Project Overview: Parking Lot Paving for Large Utility 

Project Snapshot

A total of 83 cubic yards of REGEN Fiber E-Flex 500 reinforced concrete was poured for a parking lot and apron for large Midwestern utility company. The project replaced existing concrete. The use of the reinforcement fibers made from 100% recycled material saved time on site with easy introduction to the mix, excellent workability, no impact on finishing techniques and added sustainability benefits.

• Location: Cedar Rapids, IA 
• Date: November 2024 
• Concrete type: C-4WR-C15 
• Volume poured: 83 cubic yards 
• Fiber used: E-Flex 500 
• Dosage: 4 lbs/cubic yard 
• Finish: Automated bull float followed by broom finish 
• General contractor: Ryan Companies 
• Concrete supplier: King’s Material

Fiber Introduction at the Jobsite

E-Flex 500 was introduced into the mix at the plant using a conveyor system before the premixed concrete was added.

Mike Swartzendruber, Manager, Ready Mix Division, King’s Material, highlighted just how easily E-Flex 500 fit into their existing process. 

“Dosing REGEN Fiber was simple, and it worked well with our equipment. It didn’t clump, and there was no need to adjust our mix design,” Swartzendruber said. “We didn’t see the slump loss you typically get with polypropylene fibers. That means better consistency and ultimately, stronger concrete.”

Unlike traditional petroleum-based fibers, which can reduce slump and force crews to add extra water (ultimately weakening the final product), E-Flex 500 maintained the mix’s slump and flow — helping ensure strength retention and ease of finishing.

“It’s really beneficial for our crew not to have those fiber balls,” added Swartzendruber. “With REGEN Fiber, the mix was smooth, well-distributed, and easy to finish.”

Finishability and Workability

Adam McKinstry, Senior Project Manager, Ryan Companies emphasized the product’s finish quality and visual cleanliness

“That’s the main plus about REGEN fibers — they don’t even seem like they’re there, which is surprising, especially during broom finishing,” McKinstry noted. “It’s much easier to work with than steel or even some synthetic fibers. Nothing sticks to your skin or gums up the equipment.”

Sustainable Reinforcement – Without a Sustainability Premium

E-Flex 500 is made from 100% recycled materials, using end-of-life wind turbine blades — diverting a waste stream that would otherwise be headed for landfill or burned.

“The biggest benefit of REGEN Fiber is that it replaces polypropylene, which is petroleum-based, with a recycled product,” said Swartzendruber. “It’s locally produced, reduces landfill use, and still provides excellent reinforcement. That’s a huge win for us and for sustainability overall.”

Both Ryan Companies and King’s Material have sustainability initiatives in place, and this project proved that green construction doesn’t mean compromising on quality, efficiency, or durability.