aSa Rebar News Feed

Rebar Financials users - check out our newest training video: Copy Job Pricing

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:01:14 -0600

Recorded January 31, our newest webinar teaches Rebar Financials users how to save time by copying job pricing scenarios. Copy job pricing functionality, new in aSa v7.25, makes it easier than ever to experiment and create multiple pricing schemes for a project. Visit the Training Videos page to view this session and many others.

Thanks to everyone who visited us at World of Concrete

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:06:43 -0600

We would like to extend a special Thank You to everyone who stopped by our booth to visit us at World of Concrete. We enjoyed seeing customers and friends, and we appreciate the time you spent with us at this year's show.

Industry News: Concrete roads could save billions over asphalt, according to recent PCA report

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:20:01 -0600

Since 2005, liquid asphalt prices have increased 12 percent annually, while concrete has only risen by 4 percent. A recent report by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) concludes that states are not taking full advantage of the cost savings that concrete affords. The report says that flawed procurement practices used by many state departments of transportation (DOT) are to blame because they inaccurately indicate lower “initial bid” and “lifecycle” costs for asphalt compared to concrete. Read the full article on concreteconstruction.net.

aSa v7.25 now available

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:59:51 -0600

aSa’s newest major release, v7.25, is now available! New features include improved security permissions, the ability to delete control codes by job, copy job pricing functionality, and much more. The distribution will be rolled out on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re enrolled in our subscription plan, simply visit the Support section of our website and fill out a Distribution Request to get started.

January 2012 Reinforcer Express now available

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:21:56 -0600

The newest issue of our monthly electronic newsletter contains links to the latest Reinforcer, a map to rebar industry booths at World of Concrete 2012, productivity tips, and more.

Read the Winter 2011 aSa Reinforcer Newsletter

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 15:58:27 -0600

The newest issues of our printed company newsletter has been published and mailed out to customers and contacts, but you can view the online PDF now. The winter 2012 newsletter includes: features in the next aSa software release, a customer success story, introducing aSa India, free Bentley training opportunity, and welcome new customers.

Happy New Year from the entire staff at aSa

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:18:28 -0600

To all of our customers, partners, and friends: we wish you the best in 2012. Click to view our New Year’s e-card.

aSa announces holiday office hours

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:30:54 -0600

aSa will be closed Monday, December 26, and Monday, January 2, in observance of Christmas and New Year’s respectively. If you require emergency assistance when our office is closed, call our main phone number 1.800.CALL.ASA (1.800.225.5272) or 724.733.8700 and press 4 for after-hours support.

Read our newest Reinforcer Express e-newsletter

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 07:42:34 -0600

We recently published the December issue of our monthly e-newsletter, the Reinforcer Express. The new issue contains articles about our annual customer survey, Big 5 follow-up, webinars, and more. The newsletter is a free service to customers enrolled in our subscription plan.

View our newest training video: Using Optimized Shearing

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 09:47:38 -0600

New on our Support site: Using Optimized Shearing. In this recorded webinar, aSa Reinforcing Systems Consulting Manager Jack Lucot looks at real-world fabrication scenarios and applies shearing options to meet specific fabrication goals.

Thanks to all who visited us at the Big 5 exhibition in Dubai

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:02:53 -0600

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who visited the aSa stand at the Big 5 exhibition in Dubai November 21-24. Rabee El Mohammadi, Director, aSa Middle East, and Irfan Husain Nakade, Rebar Industry Consultant, aSa India, demonstrated aSa’s newest innovations at the show.

Register for our next webinar: Using Optimized Shearing

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:14:05 -0600

Our next webinar, free to customers enrolled in our subscription service, is November 29 at 11 a.m. Eastern. aSa Computer Shearing does more than optimize cutting combinations. It is a powerful planning tool that allows you to make the best use of your personnel and equipment. In this webinar, we'll look at real-world scenarios and apply shearing options to meet specific fabrication goals. NOTE: "Using Optimized Shearing" is a great session not only for those who currently use Computer Shearing, but also for those who want to learn more about this powerful product.

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Launches new MyCRSI website

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:23:46 -0600

The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute recently launched a new site, www.mycrsi.org. The site is designed to be a practical resource for engineers and architects to easily find information on designing and constructing with steel reinforcing bar. The site is rebar companies, too — mycrsi,org contains special links that are only available to CRSI members.

