CONTRACTORS INQUIRIES USACE RESPONSES 2.pdf

PROJECT: PRECAST CONCRETE BLOCKS ACQUISITION

CONTRACTOR’S INQUIRIES AND USACE’S RESPONSES (AS OF 5:00 P.M. ON 6

JULY 09)

Contractor’s Questions and USACE responses regarding the project specifications:

1. Where are the lift eye anchors to be placed, and how many are there per block? Are there any drawings to be issued to the bidders?

USACE RESPONSE: The placement of the anchors is shown on the recently posted sketch.

2. The catalog information for the lift eye anchor assemblies indicates that the specified device may not fit into the 4’ deep block dimension. Bending the tension bar to make it fit may compromise the design integrity of the lift system. Please advise if a lifting eye is to be placed in either, or both, of the two 36 sq. ft. block faces, and if so, how to address the noted lifting eye installation problem.

USACE RESPONSE: Lifting eyes are to be placed into the 36 s.f. face. These lifting eyes are to be model P-52 lifting eyes which do not require the tension bar.

3. Can the forms be stripped as soon as the concrete can hold the block shape?

The block will not be moved and no load will be applied to the lift eye anchors until the specified 2,000 psi strength is attained.

USACE RESPONSE: Fabrication methods shall meet all referenced specifications.

Forms may be stripped as long as the shape of the block is not compromised and the performance of the block is not compromised.

4. The specifications state that the concrete unit blocks must be manufactured in a National Precast Concrete Association certified plant. Can the specified concrete be purchased from a plant certified by the National Precast Concrete Association and delivered to another site for placement into the forms, with lift eye anchor assemblies, prepared by the contractor?

USACE RESPONSE: Casting shall be performed by National Precast Concrete Association Certified Workers.

5. Are the two sets (two pairs) of lifting eyes that are to be furnished and delivered separately to include the Tension Bar? Is this request for four lifting eyes?

USACE RESPONSE: This request is for four lifting eyes.