Government-industry cooperation: Fast-track concrete innovation

Technology for fast-cure concrete, used in other construction areas in the past, recently found application in highway pavement. During July 1986, a 4-in. (10.2-cm) concrete overlay was applied to 7 mi (11.2 km) of U.S. Highway 71 north of Storm Lake, Iowa. The project team developed a new type of concrete mix that cures fast to allow traffic onto the road in only 24 hours. This innovation provides an example of cooperative government-industry effort and successful procurement policies implemented by a government agency. Initiated as a response to competition from other materials, the development of fast-track concrete illustrates the process and involvement of many organizations in product innovation. This paper describes the development of paving technologies in Iowa, the formation of an industry association, and the innovation process to bring about technical improvements and cost competitiveness. The implications section describes elements of government policy to foster an increased rate of innovation in U.S. public construction, including supporting increased technical capability, using demonstration projects, encouraging competing technologies.