November Reinforcer Express e-newsletter published

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 09:40:20 -0600

The newest issue of our monthly e-newsletter is now available. The publication contains articles about the Big 5, World of Concrete, upcoming webinars, new training videos, tech tips, and more. Subscribed clients can view new and archive newsletters on our Reinforcer Express page.

‘Modifying CAD Callouts’ training video now available on Support site

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 07:41:58 -0500

Our newest recorded webinar teaches you the difference between various methods of editing callouts: Edit, Recall, Modify Bent Bar, and Global Change. The session also covers how edits affect callouts from various sources, such as Bar Input, xRef Schedules, Linear, Beam, and Column. Visit our Training Videos page.

Free admission to World of Concrete 2012 exhibits: register using CRSI code A25

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:32:24 -0500

The biggest U.S. trade show dedicated to our industry is 24 - 27, 2012, in Las Vegas. Register today using the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute code A25, and you’ll receive FREE admission to WOC exhibits and discounts on seminars. Be sure to visit aSa at booth N2612.

Detailers: Learn about ‘Modifying CAD Callouts’ in our next free Webinar October 25

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:41:12 -0500

Our next webinar, free to customers enrolled in our subscription service, is October 25 at 11 a.m. Eastern. You’ll learn the difference between various methods of editing callouts: Edit, Recall, Modify Bent Bar, and Global Change. The session will also cover how edits affect callouts from various sources, such as Bar Input, xRef Schedules, Linear, Beam, and Column. Register today.

Introducing our newest location: aSa India

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:24:35 -0500

aSa’s newest center for sales and support is in Mumbai, India. Representing aSa in the country is Irfan Husain Nakade. Irfan has 10 years of experience in the civil construction and reinforcing steel industries in India and Saudi Arabia.

ACI offering series of seminars on new building code

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:45:00 -0500

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) will hold a series of seminars this fall focusing on changes in the newly released ACI 318-11 code. The seminar, scheduled for 22 cities, will discuss adhesive anchors, reinforcing steel detailing requirements, and allowable grades and coatings. Seminar attendees will receive a free copy of ACI 318-11: Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete and Commentary. For cities, dates, and registration information, visit the ACI website.

ACI offering series of seminars on new building code

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:45:00 -0500

Tech Tip: Check your data backups, especially after an upgrade

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:01:19 -0500

Have you checked your backups lately? If backups aren’t working properly, you could lose your valuable information forever. You should have two utilities in place: one that backs up your database and another that copies your backup data to a storage drive. Check regularly — and especially after any aSa or hardware upgrade — to be sure that both backup activities are working properly. If you have any questions or need help, please contact our IT department.

Using Shape Manager training video posted to our Support site

Thu, 1 Sep 2011 11:59:56 -0500

We recently recorded and posted the video for one of our most popular training webinars: Using Shape Manager. If you’re enrolled in our subscription plan, visit the Training Videos page and watch the session when it’s most convenient for you.

New white paper: Understanding aSa Barcoding Solutions

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:51:02 -0500

Want to get a better understanding of how aSa Bundle Inventory, Material Tracking, Load Tracking, and Plant Manager help you manage and track heat information and material flow? Read our newest white paper: Understanding aSa Barcoding Solutions. The paper provides an easy-to-understand overview of these powerful modules.

Learn how to create your own custom shapes – free webinar August 30

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:59:06 -0500

Join us for a free webinar Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at 11 a.m. Eastern. “Using Shape Manager” will teach you how to set up shape information, use Shape Manager drawing tools, work with single and two-plane shapes, and manage shape data in your database. Webinars are free to customers enrolled in our subscription plan. Register online today.

Industry News: Infrastructure performance management practices could save millions

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 08:17:55 -0500

A new white paper explains how three common economic, design and bidding tools, when used together, can save state taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in infrastructure costs. The paper describes the benefits of using life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA), alternate design/alternate bid (ADAB) and mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) in planning and contracting activities.

New training video posted to our support site: MicroStation V8i – Managing Your Projects

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:22:02 -0500

Recorded July 26, this training session teaches you smarter and easier ways to print project information and manage project data. It covers Print Organizer, Project Explorer, and more. Visit our Training Videos page.

