InTrans / Oct 19, 2017

Iowa Congressman David Young tours ISU concrete lab

U.S. Representative David Young of Iowa had a first-hand look at innovative concrete materials and technologies on October 17 at the Portland Cement Concrete Pavement and Materials Research Laboratory at Iowa State University.

Representative Young toured the lab in Town Engineering Building where ISU researchers explained ongoing projects including performance engineered concrete for longer lasting roads, pervious concrete that drains water, and heated pavement to melt snow and ice.

“It was great to share with Congressman Young updates about our projects that are leading to cost savings in concrete pavements,” said Dr. Peter Taylor, director of the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center located at ISU’s Institute for Transportation (InTrans).

Representatives from ISU, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa Concrete Pavement Association (ICPA) attended the event. Taylor said the special partnership among education, government and industry results in an effective research agenda that is leading to more durable and safer concrete roadways.

The state’s Third District congressman requested the visit to the ISU lab after John Cunningham, ICPA associate director, explained the novel kinds of concrete research taking place at the university.

Taylor is also a research associate professor in ISU’s Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.

TOP