The Hose Company: Powering the ICE® Equipment on the Camp Lejeune Bridge Replacement Project
As the manufacturer of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses, we at The Hose Company were excited to see the innovative application of hydraulic technology in one of North Carolina's most significant infrastructure projects—the replacement of a historic swing bridge at the Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune. With the use of advanced equipment like ICE®'s 66C Vibratory Hammer, the addition of the ICE® Duplex Clamp Plate, and the critical role of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses, we were proud to support the efforts that helped power these operations.
The Bridge Replacement: A Vital Project for Camp Lejeune
In 2018, Hurricane Florence, the wettest tropical cyclone on record in the Carolinas, caused significant damage to the region, particularly to the swing bridge at Camp Lejeune that spanned the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. This 67-year-old bridge had been a vital link for boat traffic and military operations. However, the hurricane’s impact compromised its structural integrity, endangering mariners, base employees, and training participants.
In response to this, the decision was made to replace the old swing bridge with a modern, single-leaf bascule bridge. The new bridge would not only enhance safety but would also ensure that American soldiers and base personnel had reliable, optimal spaces to live, work, and train.
Archer Western Construction: A Key Player in the Project
Archer Western Construction was awarded the contract to build a cofferdam for the bridge replacement project. To get the job done efficiently and safely, Archer Western drove ZZ38-700 sheet piles that extended up to 50 feet in length. These massive piles were a critical component of the foundation for the new bridge. For this task, they relied on the robust capabilities of ICE® equipment, including the ICE® 66C Vibratory Hammer.
One of the most exciting advancements on this project, however, was the use of the ICE® Duplex Clamp Plate, a new piece of technology designed to improve pile driving efficiency. It was the first time this innovative clamp plate had been put to use for a client, and The Hose Company was proud to be part of the technology that helped power these essential hydraulic operations.
The Role of the ICE® Duplex Clamp Plate
The ICE® Duplex Clamp Plate was designed to optimize the vibratory hammer’s energy transfer to the sheet piles. Its main function was to reduce the deflection at the interlocks between sheets and evenly distribute the clamp’s contact area across the sheeting pairs. This design minimized heat transfer between the hammer and the sheets—an essential factor in ensuring the durability and strength of the piles.
Heat transfer during pile driving was a known challenge, as it could weaken and ultimately break the sheet piles. The dual clamp jaws of the ICE® Duplex Clamp Plate alleviated this issue by improving energy transfer, reducing wear and tear, and allowing Archer Western Construction to drive the large ZZ38-700 piles with better control and efficiency.
The feedback from Archer Western was overwhelmingly positive. They reported that the double jaws of the clamp plate allowed for easier handling and superior geometry control, ensuring the piles were driven with precision and stability.
Hydrauli-Flex Hoses: Powering the Operation
As part of the ICE® equipment’s hydraulic system, Hydrauli-Flex Hoses played an integral role in ensuring smooth, reliable operation of the vibratory hammer and other machinery. Hydrauli-Flex Hoses were designed to withstand high pressure and extreme environmental conditions, making them ideal for demanding projects like the Camp Lejeune bridge replacement.
Our hoses were manufactured to provide maximum flexibility and durability, essential in high-stress environments where equipment needed to function at peak performance. The combination of ICE®'s innovative technology and Hydrauli-Flex Hoses ensured that projects like this one were completed safely, efficiently, and on time.
The Future of Bridge Building and Hydraulic Technology
We at The Hose Company were proud to be part of such a crucial project. Seeing the ICE® Duplex Clamp Plate in action after years of research and testing was a significant milestone for both ICE® and us as manufacturers of Hydrauli-Flex Hoses. As construction methods continued to evolve and push the boundaries of what was possible, we were excited to see how our products could continue to support the growing demands of the infrastructure sector.
We congratulated Archer Western Construction for being the first to use the ICE® Duplex Clamp Plate, and we thanked them for choosing ICE® equipment and Hydrauli-Flex Hoses for this important project.
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At The Hose Company, we are committed to providing the best hydraulic hoses for your construction and industrial needs. Whether you're working on a major infrastructure project or need reliable equipment for any other application, our Hydrauli-Flex Hoses are here to power your success.
