The Environmental Advantages of Using Archtec and Cintec

Archtec is not only a more economical method of strengthening masonry arch bridges, but it also causes less environmental impact and typically consumes 90% less energy than conventional methods used to date. Typical methods of reinforcement such as ‘saddling’ use high quantities of materials and force the closure of bridges and surrounding roads until repairs are completed. The Cintec system reduces, or even eliminates, the need for expensive excavation and disposal of the debris to an authorized site.

The Archtec system of strengthening comprises insertion of steel reinforcement into the arch barrel of the bridge. During installation, holes are bored from the road surface, or beneath the bridge, to suit environmental requirements, using small drills working from a generator. A sock containing a stainless steel reinforcement bar is inserted into each hole and cementitious grout is pumped into the sock. Also, the sock is sufficiently permeable to permit the grout to bond to the masonry and form a structural connection. The durable stainless steel Cintec Anchor is easily and quickly inserted without damaging the masonry. The Portland Cement grout "Presstec" is a completely natural in-organic grout made to German DIN Standards which has been accelerated age-tested for 40 years at the British Building Research Establishment. This form of natural grout was chosen instead of resin enriched grout to give the repair long-term durability of 120 years. This method is proving popular with bridge owners as it:

• causes no impact on the natural environment.
   
• causes no significant change to the appearance of the bridges, preserving their historical features.
   
• causes little or no delay to traffic.

Energy savings are made in two key areas when using the Archtec method. First, there is a savings with regards to reduced use of energy intensive methods of construction. The Archtec method typically on average has reduced the amount of steel used by 92% and the amount of cement used by 88% not to mention the additional savings with regards to preparations of materials, storage and other such overhead expenses.

The second advantage to the Archtec system is the savings in traffic delays and emissions. Most methods of bridge repair require the bridge to be closed and detour routes to be planned. The extra traveling creates greater fuel consumption and higher levels of emissions.

The Archtec system takes substantially less time than conventional methods and the effect on traffic is minimal in comparison. Depending upon the size of the bridge, it is often possible to repair the bridge in portions, keeping lanes of traffic partially open, thus reducing the need for alternative route planning.

Taking all of the previously mentioned environmental concerns into consideration, and speaking in terms of its financial liability, the typical Archtec project is considerably less than the total cost of other conventional methods. No maintenance is required and no degradable or corrodible materials are involved.

This versatile Cintec method which not only has minimal environmental impacts, but creates a large cost savings as well, has also been incorporated for use with regards to strengthening of walls in historic and religious structures and high rise buildings, railroad viaducts and strengthening of buildings in seismic areas.