Pennsy Supply Sponsors H.S. Student Competition

Emerging as winners of the second annual Pennsy Concrete Challenge were Dauphin County Technical School students showcasing concrete samples that best

Emerging as winners of the second annual Pennsy Concrete Challenge were Dauphin County Technical School students showcasing concrete samples that best withstood rigorous strength and durability tests. This year’s competition, held at Harrisburg Area Community College’s (HACC) Wildwood Campus in Harrisburg, Pa., included four area high schools and technology schools. Harrisburg-based Pennsy Supply Inc. and HACC’s Civil Technology Program teamed up to create the program Û a classroom curriculum culminating in a one-day competition, designed to provide hands-on experience of concrete properties and civil technology applications among high school masonry and technology students.

In 2004, Pennsy Supply Concrete Quality Control Manager Milan Lipensky proposed a Concrete Challenge to the HACC Civil Technology Program. Under the supervision of Civil Engineering and Technology Professor Janka Ovcharovichova, Ph.D., P.E., two civil technology students took on the Challenge as part of a project required for graduation. The HACC students visited schools participating in the inaugural competition, prepared contest rules in accordance with the American Concrete Institute, created classroom curriculum packages, and served as judges for the one-day competition. This year, entries were judged by HACC civil technology students.

Prior to the one-day competition, students study concrete mix components, including admixtures for enhanced performance; complete computations to support their work; and, mix several concrete batches. On the day of competition, students’ sample cylinders are tested for strength and durability.