ACPA Concrete Pavement Progress - Quarter 3, 2021

Concrete Pavement Progress www.acpa.org 8 A L A B A M A I N T E R S T A T E Innovation on Interstate Improvement Project ALDOT Looks to RCC and Reduced Carbon Concrete By Lori Tiefenthaler THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S I-59 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT near Trussville looked to be much like many other road improvement efforts. The project included bridge rail retrofits, ramp improvements, concrete rehabilitation and shoulder reconstruction along about an eight-mile stretch of I-59 around Trussville. Beyond the need to carefully manage work in order to keep traffic moving on the highway, the shoulder reconstruction effort was further complicated by pavement edge drains installed about six inches below the existing pavement. The drains limited the depth of the newpavement to five inches to avoid damage to drains, and the need tominimize disruption to traffic called for a solution that was both durable and fast. While ALDOT specified the use of concrete for the shoulders to address these issues, specialty paving contractor A.G. Peltz Group, realized that the I-59 project was an ideal project to demonstrate the value of roller-compacted concrete and a more environmentally friendly mix. Rolling Forward RCC is an effective means and methods approach that is raising the bar for roadway rehabilitation and construction in both speed, durability and sustainability. While RCC has been around for many years, it is most commonly used in industrial areas because of its ability to handle heavy loads. The concrete does not rut, shove or produce potholes, is resistant to hydraulic fluid and oil spills, and will not soften under high temperatures. RCC’s value has also extended to include hundreds of miles of RCC shoulders and transporta- tion facilities. continues on page 10 »