Progress on rebuilding Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge recently hit a new milestone as the Maryland Transportation Authority began the bridge’s Test Pile Program.
Six test piles, measuring 8 feet in diameter, over 220 feet high and made of American steel, were barged into the city. They vary in thickness from 1.5 inches to 2 inches and will be driven into the Patapsco River – after being vibrated into place – with a pile driving hammer.
A total of 12 test piles will be placed in the riverbed over the next 6 to 8 weeks and will require about 2 hours of hammering, which will sound similar to a large bell ringing in the distance, according to MDTA.
(MDTA Begins Test Pile Program for Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild (Video)
Progress on rebuilding Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge recently hit a new milestone as the Maryland Transportation Authority began the bridge’s Test Pile Program.
Six test piles, measuring 8 feet in diameter, over 220 feet high and made of American steel, were barged into the city. They vary in thickness from 1.5 inches to 2 inches and will be driven into the Patapsco River – after being vibrated into place – with a pile driving hammer.
A total of 12 test piles will be placed in the riverbed over the next 6 to 8 weeks and will require about 2 hours of hammering, which will sound similar to a large bell ringing in the distance, according to MDTA.