• January 22, 2016

    PacTrans Technology Transfer Success Story 2015 #3: Washington Legislators Passed Bill 1695 based on PacTrans Researchers’ Findings

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    Investigators: PI Haifang Wen (WSU), David McLean (WSU), Spencer Boyle (WSU), Timothy Spry (WSU), Danny Mjelde (WSU)

    Project Type: Small Project

    Title of Original Research: Laboratory evaluation of recycled concrete as aggregate in new concrete pavements

    Research Description: Many concrete roadways managed by the WSDOT have surpassed their original design lives and expected traffic loading, but due to costs associated with replacement, much of this needed replacement has been backlogged. Both the Federal Highway Administration and the WSDOT are interested in alternatives that promote cheaper and more sustainable pavement construction practices. Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) can reduce costs, environmental impacts, and project delivery time when used in concrete pavements.

    Technology Transfer: This research has led the Washington State Legislature to recently pass Bill 1695 that calls for the use of recycled concrete in future building projects. Thus, PacTrans has allocated Dr. Wen additional funding for technology transfer which will include: meeting with Washington Department of Transportation, Washington Aggregate and Concrete Association, Concrete Suppliers, and local governments to present the findings on the use of recycled concrete; developing a brochure on how to use recycled concrete aggregate for concrete production; developing newsletter on the use of recycled concrete; and creating a social media video on how to use recycled concrete.