Bronx, NY

Unionport Bridge

Scope/Solutions

During construction of an approach span to a new bascule bridge, New York City Department of Transportation questioned the finishing procedures and long-term durability of the concrete bridge deck. Working for the construction team, SGH evaluated the concrete finish and materials to determine if the in-place materials satisfied the project specification requirements.

SGH evaluated the concrete and developed recommendations to enhance the expected durability of the concrete. Highlights of our work include:

  • Reviewing the New York City Department of Transportation specifications for high‑performance concrete, which was required for the new deck
  • Using ground penetrating radar to identify locations where core sampling would not impact the embedded reinforcing steel
  • Measuring surface crack widths and depths at extracted core samples
  • Performing testing in our laboratory to evaluate the concrete’s chloride ion permeability per ASTM C1202
  • Recommending the contractor apply a methyl methacrylate sealer to the approach span to reduce permeability
  • Collaborating with the construction team to coordinate the bridge deck tining with the sealer installation

Project Summary

completion-date

2024

Completion Date
Solutions
Evaluation
Services
Structures | Applied Science & Research
Markets
Infrastructure & Transportation
Client(s)
Unionport Constructors, JV
Specialized Capabilities
Repair & Strengthening | Materials Science

Key team members

Keith Kesner
Keith Kesner
Project Director
Nathaniel Smith
Nathaniel Smith
Structural Engineering Division Head, New York