Performance Concrete Update

March 18, 2008

The SDC initiative to develop a concrete performance specification took a significant step forward in October 2007 with the first meeting of the Innovative Task Group (ITG)-8 – Performance Criteria for Concrete Materials. Prior to the formation of ITG-8, the SDC consulted closely with the ACI Technical Activities Committee (TAC) and its Technology Transfer Committee (TTTC) to examine the most efficient and effective way to develop language that could eventually lead to wider use of performance concrete specifications. Funding for ITG-8 was provided by a grant from the RMC Research & Education Foundation. 

The first meeting of ITG-8 was in Puerto Rico during the Fall 2007 ACI Convention, and the Committee has been meeting monthly via conference call. The Committee met with the Florida DOT in Gainesville, Fla. in mid-Feb., 2008 to discuss FDOT’s field trial of a specification permitting a performance alternative for concrete. Specifically, the FDOT prescribed performance criteria to be tested via surface resistivity. Durability performance and applicable testing to confirm conformance is a major challenge for the ITG. 

The ITG has developed a draft document outline and will meet with researchers at the upcoming Spring 2008 ACI Convention in Los Angeles, CA. The Chair has established late summer as a target date for a first draft. 

ITG Members include Kenneth Rear (Chair), KBR Resources Inc; John A Bickley, John A Bickley Associates Ltd; Nicholas J Carino, Consultant; Mark F Chrzanowski, CH2M HILL; Ross S Martin, Ross Martin Consultants; and TAC contact Steven H Kosmatka, Portland Cement Association; with support from Shuaib Ahmad (Staff Liaison), ACI. 

For more information regarding SDC's role in Performance Concrete, click here.