Case Study: Paving the Road to Success With a Better Concrete Reinforcement

Lake Havasu City in Northwest Arizona has faced serious issues with its asphalt roads due to the extremely high desert temperatures. Since asphalt temperatures are 40 to 60 degrees hotter than the temperature of the air, damage to roads is frequent, especially in places where vehicles are braking and turning.

High-Traffic Road Needed a Different Solution

Seeking a more durable solution for one road in particular, Lake Havasu City chose to replace straight sections of asphalt with new asphalt, while high-wear-and-tear intersections would be replaced with concrete. The goal was to improve the longevity and resilience of the city’s roads.

Lake Havasu City selected local General Contractor Pioneer Earthmoving and commercial concrete contractor Protek Construction to take on the task.

“Protek is in its 30th year and has really made a name for itself in the region,” says Dennis Hext, General  Manager for Protek. “In the past three years, we have doubled our revenue because of our team of 33 who are committed to doing high-quality work and getting it done on time.”

Focused on customer service, quality work and meeting deadlines, Protek became a Top 12 Finalist for the 2023 Contractor of the Year Awards by Equipment World/Caterpillar.

Replacing Rebar With the Alternative

Protek proposed using Helix Micro Rebar™ in the concrete for the pavement rehabilitation project, instead of rebar. Helix Micro Rebar™, a twisted concrete reinforcement technology, enhances concrete’s structural integrity and crack resistance, making it an ideal solution for applications that need to withstand significant elements.

Hext had already seen the benefits of Helix Micro Rebar™ from past projects, such as a facility’s 80,000 square-foot slab and high-strength curbs for an international transportation company, and knew that it would be a wise choice for this application as well.

Time Flies With Helix Micro Rebar

One of the biggest reasons contractors and developers choose Helix Micro Rebar™ is its ability to expedite construction schedules, which can lead to significant cost savings.

“Honestly, it’s not much cheaper to buy the product,” admits Hext. “But you will save significant money on labor costs since you don’t spend days and days on rebar installation. Plus, the job gets done faster. We poured up to 550 yards in a single day, which is very good for a project like this.”

Another reason Hext chose Helix Micro Rebar™ is that Protek owns a laser screed, which makes concrete finishing far easier than using standard finishing tools. Using Helix Micro Rebar™ provides the added benefit of even more speed since there would be no rebar to inhibit the movement of the laser screed.

Teamwork Makes the Concrete Dream Work

Doing a job faster and better is one thing, but Protek greatly values working with professionals who understand the importance of putting their all into every project.

Hext has a very positive relationship with their local ready-mix plant, Campbell Redi-Mix, which is where the Helix Micro Rebar™ is mixed into the concrete, directly in the concrete mixer. The owner understands the benefits of the tiny twisted concrete reinforcement, and often visits the Protek pour sites to ensure everything goes according to plan.

Hext’s team also has support directly from Helix Steel, the makers of Helix Micro Rebar™. He says that one of the best things about Helix Micro Rebar™ is being able to rely on Helix Steel’s engineering team.

“We can send the drawings and they send back the dosage and stamp within three to four days,” says Hext. “We can then take the engineered and stamped drawings and mix design submittals right to the customer. This adds a level of professionalism and gives the customer comfort.”

Depending on the pour, specifications and project scope, Helix Steel will also have a team member onsite to assist in the preparation and placement.

In the case of the Lake Havasu City pavement project, each pour included a heavy dosage of 22-1/2 lb/yd of Helix Micro Rebar™, ensuring enhanced durability and crack resistance for decades to come. (Standard warehouse slabs can have dosages as low as 9 lb/yd.)

Smooth Roads Ahead for Arizona

Despite intentional damage shortly after placement, which was quickly fixed by Protek’s team of finishers, the concrete intersections have held up well, showcasing the concrete’s durability.

The next time you’re driving down Industrial Boulevard in Lake Havasu City, thank the Protek team and Helix Micro Rebar™ for the smooth ride.

Also, the next time you need commercial concrete professionals in Arizona, trust Protek. Their team’s commitment to quality, efficiency and timeliness, combined with Helix Micro Rebar™, has earned them a reputation as a leader in concrete contracting.

If you want to learn more about how you can work more efficiently using a concrete reinforcement that can save you time and money on your next pavement project – or any other application – reach out to our knowledgeable American team today.