Fall 2024

PCAV VDOT JOINT MEETING

We hosted our annual joint meeting with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on Tuesday, September 17. It was a productive day filled with meaningful discussions on training programs, technical specifications, and collaboration opportunities. Below are the highlights and key takeaways from each committee and meeting session.

Board of Directors Meeting

The PCAV Board of Directors reviewed ongoing projects and set strategic priorities for the remainder of the year, including its sponsorship for the VCTA District Dialogues, new training opportunities with VDOT, and the importance of remaining engaged and in communication with VDOT on key regulatory changes.

Education Committee

The Education Committee held an in-depth discussion with ACPA and NCPA staff to create a comprehensive training program for VDOT staff. The committee focused on training strategy and development goals, aiming to address the needs of 3,500 VDOT employees statewide. Ongoing partnerships with organizations like the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTPA) and future training events, such as a training scheduled for VDOT October 21-22, 2024 were highlighted.

Technical Committee

The Technical Committee discussed VDOT's proposed revisions to Section 503 specifications, including updates to precast standards and dry-cast concrete requirements. PCAV identified specific topics on which to work with VDOT to achieve clarity.

PCAV VDOT Joint Meeting

During the joint meeting with VDOT, participants discussed updates to BABA/Buy America requirements, 1L Cement Mixes, and Section 302 Specifications. The meeting also included conversations on field adjustments, standard drawings for precast/cast-in-place, and sound wall specifications. Looking ahead, VDOT is revising specifications and the group discussed upcoming industry conferences and opportunities for professional development.

For more details on upcoming events or to get involved, please contact Becky Hall or visit our website.

In Memoriam

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the unexpected passing of Jason Rensberry, Besser Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Jason passed away on Thursday, August 1 from a sudden medical emergency.

We could go through a long list of Jason’s professional accomplishments and detail what an asset he was to Besser Company for the last 24 years because he certainly was. But, instead, we will be thinking about how the world lost a good-hearted, generous, and kind human being. The family he left behind will be forever devastated at the loss of a caring husband and a father that moved mountains for his children. Besser will share deeply in their grief. Please keep Jason’s family and friends close to your heart.

His complete obituary can be found here.

Interstate 81 Expansion Project Approved by VDOT

by: Michael Doti, WFXR

Interstate 81 is a key corridor in Virginia, connecting 30 colleges and universities, 21 cities and towns and 13 counties. Interstate 81 also parallels the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, attracting a multitude of visitors each year.

The 325-mile corridor drives jobs and economic development. It serves as the backbone of the East Coast with nearly 50% of Virginia’s value of goods are transported along the corridor, which has the highest per capita truck volume in Virginia.

As Michael Doti, WFXR, reports, the Virginia Department of Transportation has approved an expansion project to add an additional lane on both sides between Roanoke and Botetourt counties.

The project is a part of the $3 billion Corridor Improvement Program (CIP), which was passed back in 2019. This project received a $361.6 million contract, making it one of the largest works in the CIP. The contract was given to Branch Civil Incorporated.

The expansion will only cover seven miles of I-81, from exit 143 in Roanoke County to exit 150 in Botetourt County.

“This is a stretch of I-81 that is congested, and there is a high percentage of truck traffic, and a lot of vehicles use this stretch of 81 between Route 220 and Interstate 581,” Bond said. “This is definitely a project that should help with the safety, reliability, and congestion through that corridor.”

Read the articles in full HERE.

PCAV Member Highlights

"The Rock" - a revolutionary incremental spacer for precision grouting in connections

by Mike Newborg, A-LOK

A-LOK Products, Inc. recently released "The Rock," a multi-faceted dimensional spacer designed to revolutionize precision accuracy in grouting connections. “The Rock” is a solution designed as an alternative to using sticks, stones or chunks of concrete or brick as a common practice for supporting and controlling the pipe within the structure opening prior to placing the mortar in the annular space.

The ROCK™ addresses the inconsistencies of traditional methods by offering a simple and reliable way to set pipe elevation and ensure proper system flow. This new product provides consistent and affordable support during the construction process, thereby enhancing the efficiency and structural integrity of projects.

"The Rock" is engineered to meet the demands of modern construction projects where precision and durability are paramount. With its innovative design, "The Rock" allows users to adjust dimensions incrementally, ensuring precise alignment and optimal performance in grouting applications.

Crafted from high-quality materials, "The Rock" boasts exceptional durability, capable of withstanding rigorous construction environments and maintaining precision over time. Engineered for ease of use, "The Rock" simplifies the installation process, reducing labor costs and project timelines without compromising accuracy.

