Project not halted by challenges
Despite several legal challenges and ongoing political opposition, construction on the first section of California’s high-speed rail project continued this week in both Madera and Fresno.
On Wednesday morning, crews from Sylmar-based Becho, Inc. looked on as “Gamma-Gamma” tests — used to measure concrete density — were performed on a prototype concrete piling near State Route 145 and the Fresno River in Madera County.
Inside the massive concrete cylinder, in a hole some 86 feet deep, a steel rebar cage equipped with hydraulic coils and sensors sits ready to measure load capacities and structural integrity for eventual column design.
“Next week we’re going to do what’s known as a load test to see if we can make the pile move up and down,” said Patrick Anderson, general superintendent. “Once that’s done we’re going to do what’s known as dynamic testing where we smash the pile sideways to give an indication of what an earthquake would do to it.” ...