Ready for 2014
The year 2013 was a year marked with far-reaching events: It started with the bauma trade fair in Munich, where guests from the world over saw for themselves that the economy is picking up again. The exhibitors presented their innovations as contributions to the economic upswing, and interest among investors was great.
During the summer, the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) replaced the previously valid Construction Products Directive (CPD). Manufacturers are now required to issue a Declaration of Performance for many products, which is requisite for CE marking and free movement of goods within the European Community. At the same time, discussions of Eurocode 2 (EC 2) continued. Although the code for the “Design of Concrete Structures” had already been implemented in 2012, its stipulations will not become finally valid until 2014. Those in charge are already negotiating a revision of EC 2.
The brief review of 2013 reveals great developments in the precast concrete industry. The new regulations mean a great deal of work for suppliers and manufacturers. On the positive side, however: those who rise to the challenges, and who review and ensure the competitiveness of their products, can look forward to upcoming growth. With this positive outlook, the BFT editorial staff goes into the winter break and wishes you, dear readers and your families, relaxing Christmas holidays, time for reflection, and a good start into 2014.
Dear reader: We would like to draw your attention once again to our raffle and to our questionnaire: Please take five minutes of your time to fill out the online questionnaire (//www.bft-international.com/survey" target="_blank" >www.bft-international.com/survey:www.bft-international.com/survey) and win one of the three day tickets for the 58th BetonTage in Neu-Ulm that we will raffle off among all those who respond to our questionnaire. Good luck!
