Sources: Hanson Building Materials, Irving, Texas; Essroc Italcementi Group, Nazareth, Pa.; CP staff

Hanson Hardscapes is among the first North American precast producers to incorporate TX Active--a self-cleaning, pollutant-reducing cement--in a commercial mix design. Created by Essroc Italcementi, the specialty powder naturally breaks down organic and inorganic pollutants, including CO, NOx, SOx and volatile organic compounds, such as benzene and toluene. In a pavement, it also helps maintain aesthetic appeal by preventing the build up of discoloring soot, grime, mold, mildew, algae and bacteria.

Hanson Hardscapes is using TX Active in paver face mixes. Further contributing to the future of green building, Hanson pavers containing the specialty powder increase eligibility for LEED credits in the following categories:

Sustainable Sites – Pavers are likely to maintain a higher solar reflective index (SRI) value for a longer period of time due to the self-cleaning properties
Material & Resources – Most pavers use recycled content
Regional materials – Hanson has 12 manufacturing and distribution facilities in Florida, Virginia, Michigan and Ontario, Canada
Durable Building – Pavers used in rooftop applications have a longer life expectancy than traditional roofing options
Innovation & Design – Pavers show exceptional performance in aged reflectance, air pollution abatement, durability and the potential for reuse/reinstatement

Leading up to Hanson Hardscapes’ program, TX Active had been specified for a paver project, supplied by Unilock, at an affordable housing development in Highland Park, Ill. The material was also used for precast concrete sculptures at each end of the new Interstate 35 St. Anthony Falls Bridge, linking Minneapolis-St. Paul. After parent Italcementi commercialized the powder in Europe, Essroc brought the product to North America in 2006.