The Slag Cement Association (SCA) presented eight Project of the Year awards during the American Concrete Institute’s Spring Convention in Detroit. The awards were given in the categories of architectural, durability, green design, high performance, innovative applications, and sustainability.
“It is important to acknowledge the outstanding work these companies are doing with slag cement,” said Ed Griffith, SCA president. “The construction industry should look to these examples as case studies for the increased durability, resilience and sustainability that slag cement brings to a concrete mix design.”
The following projects were awarded by category:
Architectural
Oceanfront Residence, Shinnecock Bay. A unique residential project that used 1,300 yd. of concrete in the supporting structure, tennis pavilion, stairs, benches and planters. Forty percent slag was used in all the concrete. The slag provides sulfate resistance, which added winter durability and strength against hurricanes to the home. Member company: LafargeHolcim.
The Rowan, San Francisco. Slag cement was utilized in all concrete elements of the 5,200-cu.-yd. structure, replacing 34 percent of the total cementitious material. The column, wall and footing mixes consisted of ternary blends of cement, fly ash and slag – with slag making up 30 percent of the blend. Member company: Lehigh Hanson.
Durability
Revive I-275, Oakland and Wayne counties, Mich. The Michigan DOT replaced 88 lane miles of pavement on I-275. The department specified 30 percent slag cement for its increased durability, ASR mitigating properties and a basis for stable development of air entrainment. The slag cement was utilized as a component in an ASTM C 595 blended cement to best meet the logistics of the project. Member company: LafargeHolcim.
Green Design
University of Notre Dame Campus Crossroads Project, Indiana. The $400 million, LEED Silver project consisted of attaching three new buildings onto the existing iconic football stadium. Slag cement contributed greatly to keeping the temperature of the mass concrete under control, which was vital to the success of the foundations. Despite utilizing the slag cement at 70 percent, the 28-day design strengths were typically obtained in only seven days. Member company: LafargeHolcim.
High Performance
SLS Lux, Miami. The 57-story luxury condominium tower utilized between 40 and 50 percent slag cement in 90 percent of its concrete. The various high-performance columns were at a 50-percent slag dosage with design strengths between 7,000 and 12,000 psi. In the case of the columns, slag was instrumental to achieve 12,000 psi. Member company: Lehigh Hanson.
Ten Hudson Yards, New York. The 50-story, 895-ft.-tall project consisted of 107,000 cu. yd. of concrete. The design required high-strength concrete of at least 14,000 psi in its foundation and lower shear walls. Slag cement was used to achieve the required strength while minimizing heat gain in mass concrete. Member company: LafargeHolcim.
Innovative Application
Ohio DOT Rt. 6 Bridge, Ohio. The project utilized “Accelerated Bridge Construction,” sliding two bridges into place to minimize traffic disruption. Slag cement was used in the wing walls, superstructure, bridge deck and barrier walls at 25 percent replacement of portland cement and was the “ideal material” for high strength and lower permeability needed for the durability of the bridge. Member company: Votorantim Cimentos/St. Marys Cement.
Sustainability
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Clearwater, Fla. The project included the rehabilitation of 16,000 cu. yd. of airport apron pavement. Slag cement contributed to superior strength gain where time was critical to maintain airport operations and the lighter color increased tarmac visibility. Member company: Argos USA.
