SUCCESS STORY

Sleeve‑Lock® Grout Sleeve Makes Bridge Connections

Recognized as a leader in accelerated bridge construction (ABC), Iowa’s Department of Transportation (IDOT) was asked to partner with HNTB Corporation to demonstrate the viability of a high-performance ABC concept being developed as a standard for nationwide use. The project included the replacement of the Keg Creek Bridge on U.S. 6 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. The bridge, a steel/precast modular structure 47' wide and 210' long, would be completely replaced in a two-week traffic-closure period. Normally, such an undertaking would require complete or partial road closure for a period of months.
In addition to an aggressive construction schedule, the project strove to incorporate innovative construction methods that could be easily replicated with other bridges throughout the U.S. As IDOT and HNTB explored available options, they discovered that Dayton Superior’s Sleeve-Lock grout sleeve, a cementitious grout-filled, onepiece mechanical coupler designed to butt-splice reinforcing steel in concrete structures, could provide the strong connections required in a minimal amount of time.

Sleeve-Lock would be used to connect the columns to the drilled piles and also to connect the pier cap to the columns. Once the precast elements were connected, Sleeve-Lock Grout was used to secure the connection.

The double-ended grout sleeve offers internal alignment fins to keep inserted rebar centered, while an integrated post provides a precise stop when inserting rebar. The grout sleeve’s stacking feet add stability by acting as a platform for a rebar chair.

“Iowa DOT was charged by the National Academy of Science to replace a bridge in the shortest amount of time possible. So, we evaluated the best products and methods in the industry when we discovered Dayton Superior’s Sleeve-Lock Grout Sleeve. By tailoring our processes to use a grouted sleeve in construction, we were able to replace the bridge while only having traffic closed for 2 weeks instead of 16 weeks. The overall construction project was shortened from 6 months to 2 months,” explained Michael D. LaViolette, PE of HNTB Corporation
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