Precast Concrete in Minnesota Roadways
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
20-4-2015 10:00 AM
End Date
20-4-2015 11:30 AM
Student's Major
Construction Management
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Mohamed Diab
Mentor's Email Address
mohamed.diab@mnsu.edu
Mentor's Department
Construction Management
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
The old saying, “there are two seasons in Minnesota, winter and road construction”, is no joke. Minnesota’s roadways have and will continue to be a major issue for the state and the tax payers. Minnesota’s roads have issues for a variety of reasons. The drastic changes in temperature cause constant contraction and expansion; the long plowing seasons adds wear and tear. The fact that lots of lakes and rivers mean lots of roads and bridges, roads and bridges laid on a poor base. There are many more examples, but you get the idea Minnesota has a roadway problem with no end in sight. The real question is what is the solution to this billion dollar problem? And, after doing a substantial amount of research, I’ve concluded that precast concrete might just be the answer. The main issue with roadways in Minnesota is sustainability. Basically, if we can create a roadway that will last, we can save the state a drastic amount of money. Precast concrete, due to its unique properties, and if implemented properly can give us that sustainability. There are areas that precast concrete could substantially, positively impact how Minnesota’s roadways are constructed. We just need to focus on implementing precast concrete in to our roadways. After all, drastic times call for drastic measures.
Precast Concrete in Minnesota Roadways
CSU Ballroom
The old saying, “there are two seasons in Minnesota, winter and road construction”, is no joke. Minnesota’s roadways have and will continue to be a major issue for the state and the tax payers. Minnesota’s roads have issues for a variety of reasons. The drastic changes in temperature cause constant contraction and expansion; the long plowing seasons adds wear and tear. The fact that lots of lakes and rivers mean lots of roads and bridges, roads and bridges laid on a poor base. There are many more examples, but you get the idea Minnesota has a roadway problem with no end in sight. The real question is what is the solution to this billion dollar problem? And, after doing a substantial amount of research, I’ve concluded that precast concrete might just be the answer. The main issue with roadways in Minnesota is sustainability. Basically, if we can create a roadway that will last, we can save the state a drastic amount of money. Precast concrete, due to its unique properties, and if implemented properly can give us that sustainability. There are areas that precast concrete could substantially, positively impact how Minnesota’s roadways are constructed. We just need to focus on implementing precast concrete in to our roadways. After all, drastic times call for drastic measures.
Recommended Citation
Franta, Joseph. "Precast Concrete in Minnesota Roadways." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 20, 2015.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2015/poster_session_A/52
