Buffalo RM, Forta project takes first Innovative Fiber Project award

Source: Fiber Reinforced Concrete Association, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Convening at World of Concrete, FRCA announced its inaugural award program winner: the Martin Luther King Jr./ Humboldt Basin pool and rink in Buffalo, N.Y., awarded to member Forta Corp. in Grove City, Pa. Forta fiber was used in the 3,700 yd. of concrete Buffalo Redi-Mix supplied to contractor Man O-Trees Inc.

The project exemplifies innovative fiber technology and practice in a combined City of Buffalo wading pool/skating rink covering over 4.6 acres of colored slab‐on‐grade. Designed by local architectural/engineering firm Wendell Cos., the 6-in. thick splash‐pad was placed in concentric circular sections using a checkerboard panel template. Original plans called for over 29,000 ft. of saw‐cut control joints within the panels; however, an alternate design involving concrete with a high dosage of macro‐synthetic fiber reinforcement netted outer‐ring, joint‐free panels as large as 65 ft. x 70 ft.

FRCA has launched the annual Innovative Fiber Project of the Year award to recognize unique practice and advance the use of fiber reinforced concrete in slabs-on-grade, decorative flatwork or pervious pavement, precast and shotcrete.