Title:
Massive Concrete Placement Takes Off at Metro Airport
Author(s):
Keith A. Tosolt and Susan C. Mccraven
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
21
Issue:
11
Appears on pages(s):
22-29
Keywords:
airports; flowability; foundations; mass concrete; placing; pumping; reinforcement congestion
DOI:
Date:
11/1/1999
Abstract:
The contracting firm of Walbridge Aldinger, Detroit, Mich., succeeded in placing 20,917 yd3 (16,000 m3) of concrete in a time span of 22 hours and 57 minutes, which is considered to be a record pace, for the mat foundation of a tunnel construction project at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. A 4 ft (1.2 m) thick foundation, 950 ft (290 m) long and 150 ft (46 m) wide, was needed for the 30 ft (9 m) deep tunnel completely below grade. This continuous concrete placement required a labor force of more than 400 workers, 150 concrete mixer trucks to haul the loads, and extraordinarily high supply demands. The planning necessary for such a large undertaking are discussed. A recap of how the foundation placement progressed and the problems encountered during 23 hours of concrete placing are given.