The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)’s Mobile Concrete Technology Center (MCTC) rolling lab may be sidelined because of the pandemic, but the staff is as busy as ever with many activities aimed at advancing concrete technologies in our constrained operating environment. Mike Praul, P.E., Senior Concrete Engineer-FHWA, points to a number of activities:
• The MCTC has been equipped with cameras and technology necessary to host internet/virtual MEETINGS and WEBINARS.
• Currently developing a BROCHURE to announce:
—A new technician training effort that will be offered to states and industry technicians
—Idea is for the audience pick the technology
—Staff will do a short presentation, demo the equipment, and conduct a very informal open Q&A where MCTC technicians will share their lessons learned with other technicians and address any topics of audience interest
—An open announcement will go out on a first-come-first-served basis—how much interest derived is yet to be determined
—Goal is for audiences of 6 to 10—intended to be a very interactive sessions
—A FLYER will be available soon
• MCTC will continue to provide technical assistance upon request
—A North Carolina contractor’s QC personnel in the operation of the MIT Scan T3 has been trained
—In the process of reviewing Vermont’s new PEM-type draft specification
—Will continue to work with Caltrans and the FHWA California Division Office to implement the spec changes we worked with them to develop
• Conducting an evaluation of the new Phoenix testing device that Dr. Tyler Ley has developed to measure water content of fresh concrete
• Developing and publishing a PAPER on the data analysis of all the performance engineered mixtures (PEM) testing that has been done with the MCTC
• Supporting a number of ongoing and new research initiatives at the FHWA’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center
Mike also shared some good news about the FHWA’s equipment loan program. He stated, “Our equipment loan program is operational. We are still actively providing loans to states, industry, and academia.” To see a list of equipment and other information about the MCTC, please go to: www.fhwa.dot.gov/Pavement/concrete/trailer/index.cfm