Portland Cement Association (PCA)

The PCA has been perfecting concrete for over 75 years. They offer information on virtually all uses of cement and concrete – casting a sidewalk or patio, laying concrete block, or building complex highways and skyscrapers. Their resources range from do-it-yourself help to sophisticated design software for engineering firms. A fascinating organization – headquartered in Skokie, Illinois – they conduct research, market development, and educational work on behalf of their members. And, of course, they promote the use of cement and concrete. Other associations that help make the PCA strong include:

• The American Portland Cement Alliance in Washington, D.C., a sister organization that represents the cement industry in legislative and regulatory affairs.
  
• The Canadian Portland Cement Association, headquartered in Ottawa, with offices in Toronto, Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver.
  
• Construction Technology Laboratories, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PCA. They offer engineering, testing, and research services to the construction, transportation, mineral, and related industries.

The PCA's Library Services department can provide research and information service on cement and concrete technology, materials technology, engineering, and related topics for member companies and others. Its collection of books, government reports, journals, standards, and patents is one of the most comprehensive on cement and concrete anywhere in the world. The library systematically exchanges technical literature with institutions around the world. In addition, the library offers:

• Literature searches on electronic databases
  
• Electronic interlibrary loan capabilities
  
• Document delivery (photocopies of journal articles, out-of-print PCA publications, etc.)
  
• Internet site information
  
• Bimonthly newsletter

The Library's schedule of member and nonmember fees for services is available by calling 847-966-6200, ext. 530. Concrete Solutions (a yearly catalog) is filled with helpful information on publications, software, audiovisuals, and ongoing seminars. I reviewed three products that I felt would be beneficial to readers of this book:

• The first is a 5-part video training series (Building with Insulating Concrete Forms Video Training Series – Code # VC500) where contractors can learn to build beautiful and marketable concrete homes using insulating concrete forms (ICFs). It takes you through the entire ICF building process discussed in Chapter 2 of this book. This 80-minute video set shows the entire process, starting with planning and design, through setting the forms and placing and finishing the concrete, to installing utilities.
   
• The other two products seem to go hand in hand. Building Concrete Homes with Insulating Concrete Forms is a 30-minute video that gives the nuts and bolts on ICF (insulating concrete form) systems. This hands-on video was shot out at the job site and just seems to make you feel right at home.
   
• To go more in-depth on the subject of ICF and to complement the video, there's a construction manual: Insulating Concrete Forms –Successful Methods & Techniques. This is a step-by-step manual that walks you through the entire process in 150 pages packed with photographs, diagrams, and other useful information. Also included is a directory of products and resources to help you get started in this business.

These three resource materials are a must for your library! To order copies, call them at 800-868-6733. To learn more about the PCA, contact them at:

Portland Cement Association
5420 Old Orchard Road
Skokie, IL 60077-1083
847-966-6200
http://www.portcement.org
http://www.cementhomes.com

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