Using Roadware MatchCrete™ Clear to repair cracks on the historic Stone Arch Bridge.

This week the City of Minneapolis used Roadware MatchCrete™ Clear to repair cracks in the exposed aggregate walkway surface on the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota.   The Stone Arch Bridge is unique to the Mississippi River and features 23 arches, is 2100 feet long and 28 feet wide.

The bridge was built by railroad baron James J. Hill in 1883 and served as a working railroad bridge until 1965.  Today the bridge is mostly used by walkers and bicyclists.  The bridge also hosts many festivals and public events in the summer months.

In preparation for the summer festival season, City of Minneapolis crews used Roadware MatchCrete™ Clear to repair cracks in the exposed aggregate walkway surface. MatchCrete™ Clear is combined with matching rock to repair cracks and restore a consistent walking surface.

The process begins with routing out the cracks with a dry diamond blade
to remove loose dirt and debris. Clean and dry matching stone is placed
into the crack up to surface level.

Matching stone is added up to the surface level

Next, two-part blended MatchCrete™ Clear is poured into the repair up to the surface. This fills in all the voids between the stones and seals the crack.  MatchCrete™ Clear is a semi-ridged material that will support all kinds of traffic from pedestrians to industrial fork lifts.

MatchCrete™ Clear is added to the pre-placed stone

See video MatchCrete™ Clear application video below:

 

Repairs will have a, wet” look for a few months and will naturally dull over time. A clear coat sealing over the entire surface will off-set this effect.

MatchCrete™ Clear repair in exposed aggregate concrete.

In a few months, Repairs with MatchCrete™ Clear will dull and blend into the surrounding concrete.

Over time, repairs will become less shiny.

Update: June 24, 2012.

MatchCrete™ Clear repairs 18 days later.

 

I revisited the repairs on the bridge 18 days later. The surface has been sealed.  The repairs are performing as expected.

Roadware MatchCrete Clear is available is 50ml and 600ml cartridges and two gallon bulk kits.

 

Roadware MatchCrete™ Clear 71300 600ml Cartridge