The difficulty with the project was that square pavers had to be placed in long, curving lines that were not uniform. After some trial and error and much tinkering, the Skanska team created a walk-behind saw that would be used only on that project. The saw was placed on a set of rails to ensure a perfect cut and carefully shape each paver to its unique curve. The result was a faster workflow that allowed the project to finish ahead of schedule.

The Lincoln Memorial will be rededicated with a public program on May 30. President Obama has been invited to give an address.

Briefs

National Lime and Stone Co. was recognized by the Ohio Aggregates and Industrial Minerals Association (OAIMA) for outstanding efforts in reclamation at its Delaware plant and Carey quarry, according to the Progressor times.com.

“Reclamation is an integral part of the mining process and one that all of our members take very seriously,” said Patrick Jacomet, executive director of OIAMA. “Companies like National Lime and Stone have been singled-out by their peers as going above and beyond what is required and for leaving a lasting legacy to be enjoyed by generations to come.”

Texas Industries, Inc.’s Frances Petty, who oversees the Cement Division’s Mine Safety Program, was awarded the Distinguished Health and Safety Achievement Award at the annual meeting of the Western Region Joint Mine Conference in Denver. The annual award is given to the person in the mining industry who has exhibited leadership in promoting health and safety within the industry. Steve Minshall of Holcim presented the award to Petty on behalf of the Conference Committee.

HeidelbergCement, which acquired Hanson in 2007, recently announced that Dr. Dominik von Achten took on responsibility for the North America Group beginning last month.

The National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association has posted a new Safety Alert on its Web site – Powered Haulage Safety at MNM Mines: January 2007 – December 2007. The alert reports that 24 percent of the 33 metal/non-metal fatalities were due to powered haulage and lists the accidents. The report includes best practices and safe work procedures for avoiding these accidents.