The Lightning Strike Roller Screed from Lura Technologies is showing up regularly on a range of concrete applications such as pervious concrete, exposed aggregate or just regular flat work.

Lura Enterprises has recently provided two of its electrics screeds to FlatIron Constructors Inc., one of the design/build partners participating in the final surfacing of the new I-35W bridge that is replacing the bridge that collapsed.

Originally designed with the electric model going solo to World of Concrete (WOC) 2007, Lura later displayed it with a 35cc Subaru gas motor. Contractor interest in the gas model and a bigger engine drove the Lura engineers to make additional changes to the drive shaft and motor wiring.
Dennis Lura said the company encourages feedback and versatility. One engineer is currently creating fit-upends for companies who want to use their own tubes, steel or aluminum, rather than buying sections. These factors and more contribute to Lightning Strike's growing popularity.

The Bridge Connection
Mick Wilson, superintendent of FlatIron, compared the Lightning Strike Screed to several competing screeds and decided to buy the Lura product.
He thought that screeds with the typical two-hydraulic hose systems were cumbersome and would easily hook on to anything lying out when dragged around the construction site. Additionally, the hydraulic power pack adds more than 200 pounds with the cart, making it heavy to haul around.

Additionally, with the deadline demand of December of 2008 for bridge completion, the concrete must be poured inside a heated enclosure so as not to freeze in the early stages of the cure. A gas motor would give off carbon monoxide, so they wanted an electrically powered screed. With the electric version of the Lightning Strike, safe indoor use is quickly available at their disposal.

Tom Reger, who is with the Cement Masons, Plasterers and Shop hands JATC Local 633 in Minneapolis, called the Lightning Strike an "industry-wide advance in technology and worker safety." He also noted that the product line is American-made, and he has helped get the Lightning Strike into other union training facilities aside from his own.

Many electric model buyers want the gas version as well. Powered by a 50cc Honda engine, the gas powered ultra-light screed delivers plenty of power with the freedom from hoses or cords. Lura said that it has been his experience that about half of all contractors who have purchased the electric for whatever reason also take the gas model when the opportunity arises.

Agriculture
Lura said that agriculture has been a good market for the Lightning Strike Roller Screed. Its capabilities for circular pours is selling the product. In late 2006, Iowa grain bin contractor Todd Lundgren contacted Lura requesting a product demonstration. Upon witnessing the ease of use for an interior circular pour, he bought one, plus another to sell to a fellow contractor. Convinced the Lightning Strike was an industry first, Todd Lundgren introduced Dennis Lura to Randy Holthaus of Growmark Inc.
A regional ag-cooperative based in Illinois that provides agriculture- related products and services to the Midwest, Growmark initially declined interest. Looking to diversify their product line, Holthaus then previewed video footage of a grain bin pour on Lura Enterprises' website. The proof he needed was in the video. Growmark moved some product and made room to showcase the Lightning Screed at their annual Interchange Show featuring the products Growmark sells.

Pervious Concrete
Rising concerns about the environment, as well as sewer/storm water savings fuels interest in pervious concrete. "It surprises us to hear that our screed is 'the cutting edge of concrete technology,'" Lura said.
To keep up on pervious applications, Lura Enterprises has worked not only to provide the best screed possible for pervious concrete, but has also put itself at the forefront of promotion. They construct pervious displays for their WOC booths, and also work to bring the science behind pervious into the field.

Eighty percent of the Lura Enterprises staff, including Dennis, Dale and Jeremy Lura and John Rosenfeldt, have all become certified pervious concrete technicians. 2008 promises more regional and national events for Lura Enterprises, including two booths at WOC. Visit booth SG20 in the new GREENSITE area, as well as in booth # O30126 in the main show. "It's like you're looking into the future and the future looks bright," summarizes Dennis.

For more information, call 701-281-8989 or see luraconcretescreed. com. CM