California 14, July 14, 2024 by Construction Equipment Guide

Unique Drilling Operations Pace Repairs in Santa Barbara

By Irwin Rapoport CEG CORRESPONDENT

A crack across a section of Highway 154 and along the outer shoulder of a section of Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County has led to the closure of the two-lane highway (with shoulders on either side) from San Antonio Creek Road to Painted Cave Road.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 5 has brought in contractor Drill Tech Shoring & Drilling Inc. to remedy a solution, which now has reached the point where drilling operations are under way to help repair the roadway.

Crews are installing steel rock dowels 40-ft. deep using drilling equipment.

“A horizontal drilling operation is now under way,” Caltrans District 5 Public Information Officer Jim Shivers said. “This has been successful as there has been no additional roadway cracking … The insertion of vertical dowels 40 feet deep below the highway has stopped surface movement and further cracking of the pavement. In addition, inclinometers have been inserted into the slope to monitor sub-surface movement.

“A temporary soil bench was created just below the highway [slope] to place the drilling equipment on it to allow for horizontal drilling,” Shivers added. “There has been some cracking at this location but has not stopped the progress of work.”

Overall, work includes placing large rocks at the bottom of the slope to provide support. New drainage pipes have been installed with the rocks and pipes covered in Filter Fabric and then covered with additional material and protection.

Drill Tech has between five to 10 people on-site, which is supported by five Caltrans personnel.

“We have a good staff responding to this [situation],” said Shivers. “We have Caltrans engineers, CalPortland and Drill Tech [people on-site]. Relations are good.”

see DOWELS page 8

Construction crews from Drill Tech Shoring & Drilling have installed steel rock dowels 40-ft. deep for the intitial start of repairs to prevent further cracking and erosion on Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County.

VCES Hosts Events to Showcase Latest Electric Machines

VCES (Volvo Construction Equipment & Services) hosted a two-day Electric Demo Days for its customers, partners and other industry professionals on June 12 to 13 at its Corona, Calif., location and the following week on June 26 to 27 at its San Leandro, Calif., location. The event was attended by more than 300 guests at the combined events and showcased the latest in electric offerings from Volvo, as well as electric options from VCES’s partners, including Bergmann Americas, Moxion Power and Portable Electric E-Generators. There also was a demonstration from Road Soup demonstrating asphalt repair, using its cold mixed and cold applied recycled asphalt product.

Attendees were given the opportunity to test drive the electric machines and learn about the charging and run time of each one. The following all-electric models were showcased: L20, ECR25 and the newest models; EC230 and DD25. Customers were able to get in the cab and experience the smooth, quiet power for themselves.

Raffle prizes were given out, including a Yeti mug, dozer model and Road Soup gave away a Starbucks gift card. For more information, VCES is located at 22099 Knabe Rd., Corona, CA 92883; and 1944 Marina Blvd., San Leandro, CA 94577; or at 951/277-7620.  CEG

Kiana Corona (L) and Ana Durazo of Volvo Construction Equipment & Services (VCES) welcome industry professionals to the Electric Demo Day event.

Attendees were able to see the type and length of charge depending on each machine.

(L-R) are Juan Cisneros; Kiana Corona; Richard Shadowski; Frank Valente; Edward Galindo; Ray Gallant; Ana Durazo; Jason Pellegrino and Scott Nadell.

(L-R) are Jones, vice president of business development of Road Soup; Kevin O’Donnel, president, Bergmann Americas; Shani Sasson, founder/CEO of Road Soup; Yuval Sasson, account manager of Road Soup; and Edward Galindoo, e-mobility product manager.

Richard Shodowski, product service support of VCES, trained each person that wanted to demo the EC230.

Shanni Sasson, founder/CEO of Road Soup, talks with Kevin Gross and Rolland Tite, both of LA County Public Works, about the ease of using Road Soup’s recycled asphalt product.

Nick Gonzalez trying his hand at the gravel pit using the EC230.

