Torrential rain over Texas from Tropical Storm Imelda flooded the San Jacinto River. Between 11 and 14 barges came unmoored, and some collided with the Interstate 10 bridge. The highway was closed while inspectors surveyed the damage, finding at least one column destroyed and another column severely damaged.
On the damaged 66-inch diameter column, five feet of the column above the water and 10 feet below needed to have the damaged concrete removed while preserving the rebar. Typically, divers below and crews above would manually chip away the damaged concrete. But ATI was called on to use their hydrodemolition process.
The ATI crew set up one of its Hydro-Bot systems, the Ergo System, on the damaged column. The operator adjusted the force of the high-pressure water cutter to remove only the damaged concrete, preserving the rebar and concrete that was still sound. By utilizing this unique service, ATI was able to do its part in speeding up the repairs to the bridge.
Hydrodemolition is not only faster than traditional methods, it does not cause additional damage to the concrete from vibrations or micro-fracturing, and with the remote-controlled process it is a much safer method. The process also leaves a rough and superior bondable surface for new concrete to adhere to.
The Excellence in Construction Awards (EIC) recognize outstanding projects in the commercial and industrial construction industry. A panel of judges from the owner, architect, and engineering communities reviews, evaluates, and selects EIC winners. Entries must earn a cumulative minimum of 85 points to be eligible to win an ICE award and must earn a cumulative total of at least 70 points to qualify for a Merit Award. Winners were announced at the Excellence In Construction Awards Dinner.
ATI is a specialty contractor that utilizes diamond technology to perform vertical, horizontal, and circular cutting of asphalt, concrete, masonry and stone, and pile cutting and crushing. The company's experience includes state, county, city, airport, industrial, commercial, medical, and highway service work.
