For this bridge rehabilitation project we have delivered ComBAR® bars as well as bent stainless steel bars for the top reinforcement layers of the bridge deck. Here also, we performed the redesign using ComBAR® bars, as epoxy coated reinforcement had been specified for the top rebar layer of the project. ComBAR® was specified as provisional item, but due to the unique advantages and savings throughout the life span of the bridge, the City of Niagara Falls decided to go with ComBAR®.
We also developed and supplied a special connection detail for the construction joint between the two pours of the bridge deck using ComBAR® dowels and corrugated polymer ComBAR® pipe. In the first pour pieces of corrugated polymer tubing (the same material we use for the production of our bent bars) are installed. To prevent concrete from getting into the tubes one end wis closed with a rubber cap. On the other end we provided plastic nail plates. The tubing fits snug onto these plates which come with holes so that they can be nailed directly to the formwork. The proper location of the dowels is guaranteed this way, and the tubes are held in place when the concrete is cast.
A total of fourteen tons of ComBAR® and approx. 3.5 tons of Stainless Steel Rebar (supplied by Schoeck Canada Inc.) will be installed at the Weightman Bridge in June and September 2010.