Could Asphalt’s Reign End? EdenCrete® Outlasts Rivals in Mountain Trial
After four years on Colorado’s I-70 Vail Pass, EdenCrete® concrete shows markedly superior durability compared to standard and silica fume mixes, signaling a potential shift in high-altitude road construction.
- EdenCrete® concrete outperforms standard Portland and silica fume mixes after 4 years
- Colorado Department of Transportation’s 3-year trial extended with ongoing monitoring
- Standard and silica fume concrete sections show significant cracking and wear
- EdenCrete®’s durability could reduce lifecycle costs and extend pavement service life
- Trial supports concrete as a viable alternative to asphalt in mountainous, freeze-thaw environments
Background of the Colorado I-70 Trial
In 2021, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) embarked on a pioneering three-year trial to evaluate concrete’s performance on the notoriously challenging Vail Pass section of Interstate 70. This high-altitude stretch, sitting at approximately 10,000 feet, subjects pavement to extreme freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and the abrasive effects of de-icing chemicals and snow chains. Historically, asphalt has been preferred here for its flexibility and ease of repair, despite its shorter lifespan.
The trial compared three concrete mixes, a standard Portland cement control, a silica fume-enhanced mix, and Eden Innovations Ltd’s proprietary EdenCrete® additive-enhanced concrete. Each mix was laid in separate sections to assess wear, cracking, and overall durability under identical conditions.
Four-Year Performance Update
Although the official trial period concluded in 2023, Eden Innovations has provided a fourth-year update, including photographic evidence that vividly illustrates the comparative performance of the three concrete types. The results are striking, the standard Portland cement concrete exhibits the most severe cracking and pitting, while the silica fume mix also suffers significant cracking and required partial replacement with asphalt due to unsafe conditions.
In contrast, the EdenCrete® section remains largely intact, with only minor cracking observed in isolated spots. This superior durability under harsh environmental stressors suggests EdenCrete®’s carbon-strengthened additive effectively enhances concrete resilience, potentially extending pavement life well beyond traditional mixes.
Implications for Infrastructure and Cost Efficiency
The trial’s findings bolster the argument for concrete as a competitive alternative to asphalt in mountainous and cold regions. While concrete typically involves higher upfront costs and longer construction times, its extended service life and reduced maintenance needs could translate into significant lifecycle cost savings for transportation departments.
For CDOT and similar agencies, adopting EdenCrete®-enhanced concrete could mean fewer repairs, less frequent lane closures, and improved safety due to reduced rutting and cracking. Moreover, the environmental benefits of incorporating pozzolans alongside EdenCrete® additives, reducing the carbon footprint of concrete production, align with growing sustainability goals in infrastructure development.
Looking Ahead
CDOT’s ongoing monitoring will be crucial to confirm whether EdenCrete® continues to outperform other mixes over the long term. Should these trends hold, Eden Innovations could unlock a substantial market for its products across the US and other regions facing similar climatic and topographical challenges. The trial also sets a precedent for rethinking pavement materials in high-stress environments, potentially reshaping infrastructure strategies worldwide.
Bottom Line?
EdenCrete®’s promising durability on Colorado’s I-70 could redefine concrete’s role in challenging infrastructure projects.
Questions in the middle?
- Will EdenCrete® maintain its superior performance beyond the four-year mark?
- How will lifecycle cost analyses influence CDOT’s future pavement material choices?
- Can EdenCrete® scalability meet broader infrastructure demands in diverse climates?
