Development of Mix Designs and Matrix of Materials for MnROAD Low Carbon Concrete Test Site

To address climate change mitigation goals, alternative concrete paving mixtures are being investigated that are claimed to have a lower global warming potential (GWP) at time of construction with equal or better long-term performance compared to conventional concrete paving mixtures currently in use by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

The objectives of this study are to develop a final matrix of test sections and a construction quality assurance (QA) plan for the construction of a Minnesota Road Research Facility (MnROAD) experimental section, consisting of 16 test cells, to assess the environmental impact and constructability of various concrete paving mixtures designed to reduce environmental impact, with the opportunity to assess in-service performance over a three-year period following test cell construction.

This report documents the concrete mixtures being evaluated, the list of tests to be performed on the plant-produced concrete, construction observations, and a preliminary assessment of environmental impact. Follow-up studies are ongoing, which will document the lab testing results and provide yearly performance updates on the test cells. These reports will be made available by MnDOT.