Industry News

ACPA Hosts Successful Reception at TRB

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 13:18

ACPA on Monday hosted a successful reception at the Transportation Research Board’s 99th Annual Meeting at The Willard (Intercontinental Hotel), in Washington, DC.

Held at the event this year drew an estimated 200 to 250 people, who enjoyed appetizers and refreshments and fellowship with ACPA representatives and others in the transportation construction community. Guests were treated to the new 2-minute version of the popular video, “It’s What We Do,” which premiered at the ACPA Annual Meeting in November. Jerry Voigt acknowledged and thanked sponsors of the event, welcomed participants and expressed best wishes for a great year in 2020.

The generosity of ACPA sponsors makes this event a great success by defraying expenses and by making the evening a great way to show appreciation and support for the people representing agencies/owners, industry and academia.

The annual event has become a favorite with the research community representing the FHWA, state transportation agencies, airport owners’ representatives, Association members, consultants, ACPA chapters, and others with an interest in advancing surface transportation research and technology. The 99th annual meeting began on Sunday, Jan. 12, and runs through tomorrow (Thurs., Jan. 16).

MAP Brief Spotlights NGCS History

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 12:20

The latest MAP Brief* from the Concrete Pavement Road Map chronicles the research, development and implementation of the Next Generation Concrete Surface (NGCS), which was formally introduced in 2007.  NGCS surfaces represent the quietest non-porous concrete pavement textures developed to date, according to the MAP Brief, which notes that at the time of construction, NGC is typically 99 dBA and has a typical range of up to 103 dBA over time.  

Some 4 million sq yds of NGCS pavement sections have been constructed and the first sections have been in service up to 12 years, the MAP Brief says, noting the quiet pavement sections have been constructed in 15 states and three countries.

In the mid-2000’s, the concrete pavement industry was challenged to address the issue of noisy pavements. ACPA led the charge to develop a technology solution, and with a significant investment by ACPA, the Portland Cement Association and the International Grooving & Grinding Association, an extensive research and testing program was undertaken to develop a quiet, safe and durable concrete surface texture. 

The outcome of this effort was the developments of the NGCS, which resulted from collaborative research efforts led by ACPA.  The initiative included research and development supported by the IGGA/ACPA Concrete Pavement Preservation Partnership (CP3), Purdue University, along with testing and implementation support from industry, agencies/owners, Chapter/States, and others interested parties.  

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* Moving Advancements into Practice (MAP) Briefs describe innovative research and promising technologies that can be used now to enhance concrete paving practices. The Long-Term Plan for Concrete Pavement Research and Technology (CP Road Map) is a national research plan developed and jointly implemented by the concrete pavement stakeholder community. Publications and other support services are provided by the Operations Support Group and funded by the Federal Highway Administration.

President Takes Aim at Burdensome Environmental Approvals

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 11:42

President Donald J. Trump last week announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to reform Environmental Policy Act regulations. 

During a press conference to announce the NPRM, the President blamed onerous regulations for creating lengthy delays. “Critical infrastructure projects have been tied up and bogged down by an outrageously slow and burdensome federal approval process,” he says.

These endless delays waste money, keep projects from breaking ground, and deny jobs to our nation’s incredible workers,” he says. During his remarks, the President cited specific examples of highway, roadway and bridge projects and explained how several projects have been adversely affected by the current, complex approval process. 

“We’re going to get it down to 2 years and maybe less, with strong regulation, especially environmental and safety regulation,” he says. The Administration’s proposed changes include a unfied decision-making process called, “One Federal Decision,” which the President says will “require agencies to work closely together to promptly deliver one decision.”

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and EPA Secretary Andrew R. Wheeler also made supporting remarks and described details of the NPRM process and the Administration’s plans. Several industry officials were also present and expressed support for the Administration’s plans to reform the regulations. For additional information, click here to see the press conference on YouTube.

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Image courtesy of the White House via YouTube.

Sarah Sanders Joins CO/WY Chapter

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 11:16

The Colorado/Wyoming Chapter-ACPA welcomes Sarah Sanders as Pavement Engineer. In her role with the chapter, Sarah will be working with public agencies, developers, consulting engineers, and contractors in Colorado and Wyoming to provide technical assistance related to concrete pavement design, construction and rehabilitation. 

She also will be managing the CDOT-ACPA Concrete Pavement Inspector Certification Program and providing additional education to support owners and engineers throughout the two states.  

Sarah is a lifelong Colorado resident and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. 

She started her career with Castle Rock Construction Company, an ACPA member, and progressed to lead their Quality Control Department. Sarah’s most recent experience is with RockSol Consulting, where she worked as a Concrete Special Inspector and Senior Chief Inspector at Denver International Airport before joining the chapter. 

Sarah is a registered professional engineer in Colorado and Nevada.  

Make Plans to Attend the 12th ICCP

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 10:34

ACPA is urging members and affiliates to participate in the 12th International Conference on Concrete Pavements, scheduled for Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel in Minneapolis.  

Dating back to 1977, the conference has become a popular event for international interests in concrete pavements. This year’s event is expected to draw more than 400 participants from around the world.

Organizers anticipate more than 100 technical papers, with presentations set as both podium and poster sessions. The conference will also feature 10 workshops ranging from two to four hours and covering a range of concrete pavement topics. There will also be more than 40 exhibitors on hand to exhibit and discuss products. 

The meeting also coincides with the fall 2020 meeting of the National Concrete Consortium, and there are discussions about including TRB committee meetings at the same time.

Participants will also be treated to an optional field trip to view test sections on I-94 and the low-volume test loop at MnROAD, is a pavement test track made up of various research materials and pavements owned and operated (with partners) by the Minnesota DOT.

Registration is open now and we encourage early registration for the hotel and the event. Click here for complete information, including online registration links.

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