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The
Hubert H. Humphrey Bridge spans the Indian River on State
Road 520 in Cocoa, Florida. The Bridge actually consists of
two bridges standing side by side, each over 3/4 mile (1.2
kilometers) long, which were built approximately 30 years
ago. The structural system of the bridge consists of
clusters of driven pile, pile caps, struts and columns,
prestressed beams, and a poured-in-place deck.
Over the years the columns, struts, and pile caps that were
in the splash zone were exposed to a harsh and aggressive
environment due to the salt water and high winds. These
elements had taken their toll on the concrete where the
rebar had insufficient concrete coverage. Sections of the
pile caps were actually falling into the river as
deterioration continued.
Structural concrete restoration was performed on the
underside of the superstructure of the bridge on the
columns, struts, and pile caps. Repairs ranged from routing
out and repairing small cracks to extensive concrete pours
requiring the design of special forms and innovative pumping
techniques to complete. Two coats of epoxy paint were used
to seal the concrete and to extend the life span of the
bridge. The repairs took 14 months to complete (April 1996
to June 1997). According to Southern Concrete’s Jim
Tombarello, “I couldn’t believe that we actually got
paid to do this job. This was one of the most pleasurable
projects that we have ever undertaken. Every morning I would
drive the work boat out to the bridge with my dog Savannah
at the bow and the sun rising before me. At times schools of
dolphin would be frolicking nearby, manatees would approach
the boat for a ‘rub,’ and Savannah would spend the day
chasing birds and playing on the shore.”
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