Read the Summer 2011 aSa Reinforcer Newsletter

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 08:55:37 -0500

The newest issues of our printed company newsletter has been published and mailed out to customers and contacts, but you can view the online PDF now. The summer 2011 newsletter includes: - Features on new scanner hardware, Bentley ProStructures, and aSa's new Director of Reinforcing Systems Design - A customer success story - Photos from the 2011 aSa Software Forum - A wildlife article about killdeer birds that made a home outside the aSa office building this spring - Welcome new customers - Letter from the President

Watch our newest training video: Rebar Financials Business Intelligence

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:11:09 -0500

Learn how to use MAS 500 Business Insights Explorer and Business Insights Analyzer in this one-hour training video. (Support login required)

Read this month’s Reinforcer Express newsletter. (Login required)

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:49:25 -0500

The newest issue of our monthly e-newsletter is available in the Support section of our website. This month’s issue contains information about our upcoming printed newsletter, free training webinars, new documentation resources, productivity tips, and more.

Rebar Financials Webinar July 12: Business Insights Explorer and Analyzer (Login Required)

Thu, 7 Jul 2011 07:39:23 -0500

There’s a lot of data in that database! Rebar Financials’ Business Insights provides the tools to explore and analyze your information to help you make better business decisions. Join us for a free webinar July 12 to learn all about these powerful MAS 500 utilities.

Introducing new tablet PC TouchTrackers

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:03:24 -0500

The newest version of our TouchTracker is now available! The new unit is a ruggedized tablet PC with a 10.4" color touch screen and built-in industrial hard drive. Unlike our previous unit, which relied on a gasketed box for protection, the new unit is self-contained, allowing for more flexible mounting options.

Free webinar June 21: Organizing Your CAD Drawings (Login required)

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:15:55 -0500

Discover ways to better organize your drawings with MicroStation V8i. The class will cover Dynamic Views, Annotation Scale, and other new features. The one-hour session is at 11 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday, June 21. Webinars are free for customers enrolled in our subscription plan. Register today.

Check out the June aSa Reinforcer Express newsletter. (Login required)

Tue, 7 Jun 2011 08:54:29 -0500

The newest issue of our monthly e-newsletter is available in the Support section of our website. This month’s issue contains information about our spring hardware sale, new TouchTracker units, upcoming webinars, and more.

Rebar Financials recorded webinar posted. (Login required)

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:41:00 -0500

Our newest webinar training session, “Using Escalation and Printing Purchase Orders,” has been posted on the Support area of our website. Visit our Training Videos page to watch this webinar and other recorded training sessions at your convenience.

New training video: Using Bundle Inventory (Support login required)

Thu, 26 May 2011 14:30:17 -0500

Learn about aSa’s Bundle Inventory module: see how easy it is to keep track of your on-hand inventory and manage heat/mill cert information. The webinar, recorded May 17, has been added to our Training Videos page.

aSa announces new wireless barcode scanner option

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:30:26 -0500

After thorough testing, aSa announces a new wireless barcode scanning option for our Material Tracking, Load Tracking, and Bundle Inventory modules. The Motorola MC75A has all the main features of our larger scanner, the MC9090, but is more compact and less expensive. Like our other recommended Wi-Fi units, the MC75A is ruggedized for use in rebar shop conditions, and it allows you to track fabrication, trailer loading, inventory relief, and book-to-physical counts. The MC75A is priced between the MC9090 unit and the MT2090 unit. View a comparison of our three wireless scanner options.

Free ‘Using Bundle Inventory’ webinar May 17. Sign up today. (Support login required)

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:40:55 -0500

Are you looking for a hassle-free way to manage heat/mill cert information? Or do you use Bundle Inventory and want a quick refresher? Join us for “Using Bundle Inventory” Tuesday, May 17, at 11 a.m. Webinars are free to customers enrolled in our subscription program.

Industry feature: Excavation unearths 9,800-year-old concrete

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:26:35 -0500

Recent discoveries indicate that humans were building structures with concrete before the invention of pottery made with clay and the discovery of metal for making tools. In 2008, excavators unearthed an ancient buried settlement in northern Israel. The site includes a number of concrete floors that experts say are 9,800 years old.

‘New in Reinforcing Systems v7.2’ training video now available (Support login required)

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:49:59 -0500

Learn about the new Menu, Bar List to Estimate, Production statistics window, and more. This pre-recorded webinar is available to watch at your convenience.

New in Document Downloads: Windows 7 Guide (Support login required)

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:02:15 -0500

Michael Rathburn from aSa's IT group recently created a guide to help administrators perform common tasks in Windows 7, including: Windows settings; folder options; permissions; device sharing; and more. Download the guide from the Document Downloads page of our Support site.

Forum attendees: be sure to complete our follow-up survey for your chance to win a Blu-Ray player.

