The project:
The Loft house Interchange, initially constructed along with its supporting structures in 1970, connects two of the UK’s busiest motorways, the M1 (J42) and the M62 (J29). In 2011 the majority of the reinforced concrete supporting structures were showing signs of corrosion, likely attributed to over 40 years of de-icing the road decks above and the adjacent running surfaces of the M1. Sections of reinforced concrete had delaminated and spalled away significantly in splash zones as well as areas where deck joints were leaking onto the faces of the support piers below.
The solution:
APA Concrete Repairs Ltd were involved in refurbishing the supporting structures as part of a central barrier replacement scheme on the M1 section. An extensive programme of concrete repairs was completed during limited night and weekend lane closures. These works included breakout by hydro-demolition, rebar replacement, installation of galvanic sacrificial anodes, waterproof coatings and included the provision and maintenance of our own scaffolding access.
The outcome:
The works to the Lofthouse interchange were completed ahead of time and within budget, to the delight of the Highways Agency. These repair works ensured that this highly critical motorway interchange was refurbished and prepared for the ever-increasing volume of traffic, as well as adding protection from the inevitable future use of de-icing salts.
Materials Utilised:
- Sika 133 spray concrete
- Sika Galvashield XP Sacrificial Anodes
