SECTION 815 — HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING — HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING
815.01 Description.
Concrete Surfaces. This work includes the removal of dirt, organic growth such as moss or lichens, efflorescence , and all other accumulated foreign matter from concrete surfaces through the application of a high- pressure water spray to the affected surfaces. The intent of this work is to produce a sufficiently clean surface for color matching of replacement and repair work, the application of concrete sealers, or other required structural repair or rehabilitation work. Bridge Structures. This work includes the removal of all dirt, organic growth, efflorescence and all other foreign particles, including sand, salt, guano, and other debris from steel or concrete bridge girders, cross frames, trusses, pier tops, utility supports, utility pipes and conduits, bearing devices, beam seats, scuppers, and other bridge components through the application of a high-pressure water spray to the affected surfaces. Do not remove or attempt to remove paint, sealant, or any other weatherproof material or waterproof coating. Existing paint systems on Department bridges may contain toxic substances such as lead, chromium, or cadmium, and these substances are considered hazardous to personnel, the environment, and the public proximate to the Project. Plan and take appropriate precautions during the cleaning operation for waste (including water runoff), containment s, and disposal to meet the State and Federal requirements for the protection of workers, the public, and the environment.
815.02 Equipment.
General. Ensure that the high-pressure water cleaning equipment has sufficient controls to vary the water pressure so that it can be adjusted to clean the concrete surfaces without damaging the surface being cleaned. Ensure that the equipment produces a maximum pressure of up to 3000 psi and has a functional pressure gauge and control incremented so that the pressure can be adjusted and maintained consistently. Ensure the availability of a sufficient variety of nozzle tips and accessories so that the spray can be applied uniformly to all applicable parts of the structure. Do not allow the tip to concentrate the spray at less than 25 degrees to the surface. Provide potable water to be used for cleaning. Do not use detergents to wash the bridge or concrete structure. Bridge Structures. Ensure that the cleaning equipment includes the necessary high- pressure water cleaning equipment and all ancillary equipment necessary to flush, clean, and remove all foreign material
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 815 — HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING 800-99 from the bridge structure, including hand tools, compressors, water tanks, water pumps, personal protective equipment, and storage containers for proper disposal. Determine the method and equipment, subject to the Engineer’s approval, that is best suited to successfully complete the cleaning operation.
815.03 Construction.
Protection of Wildlife. All nests of protected migratory birds on bridges are presumed to be active and occupied between April 15 and December 15. Do not clean or wash the areas within 3 ft laterally of the nest; begin washing at the 3-ft line and progress away from the nest. Before April 15 and after December 15, nests of protected migratory birds on bridges will most likely be inactive and unoccupied. Through coordination with the Engineer, confirm that the nests are unoccupied. If unoccupied, remove the nests as part of the cleaning operation based on a USFW Migratory Bird Permit Program. Do not clean or wash the areas within 3 ft laterally of a bat nest; begin washing at the 3-ft line and progress away from the nest. Remove the nests of unprotected species as part of the cleaning operations. Treat pigeons as humanely as possible. Concrete Surfaces. In the presence of the engineer, perform a test cleaning in an inconspicuous area of the structure to establish the appropriate pressure to produce a sufficiently clean and undamaged surface. Start the initial pressure for the test area at approximately 500 psi , and gradually increase as necessary until the surface has been adequately cleaned to the satisfaction of the engineer. When the test area has been sufficiently cleaned, the E ngineer will record the pressure, nozzle used, angle of impingement of the water stream, approximate cleaning rate per square foot, and other pertinent information for reference and inspection during the cleaning operations. Provide a supply of clean potable water for the operation. Do not combine any additives, such as de - greasers, chemical cleaners, detergents, or abrasives, with the water used for cleaning. Perform the Cleaning of concrete surfaces by moving the wand in a smooth stroke to achieve a uniform and thorough cleaning over the entire surface without pitting or marring. Collect and dispose of the solid material removed from the bridge structure by the cleaning operation at approved waste sites. Do not allow any wastewater or debris from the cleaning operation to enter adjacent water bodies. Protect all stormwater inlets (i.e., scuppers, catch basins, curb inlets) adjacent to the work area before initiating any cleaning operations and for the proper removal of all debris and the protection devices. Prevent property damage and protect the general public from exposure to spray, debris, and any other potentially hazardous conditions.
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
800-100 SECTION 815 — HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING Bridge Structures. In the presence of the Engineer, conduct a test cleaning in an inconspicuous area of the structure to establish the appropriate pressure to produce a sufficiently clean and undamaged surface. Start the initial pressure for the test area at approximately 500 psi, and gradually increase as necessary until the surface has been adequately cleaned to the satisfaction of the Engineer. Ensure that the water pressure is sufficient to remove the accumulated material without damaging the paint coverage of structural steel. When the test area has been sufficiently cleaned, the Engineer will record the pressure, nozzle used, angle of impingement of the water stream, approximate cleaning rate per square foot, and other pertinent information for reference and inspection during the cleaning operations. Proceed with the cleaning in an orderly manner, subject to the limitations of traffic control. Ensure that no residue from the cleaning operation remains on the surfaces to be cleaned at the completion of the operation. Provide a supply of clean potable water for the operation. Do not combine any additives, such as degreasers, chemical cleaners, detergents, or abrasives, with the water used for cleaning. Perform the cleaning of concrete surfaces by moving the wand in a smooth stroke to achieve a uniform and thorough cleaning over the entire surface without pitting or marring. Collect and dispose of the solid material removed from the bridge structure by the cleaning operation at approved waste sites. Do not allow any wastewater or debris from the cleaning operation to enter adjacent water bodies. Protect all stormwater inlets (i.e. , scuppers, catch basins, curb inlets) adjacent to the work area before initiating any cleaning operations and for the proper removal of all debris and the protection devices. Prevent property damage and protect the general public from exposure to spray, debris, and any other potentially hazardous conditions.
815.04 Method of Measurement.
Concrete Surfaces. High Pressure Water Cleaning of Concrete Surfaces will be measured by the number of square feet of surface cleaned. Bridge Structures. High-Pressure Water Cleaning of Bridge Structures will be measured by the number of bridge(s) cleaned.
815.05 Basis of Payment.
The Department will pay for the completed and accepted quantities as follows. Pay Item Pay Unit High-Pressure Water Cleaning of Concrete Surfaces SF High-Pressure Water Cleaning of Bridge Structures EA BRIDGE
Part 800 — Bridge Structures August 2025
SECTION 815 — HIGH-PRESSURE WATER CLEANING 800-101 The prices constitute full compensation for all materials, tools, equipment, labor , and all incidentals, including the installation and removal of temporary protective measures, necessary to finish the work, complete and accepted.
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