Concrete Pours Lead to Long Construction Days

As we commemorate the longest day of the year, it prompts a reflection on some of the longest construction days we run into, and large concrete pours make for some of the longest days in construction. Intertek -PSI has made key contributions to many large-scale construction projects across the country, particularly in supporting large concrete pours. These critical undertakings are integral to the stability and longevity of structures, and demand meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and an unwavering dedication to quality.

Concrete pours are inherently complex and time-intensive for several reasons. The sheer volume required for extensive projects necessitates continuous delivery and precise placement over extended periods, often spanning 10+ hours. Managing the mixing process to ensure consistent strength and quality, followed by careful placement and consolidation to eliminate air pockets, is crucial. And lastly, environmental variables such as temperature and humidity must be closely monitored to optimize curing conditions.

Intertek-PSI plays a pivotal role in these processes. Our comprehensive testing and quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) services ensure that every phase of the concrete pour meets industry standards. Our involvement in concrete pours includes the verification of concrete mixes to specifications for consistency and strength, monitoring placement to achieve uniform distribution and prevent weak points, conducting tests to ensure thorough consolidation and curing to maximize concrete durability and performance.

On the longest day of the year, reflecting on our long construction days, we’d like to highlight our contributions to some major concrete pours across the US.

?

VA Medical Center, North Ridge, California

The VA Medical Center in North Ridge, California required two massive pours totaling 15,500 yards each. Intertek-PSI provided critical support by collecting and testing 300 sets of cylinders to validate material quality and durability.

?

DFW Connector Bridge

Celebrating the longest day, we highlight our role in overseeing the 14-hour, 1,260-yard concrete pour for the DFW Connector Bridge. Our meticulous testing and inspection ensured adherence to industry standards, underscoring our dedication to supporting major infrastructure projects.

?

E470 Platte River Bridge

At the E470 Platte River Bridge, we managed a 19-hour pour of 1,890 yards of concrete, overseeing essential testing to ensure longevity and structural integrity. Our stringent oversight encompassed consolidation and curing phases critical to project success.

?

Denver Airport Runway

Denver Airport’s runway required a 29-hour, 7,400 cubic yard concrete pour and Intertek-PSI’s testing played a pivotal role in ensuring the pour’s quality, consistency, and durability. From initial setting through curing, our detailed approach guaranteed superior concrete quality under diverse environmental conditions.

?

Gordie Howe International Bridge

Our contribution to the Gordie Howe International Bridge included meticulous testing and inspection during extensive concrete pours, ensuring the project’s robust structural integrity and long-term safety. When the bridge is complete, roughly 1,520 square meters of concrete will have been poured and 250 tons of rebar used on each of the Canadian and U.S. sides.

?

Hudson Site Development

On Detroit’s Hudson Site Development, provided materials testing and inspection services for substantial concrete pours in the creation of this dynamic and transformative mixed-use space. The project involved approximately 210,000 cubic yards of concrete with nearly 90,000 cubic yards of concrete used for the site’s foundation.

?

Bellevue 600

Intertek-PSI was apart of this massive 11,000 cubic yard Mat Foundation Placement in support of the Bellevue 600.?The 46 story, 1.6 Million square foot high rise required 2 concrete suppliers, 8 concrete plants and 7 concrete pumps running continuously for 18 hours to complete this amazing feat of coordination and labor. Over 20 Intertek-PSI Inspectors and Technicians, working in two 10-hour shifts, covered all concrete materials testing, pour watch, batch plant inspections, ticket collection and supervision. In total, 280 concrete cylinder specimens were cast.

?

Intertek-PSI’s unwavering dedication to comprehensive testing, quality assurance and quality control ensures that each project achieves the highest industry standards of quality, safety and durability. Long concrete pours make for long construction days, but Intertek-PSI is here to support you no matter the time.

For more information on Intertek-PSI’s construction materials testing services, please visit https://www.intertek.com/building/construction-materials .