James A. Moore, New Hampshire Department of Transportation and
Mary Lou Ralls, Texas Department of Transportation
When the HPC Lead States Team closes its doors in September, our members and partners can look back on a five-year record of achievement. Since the AASHTO Lead States Team was established in 1996, HPC team members have promoted the performance and strength advantages of HPC technology, primarily in bridge superstructures and substructures. We crafted a mission statement and developed a strategic plan to identify specific goals, strategies, and action plans. Our outreach initiatives included HPC Bridge Showcases, international symposia, conference and meeting presentations, and articles for various publications.
Implementation is the Foundation for Transition
The successes of the Lead States Team owe much to the tremendous cooperation of our public and private sector partners, including precast, prestressed concrete producers and ready-mixed concrete suppliers; academia; the FHWA; and State DOT personnel. For example, in each State, there are Points of Contact (POC) who champion HPC technology. One of the most valuable lessons learned is the importance of industry input.
As a result, a majority of States now use conventional strength HPC for bridge decks, almost half use high strength HPC for girders, and others are using HPC for superstructures and substructures.
Technology plays an important role in publicizing our activities. The Team’s web site includes current information such as State DOT POCs and bridge survey results. It has links to FHWA and other HPC-related web sites. Visitors can download HPC Bridge Showcase presentation materials from the FHWA web site. We’re also designing an HPC Bridge Workshop to train individuals in all aspects of HPC technology.
The Challenges
If HPC is to be the material of choice for bridges and pavements, there are still issues to be addressed. HPC is used widely for bridges and is increasingly used for pavements, but there are no standard specifications, designs, or material requirements. To achieve standardization, AASHTO must adopt HPC practices. The on-going FHWA-sponsored project to investigate development of standard specifications with respect to HPC will provide significant input to support this effort. An HPC Task Force was created to provide oversight and recommendations to AASHTO. Our Team has also established liaisons with the AASHTO Subcommittees on Bridges and Structures, Materials, and Construction.
Funding sources for research into HPC permeability and resistance to chloride ion penetration must be identified.
Streamlined and open communication must be maintained with key industry, academic, and association partners to continue HPC implementation.
Research to confirm and promote the long-term benefits of HPC bridges and pavements must continue. The Team has already provided multiple test sites for the bridge life-cycle cost program developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The Future
Each Lead States Team member has contributed enthusiasm, insight, and hours of hard work to construct the foundation for the future of HPC. The AASHTO Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures is designated as the primary liaison to continue the work of the Lead States Team. The AASHTO Subcommittees on Materials and Construction are designated for primary support and guidance in this effort. We are optimistic about the future of HPC, and we remain committed to our goal to retire the term high performance concrete and simply refer to concrete designed for the specific performance requirements.