Helix Micro Rebar Concrete Reinforcement Ranked as Top Highway Repair Material

Helix Steel’s concrete reinforcement succeeds as a leading concrete repair product in a three-year test on the Minnesota highway system.

September 15, 2021 (Ann Arbor, Michigan) – Helix Steel is proud to announce that its innovative reinforcement Helix® Micro Rebar® is one of the few concrete patch products to withstand heavy traffic, freeze-thaw and de-icing agents of Minnesota’s highway system.

The multi-year project was undertaken by the National Road Research Alliance’s (NRRA) Preventive Maintenance Team and sought to determine the most effective joint repair programs. By selecting longer-lasting patches for Minnesota’s roadways, the results will be: reduced need for lane closures, lower maintenance costs and the increased availability of staff to perform other duties.

Helix Steel performed two tests involving Helix Micro Rebar (also known as Helix 5-25) in conjunction with CTS Rapid Set DOT Repair Mix. The one-inch twisted steel reinforcement was mixed in a revolving drum mixer with the concrete mix, placed on the patch area, then finished using traditional materials. Within one hour, the road for each test was reopened to traffic. Results after one, two and three years proved that the patches would last greater than five years.

“We are thrilled with the results of the independent real-world testing of our product,” says Luke Pinkerton, President and Chief Technology Officer of Helix Steel. “Helix Micro Rebar has been tested in labs and has been used in more than 50,000 applications across North America. This project proves yet again that our American-made reinforcement works to strengthen concrete, save money and reduce maintenance.”

The project’s final report describes the methodology of the tests, summarizes each of the products used in the research project and explains details pertaining to the estimated service life, installation and curing, shelf life and packaging.

Making the Most of Infrastructure Spending

By using proven techniques to extend the lifespan of its roads, Minnesota hopes to make better use of the funds available. This is especially important since early in August 2021 the Senate passed a package that includes $110 billion for roads, bridges and other large infrastructure projects. If the bill is passed by the House in October, then this could be one of the largest infrastructure funding injections in America’s history.

Contractors will be under intense pressure to provide American taxpayers with the biggest return on their investment. They will need to use highly efficient materials that focus on long-term resilience and safety.

If you are a contractor, government representative, maintenance manager, road engineer, architect or anyone else who is interested in learning more about using Helix Micro Rebar to repair highways or any other concrete application, please contact Helix Steel for a project specification review and preliminary concrete design: sales@helixsteel.com.

For more information on the study administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, please visit: Effective Long Lasting PCC Partial Depth Joint Repairs for Challenging Conditions

About Helix Steel

Helix Steel the innovative manufacturer of Helix® Micro Rebar® reinforcement, used in more than 50,000 concrete applications across America to provide structures with quantifiably better resiliency, ductility and elasticity to concrete structures. Since 2003, Helix® Micro Rebar® has been used in structures around the world and continues to support America by manufacturing its products in Grand Rapids, Michigan. To learn more, visit www.helixsteel.com.

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For more information on Helix Steel:

Luke Pinkerton, President and Chief Technology Officer
Helix Steel
2300 Washtenaw Avenue, Suite 201
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Email: luke.pinkerton@helixsteel.com
Website: www.helixsteel.com
Office: 734-322-2114 ext. 60
Mobile: 734-649-5663