driven, in part, by growth in warehousing, data center and wind farm construction, despite the perception of weakening activity at the macroeconomic level,” Nye says. “We believe this perception relates to volatility in quarterly construction start data that is better explained by the natural ebb and flow of mega projects moving through the construction cycle. Residential construction in our key markets is expected to continue increasing, driven largely by historically low levels of construction activity over the previous several years together with low mortgage rates, significant lot absorption and higher multi-family rental rates.

“Our leadership positions in some of the nation’s most vibrant geographic and demographic markets should allow us to capitalize on a durable construction and infrastructure recovery in 2017 and beyond,” Nye adds. “Driven by expected steady growth in volume and pricing, as well as improved cost dynamics, we believe the company’s profitability and cash generation outlook is the strongest it has been in years.”

The Rocky Transformer produces salable material out of low value aggregates. In a single pass, Rocky can produce 85 to 100 percent usable sand from 1  3/8-in. minus feed material, which is converted into a more uniform shape and size product. Much of the waste material that comes from mining efforts can be changed into concrete or asphalt sand. By creating less waste material and transforming previously unusable or less valuable material, the Rocky also helps mining companies practice cleaner earth initiatives.

www.amcastonline.com

Superior Industries’ Liberty jaw crusher

Superior Industries Inc. unveiled a new machinery solution for crushing applications in the Liberty jaw crusher.

Functioning as a primary crusher, the unit compresses material in stone, concrete, asphalt and ore applications.

Superior acquired the original design in its 2015 acquisition of Canadian-based Clemro Western. After collecting customer feedback, Superior engineers redesigned the unit and added a number of new features.

According to Superior, the Liberty jaw crusher is engineered with an aggressive nip angle that maintains the machine’s ability to consistently grab and process material at a high level of efficiency. In addition, a set of integrated lifting points are designed into the jaw dies for safe replacement or installation.

Another unique feature is pitman toe protection. This replaceable component offers an insurance policy if wearing occurs in the pitman fabrication. In addition, the unit’s motor is frame-mounted, allowing a smaller footprint and freeing up deck space for maintenance, the company says. More maintenance time is freed with the addition of a hydraulic tensioning system and hydraulic wedge adjustment.

Liberty jaw crushers are manufactured in feed openings of 18 in. x 36 in. to 36 in. x 48 in.

Haver & Boecker debuted the two-bearing Tyler T-Class vibrating screen, featuring a top size of 16-inch minus and a cut size range of 20 mesh to 6-inch minus.

Haver & Boecker offers the two-bearing Tyler T-Class vibrating screen for a range of material types and sizes. Image courtesy of Haver & Boecker

A sheave combination and drive belts power the T-Class. A variety of add-on components allow producers to outfit the machine with features to enhance their specific operation, according to the company. These include a dust enclosure, spray system, ball trays, special paint systems and more. Additionally, the company manufactures the machine with a stainless-steel construction, on a skid mount, or as a stationary or portable structure.

Producers can choose from machines ranging in size from 4-ft. x 8-ft. to 8-ft. x 20-ft., as well as 8-ft. x 4-ft. with a twin shaft. The standard model is inclined at 20 degrees, but variations between 15 and 25 degrees are also available.

The T-Class features a body with non-welded side plates, which the company says eliminates cracking along the seams. The shaft housing includes extra-wide flanges to allow Huck bolting through the tube housing flange, side plate and side plate stiffener. The company says this allows maintenance crews to keep the factory seal and creates a very rigid and solid connection to resist the high bending moments in this area.

The company designed the side plates to extend behind the bearing housing, allowing the 16 3/4-in. high tensile strength bolts to sandwich the side plate, reinforcing plate, shaft housing and bearing housing together. This creates more stiffness in middle of the machine where it’s most required to withstand bending and twisting. The manufacturer also forms the reinforcing plate with 90 degree vertical edges to give the side plate stiffness from top to bottom, tying the upper and lower decks together for additional strength. Rigid body brackets manufactured to withstand large static and dynamic loads support the body weight and carry through to the springs, ensuring smooth operation, according to the company.

Haver & Boecker also equips every cambered deck on a T-Class with its Ty-Rail quick-tensioning system, which cuts screen media change-out time by about 50 percent, according to the company. Each Ty-Rail package includes two tension rails, eight angle boxes and eight bolts. To remove the tension rails, an operator simply loosens the bolts on each, shifts the angle box gates up and lifts the rail and bolts out as one piece.

