J.F. Brennan Co. Inc.  - 820 Bainbridge Street - La Crosse, WI 54603 - Phone: 608/784-7173 - Fax: 608/785-2090

Procedures

River debris is removed adjacent to and under the bridge piers. This allows the placement of fabric-cast bags around the pier. The bags are then filled with concrete grout to underpin the pier and to act as a form to contain the sand backfill which is pumped into the void directly beneath the pier. The bags are positioned to provide a solid foundation for the concrete-filled, fabric-formed (ABM) Articulating Block Mat installed around the pier. The ABM provides additional scour protection while the fabric-cast bags placed on top of the block mat anchor and seal the installation. Note: Strict environmental controls are maintained in the waterways as all work is performed in the "wet' without the need for water diversion or dewatering.

Markets Served:

Government Agencies and Municipalities, Railroads

Scoured Bridge Pier Repair

Fabric Formed Articulating Block Mats (ABM) and Fabric Cast Concrete Bags

River flooding throughout the United States is causing the erosion of foundation materials, resulting in the undercutting of bridge piers and abutments. Following Federal Guidelines, State DOTs developed and implemented scour evaluation programs which require underwater structural inspections. When inspections identified a number of piers undermined by scour, contracts were awarded for underpinning and scour protection.