"The Rock" is now available for purchase and distribution nationwide. For more information about "The Rock" and other innovative products from A-LOK Products, Inc., please visit their website or contact Mike Newborg.

CP&P to the Rescue

Maryland MDOT I-68 Emergency Interstate Road Closure

Terri Frey (Jessup Dispatch) and Chad Shade (Customer Service) reacted swiftly and efficiently to an emergency purchase order from First Fruits Excavating and the Maryland State Highway Administration.

Chad got a call from First Fruits Excavating around 10:30 on Thursday, April 25 saying a pipe had failed under I-68 near Frostburg, Maryland and 80 feet of 36” CL IV reinforced concrete pipe was needed for the repair immediately. CP&P had the pipe in the yard in Jessup, Maryland and Terri was able to arrange for 2 drivers on very short notice to haul the pipe that afternoon and evening.

By Saturday morning on April 27, the detour was lifted, and I-68 was back to being fully functional. First Fruits Excavating and MD State Highway were both very pleased and thankful for our quick response.

Permatile Bridge

Permatile Concrete Products Company

Timothy Branch Project

Mountain City, TN

Hy-Span Bridge System, 37’ span - 45 degree skew

NPCC in Chesterfield

Nansemond Pre-cast Concrete Co., INC (NPCC) produced and shipped storm structures, sanitary, and box culverts to a job site in Chesterfield, Virginia. They were able to meet and exceed the short timeline for the project. In total, over 1,400 tons of precast concrete products were produced and shipped to the project.

Sewer Corrosion Caused by Bacteria

by Ed Pennypacker, Jepco Sales

Concrete sewer structures, like pipes and manholes, are vulnerable to rapid destruction from bacterial corrosion, primarily caused by hydrogen sulfide gas in sewage. When turbulence occurs in sewage systems, the gas is released into the air, allowing bacteria like Thiobacillus to thrive on the concrete surfaces. These bacteria produce sulfuric acid, which gradually corrodes the concrete, lowering its pH and weakening the structure. Without intervention, this process can cause severe damage, as seen in Blacksburg, Virginia, where manholes had deteriorated significantly by 2016.

To prevent such damage, various solutions have been tested, including protective coatings and plastic linings, but these methods have had mixed results. A more effective approach involves preventing bacterial colonies from forming by using treatments like ConSeal’s ConBlock MIC. This additive creates a hostile surface for bacteria, preventing corrosion. Blacksburg replaced their manholes in 2016 using ConBlock MIC, and by 2022, no visible damage had occurred, demonstrating the product’s effectiveness in protecting against sewer corrosion.

Read the whole article HERE.

The Westlake Development

by Malinalli Gomez, Gillespie Precast

The Westlake Development was a project that Gillespie Precast had been tracking since 2019. Westlake was approved for 700+ single family homes and will be serviced by Stafford County Utilities. The project site, located south of Warrenton Road, between Richards Ferry Road and Cedar Grove Road along Horsepen Run, encompasses 492 acres. Brigade Boulevard will be the main thoroughfare in Westlake and our 172’ of 12’ x 8’ Twin Cell Box Culvert will allow access to not only the residential build but also the 65 acres designated for a future high school, a multi-purpose playing field, and future fire and rescue station, as well as a 75 acre parcel for a college site approved by the Virginia General Assembly.

Our persistence and patience finally paid dividends this February when delivery of the thirty-two pieces and two end treatments were delivered. Although weather conditions were not ideal, it all went exactly as planned and positioned. The contractor, Virginia Construction Company, did a masterful job of getting things properly prepared and ready for the install.

The install itself went on without incident and in the three days allotted for the construction. Phil Green, VCC’s Vice President of Operations, commented, “thank you for sending us such a fine looking box” and “best I’ve seen.” That speaks volumes since Phil has 20 years in the industry. Gillespie Precast, family-owned and operated since 1922, is dedicated to providing the best quality precast concrete products in the Mid-Atlantic and the only thing that surpasses our quality is the exceptional customer service our clients receive every step of the way!

We Want Your News!

PCAV would like to feature your business' community outreach -- it's easy to highlight all that you do to support youth by providing scholarships, supporting events in your community, and highlighting your people, products, and promotions!

What will we do with your submissions?

In addition to inclusion in our HardFacts, social media channels, and on the website, we may include in our SCPA grant application and in other publications as requested. We will always provide credit to you, the author, and for all photos.

Submit your news to Becky Hall.