New Maintenance Guide for Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements Available

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute has released "Tech Spec 23: Maintenance Guide for Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements." A durable, cost-effective solution for compliance with stormwater regulations, and an excellent option for freeze thaw climates, PICPs do require some maintenance as sediment accumulates in their joints over time. The 12-page guide includes information on:

• Practices to support surface infiltration
• Techniques for infiltration inspection and testing
• Preventive maintenance equipment options for various applications
• Restorative infiltration maintenance for highly clogged surfaces
• Inspection intervals and procedures for maintaining surface infiltration
• Winter maintenance practices

https://tinyurl.com/mm982t3

HNA Calls for Contest Entries

Hardscape North America is now accepting entries for the 10th Annual HNA Awards, which recognize outstanding hardscape projects in all sizes in residential and commercial applications using a variety of products including concrete pavers, clay pavers and segmental retaining walls. The early-bird entry fee (Aug. 14 deadline) is $100 for ICPI, BIA or NCMA members and $200 for non-members. The final deadline is Sept. 11, and fees are $140 for members and $240 for non-members. Projects must have been completed between November 1, 2013 and June 30, 2017. The awards will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Kentucky Exposition Center during HNA 2017.

www.HardscapeNA.com.

PCA Gives Positive Forecast for Hardscape Industry through 2018

The Portland Cement Association announced it expects an annual growth of 3.5% for U.S. cement consumption during the remainder of 2017 and 2018. This is based on conservative baseline estimates for factors such as infrastructure spending and tax reform, according to the association's senior vice president and chief economist Ed Sullivan. In particular, tax reform was cited as a key contributor to the predicted growth since it drives consumer spending and confidence that play heavily with the housing sector.