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:33:17 -0500

Your feedback is important to us! If you attended the 2011 aSa Software Forum March 28-31, please fill out a brief online feedback questionnaire. Everyone who completes the questionnaire by April 29, 2011, will be entered into a drawing to win a Blu-Ray player and the complete "Planet Earth" video series.

Software Subscription customers: sign up for free webinar training. (Login required)

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 09:38:03 -0500

We’ve added four new webinars to our calendar: New in aSa v7.2 Reinforcing Systems - April 26, 2011; Using Bundle Inventory - May 17, 2011; Rebar Financials Business Intelligence - May 24, 2011; Organizing Your CAD Drawings - June 21, 2011. Webinars are free to clients enrolled in our software subscription program. Register today.

Thank you to all who helped make the 2011 aSa Software Forum a success!

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 13:21:31 -0500

The forum is over and we've received some great feedback already! We hope that all attendees enjoyed their time in Pittsburgh and at our software forum. Don't forget to help us plan the 2013 Software Forum by participating in our Feedback Survey at www.asarebar.com/forum.

Greg Bentley, CEO of Bentley Systems to speak at aSa Software Forum event.

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:54:52 -0500

Greg Bentley, CEO of Bentley Systems, will be speaking at the aSa Software Forum to kick off the Monaco on the Mon gaming event on March 29. Bentley Systems is co-sponsoring the Monaco event with aSa. The 2011 aSa Software Forum is held March 28-31 at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA. There is still time to register if you plan to attend.

Create a quick estimate from a bar list — new user guide teaches you how. (Login required)

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:33:49 -0500

Have you ever needed to get a quick price for a simple list? In the past, you would have had to enter the items in aSa Estimating. Beginning with aSa v7.2, new tools allow you to create a quick estimate directly from your aSa Bar List data. A brief user guide covering this functionality has been posted to the Support section of our website.

March Reinforcer Express newsletter available. (Login required)

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 09:22:57 -0600

We are pleased to announce that ProConcrete has been chosen as the winner of World of Concrete’s ‘Most Innovative Product.’ The issue also contains a glossary of aSa terms and information on the aSa Software Forum coming up at the end of the month. The monthly electronic publication is available online to customers enrolled in our subscription plan.

Register for the aSa Software Forum by March 1 to guarantee hotel room availability and discount

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:19:14 -0600

If you have been thinking about attending the aSa Software Forum but haven't registered yet, now is the time to act! Special room rates at the Sheraton Station Square expire March 1. Additionally, we cannot guarantee room availability at the Sheraton for those who register after the March 1 deadline. The aSa Software Forum is March 28-31, 2011, at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh. This special event, exclusively for customers enrolled in our subscription plan, features more than 50 training sessions, a rebar industry expo, and much more.

New ‘Working with Fabricated Mesh’ user guide posted to aSa support site. (Login required)

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:28:23 -0600

Fabricated mesh refers to mesh sheets that are cut and bent based on customer requirements. Beginning with v7.2, aSa can help you define, track, and create tags for this type of material. The user guide is now available on our Document Downloads page.

Scheduling rebar minimizes battles

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 08:40:48 -0600

Bob Risser's (CRSI) article in the current issue of Concrete Construction, highlights the importance of scheduling all aspects of your construction projects. Learn how aSa's Scheduling module can help your shop succeed in scheduling projects.

Comprehensive aSa Production User Guide now available. (Login required)

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:39:49 -0600

New on our Document Downloads page is a 225-page comprehensive guide to using aSa Production. The new guide documents all of the program’s features through v7.2 IR2. It also includes a glossary of terms and a chapter about effective production planning.

February Reinforcer Express newsletter available. (Login required)

Tue, 8 Feb 2011 08:05:48 -0600

In the newest issue of our monthly e-newsletter, we remember our friend and co-worker Linda Barker. The issue also contains news about the aSa Software Forum, new webinar videos, and more. The monthly electronic publication is available online to customers enrolled in our subscription plan.

‘New in CAD/Detailing v7.2’ training video posted to aSa Support site (Login required).

Thu, 3 Feb 2011 08:03:45 -0600

If you missed last week’s CAD webinar, don’t worry. We recorded the class and posted it to our “anytime training” library. View the 55-minute video to learn about new features in MicroStation V8i and aSa.

Download user guide for aSa’s new Menu. (Login required)

Tue, 1 Feb 2011 08:09:30 -0600

aSa v7.2 features a brand new customizable menu system to make you more productive. Learn about all the new features in the aSa Menu User Guide, available on our Document Downloads page.

