Shea Concrete Supplies Culvert Solution for Mass DOT Project

Apr 16, 2012

Shea Concrete, one of the largest precast concrete manufacturers in New England, has successfully completed the Mass DOT culvert project in Haverhill, MA. Working in conjunction with Sea and Shore Contracting, Inc. and the engineering firm, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB), Shea Concrete produced a boxed culvert system that adhered to strict design and performance requirements to house a 48” storm water pipe.

The chosen construction site challenged the ingenuity of designers and relied on the experience of all involved, for the newly laid piece would travel over an existing 60” diameter sewer line. Running alongside the Main Street Bridge on Route 125, the precast box culvert not only goes downhill at a 30 degree angle, but also drops 8 feet before reaching the river.
 
“I have seen culverts make left or right turns before on previous jobs, but never downhill,” noted Greg Stratis, the manager at the Amesbury location. “Because of the unique constraints of this project, our only solution was to create forms from scratch to accommodate the downward design element.”
 
In most situations, culvert sections are made in a steel adjustable form, ranging in sizes from 3’ x 3’ to over 12’ x 12’. However, this proved to be inapplicable for the production of the transition angled sections. In order to manufacture these segments, Shea Concrete relied on a rather traditional method: workers first gathered the portions before and after the transition components and laid them on their sides. Once they were aligned and spaced as noted in the design plans, the very labor intensive task of hand-crafting a wooden form to serve as foundation of the angled sections could take commence.
 
After the frame passed inspection and fully complied within the design parameters, concrete could be molded around the structure. Upon its arrival at the job site, contractors seamlessly laid the boxed culvert into place where it now can serve the function of facilitating proper drainage in the surrounding area.
 
“This project showcases the capabilities and drive of Shea Concrete to produce precast concrete products that are as unique as the projects they encounter,” remarked Mark Barnes of Sea and Shore Contracting, Inc. “This job was no easy task, but it was attainable through the hard work and determination of everyone involved.”

Contact

Shea Concrete Products, Inc.

87 Haverhill Road

01913 Amesbury, MA

United States

Phone:

+1 978-388-1509

Fax:

+1 978-388-6959

E-Mail:

sales@sheaconcrete.com

Internet:

To website

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