Bridge Construction Requires EFCO’s Formwork

Aberdeen, Maryland

Dual Bridge Construction Using EFCO Formwork

The original dual bridges carrying eastbound and westbound traffic (US 40) over Little Gunpowder Falls were built in 1934 and recently showed signs of deterioration on the bridge deck. Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and its contractor Allan Myers are partnering with EFCO on the rehabilitation of these bridges.

I-95 Under Construction

Running from the Houlton–Woodstock Border Crossing in Maine south for 1,900+ miles to Miami, Florida, I-95 is the main north/south interstate on the United States’ east coast. It passes through 18 states and dozens of major cities. 300,000 vehicles traverse the interstate during peak travel times each day. A stretch of I-95 between Whitemarsh and Aberdeen, Maryland, over the Little Gunpowder Falls, is currently under construction to accommodate the growing volume.

Construction of Two Bridges

The project requires that I-95 northbound be widened and reconstructed to create two new Express Toll Lanes. It also involves the demolition of one existing lane, construction of two abutments and wing walls, the widening of both on-grade roadways, and the new construction of two bridges over Little Gunpowder Falls.

PLATE GIRDER for Bridge Construction

Allan Myers chose EFCO as a formwork supplier based on previous projects and their experience using the EFCO PLATE GIRDER® system to provide the lowest in-place concrete costs. Using EFCO meant the Allan Myers crew could combine panels into larger gangs with fewer ties, saving them from higher costs in patching and repair work.

EFCO PLATE GIRDER Self-Spanning Formwork

The EFCO PLATE GIRDER® panel works similarly to a girder but has additional features for forming concrete. The steel web of an EFCO PLATE GIRDER panel acts as a form face sheet and a web stiffener. PLATE GIRDER panels are available in many modular lengths and widths, enabling formwork panels to be configured and connected easily for changing job site conditions. The corner bearing blocks in the PLATE GIRDER panel ensure the transfer of flange forces between individual formwork panels. When used in a self-spanning application, these unique capabilities of the PLATE GIRDER enable anyone to pour aerial concrete without expensive and time-consuming shoring to the ground.

Quick Assembly of PLATE GIRDER Formwork

Allan Myers quickly assembled the PLATE GIRDER system for the footing and then reconfigured the panels to form the abutments and wing walls. Using one set of forms reduced the amount of equipment on the job site.

EFCO EQUIPMENT

PLATE GIRDER Walls
PLATE GIRDER
Self-Spanning

EFCO FORMWORK SPECIALISTS–WASHINGTON D.C.

Andrew Brown, Territory Manager
Rick Lynch, Field Supervisor

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ALLAN MYERS TEAM

Scott Carney, Project Engineer

Project Photos