Register for 'New in Reinforcing Systems v7.2' webinar (Login required).

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 11:57:10 -0600

Wondering what's new in version 7.2 of aSa's Reinforcing Systems modules? Register and participate in our upcoming webinar on February 1, 11 a.m. to find out.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us at World of Concrete

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:29:17 -0600

A special thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at World of Concrete in Las Vegas last week.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us at World of Concrete

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:29:17 -0600

A special thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at World of Concrete in Las Vegas last week.

Vote for ProConcrete in WOC’s ‘Most Innovative Product’ competition

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:55:35 -0600

ProConcrete, the 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) tool developed by aSa and Bentley Systems, Inc., is an entry in World of Concrete’s "Most Innovative Product" competition. Visit the online voting page and select ProConcrete presented by Applied Systems Associates, Inc. in the "Business Tools and Software" category. Everyone who votes has a chance to win an iPad! (Voting ends January 31.) ProConcrete debuted at World of Concrete; we will make a future announcement when the product is ready for general distribution.

Vote for ProConcrete in WOC’s ‘Most Innovative Product’ competition

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:55:35 -0600

ProConcrete, the 3D Building ProConcrete, the 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) tool developed by aSa and Bentley Systems, Inc., is an entry in World of Concrete’s "Most Innovative Product" competition. Visit the online voting page and select ProConcrete presented by Applied Systems Associates, Inc. in the "Business Tools and Software" category. Everyone who votes has a chance to win an iPad! (Voting ends January 31.) ProConcrete debuted at World of Concrete; we will make a future announcement when the product is ready for general distribution.

‘New in Rebar Financials v7.2’ training video posted to aSa Support site (Login required).

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:25:03 -0600

Clients enrolled in our subscription plan: watch the newest video in our “anytime training” library. The 47-minute session gives you an overview of the newest enhancements in Rebar Financials (Base) v7.2.

Register for the aSa Software Forum today – less than 2 weeks left for early bird discount

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:13:38 -0600

Join us for four days of skills training, networking, and fun at the aSa Software Forum March 28-31 in Pittsburgh. The forum is a special event exclusively for customers enrolled in our software subscription plan. Register by January 31 and get $150 off the regular registration fee. Complete details at www.asarebar.com/forum.

Industry Feature: Going to WOC? Check out Vegas’ concrete highlights.

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:48:22 -0600

From LEED-certified towering resorts to the Hoover Dam, Las Vegas is full of significant concrete projects. If you’re attending World of Concrete January 18-21, take a side trip and see some of the industry’s most impressive structures. See the online article, Concrete Highlights of Vegas, for details.

January Reinforcer Express newsletter available. (Login required)

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:21:13 -0600

Print a World of Concrete floor map, learn about discounts for the aSa Software Forum, and get links to new training resources in the newest issue of our monthly e-newsletter, available online to customers enrolled in our subscription plan.

Winter 2011 aSa Reinforcer Newsletter Published

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:27:40 -0600

The newest issue of aSa’s printed newsletter includes features about ProConcrete, the aSa Software Forum, a customer success story from the Middle East, productivity tips, and more.

Our newest major release, aSa version 7.2, is now available!

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:09:13 -0600

aSa v7.2 contains a brand new menu and a wealth of enhancements to make you more productive. The upgrade is free to customers enrolled in the aSa Software Subscription Service. See our News page for additional details.

Series of ‘What’s New in aSa v7.2’ webinars planned

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 07:59:13 -0600

aSa’s consulting groups will hold a series of three “What’s New in aSa v7.2” webinars tp get you up to speed with the newest release of our software. Sessions cover Rebar Financials (Base), CAD/Detailing, and Reinforcing Systems. The one-hour webinars are free to customers enrolled in our software subscription plan. See our news page for the schedule and a link to register.

December Reinforcer Express newsletter available. (Login required)

Tue, 7 Dec 2010 08:33:05 -0600

Lean about aSa Software Forum news, upcoming webinars, and more in the newest issue of our monthly e-newsletter, available online to customers enrolled in our subscription plan.

Register for the 2011 aSa Software Forum today!

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:22:16 -0600

Online registration is now open for the aSa Software Forum 2011. The forum — March 28-31 in Pittsburgh — includes dozens of training workshops, an industry expo, entertainment, and much more. Join us for this special event, and learn how aSa solutions can make you more productive.

