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California Business Leaders Speak Out on the Economy

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

The California Federation of Commerce and Education released its 2012 survey of business executives. Business executives are slightly more optimistic about the State’s economy as well as the prospects for their own businesses. But they continue to have a poor outlook on the long-term California business climate, mainly citing overregulation as the main problem. Eighty percent stated California was "on the wrong track" while only 19% felt that California is "going in the right direction." While ... Read More

CONGRESS PASSES 90-DAY TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION

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

Facing expiration of the latest extension of highway spending authorization on Saturday, March 31, the House and Senate passed a 90-day extension (the 9th) allowing for funding of the highway and transit programs and collection of the federal motor fuels taxes (the gas tax) to continue through the end of June. The bill will now go to the President who is expected to sign it before the current extension expires. With both the House and Senate ... Read More

Permeable Aggregate Systems for Playing Fields

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

It’s no doubt that synthetic athletic fields are becoming more popular. Organizations that decide to install synthetic fields have realized lower maintenance costs and better playability. Using a sophisticated system of drainage channels, filter fabrics and specialized aggregate, a well-designed field draws water quickly from the turf layer allowing year-round play and reliable playability in wet weather.The aggregate blends underlying the turf are extremely important components of the athletic field system and must be designed correctly ... Read More

Tender Asphalt Mixes - Causes and Cures

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

A“tender” asphalt mix usually refers to a mix that is difficult to compact. It may have a tendency to shove under the roller wheels and/ or leave longitudinal cracks at the edge of the steel drums. Either a lack of friction between particles or a lack of shear strength in the mix essentially causes tenderness. Both these problems can be the result of many factors, the most common of which we will discuss.Aggregate Properties: 1. Particle ... Read More

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

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