< PreviousThe diversification strategy also keeps the company within a smaller geographical window, fostering a more sustainable base of operations. By offering multiple services within a par- ticular area, H & H General Excavating becomes an integral part of the local construction ecosystem. This local focus enhances its visibility, reputation, and relationships with clients, creating a robust foundation for long-term success and allowing it to main- tain stability even when specific sectors experience slowdowns. H & H General Excavating effectively leverages its diverse services for cross-industry collaboration. During the offseason for mulch production, the company repurposes its trucks for hauling other products, showcasing its ability to capitalize on assets across different business lines. This approach not only shields them from the impact of industry-specific downturns but also fosters adaptability, resource optimization, and a sustainable local presence, contributing to its longevity and continued growth in the construction and related industries. H & H General Excavating places immense importance on the enduring relationships they cultivate with both customers and industry partners. These partnerships form the bedrock of its success and reputation. The loyalty and continuity in these relationships underscore H & H General Excavating's commit- ment to reliability and quality. Its partnerships with suppliers are not merely transactional but are deeply rooted in trust and shared history. “We have valued partners like Schmuck Lumber. Every project we have completed since 1970 that has a piece of wood is in partnership with Schmuck,“ says Hartman. “We also hold a prestigious position with York Building, another of our valued partners. Their current customer base is over 20,000. When they add a customer to their database you are assigned a number. Our number is 94, and there are only three compa- nies between 1 and 94 that are left. This just demonstrates that we prioritize our trusted partners and we hold those relationships in high regard.” feels like home now. www.schmucklumber.com Building Products | Windows & Doors | Garage Doors | Kitchen & Bath 615 York Road Gettysburg 717-637-6616 225 N Railroad St Hanover 717-398-2400 CONGRATULATIONS TO H&HGENERAL EXCAVATING FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT Proud supplier partners for crushed stone and asphalt. Crushed Stone Sand & Gravel Asphalt Products PennDOT mixes yorkbuilding.com yorkmaterialsgroup.com Crushed Stone Sand & Gravel yorkbuilding.com Asphalt Products PennDOT mixes yorkmaterialsgroup.comH & H General Excavating boasts a distinctive and resilient company culture, characterized by an exceptional level of employee loyalty and longevity. The team culture is deeply ingrained with security, especially at the upper management level. H & H has notably low management turnover, attributed to the steadfast commitment of the business’s managers and their deep understanding of the company's operations. “I think stability in the upper-level management team makes a company very, very strong,” says Hartman. “Our team learns through the ranks, progressing into leadership natu- rally. And when they train newer team members, the training is effective. They know how to do the job because they did the job themselves.” This stability, coupled with the promotion of internal talent, contributes to a robust organizational strength. The prac- tice of promoting from within not only ensures a wealth of experience but also fosters a sense of camaraderie, as team members become mentors, passing on their knowledge to newer staff. The longevity of employees and minimal turnover speaks volumes about the positive work environment and the strong bonds formed within the H & H General Excavating team. This enduring loyalty is a testament to the company's commitment to fostering a workplace where individuals find value, growth, and a sense of belonging. The culture at H & H General Exca- vating is not just about performing tasks; it's about building careers and relationships that span decades, creating a foun- dation for sustained success and a united team focused on delivering excellence in their diverse range of services. H & H General Excavating's current team reflects a multi-gen- erational commitment to stability and continuity. As the lead- ership team has developed, and with a growing workforce, a new generation is working its way up through the ranks at H & H. Hartman has brought his son, his daughter, and two sons-in-law on board to support the continuing evolution of H & H. But the next generation of Hartman’s will not expect a free ride; they won’t be stepping directly into leadership or management roles quite yet. “My dad kept me with a shovel in my hand for many, many years and there was a lot of value in that. When you learn how to work hard, whether it is hard physical work or you grind away in an office environment, you learn. You learn not to quit. You don’t give up. You keep on going. I want to foster that attitude in my kids,” says Hartman. This multi-generational approach ensures a wealth of industry knowledge but also signifies a commitment to the company's enduring legacy. The team's composition reflects a blend of expertise, family values, and a shared dedication to driving H & H General Excavating forward into the future. And H & H General Excavating is preparing for a future marked by strategic growth. As Mike, the leader of the company, expresses, the focus is on identifying opportunities for expan- sion and embracing new challenges. The company's growth strategy involves keeping a vigilant eye on emerging trends and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the