See aSa in action at Big 5 in Dubai

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:35:28 -0600

If you’re attending the Middle East’s biggest trade show, be sure to stop by Stand 1A34 and see how aSa solutions can benefit your fabricating operation. You’ll have a chance to view product demos and meet in person with Rabee El Mohammadi, Director of aSa Middle East. The Big 5 runs through November 25.

Seats available in our next CAD/Detailing class November 29 – December 3

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:39:44 -0600

If you have detailers who need training (or re-training), take advantage of aSa's comprehensive course, which covers both Bentley Systems' MicroStation and aSa CAD/Detailing. Our next five-day class at aSa headquarters is November 29 through December 3.

Partner News: Bentley Sponsors Student Design Competition

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:48:49 -0600

Bentley Systems is now taking submissions for its 2011 Student Design Competition. University, college, community college, technical school, and high school students are invited to submit projects designed using Bentley software, along with a short essay describing their work. Submissions must be received by March 18, 2011. Several $1,000 + scholarships will be awarded. Bentley Systems, a long-time partner of aSa, is a leading provider of CAD and engineering software solutions.

Archiving CAD Jobs and Drawings training video posted to Support site (login required).

Thu, 4 Nov 2010 07:27:18 -0500

We continue to add videos to our “anytime training” library. The newest recorded webinar teaches you best practice procedures for archiving your old jobs and drawings, and keeping your database uncluttered. Visit our Training Videos page to get started.

Free admission to World of Concrete exhibits: Use CRSI code A25

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 11:29:09 -0500

Online registration is now open for World of Concrete, to be held January 18-21, 2011, in Las Vegas. Register using CRSI Code A25 for free admission to WOC Exhibits. See aSa solutions in action at WOC booth N2612.

Free CAD Webinar October 26: Archiving Jobs and Drawings

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:29:09 -0500

CAD Users: Is your database cluttered with data, but you’re hesitant to permanently delete information you might need again someday? Join us for a webinar October 26 at 11 a.m. Eastern, and you’ll learn best-practice techniques for exporting old data, re-importing if the need arises, and keeping all associations intact. Webinars are free to customers enrolled in our subscription program. Register online today.

Anytime Training Webinar: Month-End Closing (Login Required)

Wed, 6 Oct 2010 09:46:15 -0500

We have posted our first “anytime training" video. Rebar Financials users: if you missed our last webinar, Month-End Closing, you can now watch the session online at your convenience. Log into our Support page, then click the link for Training Videos. We’ll be adding more pre-recorded webinars to our Support site in the future. Webinars are one-hour online training sessions designed to help you get the most from your aSa software. They are free to clients enrolled in our software subscription program.

Brush up on your skills at upcoming Scheduling and CAD webinars

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:52:46 -0500

We’ve added two webinars to our training calendar. On October 12, we present an overview of aSa Scheduling. On October 26, join us for Archiving CAD Jobs and Drawings. Both sessions begin at 11 a.m. Eastern. Webinars are free to customers enrolled in our subscription service.

Industry Feature: Mammoth concrete North Carolina home built to withstand hurricanes

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 07:37:15 -0500

A 28,000-square-foot home in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is being built to withstand 150-mile-an-hour hurricane winds … and earthquakes. The house, which owes its strength to insulated concrete forms (ICFs) reinforced by extensive rebar, qualifies as “fortified” under rules of the Institute for Business and Home Safety, an insurance industry group. (Article by StarNews Online.)

Rebar Industry News: Working on a “green” project? Submit your entry for a GreenSite Award

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 07:58:22 -0500

The editors of Concrete Construction and Concrete Producer are now accepting entries for the GreenSite Awards, which recognize sustainable building practices in the concrete construction industry. Awards honor projects in 10 different categories.

Rebar Financials Webinar September 28: Month-End Closing

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 08:16:05 -0500

Rebar Financials users: Get an overview of the of activities you should perform to successfully close your month. The one-hour webinar, which is free to customers enrolled in aSa’s Subscription Service, will be on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at 11 a.m. Eastern time.

Industry News: Concrete research lab built to test slabs on grade.

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:07:01 -0500

CTS Cement Manufacturing Corp. recently constructed a special concrete research laboratory on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, OK. The lab includes seven 3 foot by 20 foot test beds used to study the shrinkage and curl of concrete slabs on grade. The first test slabs have been cast.

Article discusses construction technology … from 2,000 years ago

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 13:48:56 -0500

A recent article on Concrete Construction Online reveals how Egyptians 2,000 years ago built their cities. Findings from nearly 10 years of underwater archaeology near Alexandria, Egypt, revealed a variety of building methods and materials. Among the findings is the fact that ancient builders not only used concrete, but took care in choosing mortar ingredients.

