Bridge surface repair 1

[controlnovice]

Not sure if these question belongs here or in the concrete forum.

I have to cross a bridge everyday going to/from work. A few months ago, the signs went up indicating bridge surface work was going to be done soon. Sure enough a week later, there were crews out there with some kind of manual tool I couldn't understand. I can only describe it as several 12-18" long chains fastened in parallel to a 18-24" long rod, which in turn was fastened to a pole (like broom handle). The crews were dragging the chains back and forth across the surface to, I think, identify something. Whatever it was, they would spray paint the area around whatever they found....so the bridge was littered with paint 'squares' after they were done.

What were they looking for and how does that tool work? I've never seen that on road resurfacing projects before.

Second issue/question:
Each of these painted squares were then cut out, down to just at or below the rebar, and then new concrete poured in.

They did a horrible job. The new surface is more rough than the old, and I think this coming winter, this new concrete will just be torn up with the freezing and salt.

Is there anything a tax-paying citizen can do? Are there any paths I can take to have this fixed right? Ask the county to not accept this poor work? Hire a 3rd party?



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This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

 

[bridgebuster]

A. Chain drag test - quite common. You listen for a hollow sound to identify delaminated concrete.

B. Perhaps an overlay going to be placed on top of the deck? If so, you have to bear with a rough road for a bit. If not, perhaps the contractor can grind the surface.

C. If your complaints are legitimate, write to the editor of your local paper. Reputable government officials don't like to look bad in front of the public.

 

[Qshake]

Agree with Bridgebuster on all points.

The deck repair is also quite common. These are partial (and likely there was some full) depth deck repair. Most state DOTs (not sure about counties) will perform a chloride test also and between comparisons with historical averages for both chloride penetration and soundness. The comparison will determine whether the bridge deck can be (should be) repaired or replaced.

The average service life span of a bridge deck in locals with winter weather and salting operations (and with epoxy coated reinforcing steel) is about 35 years. So an owner doesn't want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

I hope this is helpful.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Perhaps find a different way to work.

Or maybe they are going to come back and add a layer of asphalt. Seen this done quite often.