Structure: BridgesQuantity & Depth of Removal: Approximately 200,000 square yards at 1/4" removal Owner: Illinois Department of Transportation Location: Dan Ryan Expressway Chicago, ILWork: High speed scarification for preparation of new overlayContractor: Walsh Construction In order to provide a better bond between the existing concrete and the repair overlay, high speed hydro scarification was used to remove micro fractures, provide a 1/4" profile, and leave a rough bondable surface. The first pass of the removal was accomplished using mechanical milling, while high speed scarification completed the final bonding surface. Only one pass was required for both scarification and cleanup. A vacuum truck was used to control water and collect the debris. Once the contractor confirmed the necessary bond strength, the surface was overlaid with fiber reinforced micro-silica concrete. Normally scarification is done with with a hydrodemolition tractor at a production rate of about 4,000 to 6,000 square feet per shift. With the adaptation of our blasters to a more aggressive spray bar and nozzle angle, high speed scarification was born and production rates averaged 30,000 square feet per shift.