Visit aSa at Concrete Show 2010 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:48:31 -0500

Much of South America, and Brazil, in particular, is seeing an increase in demand for building products. The 2009 Concrete Show drew more than 17,000 attendees, and more are expected this year. Be sure to stop by aSa's stand 287 and say, "olá." Learn more and register for Concrete Show 2010 on their website.

Summer aSa Reinforcer newsletter published

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:19:33 -0500

The newest issue of aSa’s printed newsletter includes features about BIM (Building Information Modeling), employees celebrating milestone anniversaries, a customer success story, productivity tips, and more.

aSa Brochures Now Available in Spanish and Portuguese

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:37:30 -0500

To better serve fabricators in Latin America and other regions, we have created Spanish and Portuguese versions of our product brochures.

aSa Announces Stand Number for Big 5 Show in Dubai

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:36:06 -0500

Once again, aSa will showcase its entire suite of rebar solutions at the Big 5 International Building & Construction Show. Join us at Stand 1A34. The Big 5 is the 22-25 November 2010 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Industry News: Construction Material Prices Fall in June; Still Higher for the Quarter

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 07:52:45 -0500

After three months of increases, construction material prices fell by 0.9 percent in June. Overall, however, prices are up 0.8 percent for the second quarter and 4.2 percent higher than June 2009. Economists say it’s too early to tell whether the drop is an anomaly or a trend.

Concrete Construction Article Discusses the Benefits of Employee Development

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:14:35 -0500

In a challenging economy, efficiency is more important than ever. This article, written by Amy Numbers of Constructive Communication Inc, analyzes the benefits of investing in your current employees. By training workers, they can be more effective producers and more satisfied employees. Contact aSa, today, to find out about our current promotion on training. Read the full article on Concrete Construction Online.

ACI Announces New Executive VP

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:37:13 -0500

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) is pleased to announce Ronald G. Burg, formerly vice president at CTLGroup, has been named executive vice president of ACI. Current ACI executive vice president William R. Tolley will retire from ACI at the end of June, after 35 years of service to the Institute. Burg will join the 100-member ACI staff at its Farmington Hills, MI, headquarters on July 6. Read the full press release at Concrete Construction Online.

Non-residential Construction Spending Up in April

Thu, 3 Jun 2010 15:07:49 -0500

The U.S. Census Bureau reported on June 1, 2010, that spending increased in April. The data in the report is a mix of positive and negative numbers, but many believe that indicators are pointing to a turnaround. Read the full Concrete Construction article.

aSa Official Facebook Page Now Live - Become a Fan, Today

Tue, 1 Jun 2010 09:25:54 -0500

The way that people communicate is changing. In an effort to continue to be accessible to all of our customers, aSa has launched our official Facebook page. Become a fan by visiting the aSa Facebook page and clicking the Like button. Once you do, you will be kept up to date on aSa and rebar industry news, including exclusive contests and promotions, through Facebook. Note: Although aSa will never share your information without your consent, keep in mind that the aSa Facebook page is a public page and all information posted on the page is publicly accessible.

Repairing Highways with Precast Slabs

Wed, 19 May 2010 10:26:23 -0500

Minimal traffic interruptions and concrete durability are among the benefits of using precast slabs for highway repair work, according to an article at Concrete Construction Online. While material and labor costs prohibit precast from being a viable option for large-scale highway construction, “Precast systems are worth investigating for rapid overnight repairs where pavements cannot be closed,” says Sam Tyson, P.E., Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) task manager in the Concrete Pavement Technology Program.

Bauma Exhibitors Note Growing Sales and Optimism Despite Lower Attendance

Thu, 13 May 2010 10:03:11 -0500

Flight restrictions due to the volcanic ash cloud over Europe resulted in 15% fewer visitors to the Bauma International Trade Fair in 2010 compared to 2007. In fact, aSa’s Scott Leib and Tim Berg would have missed Bauma if they hadn’t been in Germany the previous week to attend the Wire Dusseldorf show. Despite the downturn in visitors, several exhibitors said the show had an optimistic tone. Ralf Wezel, secretary-general of the Committee for European Construction Equipment, Brussels said in a statement, “The mood in the industry shows that, in Europe, the bottom of the cycle is now behind us. Confidence has returned.” Other construction industry executives say product demand is rising. Read more at Engineering News Record.

How much do you know about concrete?

