Concrete Work Highlights I-35W Bridge Progress

Work is well underway on the new I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minn., to replace the structure that collapsed last August.

The new structure, following the primary theme of "Arches, Water, Reflection," consists of two white concrete bridges that span the river—one for each direction of traffic. Each side will have five lanes for a total of ten lanes of traffic and a combined bridge width of 189 feet.The previous bridge had eight lanes of traffic and was about 80 feet narrower.

The signature bridge will include lighting and landscaping that will paint a modern archway over the Mississippi and respect the area's surroundings, history, and nearby architecture, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Web site. The retaining walls at the bridge's abutment with the land will be made of native stone. The curved supports will frame the Mississippi River below.

The new bridge includes several structural enhancements, including the use of high-performance concrete to provide superior durability and multiple levels of structural redundancy. In addition, the 100-year bridge will be economical to maintain as concrete also has lower maintenance costs than other materials.

Work on the bridge reached a milestone last week when crews poured concrete for the first precast segment for the bridge's main span. It's the first of 120 segments that will be built and assembled to form the 504-foot main northbound and southbound spans of the bridge. More than 48,700 cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete will be used for the project.

The bridge is expected to be re-opened to traffic in December 2008.
More at the Minn. DOT Web site

Salt River Materials Earns Energy Star® Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Salt River Materials/Phoenix Cement plant in Clarksdale, Ariz., with the 2007 ENERGY STAR® designation. The award acknowledges facilities that have distinguished themselves for reducing energy use and protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Lew Dodendorf is Salt River's corporate energy manager.

The awards recognize plants whose energy performance score for the past 12 months is in the top 25 percent of the industry. The score, which is based on actual energy use, is calculated using a tool prepared by EPA called an energy performance indicator. In addition, the plants must have a three-year history of complying with all applicable federal environmental regulations.

Essroc Begins $400-Million Expansion and Upgrade

Essroc Cement Company has begun construction on a new kiln and other upgrades at its Martinsburg, W.V., plant. When completed in 2009, the upgrades will more than double production at the plant.

The new plant will be able to produce 1.8 million tons of cement per year.

In addition to a 110-foot aluminum "stone" dome, plans include construction of a preheater tower that will be about 500 feet tall and a cogeneration power facility that will generate four megawatts of electricity.

Holcim Awards: Application Deadline Approaches

The deadline for Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction is February 29, 2008.

The Holcim Awards, an initiative of the Swiss-based Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction, is an international competition recognizing designs that meet current needs for housing and infrastructure, as well as create innovative, future oriented, and tangible sustainable construction projects around the world.

There is a total of $2 million in prize money for the 2008-2009 competition. Regional prizes range from $10,000 to $100,000, with the Global Holcim Awards ranging from $50,000 to $300,000.
More at www.holcimfoundation.org

Kuhn Joins PCA as Residential
Promotion Coordinator

Lindsey Kuhn has joined PCA's residential department as promotion coordinator. She will assist residential staff in managing trade show activities, producing communications materials, and representing PCA at industry meetings.

Kuhn previously worked at Ozinga Ready Mix, where she was involved in marketing, public relations, and interdepartmental education for its decorative concrete division. She is a graduate of Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill.

Cement Chemistry Course Slated for Toronto

The University of Toronto will present Chemistry of Cement and Concrete, June 2-6, 2008. The course covers cement manufacturing, supplementary cementing materials, admixtures, and durability-related topics.
More info or to register