The essential equipment of construction, Part 2

From ODOT-

Here is the second in a series on the large machinery that we’re using to build the Whilamut Passage Bridge.

For the roadway portions of our project, this large paver pushes and
forms the continuously reinforced concrete pavement, creating a 12-foot-wide
roadway. Crews
follow behind to ‘float’ a final hand finish that ensures a smooth, quiet ride.

On the bridge spans, crews use an efficient Bid-Well paving machine that spreads,
levels and flattens concrete poured for the final bridge deck. Spanning an
entire 12-foot roadway lane, it steadily moves on metal rails, forming fresh
concrete into finished pavement.*

Here’s how the paving
machine works. The auger to the right of the center roller spreads the concrete,
the black wheel levels it, and the roller flattens the concrete to make the
bridge deck consistent and strong.

 

 *Text
revised on April 4, 2013.