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:43:34 -0500

Test your knowledge about the physics of slab on grade. Take a True an False pop quiz at Concrete Construction Online. The answers will be posted on the Dirt Covers blog after May 1. Quiz: http://www.concreteconstruction.net/industry-news.asp?sectionID=718&articleID=1247515 Answers: http://www.concreteconstruction.net/blogs.asp?blogID=dirtcoversblog§ionID=1996

Thank you to everyone who visited us at this year's Bauma construction convention.

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:35:45 -0500

We look forward to following up with you and exhibiting, again, in three years.

Bauma Anticipates Record Number of Exhibitors

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:00:17 -0500

The Bauma Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment will include 3,150 exhibitors and 555,000 square meters of exhibition space — the most ever in the show’s 50-year history. Visit aSa at Hall C3, Stand No. 116B.

New Report From ACI on High Strength Concrete: 363R-10

Thu, 8 Apr 2010 09:07:54 -0500

This report summarizes currently available information about high strength concrete and is now available on the ACI website for a fee. The report covers selection of materials, concrete mixture proportions, ordering, batching, mixing, transporting, placing, quality control, concrete properties, structural design, economic considerations, and applications and is available in printed or electronic (PDF) formats.

ACI Spring Convention in Chicago Underway

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:24:26 -0500

This morning begins the second day of the ACI (American Concrete Institute) Spring Convention in Chicago, and three more days of events are planned. ACI's convention Twitter account reports 1360 attendees, so far, while the ACI website includes a YouTube video explaining what to expect at the convention.

CRSI Epoxy Interest Group Publishes Performance Report

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:59:32 -0500

The CRSI Epoxy Interest Group (EIG) recently published a report on the performance of epoxy-coated bars in West Virginia. The study found that decks reinforced with epoxy-coated rebar last much longer without requiring repairs. Read concrete construction's summary, here, or the complete report on the EIG website: www.epoxyinterestgroup.org

CRSI Announces Design Awards

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:11:04 -0500

The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) recently announced awards for “excellence in reinforced concrete structures” in categories that included: Bridge, Commercial Buildings, Cultural & Entertainment Facilities, Education & Healthcare Facilities, and Residential Buildings. Entries were evaluated on aesthetics, innovation, engineering achievement, functional excellence, and economy of construction. See the list of winning companies at concreteconstruction.net.

2010 Big Year for Stimulus Money and Infrastructure

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:09:55 -0600

Most of the money from the U.S. government’s 2009 stimulus plan is still in Washington, but it is expected to benefit thousands of infrastructure projects in 2010. Contractors should see $76 billion in stimulus funding this year, according to Mike Pickett, CEO of Onvia. Onvia is the creator of recovery.org, a private sector initiative to give businesses transparency into recovery project spending. Learn more at recovery.org and concreteconstructiononline.com.

Haiti reconstruction to be in focus at the ACI Spring Convention in Chicago.

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 09:04:31 -0600

Sessions at the ACI Spring 2010 Convention, March 21-25, 2010, in Chicago will cover concrete repair in unusual and extreme conditions. One session will focus on the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Haiti, following the devastating January 12 earthquake. Read the Concrete Construction Online article for more information on the ACI Spring Convention.

Curling - It's not just an Olympic "sport"

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 08:57:24 -0600

Position Statement #30, the American Society of Concrete Contractors' (ASCC) latest paper on key issues of interest to concrete contractors. "Responsibility for Slab Curling" reportedly takes a look at the responsibility that concrete contractors have in terms of floor flatness. These do not end after 72 hours, because of curling over time. Read more details on Concrete Consturction Online.

A look back. A look ahead. The Winter 2010 Reinforcer celebrates aSa's 40th anniversary and provides a peek at what lies ahead.

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:30:49 -0600

Applied Systems Associates, Inc. (aSa) was founded in 1969, but was incorporated in 1970. Therefore, aSa will celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2010. Take a look back at the early days of aSa in the feature story. Look ahead to the new features coming up in aSa ex 7.2. Learn how two customers found out about the aSa difference when they experienced a need for IT solutions and Victor Choltco and the rest of the IT department came through for them. Read Scott Leib's Letter from the President, tips, tricks, news, and more in the Winter 2010 Reinforcer.

IR8 now available for download! The latest interim release for ex 6.41 is available, here. (Login required)

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:48:35 -0600

With too many enhancements to list, IR8 extends the performance of ex 6.41, including: - Estimating Tie Manager and Tie Selector - Import "Skip Validation” - Import CRSI Format Stock Tags