Nick Gonazlez of Sierra Recycling and Demolition gives a big thumbs up after using the EC230. He liked how quiet, yet powerful, it was.

Rolland Tite of LA County Public Works tries out the Electric L20 Volvo loader in the gravel pit.

The Quinn Company hosted the Summer Kickoff event in the city of Industry. The “Tap Truck” and the Dragging Axe, Mobile Axe Throwing Trailer were featured in the courtyard.

Pacific Fleet Services at its booth ready to discuss its Diesel fleet maintenance and mobile services. Ryan Koukal (L), president of Pacific Fleet Services; and Chad Lackey, CEO of Pacific Fleet Services.

Rob Dodson of Vail Dunlap was on hand to discuss designing and sourcing unique branded solutions. (LR): Karen Dodson and Rob Dodson, president of Vail Dunlap.

the

A unique way to utilize the bucket of the 249D3, as a cooler for beverages.

SCCA Kicks Off Summer With BBQ at Quinn Cat Site

Southern California Contractors Association (SCCA) held its annual Summer Kickoff BBQ on June 12. This is a fun-filled event that is well attended by those involved in the industry. This year’s event was hosted at Quinn Company in the city of Industry.

The event had exciting opportunities for attendees, including a chance for some axe throwing, BBQ, beverages and, of course, the summer favorite – ice cream. Vendor booths were on hand to discuss the ways they can help businesses grow. Quinn Company also gave tours of their facility, which was exciting for many to realize the scope and size of Quinn Caterpillar.

This summer Kickoff has always been a great networking opportunity, bringing together members from across the industry. This year’s summer kickoff also was a celebration for the 50th anniversary for SCCA.  CEG

Quinn Company gave away it’s own set of raffle items, including a chance to win a Cat cooler, model trucks and various other items.

The Dirt Prep Solutions team, shows the benefits of what they offer, including 3D-modeling software, turnkey drone solution, mobile apps and tracking solutions. (L-R): Jason Lambrich, CEO; Brian Colsell, technology consultant; and Abel Gaytan, technology consultant.

The SCCA Team check-in booth was operated by (L-R): Britney Jackson, communications; Corrin

events coordinator; and Alicia

admin.

The Team from Kroner Environmental Services enjoyed the BBQ before the Quinn Company tour. (L-R, front row): Joey Heraldez, Robin Cruz, Dani Leverett and Chenyu Liao; (L-R, back row): Kurt Kroner, Monica Avina, Drew Polley, Matt Trainotti, Zihua Zhao and David Baez.

Enjoying

nice summer evening (L-R) are JD Nanci, EBS General Engineering Inc; John Gasparo, Security Paving Company Inc. and Jim Gasparo, Cooley Equipment.

There was plenty of time for networking as Arron Boyken (L) of Silverado Contractors and Jon Gauthier of Salisbury Engineering Inc. talk amongst themselves.

Batick,

DiSanto, contract

Next Issue Closes July 31st

Drill Tech Makes Initial Repairs On Santa Barbara Highway

Being in a more remote area, ensuring that equipment downtime is minimized is a given, as is having Caltrans people on-hand to respond to all contingencies.

“Maintenance is always on standby and is often our very first responders to these incidents,” said Shivers. “They routinely patrol the area as they head to work and can tell if something has changed or doesn’t look right. They should be mentioned for their overall support in these operations and often the people who set up the initial closures.”

Drill Tech employs specialized equipment in many of its emergency operations.

“It’s all proprietary DTSD equipment, which has been modified specifically for purpose,” said Des Blake, a Drill Tech project manager, who commented about the company’s equipment on its work to repair a section of the Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur.

The base Hyundai machines were purchased from Mecom Equipment Company in Stockton and its crane rigging supplies are provided by West Coast Wire Rope in Oakland.