Operators can pair the T-Class with any type of screen media, including the company’s Tyler engineered media. This includes the long wear life of Ty-Wire, Ty-Max and Ty-Deck.

An estimated 422 million metric tons of construction aggregate were produced and shipped for consumption in the United States in the first quarter of 2018, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). That figure is a slight increase from the 417 million metric tons during the same period in 2017.

The five leading states, in descending order of production for consumption, are Texas, California, Florida, Georgia and Arizona. Their combined total production for consumption was 143 million metric tons, a 9 percent increase from the same period in 2017.

Crushed stone

Additionally, 256 million metric tons of crushed stone were produced and shipped for consumption in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2018, according to estimates from USGS. That figure is slightly down from the same period in 2017, when 262 million metric tons of crushed stone were produced and shipped.

Production for consumption decreased in 29 of the 44 states for which estimates were made. The five leading states were, in descending order of production for consumption, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Construction sand and gravel

The U.S. output of construction sand and gravel produced and shipped for consumption in the first quarter of 2018, meanwhile, was 165 million metric tons, an increase of 7 percent from the same period in 2017.

Production for consumption increased in 22 of the 44 states for which estimates were made. The five leading states were, in descending order, Texas, California, Arizona, Washington and Florida.

The above estimates are based on information reported to USGS on its quarterly sample survey by construction aggregate producers. Read the entire USGS first-quarter report here.

David Chereb Group expects aggregate demand to be slightly impacted because of the enduring pandemic. Photo: Nikola Nastasic/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

COVID forever.

It’s beginning to look like COVID will be similar to the common cold and the flu: always around and slightly different from year to year. This means a lot of booster shots and ever-changing mask and shutdown rules.

As we can all imagine, this also means a bumpy path for the economy. Our estimate is that these restrictions will be local and not derail economic growth. Still, growth is likely to be slightly lower because of these changing rules. And that means aggregate demand will be impacted slightly.

The impact of COVID restrictions, however, will be almost too small to measure at the national level.

Another big factor

The next big thing is the new funds for infrastructure and other spending items.

At this time, we don’t know the total amount of new money that will find its way into new aggregate demand. But our outlook suggests most of the impact will occur in 2023 and beyond.

For the next two years, it is residential that will drive demand – and bring nonbuilding with it. Because we are at the end of the decline in nonresidential, all segments are now pulling upward.

Segment analysis

By segment, it is residential construction that is driving aggregate demand upward. Aggregate is not always used directly in new housing, though. Most gains come from new streets and associated elements, but without new housing, there would be little new aggregate demand for this segment.

Nonresidential is finally gaining strength. Most of the new demand is for warehouses, as online shopping continues to gain. Nonbuilding is recovering quickly, as many states and local governments surprisingly have extra funds. With new federal support arriving in 2022, this means above-average growth for the nonresidential segment for years to come.

Regionally, the Southern, Mountain and energy states will gain the most. Part of the demand is due to migration patterns, and part is because of better-run state fiscal policies.

Aggregate pricing strength is present in most areas and will be even better in 2022.

David Chereb, Ph.D., is with David Chereb Group (DCG), which produces customized market forecasts by major segment of construction, from the county level up. Clients use DCG market intelligence reports for business planning and acquisition analyses in aggregate, ready-mixed concrete and cement. Visit davidcherebgroup.com for more information.

The post The pandemic and its effects on aggregate demand linger appeared first on Pit & Quarry.

Youngblood

Devery Youngblood, executive director of the Oklahoma Aggregates Association, shared his thoughts on how 2021 was for his state and what his outlook for 2022 is.

Describe the current state of the industry within your state in a word or two.

Better than expected.

Describe your outlook for the aggregate industry in 2022.

Somewhat optimistic.

What factors are driving your outlook for 2022?

We have a good backlog of state infrastructure business and proximity to growing markets.

What are the greatest opportunities available to aggregate producers within your state in 2022?

If the infrastructure bill becomes law and can cut through enough red tape to make it into the marketplace, we would go from ‘somewhat optimistic’ to ‘extremely optimistic.’ Passage is one thing; getting those dollars through the system and into the ground is the challenge.

What are the greatest challenges aggregate producers will face within your state in 2022?

Supply chain issues are starting to catch up to us as an industry. Chip shortages are now holding up production of vehicles and equipment. Also, the ever-present workforce issues and what appears to be a realignment of worker expectations leave a lot of unknowns.

Featured photo: MichaelUtech/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

The post Infrastructure funding driving Oklahoma’s 2022 outlook appeared first on Pit & Quarry.