In Archbold, a large machine, the first of its kind in the world, was used for the U.S. Route 20A interchange project. Built in Italy, the Bamtec dynamic machine, housed at Foundation Construction Automation in Archbold, produces rolled reinforcing rebar, which is used to reinforce concrete floors in buildings and bridge decks.
The machine automatically cuts rebar to length or feeds already-cut pieces, ties them together and spits out a roll ready for placement.
The rebar is rolled out in place “just like pieces of carpet,” explained Danny Dymarkowski, vice president of Foundation Construction Automation.
Rolling the reinforcing steel in place saves hours on rebar placement, he said, adding, “In some cases, the labor is reduced by 50 percent.”
The Route 20A project marks the first time the product was used on a bridge deck–the new interchange bridge over I-475 in Maumee.
“Our job is to enable the installer, the prime contractor, and ODOT to close out their projects faster and more efficiently with more accuracy, a better product and fewer injuries in the process,” Dymarkowski said.
