There are many factors that affect the durability of Portland cement concrete (PCC), including the mix design and the materials used, the quality of construction, and the environment. Durability is not an intrinsic property of the concrete, but instead is related to how the material interacts with the environment. Durability-related deterioration is referred to as materials-related distress (MRD). Common MRDs include those caused by physical processes, such as freezing and thawing, or chemical processes, such as alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) and sulfate attack. This research project was undertaken to determine whether concrete used in the ADOT system is experiencing, or is potentially susceptible to, ASR or sulfate attack, and if so, to what degree.

Audio recording of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Memorial Union, October 25, 1954. Jim Creasman is master of ceremonies. Arizona State College cheer "With an A" is performed. Featuring speeches from Governor Howard Pyle, Senator Carl T. Hayden, student president Bill Coulson, head of the physical sciences department George M. Bateman, President Grady Gammage, members of the alumni association, and others.