FLEXOGRID enables smooth bridge deck construction.
 FLEXOGRID offers nearly identical contraction / expansion properties as concrete, making it a vital component during reconstruction
In Spring 2008, the Pit River Bridge, part of US Interstate 5 in California that runs over the beautiful Shasta Lake, went through major reconstruction. All of the concrete on the bridge deck needed to be re-poured as a result of weathering and heavy truck and passenger vehicle traffic on this critical North – South route.
While the original construction plan was sound, one element that engineers did not calculate was the vibration from the train underneath the bridge, which caused many cracks in the freshly poured concrete decks.
Engineers and contractors on-site quickly made adjustments in the way that the remaining decks were poured to resolve the problem, but the issue remained as to how to fix the earlier poured sections.
What was needed was a lightweight material that could be quickly applied to fill in the cracks, yet was tough enough to withstand large variations in weather and grueling wear.
The Solution: FLEXOGRID
FLEXOGRID is an epoxy-urethane copolymer that when combined with MARK-374 aggregate from POLY-CARB, has nearly identical expansion/contraction properties to those of concrete. Matching the properties of the concrete substrate is critical due to drastic temperature changes that can be as much as 30-40 degrees per day.
In order to minimize traffic disruption and lane closures, the FLEXOGRID Machine was utilized. This exclusive to POLY-CARB machine is capable of mixing, metering and dispensing material at controlled temperatures for highly predictable mass application of over 10,000 square feet per hour.
The entire FLEXOGRID installation on the Pit River Bridge took nine days with only one lane closure in each direction. Today, the Pit River Bridge continues to perform and provide functionality through the most arduous traffic and weather conditions.
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To learn more about this project and how to protect your infrastructure from the insidious effects of water, salt, weather and wear, contact POLY-CARB at 1.800.CALL.MIX (225.5649).
Over the last 35 years, POLY-CARB has become a leader in manufacturing premium quality polymer system solutions and materials that add value to our society and environment for unparalleled value, performance and service.
More information about POLY-CARB, a business unit of Dow Epoxy Systems, is available at www.poly-carb.com.
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Location:
The Pit River Bridge, part of US Interstate-5 in California
Bridge Type:
Truss bridge
Size:
205,162 Sq. Ft.
(3,600 feet long, four lanes wide with minimal shoulders)
View a LIVE photo:
Pit River Bridge webcam
Ready for Traffic:
Application was complete in nine days, with only one lane closure at a time
Material storage:
The FLEXOGRID materials were stored in a yard a few miles away from the bridge. This factor slowed down the installation, making the final application time that much more impressive.
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