During the tour, County Materials showcased its high-performance concrete products and demonstrated quality and stress-testing procedures for concrete pipe. Post-tour discussions focused on the technical aspects of manufacturing concrete pipe and bridge girders, and on the current issues affecting the concrete pipe industry. The discourse provided participants with pertinent information regarding key transportation issues facing the state, the economic ripple effect that concrete pipe and girders provide for the state, and the company’s positive impact on the industry.
Among the attendees were several notable leaders including Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Mark Gottlieb, and WisDOT Deputy Secretary Paul Hammer, among other WisDOT regional representatives. County Materials also welcomed Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-10) and the Wisconsin Concrete Pipe Administration’s Executive Director Clark Wantoch.
Industry issues
While the tour and demonstration afforded the officials an opportunity to see concrete pipe, precast and prestress production first hand, it also sparked discussion on recent industry concerns surrounding WisDOT's decision to change the design and construction specifications under Sections 520 and 608, allowing corrugated polyethylene and polypropylene pipe as an alternative to rigid pipe for certain storm sewer projects.
The concrete pipe industry argues the inherent safety and financial risks associated with using flex pipe in construction projects outweigh the possible benefits. While bids for transportation projects may see flex pipe as an attractive economic alternative, the Wisconsin Concrete Pipe Association (WCPA) stresses the long-term liability of the products and added costs to installation. According to the WCPA, contractors, owners and designers ought to consider the increased challenges to installation, testing requirements, additional parts and labor, and trench detail requirements. “Flexible pipe requires optimal field installation to achieve its strength. Extra supervision and inspection should be accounted for to ensure the installation is optimal when the ‘in the field’ environment is always dynamic,” says the WCPA.
In a letter to Secretary Gottlieb, WCPA Executive Director, Clark Wantoch, outlined challenges flex pipes present if constructed under WisDOT sewer and culvert specifications. Industry-wide concerns and recommendations include: Wear and weight restrictions specify average daily traffic loads remain below 7,000 vehicles/day - which does not consider additional volumes of trucking or farm equipment; higher costs to changed backfilling requirements; the use of corrugated polyethylene and polypropylene pipe should be limited in areas of high ground water as this could cause a shifting of pipe due to buoyancy; and, the use of corrugated polyethylene and polypropylene pipe should be limited when shoring of the trench is required.
In addition to manmade issues, concerns about the environment also play a part when choosing reliable products for drainage projects. Recent storms with record rainfall in Northwestern Wisconsin brought attention to the expansive need for safe storm water removal. Storm water management continues to be a growing issue for communities with serious economic impacts. Not only is concrete pipe a benefit to the environment by using sustainable materials and providing reliable performance to reduce drainage and pollution problems, it is also a benefit to the tax payers, as the industry can expect concrete pipe to last 1.5 to 2 times longer than alternate materials such as HDPE, PVC, and polypropylene, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The concrete pipe industry urges state officials to recognize the strength, longevity and proven durability of concrete products, such as those demonstrated at the Roberts event, for use in storm water conveyance projects for their safety and economic benefit.
Economic impacts
During the event, County Materials’ leaders shared how the company does more than just provide durable products to construction projects; they also provide a framework for utilities, and contribute to thousands of jobs in the economy.
County Materials employs nearly 1,300 team members in the construction industry at 40+ locations in local communities. The company shared that the manufacturing of concrete pipe and concrete girders provides an economic ripple effect that can be felt across the state and the country. County Materials’ jobs positively encourage further industry-related positions including those in shipping, design, construction and maintenance. During the discussions, both Secretary Gottlieb and Senator Harsdorf were quick to recognize the beneficial economic impact that County Materials plays as a major employer in the state of Wisconsin.
Manufacturing integrity
The event also highlighted County Materials’ 70th anniversary. Since 1946, County Materials Corporation has demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to the concrete manufacturing industry. For over 70 years, this family-owned organization has played a pivotal role in the construction industry by developing and supplying products and services to exceed the requirements of private and public construction and development projects.
As a result of the event held in Roberts, Wisconsin DOT officials and local politicians received a better appreciation for County Materials’ dedication to the industry and the local communities it serves. According to Secretary Gottlieb, “There will always be a place for concrete girders and pipe in the state of Wisconsin.”