HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Worldwide industrial services and products company Harsco Corporation (NYSE:HSC) said today that rental shoring systems engineered and supplied by its Patent Construction Systems division are playing a crucial role in the refitting of Boston's Big Dig highway project.
Nearly 120 of Patent's state-of-the-art, high capacity GASS shoring towers, each standing more than 15 feet high, have been installed to support concrete ceiling panels in the eastbound "Ramp C" tunnel linking Interstate 90 to Logan Airport, enabling the route to be re-opened to traffic recently for the first time since July. An additional 180 towers are providing ceiling panel support in the westbound tunnel while workers install new hangers for the panels.
Patent's all-aluminum GASS shoring system was selected for its high load capacity at this height, while its Du-Al aluminum stringers were chosen for their long span/high load capability. The lightweight versatility of this aluminum system made for easy installation in a tight space.
The entire Ramp C installation, from initial design by Patent's engineers through final set-up by the contractor, took just three weeks, including the time required for all engineering and construction reviews by local, state and federal highway authorities.
At present, investigations continue to assess the full extent of the ceiling problems. Patent's equipment is expected to remain in place until a permanent repair solution is designed. Patent anticipates similar temporary shoring installations in other sections of the project.
Harsco Corporation is a diversified, worldwide company with four market-leading business groups that provide mill services, access services, engineered products and services, and gas containment and control technologies to customers around the globe. The Company employs approximately 21,000 people in 45 countries of operation and recorded 2005 sales of $2.8 billion. Harsco's common stock is a component of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 1000 Index. Additional information about Harsco, including its Patent Construction Systems division, can be found at www.harsco.com.
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