Roadway Repairs

“A drilling operation is now under way to support the roadway at this location which includes a slip-out in addition to the roadway cracking,” stated an early an Caltrans press release. “This location is part of an ongoing emergency project to repair the slip-out when the roadway cracking was discovered. This drilling operation continues 24-hours a day with two shifts. It is unknown when Highway 154 will be fully open. The primary detour during this closure is U.S. 101 and State Route 246. Travelers and commuters can still use Highway 154 from State Route 192 in Santa Barbara and from U.S. 101 and State Route 246 but no one, including local traffic will be able to pass through the hard closure.”

At this point, Caltrans engineers say the crack was caused by landslide activity, with cracking extending across all traffic lanes.

“This remains under investigation as drilling work continues and earthwork continues well down the slope,” Shivers said when asked if this was just an isolated crack or does it extend over a greater area. “Drainage improvements down

the slope are also underway. Large rocks are being placed at the bottom of the slope to provide support to the slope and roadway above.”

Shivers added that he is not aware of previous cracks in this location.

The crack was discovered on June 22 during an ongoing emergency repair project to repair a slip-out. Drill Tech was able to send personnel and equipment to the site rapidly.

“We are also placing equipment into the slope to monitor any subsurface movement at depths up to 100 feet,” said Shivers.

The repair work was designed by Caltrans Geo-Technical and design engineers and engineers who are experts in the application of pavement.

“Our management staff is always part of this process,” said Shivers. “We have emergency contractors who can respond almost immediately to these incidents. The movement is an issue, and the insertion of rock dowels and grout provide support to the areas beneath the roadway.”

The affected section is in a mountainous location, with slopes that have brush and rocks.

“Repairs can last for years with added routine mainte-

large crack across a section of Highway 154 and along the outer shoulder has led to the closure of the two-lane highway from San Antonio Creek Road to Painted Cave Road.

nance,” said Shivers. “Most of these locations are also the recipient of improved drainage facilities.”

While the road is closed to traffic, it is considered safe to work on. The edge of the road overlooks a gradual steep slope below the highway with trees and rocks. Adjacent to the guardrail is a medium-sized dozer with a pick-up truck next to it and on the other side, a Hyundai drill rig on the shoulder. An air compressor on the other side behind the pick-up truck, has a line attached to the drill. With the road closed on either side of the work site, crews have plenty of space to operate.

A July 2 Caltrans situation update announced that oneway reversing traffic control utilizing a temporary signal on Highway 154 between San Antonio Creek Road and Painted Cave Road was anticipated to begin on July 4.

“It is not known at this time when Highway 154 will fully reopen,” he added. “Upon completion of the drilling, Caltrans will monitor pavement conditions before making any determination about fully reopening the highway. In addition to stabilizing the slide, extensive pavement damage must be repaired before additional lanes can be reopened.”  CEG

(All photos courtesy of Drill Tech Shoring & Drilling.)

Drilling operations are under way to help repair the slope on Highway 154.

The end results of vertical steel rock dowels drilled into the roadway for support.

DOWELS from page 1

Crews begin to repair the slope after damages to the highway.

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Tri-West Tractor Adds Thunder Creek to Its Service Solutions

Tri-West Tractor Inc. has added the Thunder Creek lineup of field fueling and service solutions as part of its offering to construction, forestry and heavy civil contractors in Northern California.

The compact and heavy equipment dealer, carrying premium brands such as Takeuchi, Kobelco and Hitachi, serves North-Central California out of its operation in Livermore, Calif.

Thunder Creek designs and manufactures innovative, premium fueling and preventative maintenance solutions that are used in a variety of industries including construction, logging, oil and gas, and utility construction. This includes the original, industry-leading, No-HAZMAT Fuel & Service Trailer (MTT), the Multi-Tank Oil Trailer (MTO), and Service and Lube Trailer (SLT).

“We exist in a highly regulated market with a diverse customer base that does everything from general construction to logging,” said Randy Cram, president, Tri-West Tractor. “Adding Thunder Creek allows us to provide a fueling and field service solution that meets all DOT regulations and improves

our customers’ access to fuels, oils, DEF and more — all while lowering fleet management costs.”

