Pave Ahead Discusses Sustainable Concrete Pavements in Canada

NRMCA Senior Director, Local Paving, Greg Halsted recently presented on Concrete Pavement Joint Design as part of the American Concrete Institute Manitoba Chapter dinner meeting on January 27 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Some 24 people (seen here, with Halsted behind the podium) attended the meeting, including pavement engineers, suppliers and students. Halsted’s presentation explained why jointing is a critical aspect of concrete pavement design and construction, and looked at the principles and practices of proper jointing necessary to ensure the longevity, performance and sustainability of concrete pavements.

He discussed types of joints, joint spacing and design, dowels and tie bars, joint construction techniques, and joint maintenance and sealing. The presentation was well-received as the city of Winnipeg is home to some of Canada’s first concrete pavements dating back to 1903 and currently comprises over 80% of Winnipeg’s street network.

Halsted was also invited by Concrete Manitoba to speak at a workshop titled Concrete Pavement Mastery: Design, Maintenance, Repair, Testing and Joint Integrity held on January 28 also in Winnipeg. The educational event attracted approximately 50 pavement professionals interested in hearing about the latest developments in concrete pavement design, construction and maintenance. Halsted gave a presentation titled Sustainable Concrete in the Pavement Industry, focusing on how the North American cement and concrete industries are developing initiatives and implementing sustainable materials and practices to reduce carbon emissions.

Due to a last-minute cancellation on the program, Halsted was then asked to give a second presentation, this one titled Paving with Type GUL Cement Mixes (Canada’s nomenclature for PLC or Type IL). He noted that the rapid acceptance of this sustainable cement has led to its widespread use in pavement applications, but not without some unique challenges and concerns. His presentation focused on the properties of concrete with Type GUL cement, their potential concrete mixture impacts and best practices for paving with GUL mixes.

Based on the number of questions, interactive discussions and positive comments, attendees at both Manitoba events learned a great deal from all the presenters, Halsted said. "The dinner meeting and workshop were excellent forums to discuss and promote the durability and sustainability of concrete pavements and to educate attendees on the assistance and support available to them through the NRMCA Pave Ahead initiative," he noted.

For more information, contact Greg Halsted at ghalsted@nrmca.org.