There was some talk about missing pieces of concrete on the surface of the pier on the Mandan side of the river, what happened and how does it affect the structural soundness of the bridge?
When workers discovered hollow-sounding areas while finishing the surfaces of the pier 7, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) ordered further investigation and found the exterior two to six inches in some spots of the pier had separated from the rest of the structure. This separation is called “delamination” and it does not affect the structure of the pier. It is a cosmetic issue that requires grouting to repair the appearance of the spot. NDDOT engineers have evaluated different grout materials submitted by the contractor to find what will work best for the delaminated areas on pier 7. Once steel girders are set overhead at pier 7, finishers will return to grout the surface of the pier in the spring. NDDOT is committed to not only designing and building a solid and safe Liberty Memorial Bridge, but one that is also aesthetically appealing. The delamination does not pose a structural problem to the bridge, but rather a cosmetic situation. That’s why crews will blend i
