A post-tensioning project that increased the structural strength of the preheater tower at Holcim's Portland Plant in Florence, Colo., has been selected as Project of the Year in the International Concrete Repair Institute's 2004 Project Awards program. The award will be presented formally at a banquet on October 21, during ICRI's Convention in San Francisco. The project was submitted by CTL, with Walker Restoration Consultants, Holcim Group Support (Canada) Ltd., also credited as engineers, and Structural Preservations Systems, Inc., cited as the repair contractor.

The team recommended a retrofit consisting of bonded post-tensioning within internal holes drilled in reinforced concrete beams. This solution required precision-drilling horizontal holes more than 90 ft long in the beams of the elevated frame structure, without cutting existing embedded reinforcement.

Nondestructive impulse radar testing was used to locate existing embedded reinforcing steel, as well as to monitor the drilled holes' trajectory. This process helped ensure proper tendon alignment and prevent damage to embedded steel. The cored holes served as post-tensioning ducts.

Earlier in the year, the project also was named a co-winner of Best in Class in the Post-Tensioning Institute's 2004 Awards Program in the strengthening/rehabilitation category.