Bridge Decks Are a Breeze August 2002

The Greater Toronto Airport Groundside Association relied on Amherst Concrete Pumping of Ontario, Canada, and their fleet of Putzmeister concrete boom pumps to assist with the construction of the Frontage Roads Project. This is a massive three-year project at the L. B. Pearson Airport.

In a continuous pour, over 3,025 cubic yards (2300 cubic meters) of a high-performance silica fume mix was placed on a 1,150-foot- (350-meter) long bridge deck. The general contractor, BOT Construction Company, requested five concrete boom pumps to handle the job in a smooth manner. Amherst supplied a variety of their larger 42X-Meter and 52Z-Meter Putzmeister pumps, which feature free-flow hydraulics for smooth, steady outputs. They were strategically positioned on both sides of the bridge for full coverage of the deck with Canada Building Materials supplying the concrete to the units at a steady pace.

It is the first time in Amherst's 40-year history that the company has poured a bridge deck using Putzmeister equipment exclusively. This is because over the past five years, they have complemented their fleet with Putzmeister pumps instead of a competitor's brand.

"Bridge deck pours are a common occurrence at Amherst, and our Putzmeister equipment truly enhances our good service and performance. The products' capabilities are impressive, and the technical assistance, sales and service personnel at Putzmeister have been a pleasure to deal with," noted Amherst personnel.