Geofoam is often involved as form liners for concrete pouring but it’s not just about foundation or slab work. Intricate designs in concrete can also be achieved with the help of EPS Geofoam. In the case of the Caldecott Tunnel in Northern California, a city of Oakland landmark was recreated in a distinct decorative style.
Recreating the facade of a landmark tunnel in California
More than 160,000 commuters use the Caldecott Tunnel daily – seen as a local landmark in the City of Oakland. Contractors building the tunnel and façade over the tunnel entrances wanted to build quickly, and most importantly pour concrete quickly, to maintain their schedule. The façade was of an intricate art deco design and was to hold six medallions designed by local schoolchildren.
High compressive strength for form liners means larger concrete pours
The tunnel contractors choose EPS46 Geofoam form liners for the project as this EPS specification has very high compression strength (18.6 [email protected] 1% deformation). This strength gave the contractor the ability to pour up to 9’ of the façade at a time, saving time, cost and disruption.
Creating an exact aesthetic design for a concrete facade The form liners were constructed of large EPS panels, with sophisticated hot wire computerized cutting equipment to match the required design. They were then hard coated to give the concrete a smooth finish. The final façade went together to give an excellent finish and result – the first view of the Caldecott Tunnel for thousands of California’s daily commuters.
For expert advice on concrete forms and EPS products, call Universal Foam products at 410-498-000.