industry. With the third generation actively involved in the business, there is an appetite to take H & H General Excavating to new heights. The goal is to increase the workforce to around 200 people in the next decade, showcasing the company's dedication to providing employment opportunities and con- tributing to the local economy. And although H & H values the local landscape, it may consider expanding to new terri- tories through e-commerce. This forward-looking approach reflects the company's readiness to embrace technological advancements and tap into new markets. And in the spirit of being open to diverse opportunities for growth and suc- cess, Hartman acknowledges that acquisitions, even beyond the current scope of operations, could be a viable strategy to expedite the company's expansion. As its rich history demonstrates, the future for H & H General Excavating is characterized by diversification, adaptability, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of opportunities that align with its vision for sustained growth and success. “H & H General Excavating effectively leverages its diverse services for cross-industry collaboration.” | 71 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY DAVID O’NEILL T he developments across modern society have resulted in a civilization that is unrecognizable in many ways. Notwithstanding the technological advances, transport infrastructure and housing options, there are few things that have revolutionized the planet as much as electricity. The development and generation of this power supply has supported and driven every other forward step that society has taken. Without it, our lives would be unspeakably different in every single way. It is also, however, one of those developments that have become so ubiquitous that we tend to take it for granted. For instance, without the ability to light our paths, roads, and highways, our outdoor living hours would likely be severely reduced with pathways being unsafe to travel by at night. While cer- tain elements of our infrastructure network such as these are seen as untouchable, we are living in a time when every source of energy is coming under increased scrutiny. As commonplace as they may be, that doesn’t mean that we cannot scour our infrastructure lighting for improvements, savings and a more sustainable outlook. | 72 FEBRUARY 2024Countries and regions are attempting to strike a balance between infrastructure and energy consumption. It is a delicate game that involves cost, environmental concerns and the ever-present consideration of getting elected. Diffi- cult choices need to be made. Sustainable energy sources are not always readily available and the cost of running and maintaining road, rail and cycle networks can be greater than renewables can cover. Recent research found that one streetlight alone can cost up to $4,000 dollars to install and they have a running cost of around $200 per year. With over fifty million streetlights in the U.S. alone, the cost of this network is astronomical. So, when we consider all the facts, we are left with the need to think outside the box and generate ideas that go beyond the status quo. For a number of years, that is precisely what engineers and scientists have been doing. One interesting question being brought up is self-sustaining energy. Basically, what ben- efit could be harnessed by an infrastructure network that generated its own light, thus negating the need to spend even more valuable energy resources? | 73 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONIn an effort to find innovative solutions, there have been many false steps. Solar and reflective roads have so far proved dif- ficult to implement due to cost and viability. However, one novel technique may hold the key to a more sustainable future. Light-emitting cement is a green construction mate- rial that may revolutionize paths, highways and other road networks. Without the need for electricity, this material can light up roads and paths in a novel and staggering way. The cement absorbs solar energy throughout the daytime and, incredibly, radiates light at night. It was created by Dr. Jose Carlos Rubio at Michoacan University of Saint Nicholas of Hidalgo in Mexico and is a combination of sand, alkali, silica, industrial waste, and water. During the manufacturing pro- cess, certain additives are added to convert the material to a phosphorescent material which can give off light for up to 12 hours. As Dr. Rubio explains, while the initial idea came about due to a gap in the market, it was not an easy path to success. "Nine years ago, when I started the project, I realized there was nothing similar worldwide, and so I started to work on it. The main issue was that cement is an opaque body that doesn't allow the pass of light to its interior." It was the solving of this particular conundrum that led to the transformative material being created. Typically, cement goes through a process when mixed with water that creates a gel like substance. However, an unwanted by-product of this are crystal flakes. For Dr. Rubio, the elimination of these flakes led to break- through. “It starts to become a gel, similar to the one used for hair styling, but much stronger and resistant; at the same time, crystal flakes are formed which make it opaque—these are unwanted sub-products in hardened cement. "By mod- ifying the micro-structure of the material, the crystals were removed which enabled the now completely gel substance to absorb solar energy and re-transmit it as light. After a day in the sun, this cement can emit light for up to 12 hours.” One stumbling block that continuously resurfaces when it comes to new technologies