Projects
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Crossing Project
Protecting one of the world’s most unique water crossings can be a daunting task. It looks simple enough on paper, but working out in the Chesapeake Bay has its own challenges. Precon Marine, Inc. is meeting and exceeding those expectations to protect one of the largest water crossings in the world.
This multi-million dollar project calls for a unique company, with a diversified staff and specialized equipment. To meet these challenges safely, you must be diligent, in production, worker safety, and maintenance of specialized gear. We have met part of those challenges by acquiring on of the most specialized pieces of equipment available, the Capt’n Ray.
The Capt’n Ray, is a 32’ x 64’ x7’, lift boat. Also known as a lift barge it has the ability to raise itself on three legs to a height of 75’ safely. It boasts twin 8V-71 Detroit diesels, sleeps 8-10 comfortably, and has a sophisticated steering and navigation system. A 60 gallon per hour fresh water maker, allows us to mix our concrete, and wash piles with fresh water.
The project is the first of its kind. To protect the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, from the inherent wave and wind action for which the bay is infamous. To complete this task we have coupled with Corrosion Restoration Technologies, CRT, and Jarden Zinc Products, who provide the anode protection system. Developed with input from Precon Marine staff, concerning the “real world” of installing jackets and pile protection systems.
“The System”, is made up of self sacrificing anodes installed below the water line by PMI divers. Before this is done all existing damage due to the ravages of the Bay are repaired. Wires are attached to the pre-stressed strands in the piles themselves, and connected to the anodes. Special custom built junction boxes are then installed above on the pile cap for testing and approval from the CP Spec A-list. After each pile passes the continuity tests, epoxy is used to seal the breach in the pile where the wires were attached and then grouted. Then the whole pile from below the waterline is wrapped in a fiberglass jacket. Special attention is paid to seam location, to maximize the protection ability of the system. The jacket is then pumped full with grout, provided by Fox Industries, to solidify the repair/protection process.
Due to the essential link the bridge tunnel provides from the southern part of the east coast to points north, it was necessary for all the work to be done below the bridge deck. In this way the vital flow this roadway system provides is not disrupted.
Working “below deck” in one of the most challenging environments on the east coast is quite a feet in itself. But one that Matthew Miller President/Project Manager of Precon Marine, Inc. and Rick Reynolds, Project Superintendent are meeting head on. It’s not everyday, or even every company that would sacrifice company infrastructure for a project. But we feel that due to the challenges and magnitude of this project that it was necessary to provide a safe and effective environment for our client. “There are going to be plenty of days we cannot work, so the good weather days we have must be maximized”, says Matt Miller. With good committed people we feel we are up to the task, and can make this project a complete success, both for our client and company alike.