Scott Green, LEED AP, Manager of Construction Technology -- Danny Gee, a carpenter on the USACE Locks 27 Lockwall Tie-downs project, created a G-bracket in place of the typical 2x4’s and turnbuckles to aid in Tarlton’s installation of nearly 1,500 feet of 3x3’ grade beam with rock anchors along the centerline every 4 to 6 feet.
What makes the G-bracket safer, faster and better?
Here’s a comparison between the typical procedure and Danny’s more creative solution, as explained by Tarlton Project Engineer Oliver Coulson, Quality Control Manager for the project:
- 2x4’s with turnbuckles are tripping hazards on the road, and head hazards where they cross the trench. Driving stakes with a sledge can lead to a back injury. The G-bracket eliminates these hazards.
- Driving stakes and cutting 2x4’s to length takes two workers. One worker can install and align the G-bracket in minutes.
- With the 2x4’s and turnbuckles, the team would be driving stakes into the sand, then letting trucks drive beside them – both leaving the forms vulnerable for movement. With the G-bracket, the casings don’t move.
Hats off to Danny and the Locks 27 team for harnessing the power of creativity.