“Equipment owners and fleet managers in the region can now better control their access to critical fuel and fluids, ensure fluid quality, and better guide their own service schedules on a day-to-day basis,” said Larry Lea, vice president of sales, Thunder Creek Equipment. “Tri-West is the local expert in everything related to the off-road use of high-horsepower heavy and compact equipment, and we’re excited to be working with them to improve fleet management capabilities in their territory.”

For more information, visit TriWestTractor.com and ThunderCreek.com. 

Yoder & Frey to Lead Sale of Golden Gate Fields Inventory

Yoder & Frey, leading auctioneers of construction and agricultural machinery, have been appointed by the Pacific Racing Association as auctioneers for the unreserved equipment sale of Golden Gate Fields inventory at the venue located at 1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkley, Calif., on Aug. 1.

Golden Gate Fields hosted the final day of racing on June 9 as part of the planned closure of the venue after 83-years in operation as the home of Thoroughbred racing in Northern California.

Yoder & Frey will begin the preparations to host the one-day equipment sale, Aug. 1. Bidding will be available on site and online at www.yoderandfrey.com and interested parties are encouraged to register early.

The sale inventory will include approximately 120 pieces of rolling stock including: trucks and commercial vehicles, turf care equipment, loaders, ATVs and various mixed agricultural machinery. Approximately 500 smaller items, consisting of hand tools, wood-shop tools, mechanics-shop tools and ground maintenance tools also will form the sale inventory.

Nick Gray, Yoder & Frey sales manager,

said “We are honored to be handling this sale on behalf of the management of Golden Gate Fields.”

For more information, call Nick Gray at 850/508-7677, email nick.gray@yoderandfrey.com or visit www.yoderandfrey.com.

Sale Details

Sale date: Aug. 1, 2024

Sale address: Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Berkeley, CA 94710

Preview: Yard open for inspection and preview from July 24th

Opening: Monday – Friday 8.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m.

All buyers must collect by Thurs., Aug. 8 Last Load to start at 4.00p.m. 

Yoder & Frey photo

The one-day equipment sale will be held Aug. 1.

Thunder Creek Equipment photo

AGC of California Remembers Two Construction Veterans

The AGC Construction Education Foundation (CEF) recently recognized all the donors who gave to CEF in memory of the lives of Bob Christenson and C.C. Myers. Both men leave behind a legacy of leadership and a lasting impact on the California construction industry.

Robert ÂBobÊ John Christenson Jr.

Serving as President of AGC of California in 2010, Robert “Bob” John Christenson Jr. was a longtime resident of Sacramento. Starting in residential construction in Tahoe City, he later transitioned to commercial building with the Moana Corporation. His career highlights include his role as project manager on the construction of Skywalker Ranch.

Later, he became the COO of Panattoni Construction. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Christenson loved skiing, sailing, cycling, golfing, fly fishing and walking the neighborhood with his beloved Australian Shepherds. Christenson passed away Dec. 28, 2023 at the age of 76.

Clinton ÂC.C.Ê Myers

Known as the ultimate quick-fix bridge repairer, Clinton “C.C.” Myers began cultivating a reputation for bridge work after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused the collapse of a double-decker section of Highway 880 in Oakland. Subsequently, Myers’ firm C.C. Myers Inc., based in Rancho Cordova, quickly found a niche in fast turn-around bridge repair work, cementing his reputation for getting things done quickly and ahead of schedule. In 2010, Myers started Myers & Son Construction with his son Clinton, a former CEF board of directors chair. Myers was known for his blunt but fair nature and he always rose to the occasion by thinking outside the box and taking risks.

A former Caltrans Director Randell Iwasaki recalled Myers’s charismatic nature, “He was like Paul Bunyan, larger than life,” Iwasaki said. “He was a grounded, down-to-earth guy at the end of the day and a fair contractor.”

Myers passed away Feb. 14, 2024 at the age of 85. 

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