Federal Highway Administration Announces Grant for Super Strength Concrete for First-Time Use on Bridge Deck Panels in the United States

Federal Highway Administration
12 June 2009

The Federal Highway Administration awarded a $382,971 grant to Coreslab Structures (OMAHA) Inc., this week to manufacture and install the deck for a bridge using a brand of concrete considered the most high-tech in the industry. Known as "ultra high-performance concrete," this variety of concrete is much more durable than traditional forms and will be used for the first time in the "waffle" deck panels of a bridge in Wapello County, Iowa. This particular design with cross sections makes it less costly to use the material. The panels also will be fabricated off site and then placed onto the bridge, resulting in less construction time. The grant was provided under FHWA's Highways for LIFE program which promotes highway innovations. Contact Nancy Singer: (202) 366-0660.