More 520 pontoons under construction in Aberdeen
SEATTLE (AP) - The state Department of Transportation says the next pontoons for the new Highway 520 floating bridge are under construction in Aberdeen.
Officials say this batch will include improved construction methods to avoid chipped concrete and cracking.
The last set of pontoons had to be repaired by crews before being shipped to Lake Washington. Officials say crew fixed the chipped concrete - called spalling - by adding reinforcing steel. Crews filled the cracks at the pontoon end walls by injecting epoxy.
DOT 520 program director Julie Meredith says the department is confident that repaired pontoons are structurally sound.
A total of 33 pontoons will be built under a $367 million contract.
Officials say this batch will include improved construction methods to avoid chipped concrete and cracking.
The last set of pontoons had to be repaired by crews before being shipped to Lake Washington. Officials say crew fixed the chipped concrete - called spalling - by adding reinforcing steel. Crews filled the cracks at the pontoon end walls by injecting epoxy.
DOT 520 program director Julie Meredith says the department is confident that repaired pontoons are structurally sound.
A total of 33 pontoons will be built under a $367 million contract.
"Fibers are usually used in concrete to control cracking due to plastic shrinkage and to drying shrinkage. They also reduce the permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of water. Some types of fibers produce greater impactâ, abrasionâ, and shatterâresistance in concrete."
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So why not in this application?
yeah just some spackling that will fix those cracks. just don't let it be exposed to water. Yep I bet that is what will happen rush hour bridge bumper to bumper and epoxy fails and the bridge goes to the bottom!
My little dim brain first read the headline as "520 more pontoons under construction in Aberdeen" with of course the reaction HOLY #^(* THAT A LOT OF PONTOONS!
Yes, I'm looking for my meds now. Â :-)
"Injecting epoxy." Â Well... that sounds permanent.
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Hope 40 years down the line we don't get a repeat of the dinner theater performance of The I-90 Players' Hit Musical, "Lusitania!" starring "A Section of I-90 With An Open Hatch!"Â
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm0YQ3vuyyY
 @Sid Vishess But it was great performance art.  :-)