Program Summary
Contech’s Transparent Stay-in-Place Forms revolutionize bridge deck construction and maintenance by combining visibility with durability. These prefabricated forms, made from acrylic plastic and supported by a galvanized steel frame, offer an unprecedented 75% transparency, enabling thorough inspection of the underside of bridge decks during and after concrete placement. This innovation not only accelerates construction and enhances safety but also ensures proper concrete consolidation and facilitates ongoing inspection and maintenance. By allowing for early detection and timely repairs, Contech’s technology significantly extends the lifespan of bridge decks, improving overall bridge quality and asset management.
Contact Information
Dave Brodowski
Contech Engineered Solutions
(937) 304-8574
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www.conteches.com
Detailed Description of Program
Describe your product/technology:
Bridge owners and contractors use transparent stay-in-place forms to construct high quality bridge decks faster and safer, without compromising inspection. Transparent stay-in-place forms are prefabricated, consisting of an acrylic plastic sheet supported by a galvanized steel frame, allowing for 75% visibility through the form to the underside of the deck. Unlike conventional deck forms (corrugated metal pans) transparent technology allows for all the benefits bridge owners are accustomed to using stay-in-place forms, but now they can ensure the deck concrete is consolidated properly when placed, and inspect and maintain the deck over time, extending the service life of the deck through preservation action.
Why is it innovative?
No other stay-in-place form allows for inspection of the underside of the deck during AND after the deck pour. Owners can improve the quality of the deck by eliminating risks related to poor concrete consolidation during the deck pour, which is known to improve the service life of the deck and the entire bridge. In the future, because inspectors can see the underside of the deck, owners can make timely repairs when deterioration starts. Through accurate condition ratings and improved data, owners can make better decisions related to asset management and funding.
What would a field demonstration entail?
A field demonstration could be a new bridge or a bridge deck replacement project, for a bridge consisting of steel or precast girders. The demonstration would likely consist of two phases: deck construction and deck inspection (1 yr or so later). The first phase could document the speed of installation (Man-Hrs./SF), and the ability to view the concrete from below during the deck pour. The second phase would focus on the inspection of the underside of the deck through the forms, over a few inspection cycles to confirm clarity and the ability to rate the condition.