Nova Scotia Recycles Roadways with Cement

Throughout the years, the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) has seen axle loads on streets and highways increase while funds for road maintenance decrease, leading to the presence of ruts, potholes, and severe cracking in these pavements.  Because these problems often are not caused by normal surface wear and may be the result of a failed or inadequate base course, NSTIR officials looked at ways to save time, materials, and money needed to provide a safe and efficient road network.

Making it a top priority to salvage these existing flexible pavements at the end of their service lives, NSTIR began to investigate full-depth reclamation (FDR) with portland cement to rehabilitate the roads. 

Joint promotional and technical assistance by PCA and the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) Atlantic Region led to the construction of the first FDR-PC project in Nova Scotia in November 2007.  Since 2007, NSTIR has constructed a total of seven FDR-PC projects totaling 40.6 km (25.2 miles), utilizing approximately 3,900 tonnes (4,300 tons) of portland cement. (Click on map for larger image)
Contact Greg Halsted

PCA GDP Forecast Remains on Track, Public Construction Risks Key

Despite the Federal Reserve recently lowering its 2010 economic real GDP projections from a range of 3.2 to 3.7 percent to a range of 3.0 to 3.5 percent, the PCA forecast regarding real GDP and labor market recoveries remains on track. In a recent report, the PCA economic research department said although real GDP growth during the second half of 2010 is expected to weaken a double-dip recession is not likely.

The report stressed that the job market recovery remains the key economic metric to watch in the months ahead and will significantly influence GDP growth, mortgage foreclosure activity, nonresidential vacancy rates, and state revenue collections – each with an impact on cement consumption. PCA expects private sector job creation will be gradual and not to exceed 100,000 monthly job creations until the fourth quarter.

Also key to the PCA forecast is public construction activity.  PCA expects ARRA spending will reach $12 billion in 2010 compared to $5.6 billion in 2009. Through June, $4.3 billion in ARRA spending has materialized – well below an annualized rate of $12 billion. Spending is accelerating with June spending tracking at a $15.6 billion annualized rate. This rate is expected to continue through the remainder of the year – reaching the $12 billion level.
Contact Ed Sullivan

RCC Reduces Fairground Maintenance

More than 35 engineers and transportation officials in Missouri had the opportunity earlier this month to see the benefits of roller-compacted concrete up close and in action. 

A rehabilitation/upgrade project for Boone County Fairgrounds served as a demo for an open house held July 1 and organized by Continental Cement Company.  To address continual maintenance issues with washouts and rutting of the existing gravel road, the fairgrounds replaced a gravel roadway with roller-compacted concrete (RCC).  The project incorporates six inches of RCC on an improved sub-grade and RCC will serve as the riding surface for the roadway.
Contact Michael Young

PCA Partners with ACI for Concrete Building Design Seminars

PCA and ACI have teamed up to offer ACI/PCA Simplified Design of Concrete Buildings of Moderate Size and Height in six cities this fall.  This one-day seminar will focus on design of concrete buildings of moderate size and height, in accordance with ACI 318-08, IBC 2009, and ASCE 7-05.

It will provide civil, architectural, and structural engineers ways to simplify design procedures, thus reducing time required to analyze, proportion, and detail small to moderate size projects, while still complying with the ACI 318-08 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete. Numerous design examples will be presented including wind load calculations, seismic force, analysis, simplified design of different slab systems, beams, columns, structural walls, and footings with emphasis on economy.

The seminar is based on PCA publication Simplified Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings of Moderate Size and Height and all attendees will receive a free copy.

Seminars will take place:
> October 6—Minneapolis
> October 20—Boston
> November 10—Seattle
> November 17—Charlotte, N.C.
> December 1—St. Louis
> December 15—Houston
For more information and to register

PCA to Host FHWA-NCBC Meeting

The Federal Highway Administration and the National Concrete Bridge Council (NCBC) will hold their next meeting on August 4 at the PCA headquarters in Skokie, Ill.  The NCBC is comprised of ten allied industry organizations focused on promoting quality in bridge design and construction, disseminating information on concrete bridges, and establishing communication with state, federal, and local government engineers, consultants, concrete suppliers, and academia. PCA is a member of NCBC.

The meeting provides a forum to discuss important issues such as the EPA’s impending ruling on fly ash, blast-resistant concrete bridges, and certification programs for precast concrete plants, post-tensioning systems, and ready-mixed concrete.  Some FHWA engineers will also stay on to attend and teach at the 2010 Concrete Bridge Professors’ Seminar held August 5-6 at PCA headquarters.  
Contact Sue Lane

Cemstone Tests Compressed Natural Gas Powered Mixer Truck

Cemstone, a Minnesota-based ready mixed company, is testing a compressed natural gas (CNG) powered mixer truck.  

The compressed natural gas powered mixer vehicle offers a viable clean technology alternative. When compared to a traditional diesel engine, CNG-powered mixer trucks offer lower fuel costs, reduced noise pollution, and six times cleaner burning. The mixer truck is fitted with a 6-cylinder, 8.9-liter engine with a cooled exhaust gas recirculation and state-of-the-art electronic engine controls.

At Cemstone, we have an obligation to explore new opportunities to make our ready mix fleet more environmentally friendly – and to assist the industry by evaluating new technologies like compressed natural gas powered mixer trucks,” said Tim Becken, executive vice president of operations for Cemstone. “We are committed to building a future that is more sustainable, and CNG-powered mixer vehicles are a significant new technology that deserves closer inspection.”

Earlier this year, Cemstone upgraded 21 vehicles in its mixer truck fleet through the Minnesota Environmental Initiative and its Project Green Fleet program. These vehicles feature diesel oxidation catalysts or diesel multi-stage filters that reduce engine emissions by up to 50 percent.

Concrete Masonry Unit Producers Updated on Green Codes

Steve Szoke, PCA’s director of codes and standards, recently updated the Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association on “green” building codes and standards. 

During the annual PCMA meeting last month, Szoke provided information on the content and current status of several national code activities including the joint American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and US Green Building Council Standard for the Design of High Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 189.1); the joint International Code Council and National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Standard (ICC 700); the activities by ASTM International Committee E60 on Sustainability; and current draft of International Green Construction Code which is a collaborative effort of the American Institute of Architects, ASHRAE, ASTM International, ICC, IESNA, and USGBA.

The Pennsylvania group had a heightened interest as relative new state legislation results in the adoption of the entire series of the ICC codes which may include the new IGCC as early as 2012.  
Contact Steve Szoke