WASHINGTON _ Cement and steel companies, hard-hit by the housing downturn, could see demand improve the next couple of years in the wake of the deadly collapse of Minnesota's Interstate 35W bridge.

The cement industry is facing difficulties as the construction market continues to slump. Domestic cement production and shipments decreased in the first half of the year, but inventories surged ...

Drying shrinkage is caused by a loss of moisture from the concrete. It occurs after concrete hardens and continues months and even years depending on the slab thickness and ambient conditions. This ...