Manual Aids Evaluation, Repair Of Precast Bridge Components

The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute has produced a bridge-repair manual to assist designers, state agency officials and precasters in evaluating

The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute has produced a bridge-repair manual to assist designers, state agency officials and precasters in evaluating precast component damage incurred during fabrication, in transit, or during erection of beams, deck panels or similar precast products. The manual presents methods for repairing any defects to keep the bridge construction on schedule.

According to PCI Director of Transportation Systems John Dick, Manual for the Evaluation and Repair of Precast, Prestressed Concrete Bridge Products (PCI MNL-137-06) is designed to promote a greater degree of uniformity among owners, engineers and industry officials, ensuring that damage is accurately assessed and treated. The 80-page, perfect-bound book, more than two years in the making, was circulated in draft form to favorable response from a variety of agencies.

Sixteen experts, including state engineers, precasters and university researchers, contributed to the manual. Its chapters cover troubleshooting approaches, standard repair procedures, patching methods, epoxy-injection procedures, and references for additional information. The troubleshooting guide features sections on causes and prevention of common damage, as well as engineering effects and repair considerations.

This manual meets a market need that is currently not addressed, Dick contends. Plant-cast prestressed concrete bridge beams and similar products fabricated in PCI-certified plants are manufactured in quality-controlled environments that meet high standards for processes and equipment. But, as with any manufacturing process, damage or defects can occur. This guide helps provide a uniform assessment and approach to fixing many defects to ensure that responses are measured, appropriate and cost-effective for the situation.

The manual is available at a suggested retail price of $50 (50 percent discount for PCI members). Copies may be ordered by visiting the PCI Bookstore at www.pci.org/Publications, or contacting PCI at 209 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60606-6938, tel.: 312/786-0300; fax: 312/786-0353; E-mail: [email protected].