The American Concrete Institute (ACI), a leading authority on concrete, has issued new guidelines for accelerated concrete paving methods for streets and highways that can eliminate orange cones in less than 12 hours.

"This document will help combat increasing public impatience with traffic interruption during pavement repair or replacement," said James Toscas, executive vice president of ACI. "We just started offering this publication to public agencies and contractors across America, and the demand for this document is incredible."

This fast-track approach allows transportation officials to complete projects that—under normal curing circumstances—would simply not be feasible, Toscas added. With the new accelerated techniques, concrete pavements can be opened to traffic within 12 to 48 hours; traditional techniques for pavement construction require five to 14 days.

"The Iowa Department of Transportation used accelerated paving technology on nine intersections during night construction," said Toscas. "The contractor finished each intersection with no disruption of daily rush-hour traffic."

"All of us at ACI are excited about the potential for these technologies to reduce the stress of road repair and replacement for all involved parties—highway departments, contractors and the traveling public," said Toscas. "We are proud of Lawrence Cole, American Concrete Paving Association, and Norbert Delatte, University of Alabama, co-chairman of the task group that wrote the report, and all of the members of Committee 325 who spent a lot of time developing this practical and information-packed document."

Accelerated methods are commonly used to repair or replace highway or airfield pavements, but they can also be applied to new construction. Besides providing a solution to the familiar construction problem of streets and highways clogged with heavy traffic and angry motorists, accelerated concrete pavements are durable and, consequently, reduce life-cycle costs.

To make this powerful technology applicable, change is required within today’s concrete industry. The ACI document gives recommendations for concrete materials and properties, construction sequencing, curing and temperature control and conventional concrete strength testing, along with many other tips to help further the implementation of the technology.

Founded in 1904, the American Concrete Institute is a technical and education society dedicated to improving the design, construction, manufacture and maintenance of concrete structures.

Today's top stories

Depreciation Bonus Begins Phase-Out

California's I-80 Pavement Rehab Project Moving Along

VIDEO: Vermeer Unveils D24 Horizontal Directional Drill, Marking New Era in Utility Installation

ConExpo-Con/AGG Releases Essential Guide for Hiring, Retaining Top Construction Talent

Ole Miss Progressing Toward Construction of $125M Accountancy School

Boston, MBTA Officials Reveal New Designs for Future Blue Hill Avenue Transit Project

National Attachments Celebrates Its 35th Anniversary

CEG Speaks With New President of Chadwick-BaRoss, Thompson Equipment