City of Fargo Solid Waste Maintenance Facility Parking Lot - Innovation
As parking lots go, this project may not seem to meet the criteria of an award winning project. But there
is more than meets the eye when it comes to technology. What makes this project stand apart is the
innovation brought to the constructability side of pavements. And what, we might ask, can be identified
as possibly innovative for the construction of parking lots? Yes, only subtle things can be found, but
enormously meaningful for the business of construction. And there is a story to this project being the
first in North Dakota to use the viscosity modifier admixture for finishing enhancement.
The story starts with solving problems for our customers. Knife River has the resources to bring much to
the table, being a national player in ready mix concrete. Jim Erbstoesser from the Fargo plant related
the story of problems with tearing of slip formed curb & gutter being placed this past summer. After
discussion of the problem around the office, Jeff Eberhardt, Fargo Manager of Knife River Materials
suggested the introduction of a small amount of viscosity modifier supplied by GRT Admixtures to
improve the texture of the mix. When Erbstoesser called the Curb & Gutter Foreman to evaluate a
certain load of concrete on the way to his job, the Foreman noted a marked improvement, completely
eliminating the tearing.
After more experimentation, it was decided to use the viscosity modifier to improve finishing of
pavements, especially with roller screed finishing. Thereby, this parking lot project was the first to
receive the enhanced mix to improve finishing. The Concrete Foreman on this project noted an
immediate improvement in finishing, with the beneficial reduction in effort to achieve the smooth
surface with a minimum of effort.
The outcome of the improved finishing capability is an immediate benefit for all who construct concrete
pavements or curb & gutter. The first obvious benefit is the reduction in effort, which translates to a
reduction in cost to construct. The second obvious benefit relates to the ability to do more work with
less manpower and assets. A third benefit is providing the customer with a higher quality surface finish
compared to traditional concrete mixes. Knife River Materials continues to provide innovation to the
concrete industry highlighted by examples provided by this Innovative Award application.