One of the most important steps in any public project that involves concrete is to ensure compliance with Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) specifications. Adhering to these specifications isn’t just following another law, but it’s a commitment to creating concrete projects with durability, longevity and safety at the forefront. At Potrykus Construction, we always make sure to follow any and all WisDOT requirements and guidelines when completing our public projects, so today we thought we’d shine a light on what they are.
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WisDOT Concrete Classification System
First things first, it’s important to understand the concrete classification system that WisDOT implements. There are two different things that WisDOT categorizes for concrete: its class and its grade.
There are three different concrete classes: I, II and III. The class of a concrete refers to the level of sampling, testing and reporting required. For example, in order to be considered a Class I concrete, it must undergo rigorous sampling and quality control. Class I concrete is typically used in structural applications like bridge decks and retaining walls.
Then there are four different grades: A, B, C and E. A concrete’s grade defines the cement used in its construction, which is a reflection of the concrete’s strength, durability and resistance. Grade A is what would be used in high-performance applications, whereas Grade C is usually suitable for ancillary flatwork.
It’s important to choose the right class and grade for a project, again not just to remain compliant but because misclassification can ultimately cause premature wear and tear, leading to costly repairs or perhaps even total structural failure.
Material Standards & Testing Protocols
Section 501 of the WisDOT Standard Specifications for Highway and Structure Construction is dedicated to concrete. It’s where a lot of this information can be found, and it outlines the strict requirements the organization has for the materials used in concrete mixes. Here are a few of the most important:
- Aggregates must meet gradation, cleanliness and durability standards. Testing includes alkali-silica reactivity (ASR), freeze-thaw durability and LA Wear — which tests abrasion resistance.
- Cementitious materials – including Portland cement, fly ash, slag and other additives must conform to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards while being compatible with the aggregate sources in order to minimize ASR risks.
- Water must be clean and free of any harmful impurities, while admixtures like air entrainers, water reducers and retarders must be department-approved and used within specified limits.
All concrete materials undergo sampling and testing following WisDOT protocols to ensure that each and every batch meets performance expectations before being used in any public project.
Additional Requirements
In addition to regulating what goes into the concrete utilized in public projects, WisDOT also governs things like how it’s mixed and transported, placed and cured, protected from the cold and more. Here are a few of the most important examples of additional requirements imposed by the WisDOT:
- Concrete must be mixed uniformly and transported in a way that prevents segregation or premature setting.
- Concrete must be placed promptly upon arrival and consolidated within specific time constraints dependent on the type of vehicle in which it was delivered.
- Concrete must be cured using specific materials according to the Approved Products List (APL).
- Concrete must be mixed, placed and protected following specific guidelines during cold weather in order to prevent freezing until it reaches the required strength.
Ensure WisDOT Compliance with Potrykus Construction
As we already mentioned, WisDOT compliance is on our mind from day one here at Potrykus Construction. Not just because it’s required, but because we want to make sure each and every one of our projects is as durable and safe as it can possibly be. If you’d like to see all of the requirements imposed by WisDOT and don’t mind pouring through an incredibly technical document, you can check out Section 501 on its website. If you’re ready to get your public project underway, you can get in touch with us right away instead.