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BASF antimicrobial admixture suits underground, environmental structures

Concrete News
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BASF Admixture Systems has formulated the integral MasterLife AMA 100 admixture to protect concrete structures from biodeterioration by destroying bacteria and micro-organisms that cause microbial-induced corrosion upon contact through an electrophysical mechanism. Sewage or wastewater exposure and subsequent reactions can cause premature deterioration in concrete pipes, manholes and other conveyance or drainage structures, resulting in increased maintenance and life-cycle costs plus compromised aesthetic appearance.
Antimicrobial technology imparts surface characteristics inhospitable to bacteria and micro-organisms. BASF Admixture Systems applies similar principles in formulating MasterLife AMA 100 for wastewater exposure-prone concrete surfaces and structures.

“Expanding the service life of concrete structures is among BASF’s priorities for providing sustainable solutions for the construction industry,” says Admixture Systems, Industry Manager Kenneth Kruse. “MasterLife AMA 100 admixture is one of the technologies that can extend the lifespan of sewage or wastewater concrete structures by disrupting the process that leads to microbial-induced corrosion.”

MasterLife AMA 100 is mixed in during the batching process, and becomes an integral part of the concrete for the life of the structure. It provides effective and long lasting protection, even if the concrete surface gets abraded. Repeated contact of MasterLife AMA 100-treated concrete with bacteria will not diminish antimicrobial product effectiveness. — www.master-builders-solutions.basf.us.

BESSER, ACPA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE NEARS

Pursuant to its 2016 National Concrete Pipe Week (August 14-20) announcement, Besser Co. will establish an annual $2,500 scholarship with the American Concrete Pipe Association Foundation, naming the premier recipient in April 2017. The scholarship will be awarded to a student whose course of study is related to concrete pipe production, installation or research. Application forms posted at www.besser.com and www.concrete-pipe.org must be completed and submitted by February 1.

“We’re excited to be taking the lead in addressing the ongoing need for providing a steady stream of young talent to our industry by offering this scholarship,” says Besser CEO Kevin Curtis.

“The Besser Scholarship also serves as a tribute to our predecessors, Jesse Besser, Jon Dannenberg, Joe Pelchat and countless others who embraced training and education as pillars of our business,” adds Director of Pipe and Precast Ryan Suszek. “Through their foresight, ingenuity, dedication and leadership, we’ve earned an industry-wide reputation for providing impactful training during Pipe Schools held in Sioux City, Iowa; onsite courses in producers’ facilities; and, as part of ACPA’s annual short course.” Besser staff train and educate hundreds of industry members annually about the production of concrete pipe, including mix design, machine operation and maintenance and curing, he adds.

WATER INFRASTRUCTURE MODELING RESEARCH CENTER SET FOR TEXAS

A $3.9 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant will enable the University of Texas at Austin (UT) to create a research center for sustainable water infrastructure modeling. As cities around the country struggle to manage flooding and pollution from stormwater runoff, “UT will help develop sustainable solutions to 21st century water problems, while working with communities to promote green infrastructure,” affirms EPA Regional Administrator Ron Curry.

The Center for Infrastructure Modeling and Management will use open source models; share infrastructure tools and research with local agencies and stakeholders; and, be open to the public, allowing for community engagement with individuals interested in water infrastructure modeling.

EPA and UT officials announced the center at an Austin event staged to raise awareness of water issues and potential solutions; they noted how research provides the science and tools necessary to ensure water quality and availability while protecting human and ecosystem health. As climate change warms the atmosphere and the hydrologic cycle, EPA contends, changes to the amount, timing, form, and intensity of precipitation will continue. Other expected changes include the flow of water in watersheds, as well as aquatic and marine environment quality. Such impacts are likely to affect programs designed to protect water, public health and safety.