The Vasco Rd Safety Improvements Project - Phase 1 is designed to improve the safety of approximately 1 mile of Vasco Rd between the cities of Brentwood and Livermore. This stretch of twisting Vasco Rd has heavy, fast moving traffic and a history of serious injury accidents. The project consists of installing a concrete median barrier along the 1 mile project limits and widening the southbound pavement to provide a truck climbing lane, thereby eliminating the gap in the existing truck climbing lanes along Vasco Rd. To accommodate these safety improvements, 6 retaining walls, storm drains, wildlife crossings, and a bridge widening will be constructed. This project is anticipated to take 1.5 yrs (2 construction seasons) to complete, anticipated in December 2011. Check out this blog from time to time to see updates on construction progress and facts about the project.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Soil Nail Wall 4 Production Nail Installation Begins

After completion of verification nail testing and waiting for the proper soil nail materials to be delivered, Teichert Construction began installation of production nails at the Soil Nail Wall 4. The results of verification nail testing confirmed the appropriate soil nail lengths as well as allowed for a redesign of the nail layout for ease of construction. Six inch diameter holes are drilled into the hillside to design lengths prior to installation of the actual steel nail. Grouting of the nail must take place immediately after drilling to prevent cave-ins. Wire mesh and steel reinforcement are then installed along the soil cut face prior to the installation of the shotcrete wall facing.


Installed soil nails along with the Soil Nail Wall 4 cut face extend outward. The black geocomposite drain strips are installed against the soil and will be extended down as each soil nail lift is excavated.


Reinforcing steel bars extend above the cut face to eventually support the extension of a concrete cantilever wall.


Shotcrete installation operation at Soil Nail Wall 4.


A soil nail extends through the reinforcing steel, wire mesh, and initial layer of shotcrete.

Posted by at

Soldier Pile Wall 2 Work Begins

Teichert Construction began construction of Soldier Pile Wall 2 at the southern project limit. Besides the use of soil nails to secure the hillside along Vasco Rd, soldier pile wall retaining systems will be used to stabilize the minor hillside cuts. Approximately 20 to 30 ft deep holes are drilled to accommodate concrete cast in place steel piles. Timber lagging will be installed in between the steel piles prior to the final concrete facing wall. Upon completion Soldier Pile Wall 2 will be approximately 12 ft tall at the highest location.



Drilling rig staged at Soldier Pile Wall 2 location.


Drilling down to pile tip elevation.


Steel pile secured in the proper location prior to concrete pour.
Posted by at

Brushy Creek Bridge Abutments Complete

Teichert Construction completed the Brushy Creek Bridge abutments by pouring them in early August. The abutments secure the bridge structure itself to the footing foundation. Steel reinforcement extends from the footing up into the abutment, which will eventually connect to the bridge deck.


View of Abutment 1.


Falsework installation at Abutment 2.


Laying out falsework girders at Abutment 1.
Posted by at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)