Precision Cutting & Coring of Kansas City, Kan., was contracted for a bridge overhaul project in May 2014 that required strict timing and precision. The overall project involved demolishing the top part of an old rail bridge then reconstructing it. Precision’s scope of work was to saw and remove the top 5 ft of concrete off of three concrete abutments and center pier caps.
Because the bridge crosses Highway 9, a major thoroughfare, the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge had to occur within 14 days. Precision had 36 hours to complete its portion. Owner Mike Liams knew this project needed to be coordinated well in advance to ensure smooth operation once on the job site.
The bridge was built in the early 1900s and supports shipments of chemicals to treat drinking water for the city. The bridge’s railroad track/bed, and 5 ft off the top of three concrete abutments and center pier caps holding up the structure needed to be dismantled and/or removed. Once the sawing and demolition was completed, the bridge would then be rebuilt with the engineered precast concrete caps and complete reconstruction of the railway crossing. This work needed to be completed quickly to restore shipments to the water plant.
Three weeks in advance, Iiams worked on the details of how to organize the equipment and manpower needed to remove the portion of the pillars at the same time, and at 25 ft in the air. He decided to use three Husqvarna CS 2512 wire saws along with Husqvarna’s C1000 diamond wire, due to the machine’s versatile and efficiency. Clint Ralston, a Husqvarna Construction Products Technical Specialist, was consulted to help figure out the cutting procedure, how long each cut would take, and the coordination of the workers needed.
When the project started, it took a lot of people to move the equipment, additional tools, and workers 25 ft in the air. Once set up, the CS 2512 saws were positioned into place and sawing through the pillars started. Having additional manpower on the ground meant it was easier to call for a tool or accessory without having to climb back down from 25 ft. In all, 756 sq ft of concrete was cut and 169 linear ft of core drilling was completed. It took 36 hours to make all the necessary cuts. Meeting the allotted time frame was a constant concern.
“Without the CS 2512s and the C1000 wire, we could not have completed the project in less than 36 hours. The equipment performed beautifully and we were able to set up the saws in different positions efficiently,” said Liams.
Advanced, precise planning along with the right equipment and tooling were the reasons Precision Cutting & Coring was able to make the project a success.
