Diamond Ground RCC Replaces Failed Asphalt on U.S. Highway 78

U.S. Highway 78 in Aiken, S.C., had deteriorated to the point where a thin resurface treatment was not a viable option. Looking for a solution to replace the failed asphalt roadway, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) explored multiple options, primarily focusing on minimizing traffic disruption, long-term durability, and cost of construction.

SCDOT chose to mill out the distressed asphalt and replace it with 10 inches of roller-compacted concrete (RCC). The project consisted of a 4-lane, 1-mile long route with a speed limit of 45 mph and an average daily traffic count of 6,000 vehicles. Traffic control measures were implemented to maintain at least one lane in each direction open for traffic at all times.

To provide the desired ride quality for high speed traffic SCDOT diamond ground the RCC surface instead of covering with a thin asphalt or conventional concrete surface.

This project, completed in August 2009, marks the first successful completion of diamond grinding RCC pavement for a major road in the United States.
Contact Fares Abdo

Escalante Outlines Climate Change Perspectives

In his keynote address at INTERCEM AMERICAS last week, Enrique Escalante, president/CEO of GCC of America and PCA chairman, discussed how the push for low-carbon building materials will affect the demand for cement products and how they are selected.

The focus on sustainability means that decisions will be less technical and more driven by image and perception. There will be less influence by engineers and architects, and more influence by owners, users, and the general public.

“We cannot shape the economic or regulatory climate,” said Escalante. “But we can shape our products to meet the demands of the new climate, and we can position our industry for this new climate.”

He outlined four perspectives on the new climate for the cement industry:
>  Improve energy efficiency
> Meet the demand for low-carbon, sustainable products
> Stress how concrete structures reduce greenhouse gases
> Communicate the value of our products and our industry to society

INTERCEM AMERICAS opened in Atlanta, Ga., on Tuesday, December 2, 2009, with more than 150 delegates from 30 countries in attendance.  Established in 1985, INTERCEM is an international conference devoted to the trading, transportation, and handling of cement and related products.
More at http://www.intercem.com

"Call Congress Day” Planned to Support Transportation Funding

The Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC), of which PCA is a member, is coordinating a  “Phone-Into-Congress” day for Thursday, December 10th The goal is to keep Congress focused on passing a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill. While Congress is embroiled in other high profile issues, Senators and Representatives must be reminded about the need to address the expired Highway and Transit program authorization.

Please plan to call on December 10 and make the following points, which can also be localized to reflect conditions or issues in your state:

> (Our state) has huge transportation needs that are not being met including deficient bridges, deteriorating pavements, congested roads, and safety hazards.

> In addition, the construction industry has an unemployment rate of over 18 percent.

> Without the certainty of a long-term authorization bill, with increased funding levels, construction companies and material suppliers in our state will be forced to lay off additional workers.

> Businesses will not invest in new equipment when there is so much uncertainty about the on-going and future construction market.

> Congress must do its job and delay no longer. Pass a six-year transportation authorization bill now and provide the revenue necessary to increase funding to address (our state’s) short term need for jobs and long term economic growth. 

TCC has set up the following toll free number to allow you to call directly to the offices of your Senators and Representatives: 1.888.448.2782. When the call is answered, you will be asked for your zip code. You will then be asked if you want to speak to your senators or representative. Talking to all three offices will require three phone calls.
Contact John Sullivan

Webcast Looks at Long-Term Prospects for Cement Industry

As the cement industry emerges from the recession, it’s poised to embark on an unprecedented period of sustained growth fueled by infrastructure investment, sustainable construction, and a shift in market dynamics in paving.

That’s the message of ”Cement Outlook: Turnaround in 2010 Signals Return to Sustained Growth,” a webcast presentation by PCA president/CEO Brian McCarthy scheduled for December 9, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. CST.

Cement growth will be driven by a perfect storm of factors that are creating an increase in demand for concrete as a highly sustainable, cost-effective building material for a wide variety of construction markets, says McCarthy. Chief among these factors is a shift in the costs of building concrete roads versus asphalt roads.

Changes in asphalt production will limit availability and increase costs, eliminating or reducing the first-cost advantage long enjoyed by asphalt. Concrete is now more competitive on both a life-cycle and initial-cost basis.

There is no charge for the webcast.
Register for the Webcast.

Registration Open for Cement Industry Technical Conference

Online registration is now available for the 52nd annual IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Industry Technical Conference, March 28-April 1, 2010, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo.

This year's conference highlights include:
> New discussions on environment, energy, and sustainability
> Keynote address by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter
> World class technical papers covering every aspect of cement manufacturing
> Tour of GCC’s new Pueblo plant
> Annual Safety Awards Luncheon
> Special Economic Update by PCA's Ed Sullivan

Additionally, the conference will continue a concurrent Environmental Workshop that will cover pending climate change legislation and its impact on the cement industry, regulatory updates, and other environmentally related process topics.
More information at www.ieeepcaconference.org
Contact Rick Bohan

Georgia Sustainable Development Leadership Award Presented

On December 3,PCA honored Coweta County’s Director of Development and Engineering, Wayne Kennedy, with a Sustainable Leadership Award in the category of Leadership in Sustainability Policy.

Kennedy received the award for his ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and improve the county’s roads using a recycling method called full-depth reclamation (FDR) with cement. (See previous Project of the Week.) Bob Nickelson, Georgia Pavement Applications Director of PCA’s Southeast region, presented the award to Kennedy at the Coweta County Board of Commissioners Meeting.

As a major tenet in its ongoing commitment to green building and excellence in leadership, the PCA Sustainable Leadership Awards recognize local leaders in six cities who have enacted policies or completed projects that promote sustainable development through the use of concrete- and cement-based products.
More at www.cement.org/newsroom

Webinar Discusses Benefits of RCC

"Design and Construction of Roller-Compacted Concrete Pavements" will discuss RCC applications, benefits, mix design, construction, testing, and performance.  PCA will offer the webinar on December 10, 10-11 am (CDT).

A roller-compacted concrete pavement takes its name from the construction method used to build it. It's placed with conventional or high-density asphalt paving equipment, and then compacted with rollers. RCC is used when strength, speed of construction, and economy are primary needs. It is commonly used at port, intermodal, and military facilities; parking, storage, and staging areas; streets and intersections; highway shoulders; and low-speed roads. It can also be used in a composite system as a base material.

The cost is $60 ($30 for PCA members; government officials; students and educators).
More information and purchase.