PARAPET MODIFICATION
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1SECTION INCLUDES
A.Modifying existing concrete parapet systems
1.2RELATED SECTIONS
A.Section 03055: Portland Cement Concrete
B.Section 03152: Concrete Joint Control
C.Section 03211: Reinforcing Steel and Welded Wire
D.Section 03310: Structural Concrete
E.Section 03390: Concrete Curing
F.Section 05120: Structural Steel
1.3REFERENCES
A.AASHTO M 111: Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel
Products
B.AASHTO M 169: Steel Bars, Carbon, and Alloy, Cold-Finished
C.AASHTO M 213: Preformed Expansion Joint Fillers for Concrete Paving
and Structural Construction (Nonextruding and Resilient Bituminous Types)
D.AASHTO M 270: Structural Steel for Bridges
E.ASTM C 578: Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
F.ASTM D 4285: Indicating Oil or Water in Compressed Air
G.ASTM D 5249: Backer Material for Use with Cold- and Hot-Applied Joint
Sealants in Portland-Cement Concrete and Asphalt Joints
Parapet Modification
1.4DEFINITIONS Not Used
1.5SUBMITTALS
A.Manufacturer’s product data sheets and recommended installation
instructions for review.
B.Method of removal to the Engineer for review before removing concrete on
the parapet.
1.Include equipment, sequence of work, shoring, falsework, and other
items that are required for the removal.
C.Cover plate shop drawings for review when shown.
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1MATERIALS
A.Concrete – Class AA(AE), ¾ inch maximum aggregate. Refer to Section
03055.
B.Reinforcing Steel
1.Coated reinforcing steel according to Section 03211.
C.Structural Steel
1.Plates
a.Refer to AASHTO M 270.
2.Headed Studs
a.Refer to AASHTO M 169.
3.Galvanize after fabrication according to AASHTO M 111.
4.Refer to Section 05120.
D.Guardrail Preset Anchors – When shown.
E.Preformed Joint Filler
1.Refer to AASHTO M 213.
F.Rigid Plastic Foam
1.Refer to ASTM C 578.
2.Type 9, density of 2 lb/ft3.
Parapet Modification
G.Backer Rod
1.Size the diameter of the backer rod to be 25% to 50% larger than
opening at time of installation. For example:
a.0.5 inch backer rod for 3/8 inch opening
b.0.625 inch backer rod for ½ inch opening
c.1 inch backer rod for ¾ inch opening
d.1.25 inch backer rod for 1 inch opening
2.Use a closed cell, polyethylene-foam rod joint filler.
a.Meet the requirements of ASTM D 5249 Type 1 or Type 3.
H.Joint Sealer (Structures)
1.Refer to Section 03152.
2.2EQUIPMENT
A.Sandblaster/Air Compressor
1.Verify air is free of water and oil according to ASTM D 4285.
B.Jackhammer
1.90 lb class or smaller
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1PREPARATION
A.Locate existing electric conduit and protect from damage.
B.Carefully remove existing parapet railing and brackets and deliver to the
Department maintenance shed designated by the Engineer when shown.
3.2CONCRETE REMOVAL
A.Remove the existing parapet concrete according to the authorized
removal method.
B.Make 1 inch deep saw cuts to define the work area unless shown
otherwise.
C.Remove the concrete with jackhammers.
1.Use 90 lb class jackhammer or smaller.
2.Protect reinforcing steel to remain.
Parapet Modification
D.Sandblast clean exposed reinforcing steel and concrete surfaces before
placing new concrete.
E.Clean the repair area by blowing with clean and dry compressed air at 90
psi.
3.3PLACE REINFORCING STEEL
A.Place reinforcing steel when shown according to Section 03211.
B.Install doweled anchors when shown according to Section 03211.
3.4FORMS
A.Refer to Section 03310.
3.5PLACE CONCRETE
A.Keep the repair area clean until concrete has been placed.
B.Re-establish existing joint pattern unless an alternative joint pattern is
shown.
1.Place rigid plastic foam as shown.
C.Place concrete.
1.Refer to Section 03310.
2.Pressure wash the repair area.
a.Remove standing water while maintaining a saturated
surface.
D.Provide ordinary surface finish.
1.Refer to Section 03310.
3.6CURE CONCRETE
A.Refer to Section 03390.
3.7SEAL JOINTS
A.Completely remove curing compounds, oil, grease, dirt, and any other
foreign materials from concrete surfaces in the joints by sandblasting.
B.Provide concrete surfaces in the joints that are clean and dry when
backing and sealant are placed.
Parapet Modification
C.Place the joint sealer (structures) with caulking guns in joints after placing
the backer rod and in the recess above the rigid plastic foam as shown.
1.Apply the sealant when the substrate is at least 50 degrees F and
ambient air temperature is not forecast to fall below 50 degrees F during the application and cure of sealant.
2.Start the sealant placement at one side and proceed to the other
side on horizontal grooves and from top to bottom on vertical joints.
3.Tool the sealant using a concave pointing tool with soap solution
until the joints and recess are sealed over completely.
4.Finish sealant in a neat and clean fashion.
a.Verify there are no irregular surfaces including peaks and
valleys.
b.Remove sealant outside of the joint.
3.8PROTECTION
A.Prevent sandblasting material and debris from falling into waterways,
pedestrian areas, traffic areas, or onto railroad tracks.
END OF SECTION
Parapet Modification
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Source: Utah Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 1101–1105 of 1,331.
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