2024 ACPA Awards Celebrate Excellence in Concrete Paving

Winners celebrated for their contributions to the concrete paving industry at the ACPA 2024 awards ceremony.

News Summary

The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) revealed the 2024 award winners during its 61st annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. The prestigious Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award was presented to Glenn Eder for his leadership, while Matt Zeller received the Harold Halm Presidential Award. The Marlin J Knutson Award recognized Bernard Izevbekhai for his technical achievements, and Brent Burwell earned the Outstanding Promoter Award. Additionally, Dare County Regional Airport received the National Lifetime Pavement Award, highlighting exceptional performance. The awards showcased the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Prestigious Awards Showcase Excellence in Concrete Paving

The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) has unveiled its highly anticipated award winners for 2024, celebrating remarkable achievements and contributions within the concrete pavement industry. The awards were presented during the ACPA’s 61st annual meeting, held on December 4, 2024, in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona. Since its inception, the ACPA has been at the forefront of promoting advancements in concrete pavement, and the annual awards serve as a testament to the commitment and innovation within the community.

Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award Honors Outstanding Leadership

The pinnacle of recognition, the Hartmann-Hirschman-Egan Award, serves to acknowledge those who have displayed unparalleled commitment and leadership in the concrete pavement field. For 2024, this prestigious accolade has been awarded to Glenn Eder, a notable figure in the industry and former ACPA Board member who concluded his tenure as vice president of technical sales at American Highway in 2022. Eder’s expansive career took root in 1986 when he co-owned Contractors Steel & Accessories, leading to significant roles at Ersco Corporation and Dayton Superior before his notable contributions at JC Supply, where he was integral until American Highway acquired the company in December 2020.

Recognizing Contributions with the Harold Halm Presidential Award

The Harold Halm Presidential Award, named in honor of ACPA’s inaugural president, aims to celebrate individuals who have made significant strides in the concrete pavement sector. This year’s recipient, Matt Zeller, has been a cornerstone of the industry through his role as executive director of the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota (CPAM) from 2004 to 2024. With over 30 years of experience, Zeller has played a crucial role in enhancing concrete pavement performance, notably by developing the water/cement ratio specification.

Technical Innovation Acknowledged with Marlin J Knutson Award

Another highlight of the awards is the Marlin J Knutson Award for Technical Achievement, which venerates individuals for their groundbreaking innovations in the field. This year, the accolade was granted to Bernard Izevbekhai, an accomplished author of over 40 research papers related to concrete pavements. Izevbekhai’s work has significantly contributed to the MnROAD research, further solidifying his impact on advancing concrete pavement technology.

Promoting Concrete Pavement Awareness

Advocacy and promotion are equally honored within the ranks of ACPA awards. The Outstanding Promoter Award for 2024 has been awarded to Brent Burwell from the Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter of ACPA. Burwell is recognized for his efforts in bridging the gap between contractors and the Departments of Transportation in Oklahoma and Arkansas, advocating for concrete technology and its advantages.

Exceptional Pavements Recognized with National Lifetime Pavement Award

Among the distinguished honors, the National Lifetime Pavement Recognition Award was presented to Dare County Regional Airport, marking its exemplary performance over the years. This vital facility has served the Outer Banks Community since 1943 and handled an impressive volume of over 32,000 flights annually before undergoing renovations in 2022.

Sustainable Practices Lead to the Best in Show

The awards ceremony also highlighted innovative sustainability efforts with the Best in Show Sustainability Award, awarded to the IDOT-Emmet County-Highway 9 project. This project exemplified the implementation of eco-friendly practices, recycling over 34,000 square yards of concrete and utilizing 1L cement to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Additionally, measures were established to prevent soil erosion during the construction phase.

Innovation and Technological Advancements Take Center Stage

Further showcasing the progressive nature of concrete paving, the Best in Show Innovation Award was conferred for the Route 28 Interchange Improvement Project. This initiative, executed by Golden Triangle Construction and backed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, implemented advanced techniques like stringless paving and non-destructive testing methodologies, setting a new standard in paving technology.

The 2024 ACPA awards embody the spirit of excellence and dedication within the concrete pavement industry. Each recipient has left an indelible mark of innovation, performance, and leadership, propelling the industry to new heights.