Communities thrive on strong local businesses, employment opportunities and access to deliver and receive goods. A strong community will benefit further from investment in education, sustainable measures and strong social connections. Material selection cannot alone make communities the strongest they can be, but it can ensure a strong infrastructure to support business, encourage social connections and reduce the long-term burden on maintenance.
I am reminded of the adage, “If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” When it comes to our communities and our precious resources, more scrutiny than ever should be placed on imagining, planning, and building the support system that is our infrastructure. This focus on success will ensure the long-term prosperity of our communities. Public officials should take great pride in the burden of perfection and conducting competition of apples-to-apples comparison of materials selection to ensure the best decisions are being made for the communities they support. Relying on the way it’s always been done could hold back a community and strangle the opportunity of prosperity.
Material selection must consider not only the initial costs but also the long-term impacts on maintenance, durability, environmental footprint, and disposal. This competition of materials can also enhance the selection of project types. When considering the increased number of roundabouts being built in our communities. Decisions were made to build these based on the decreased number of fatalities at these intersections and the reduced need for traffic signals.
The success of roundabout intersections can be further enhanced by choosing concrete. A rigid pavement design eliminates the rutting and shoving seen with the alternative material, making it safer to drive on. The bright, reflective nature of concrete not only makes it safer to drive on, but it also helps reduce the need for lighting, improving the LCCA of the project. In fact, there are many more benefits of using concrete that make it the best option for roundabouts like improved drainage, reduced maintenance, and rideability.
An important part of material selection is knowing the available solutions and taking the time to consider how these solutions can elevate the community’s ability to do business and come together. Recently in our blog, Nancy Beltran and Randy Bowers explore these solutions that communities should consider when they commit to building up their communities and setting them up for success. Explore our blog for great work they have written about and call on them to help with your considerations.
At the Cement Council of Texas, we support the proper use of cement and concrete and our commitment to supporting the great state of Texas in its materials and solutions selection is unwavering. We have a long history of working with public agencies, cities and municipalities, and end users of construction materials. Put us to work for you and let’s prosper together.
