About This Project
Between March and October 2014, the Bridge Preservation™ spray applied ballast protection mat system and Articulus™ spray applied expansion joint were applied on three bridges as part of a Caltrans and BNSF project. This project replaces a single BNSF bridge over the I-215 freeway with three new bridges. The bridges were constructed offsite, waterproofed, and moved into place during pre-scheduled freeway closures.
Watch the installation video here
Because of the construction sequence, additional work such as walkway and guardrail installations, as well as additional torquing of bolts was required after the waterproofing and spray applied ballast protection mat installation. Caltrans and BNSF required a waterproofing and ballast protection system that was both easy and fast to install, allowing the spans to be waterproofed and returned to the bridge builders in a single day.
The installation began with application of BD Multi-Use Primer, followed by the application of 80 mils of Bridge Deck Membrane (BDM). The Integrated Ballast Mat™, which consists of a slow-setting spray applied membrane and granulated rubber, was then installed directly on the BDM. The entire application of the waterproofing system, including the spray applied ballast protection mat was completed in only seven hours on a 3,500 square foot span (including the ballast walls). This extremely fast turnaround allowed the spans to be returned to the bridge builders the following morning.
Following the installation of the waterproofing, the I-215 freeway was closed and the 1.1 million pound spans were moved and lifted into place by Sarens Rigging International, the same company that moved the Endeavour space shuttle across Los Angeles in 2012. During these closures, Aritculus™ expansion joints were installed at the pier and abutment joints. The Bridge Preservation™ waterproofing, spray applied ballast protection, and joint products are all made from the same coating chemistry, ensuring complete compatibility between the expansion joint and previously installed spray applied ballast protection mat. The fast, easy to install Articulus™ expansion joints allowed ballast and track to be loaded just one hour after installation.
Client:
BNSF/Caltrans
Date of Installation
March-October 2014
Project Number:
08-0M94U4
Project Name:
Construction of 3 BNSF Bridges over I-215
Size:
20,500 SF
Location:
Riverside, California
General Contractor
Ames Construction
Installer:
J. Francis Co., Inc.
