why do they do it
June 16, 2006 7:12 AM Subscribe
why are they watering the bqe?
on the bqe or maybe techically the gowanus expressway, they are clearly watering the bqe. that is, there's a whole bunch of those hoses with tons of holes, spraying water. I'd say this is continuous for about 2-3 miles. it sort of in a construction lane next to traffic. there's no plant life there, and even if there was or they were planning on putting some there, this appears to be going on 24 hours a day, although I could be wrong about that i guess. But they're definitely watering the pavement.
So, why are they doing this.
on the bqe or maybe techically the gowanus expressway, they are clearly watering the bqe. that is, there's a whole bunch of those hoses with tons of holes, spraying water. I'd say this is continuous for about 2-3 miles. it sort of in a construction lane next to traffic. there's no plant life there, and even if there was or they were planning on putting some there, this appears to be going on 24 hours a day, although I could be wrong about that i guess. But they're definitely watering the pavement.
So, why are they doing this.
Gowanus Expressway, for context (Brooklyn, NY, U.S.A.).
posted by hangashore at 7:21 AM on June 16, 2006
posted by hangashore at 7:21 AM on June 16, 2006
Is it new concrete? If so, then they're trying to keep it from drying out too quickly, which weakens it. If it's asphalt, or old concrete, ihnfi.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:26 AM on June 16, 2006
posted by Kirth Gerson at 7:26 AM on June 16, 2006
I've noticed on hot days they do this sometimes. Like Kirth said, I believe it is to prevent the rapid solidifying of the concrete, which would introduce cracks/ruptures into it.
I thought of the blowing dust/dirt too but I don't typically see this on highway construction sites. I've only seen it on hot days when it looks like there is new concrete they have poured onto the road.
posted by aurigus at 7:32 AM on June 16, 2006
I thought of the blowing dust/dirt too but I don't typically see this on highway construction sites. I've only seen it on hot days when it looks like there is new concrete they have poured onto the road.
posted by aurigus at 7:32 AM on June 16, 2006
It's somewhere for the kids to play as they wait the 45 minute commute to go 2 miles :o
posted by any major dude at 7:49 AM on June 16, 2006
posted by any major dude at 7:49 AM on June 16, 2006
Mr. Gerson has it right. When pouring new concrete you need to keep it moist while it dries (sounds contrary, I know) in order for it to harden fully. It will prevent cracks and chipping (hah! in NYC?) later.
If you drive the FDR they are doing construction in the 60's. They do the same thing. Problem there is that when yoiu drive under the water, it gets on your car and the cement dust sticks to the car and hurts the finish.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:08 AM on June 16, 2006
If you drive the FDR they are doing construction in the 60's. They do the same thing. Problem there is that when yoiu drive under the water, it gets on your car and the cement dust sticks to the car and hurts the finish.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:08 AM on June 16, 2006
Not intending to hijack, but while we are on the subject of NYC roadway repairs that make no sense, does anyone know why on the Major Deagan that they repaved the road 2 years ago but neglected to add new blacktop under ALL the overpasses? They managed to remoive the top layer of the old, but when they laid the new, they did not do so under any bridges. At first I thought it was because the machinery would not fit, but that is not logical upon further thought.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:11 AM on June 16, 2006
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:11 AM on June 16, 2006
Fully intending to hijack, but while we are on the subject of NYC roadway repairs that make no sense, does anyone know why they are painting the 59th street bridge a flesh-toned beige color? Is this simply the new summer fashion statement, and can we expect aubergine and ochre in the fall?
posted by hermitosis at 8:41 AM on June 16, 2006
posted by hermitosis at 8:41 AM on June 16, 2006
When pouring new concrete you need to keep it moist while it dries (sounds contrary, I know)
To be a little pedantic about it..
Concrete isn't intended to dry at all. Concrete hardens by curing (that bit of wikipedia is terrible..). If you let it dry, it will not cure properly, and it will fail easily.
posted by Chuckles at 8:53 AM on June 16, 2006
To be a little pedantic about it..
Concrete isn't intended to dry at all. Concrete hardens by curing (that bit of wikipedia is terrible..). If you let it dry, it will not cure properly, and it will fail easily.
posted by Chuckles at 8:53 AM on June 16, 2006
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posted by buggzzee23 at 7:19 AM on June 16, 2006