Contract 10-1N2105(10A2511)

The responses to bidder's inquiries, unless incorporated into a formal addendum to the contract, are not a part of the contract and are provided for the bidder's convenience only. In some instances, the question and answer may represent a summary of the matters discussed rather than a word- for-word recitation. The availability or use of information provided in the responses to bidder's inquiries is not to be construed in any way as a waiver of the provisions of Section 2-1.03 of the Standard Specifications or any other provision of the contract, the plans, Standard Specifications or Special Provisions, nor to excuse the contractor from full compliance with those contract requirements. Bidders are cautioned that subsequent responses or contract addenda may affect or vary a response previously given.

Inquiry 1)

1)  What is the vertical datum?
Response:  the existing steel pile in the middle has an elevation of 15.0’+/-.  Please see the picture of the existing damaged dolphin.  reference attached pdf “Middle River Existing & Damaged Dolphins Photos”
2)  Section B-B shows two bolts running diagonally, what are the elevations of these bolts in relation to the blocking?  To save on drilling shallow corner holes in the blocking can these bolts be installed above or below the blocking?
Response:  The diagonal bolts are 3” above the lower bolts.  There are existing holes in the existing steel piles where the bolts were attached.
3)  CAL TRANS STANDARD SPEC 2022 SECTION 57-3.03 states that “unreinforced rpl may be substituted for reinforced rpl for chocks, filler blocks, and other nonstructural members shown.”  please confirm reinforcement is not required in rfb on this project given application.
Response:  Per Standard Specification 2022 Section 57-3.02D, you may use Unreinforced RPL, if the "Unreinforced RPL must comply with the specifications for reinforced RPL".
4)  When does CalTrans expect to issue NTP?  Are there any in-water work restrictions that would preclude demolition or pile driving until the restriction is lifted?
Response:  Spec includes a time constraint for  No in-water activity (reference:  SSP 10-1.03).  Also, the information handout provides some external constraints from environmental and USFW.   Per the schedule and working days breakdown, the contractor needs five construction days for in-water work and 55 days for office work (preparation submittals /review, material procurement, mobilization, and USCG permits).
5)  Please waive void testing requirement for plastic lumber called out in specs.  We have worked several jobs with cal trans in which this testing requirement is waived, two bay bridge fender repair, and Paintersville bridge projects.
Response:  Every project is different.  Some of the testing may be waived.  The Resident Engineer will determine which testing does not apply to this project.
6)  Does Caltrans have any information regarding the length of the existing piles?
Response:  The As-built plans show a 75’ +/- long steel piles.
7)  For new diagonal bolts passing through timber and steel piles, would Caltrans allow those bolts to be installed above blocking or below blocking?
Response:  No.  The diagonal bolts are to be installed 3” above the lower bolts.

Inquiry 2)

1)  Assuming by scaling the drawings (for lack of any other means) it appears that the water is approximately 15’ deep and the dolphin is 15’ out of the water.  IF piles are stabbed and driven 5’ from the center pile, assuming ~ 15’ water depth, a steeper batter of 6V:1H would result rather than the 8:1 specified?  For the 5’ figure to work the water would have to be 25’ deep: 5’ out, 8:1, from cutoff to stab would be 40’, if 15’ is above the water, the water has to be 25’ deep to achieve the 8:1 batter?  Please confirm either water depth or confirm that 6:1 batter is acceptable given assumption of 15’ depth.
Response:  Water depth is variable.  Based on the 12” x12” RPL and 14” pile diameter.  It created an equilateral triangle created by the diagonal bolt and vertical bolt on Section B-B.  All legs of the triangle are equal to (14/2” +14/2” +12” =26”).  Therefore, the space between the piles = 26-14= 12”.  Batter = 1/5 = 1: 5 (1H:5V).  See the pictures of existing piles).
2)  Would Cal trans allow the closure of a land on the bridge in order to on/off load items from trucks to a barge?  Assuming full traffic control requirements are met?
Response:  Per Traffic Chart, (from 10 PM to 4 AM ) it is required at least one through-traffic lane not less than 10 feet in width for use by both directions of travel; however, work is allowed from 4 AM up to 10 PM within the highway where a shoulder or lane closure is not required.  The contractor can use the specified location on the plan for loading (it is recommended to coordinate with the Caltrans resident engineer and bridge owner for the loading of equipment, especially heavy equipment.

Inquiry 3)

1)  The Unit of Measure for Bid Item 11 REMOVE DOLPHIN PILING is LB instead of LS.  Please clarify.
Response:  Lump Sum (reference: addendum 1)
2)  The Unit of Measure for Bid Item 12 MOBILIZATION is LB instead of LS. Please clarify.
Response:  Lump Sum (reference: addendum 1)
3)  Ref: Drawing Sheet 2 of 2 Dolphin Repair Details - What is the approximate elevation of the existing steel pile to be retained?
Response:  The plans and as-builts plans shows assumed Top of Dolphin Elevation = +- 15.0’
4)  Ref: Drawing Sheet 2 of 2 Dolphin Repair Details – Section B-B depicts that 3 new 1” Bolts pass-through the existing steel pile.  Are there existing holes on the steel piles to install the bolts?
Response:  The existing holes and bolts are still in the piles.

Inquiry 4)

1)  Reference Drawing Sheet 2 of 2, Section B-B – Please confirm that there are four (4) pieces of upper blockings (red and blue) and two (2) pieces of lower blockings (green) as shown below.
Reference drawing sheet Section B-B with upper blockings outlined in red and blue Reference drawing sheet Section B-B with lower blockings outlined in green
Response:  There are two (2) pieces of upper blockings (blue) and two (2) pieces of lower blockings (green) as shown on Section B-B.  Please reference attached pdf “Middle River Existing & Damaged Dolphins Photos”

Inquiry 5)

1)  What is the river bed elevation around the location of the dolphin?  Is there an available hydrographic survey data?
Response:  No survey data available, since this is a job to replace the existing dolphin, the elevation of the existing dolphin should be considered as a reference or benchmark.