The population of Southern California relies
on an extensive system of canals and tunnels
to deliver water. Construction of these structures
is an intricate undertaking that requires a
considerable amount of engineering expertise
and attention to detail.
Because of the terrain and site conditions, it
also means that custom solutions to unique
situations must often be devised. When
Shank/Balfour Beatty was contracted to build
the West Tunnel-Inland Feeder in Highland,
California, they determined that site conditions
at the tunnel entrance required a portal
structure not specifed in the original plans.
The contracting/engineering firm designed
an arched structure with 18" thick concrete
walls to protect workers from possible rock
slides at the opening during tunneling operations.
Project Engineer Stuart Lipofsky asked
Symons® by Dayton Superior to propose a
forming system for this important element.