Cintec America Provides Anchoring Systems for NYC Subway Station Retrofit Project
New York City Transit managers had learned in 1999 that a portion of the ceiling at 181st Street was at risk of collapse. However, it did not begin a comprehensive assessment of the ceiling’s condition until June 2009. On Aug. 16, 2009, at 10:18 p.m., a large section of the arched brick ceiling at the 181st Street Station on the IRT Line fell onto the platforms and tracks. Fortunately, no one was injured by the falling bricks, and subway service to the station was immediately suspended.
After an exhaustive NYC Transit Authority testing regimen and evaluation of all the anchoring systems available in the United States, the Cintec custom-designed anchoring solution was selected to hold up the fire- and waterproof ceiling panels over the train station. Cintec anchors were also selected to retain the bricks that line the walls.
A custom-designed crane was used to raise the overhead panels in place up to the ceiling, and they were then attached to a mounting clip system held in place by Cintec anchors. All the construction was done on a raised platform above the train station and the tracks, though this station is 120 feet below ground.
About the Author
CINTEC America is a structural masonry retrofit strengthening, repair and preservation company. For more information, email solutions@cintec.com, or visit www.cintec.com.