is cost. Often, innovative tech- niques may simply not tick enough boxes to become viable solutions. Light emitting cement is created using either sand, dust or clay which improves its sustainability credentials. In fact, the only waste created in the process is water steam. Furthermore, from a cost perspective, the process may be more expensive than traditional cement to produce but it has an estimated lifespan of around 100 years. As a result, it will require far less maintenance and repair than its counterpart. “The raw materials used for this material are silica, river sand, industrial waste, alkali and water. This process can be done at room temperature which includes the polycondensation of raw materials that doesn’t require much energy consump- tion. The chemical reaction between cement dust and water produces a strong and resistant mixture that looks like a gel along with some unwanted crystal flakes.” It seems that demand for such a product is high. Viability research is taking place in numerous countries around the world such as Chile, Spain, Argentina and Brazil. The hope is that the evidence will continue to point towards a material that can offset the energy needed to produce it by illuminat- ing roads, pathways, swimming pools, tiled areas and many others. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the hugely ambitious Smart Highway has been unveiled. The project is a series of light emitting technologies that support the lamination and transformation of roads and pathways. “Smart Highway are interactive and sustainable roads designed by Daan Roose- | 74 FEBRUARY 2024gaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure. The goal was to make smart roads by using light, energy and information that inter- act with the traffic situation. It consists of the projects Elec- tric Priority Lane, Dynamic Paint, Glowing Lines, Interactive Light, Road Printer, and Wind Light. Van Gogh Path shares the same vision, made of thousands of twinkling stones inspired by 'Starry Night'. The path combines innovation with cultural heritage in the town of Nuenen in the Netherlands, Van Gogh’s place of residence in 1883.” As we develop new technologies, it is vital that any widescale adoption is research based and viable from both a cost and ecological perspective. Dr. Rubio’s breakthrough in design and production is now building a reputation with effective and aesthetically positive projects around the world. Next time you are in a cycle lane, you might stop to wonder how things could look with the path itself lighting your way. Thankfully, it seems as though we won’t have to wait much longer. “By modifying the micro-structure of the material, the crystals were removed which enabled the now completely gel substance to absorb solar energy and re-transmit it as light.” 2012-2015. Smart coatings, energy harvesting, sensors and other media. Concept and Design by Studio Roosegaarde and the engineers from Heijmans. | 75 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY AOIFE CHANEY I n a post-pandemic North America, there are two things we know to be in abundance; a pipeline of construction work and a bright and promising young generation. The two are not only necessary ingredients for a pos- itive future for the built environment, but a clear pathway that leads one to the other is very much needed. In California and Nevada, and in the case of precast and prestressed concrete, PCI West is that pathway. A regional chapter of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), PCI West is a non-profit organization that is committed to promoting the value and quality of precast and prestressed concrete through California and Nevada. PCI West represents 15 producer members (20 plants) and 30 associate member companies, to whom it pro- vides funding, technical resources, a certification program for fabrication, and perhaps most significantly, continuous educa- tion. It is PCI West’s commitment to education that provides North America’s next generation of Architects, Engineers, and Construction workers with a direct pathway to a successful career in the precast/prestressed concrete industry. Sacramento State University Photo by Eric Matsumoto | 76 FEBRUARY 2024Behind PCI West’s mission to advance the design, manufac- ture and use of precast and prestressed concrete products throughout the region, is Executive Director and licensed Civil Engineer, Ruth Lehmann. Lehmann comes with a back- ground in architecture and engineering, and is therefore well equipped to guide both disciplines towards industry suc- cess. Precast and prestressed concrete continues to trend upwards in popularity as a building solution of choice in North America, and career opportunities trend upwards along with it. The promotion of this message throughout California and Nevada is at the core of PCI West’s mission. “PCI West is about promoting and educating our architectural, engineer- ing and construction community on precast and prestressed concrete products,” says Lehmann. “That includes reaching out to university students in university programs to inform how they might add precast and prestressed concrete design solutions to their professional tool belt.” To understand the importance of educating the next gen- eration on precast and prestressed concrete, we must first understand the ever-changing demands of the construction industry and the place of precast and prestressed concrete within it. Accelerated Bridge Construction, for example, is a major market trend and growth opportunity for the industry. “The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is very much about accelerated bridge construction,” Lehmann says, “and the Department of Transportation