IGGA leadership shares insights at WOC 2026

From CSA as a game-changer to common misconceptions to future priorities and more

The IGGA’s John Roberts and Nick Davis were busy at this year’s World of Concrete (WOC), from connecting with members and visitors at our booth to stopping by members' exhibits to hosting the IGGA reception and more.

Somehow, they found the time to sit down for several interviews—sharing important insights into industry advancements, trends in pavement preservation and concrete infrastructure, the economics of concrete and strategies shaping the future of our nation’s highways. Below, we highlight the most impactful takeaways from those conversations.

John Caldwell, VP of sales and marketing for FasTrac Construction Products, kicked off the company’s interview series at WOC with IGGA Executive Director John Roberts. The discussion centered on the IGGA's crucial role in pavement preservation and optimization. Roberts emphasized the IGGA's function as a one-stop shop for repair, maintenance and tech transfer, bridging the gap between public and private sectors. Highlights from their conversation include:

·     The historical context and evolution of diamond grinding and dowel bar retrofit (DBR) to solve pavement faulting. 

·     The game-changing impact of Calcium Sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, which provide fast-setting, low-shrinkage and durable solutions for repairs. 

·     How these advanced materials and techniques make roads safer, smoother and longer lasting in a cost-effective manner. 

Watch the full interview on the IGGA’s YouTube channel: https://ow.ly/CVXw50YbTjx

In his interview with Roads & Bridges’ Gavin Jenkins, IGGA’s Director of Technical Services Nick Davis addressed the big-picture health of America's pavement network and challenged common industry misconceptions. He advocated for a life-cycle cost analysis approach when selecting materials, arguing for the long-term value of concrete. Key insights included:

·     The biggest misconception about concrete is its initial cost; a full life-cycle analysis often reveals superior longevity and performance. 

·     Preserving existing pavements is inherently more sustainable, using fewer materials and financial resources. 

·     The increasing implementation of low-carbon, fast-setting CSA cements results in more durable pavements that can be opened to traffic sooner, reducing public disruption. 

See the full interview here: https://ow.ly/IvLI50Y4vbM

Appearing on AOE’s Advancing Excellence podcast at WOC, Nick Davis framed the IGGA as a "financial advisor" for highway portfolios, guiding agencies toward best practices that maximize their budgets. He shared several success stories where innovative thinking led to massive savings.

The discussion covered:

·     The challenge of high turnover at DOTs and the resulting loss of institutional knowledge underscores the need for continuous education. 

·     Success stories from Arizona, Oklahoma and New York, where techniques like diamond grinding and dowel bar retrofitting saved billions of dollars compared to full replacement. 

·     Future priorities, including the greater implementation of safety grooving on asphalt to reduce hydroplaning and improve safety. 

Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/DYjXT18JtfE

The insights from World of Concrete 2026 make it clear that education, innovation and a focus on long-term value are driving the future of our infrastructure. Stay connected with us for more updates on the developments shaping the pavement industry. www.igga.net