AGE IS JUST A NUMBER - CONCRETE RESILIENCE: TIMELESS STRENGTH

Discover the stories behind concrete that withstands the test of time

74 Years Strong: The Secret to Concrete’s Longevity

What if your pavements could endure for decades without faltering? Concrete proves that age is just a number. From Iowa’s Broadway Street, where pavement has stood for 74 years, to historical highways still carrying heavy traffic, concrete’s resilience is unmatched.

Join us in our Age is Just a Number series as we explore remarkable case studies showcasing the durability of concrete pavements.

First up, we spotlight Broadway Street in Emmetsburg, Iowa, where innovation and preservation extended the lifespan of two pavement sections originally constructed 74 and 66 years ago, respectively. Initially built with unreinforced concrete pavement, these roads have undergone strategic preservation efforts, dowel bar retrofit (DBR) and diamond grinding.

For a short period of time, the pavement was covered with asphalt in 1998, to remediate ride quality and friction. When local engineers realized the excellent structural condition and the opportunity for concrete pavement repair, they decided to remove the asphalt and return the pavement to its original glory.

Using DBR and a diamond grind, they successfully eliminated joint faults and rejuvenated the friction characteristics. This pavement still has decades of life left—a great return on investment for Iowa’s taxpayers!

·     Location: Broadway Street, Emmetsburg, Iowa 

·     Key Features: Dowel bar retrofit, diamond grinding, joint sealing 

·     Legacy Impact: Improved durability and prolonged usability with minimal environmental and economic impact 

Stay tuned! Next week, we’ll explore US-131 in Michigan and reveal how preservation efforts keep critical roadways going strong decade after decade.