here has told us that they want to see 30% of bridge construction or bridge projects to be accelerated bridge construction.” I ask her where PCI West fits into all of this, and she says that there is a lot of motiva- tion to build quickly, efficiently, and safely. “Because PCI West producers are producing bridge girders, columns and other elements for bridges that are cast off-site, we have an oppor- tunity to deliver them when needed and potentially accelerate the project schedule.” With bridge construction booming, California is motivated to really invest in the improvement of state infrastructure, which means funding is available once you know how to secure it. That’s where PCI West plays a part. “We have the State of California “1B” funding and many sources of transportation funding at our ports and on the county level, not to mention federal funding that is available for transportation.” USC CARAPACE program Photo by Douglas Noble | 77 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONAlso trending upwards in the industry is the demand for struc- turally secure and environmentally sound buildings that are climate-ready. That is, buildings and structures that will not crumble under the pressure of the climate emergency. The role of precast and prestressed concrete in this instance is obvious, given that it can have two to three times the com- pressive strength of regular concrete. “With precast and pre- stressed concrete, we can create environmentally sound skins for buildings, if you will. Whether it’s moisture infiltration or air temperature infiltration of the building envelope, we have great opportunities in the cladding market to create solid, secure building systems, and our industry is responding to that. We’re also looking at many different ways to improve our systems in terms of global warming potential,” Lehmann says, giving the example of Portland Limestone (PLC), a blended cement with a higher limestone content that performs the same while reducing the carbon footprint by an average of 10%. “We also try to encourage that our member plants are using renewable energy resources such as wind or solar, which helps us be good stewards of our environment. This is a huge growth area, that we take very seriously and want to be part of our commu- nity’s solution to combat global warming.” When Lehmann joined PCI West seven years ago, she recalls an industry-wide buzz around the value of establishing connections with universities, working with students one to one, having them visit precast plants and getting them more involved in the design of precast and prestressed concrete. “And so, we embarked on a journey to develop design studios,” Lehmann says. “We have one at USC School of Architecture which we are continuing with, and we have a long-time stu- dio at Cal Poly Pomona Architecture Department which is a one semester class.” What’s interesting about the Cal Poly Pomona studio is its recent partnership with the University of Hawaii, Manoa, which was born out of a joint research venture on the potential of precast and prestressed con- crete to withstand natural disasters. “The students started off looking at tsunamis, the risk for which is heightened in Hawaii but also a problem in California. They’re also looking at other natural disasters, like the wildfires we experience in California and that which were recently experienced in Maui. So, the students from the two campuses have differences and commonalities, and we have them working on a studio together using remote technology.” USC CARAPACE panel Photo by Douglas Noble USC CARAPACE program Photo by Douglas Noble “Although we have many things that we do at PCI West, working with students and educating the next generation is probably what my members are most passionate about.” | 78 FEBRUARY 2024Lehmann works alongside many industry professionals with interested in the future of the precast and prestressed concrete industry, including Architects, Engineers, and Pro- fessors. “PCI West dedicates over $30,000 annually toward the development of studios and educational interactions with the students,” Lehmann says. “Although we have many things that we do at PCI West, working with students and educating the next generation is probably what my members are most passionate about.” Handpicked by Lehmann because of their commitment to educating the future generation are Brent Koch, Eric Matsumoto, and Doug Noble, all of whom contrib- ute to PCI West’s mission in a significant way. Brent Koch is licensed California Civil Engineer and the Chief Engineer of Con-Fab California LLC, one of PCI West’s pro- ducers. Brent also serves on PCI’s parent board of directors on behalf of PCI West, as well as taking an active role in work- ing with universities. One of the newer studios that has been developed since Lehmann came on board is a bridge design studio at Sacramento State. The Precast Bridge Studio is being operated under a grant from the national PCI Founda- tion, and with funding directly from PCI West. Brent, a strong supporter of the studio, tells me about the semester-long intensive program. “It’s a combination of mostly civil engi- neering students and construction management students,” Brent says. “Incredible entors from the bridge design world and Caltrans work with the students over the course of the term to design their project to establish a budget and prepare a construction schedule. Design software is available to them, and they are trained how to use it by one of the authors.” Sacramento State University Photo by Eric Matsumoto Sacramento State University 2021 bridge girder install Photo by Eric Matsumoto | 79 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >