Vacuum Grouting

North America

Constellation Group LLC has been involved in the vacuum grouting repairs of post-tensioned structures since the first problems were uncovered. Projects include two contracts at Sunshine Skyway Bridge,Tampa, FL; Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Alexandria, VA (also two contracts); Garcon Point Bridge, Pensacola, FL; Benecia-Martinez Bridge, California; Edison Bridge, Ft. Myers, FL; Raleigh Durham Airport, NC and others. Some of the work was repairing old damage, other repairs were for correcting grouting problems encountered during new construction.

CGLLC provides on-site training for those contractors wishing to self-perform these repairs.  Training includes classroom discussion, equipment preparation and hands-on repairs.  Equipment is often purchased directly by the contractor and is assembled on-site.  The entire process takes two or three days.

Specialized equipment developed by CGLLC include LDVME (leak detection and void measuring equipment); grout flow meters, portable grout pumps and mixers.  Guy Dickes, president of CGLLC, implemented the use of high capacity HVAC vacuum pumps, significantly improving field operations.  All major post-tenioning and grouting contractors now use this type of pump.

Recent projects includes working with Texas A&M University and Texas DoT on their ongoing research project into bridge repair techniques. In many cases, CGLLC has provided the necessary training for general contractors and helped them secure the correct equipment and so they could self-perform these repairs, saving time and money.

Guy Dickes is a former professional member of the American Segmental Bridge Institute and graduated  in the first certified grouting class.  A technical paper was presented and published at the October 2008 PCI/FHWA National Bridge Conference.  Click on this link to read the paper

VACUUM GROUTING REPAIRS FOR EXISTING POST-TENSIONED STRUCTURES AND NEW CONSTRUCTION

 Sunshine Skyway Bridge, FL. This bridge has recently undergone two major repair contracts with vacuum grouting and post-tension tendon repairs

 Inside of Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa, FL

 The hardest part of vacuum grouting is finding and sealing leaks.  These are SSB longitudinal tendons being checked.  You can see the leaks.