​​​​​B2W is a trend in commercial and municipal construction towards converting asphalt specifications for pavements to concrete. B2W takes full advantage of the durability, beauty and environmental benefits of concrete. By replacing asphalt paving with cooler, longer-lasting concrete surfaces, owners can reduce initial and long term costs while earning LEED credits. 

Substantial increases in oil prices means B2W can compete on a first-dollar basis with asphalt. In fact,Federal Express saved 50¢ per square foot when it chose concrete over asphalt for construction of its 1-million-plus-square-foot parking lot in Bedford Park, Illinois.

In addition to first cost savings, B2W reduces costs over time by:

• Drastically reducing maintenance costs.
• Reflecting at least 3 times more light.
• Reducing the heat island effect.
• Delivering 25+ years of worry-free service.

For some rehabilitation projects, the existing asphalt pavement can be leveled and covered with a skin of concrete. This “white-topping” alternative delivers many of the same benefits as a full tearout and repour.

Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) offers an economical alternative for residential streets, low speed roads, parking lots as well as heavy duty industrial applications. RCC uses asphalt paving equipment and techniques at the same or lower cost while providing the durability and strength of concrete.

​​The engineering and business challenges of each project will dictate which B2W approach works best. Prairie supports your efforts by providing expertise in planning and mix design for any project that you take on. In addition, Prairie offers innovative concrete products like Pure Color integrally colored concrete, FiberMax reinforced concrete and StormHandler pervious concrete that can help you to further differentiate concrete from asphalt.

For more information contact your sales representative.

​The National Ready Mix Concrete Association has a number of programs to help contractors make the case for concrete.