Skanska’s History of Environmental

With a long-standing reputation for quality products, Vertech International assists in infrastructure projects and supplies for the U.S. Navy. One company that Vertech International collaborated with was Skanska. Skanska is a globally-recognized construction company, with experience in projects in diverse industries, across the public and private sectors.

Created in Sweden in 1887 as Aktiebolaget Skanska Cementgjuteriet, Skanska spent its first several decades developing its processes in reputation in Europe. In 1965, it gained a spot on the Stockholm Stock Exchange’s A-List. In 1971, the company executed its first American construction projects, two subway lines, in New York and Washington D.C., respectively.

Throughout the last two decades of the 20th century, as Skanska expanded its reach throughout the United States, it did not gain wide recognition until it began implementing sustainability practices into its projects. In 2007, Engineering News Record awarded the firm first place on its first Top Green Contractors list. In the succeeding years, Skanska acted on its promises to create more environmentally-conscious buildings that promoted the well-being of their users. In 2017, it committed to abide by the Paris Climate Accords, and reaffirmed that commitment later that year.

What Are Wheel Chocks?

In business since March of 1985, Vertech International fulfills multiple service types, including assisting in infrastructure projects and supplying the U.S. Navy. One product that Vertech International makes is wheel chock for naval aircraft carriers.

Wheel chocks are essential pieces that help a vehicle operate optimally, especially in harsh conditions. Wheel chocks are protective barriers that shield vehicles’ wheels and their structural components from damage. Made of diverse materials, including wood, plastic, metal, rubber, or other lightweight substances, vehicles of any size used in any industry can benefit from using them. Their shape differs, depending on the vehicle in question and the hazards it may encounter.

Wheel chock construction varies somewhat, depending on each vehicle’s needs. Consumer and commercial vehicles may use rubber wheel chocks, with or without chains, for greater traction. Aluminum wheel chocks serve industrial vehicles best, while Urethane benefits military aircraft or vehicles requiring low-maintenance, durable materials.

The Unique History of the Indian River Inlet Bridge

Vertech International, a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer and fabricator for the construction industry, engineers state-of-the-art products for numerous industries, from aerospace and electronics to textiles. In recognition of its work, Skanska honored Vertech International for its involvement in the construction project of the Indian River Inlet Bridge in Delaware.

Officially named the Charles W. Cullen Bridge, the Indian River Inlet Bridge connects Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach in Delaware. This reliable bridge covers 2,600 feet of space over the Indian River and required upwards of 1.82 million feet of cables and 28,000 cubic yards of concrete. It is a four-lane bridge that saves drivers about an hour’s worth of driving and lights up blue at night.

Built in 2012, the current cable-stayed bridge is the fifth iteration of the Indian River Inlet Bridge, the first being built in 1934. At the time, the historic bridge was Delaware’s longest. However, being built out of timber resulted in its quick deterioration by the inlet’s rough conditions and water activity. The bridge lasted less than five years before the state replaced it with a concrete and steel swing bridge in 1940.

The concrete replacement lasted longer than its predecessor, but the powerful water still damaged it. After eight years, the bridge collapsed, killing three men on the bridge at the time. Delawareans set about building another concrete bridge in 1952. A massive storm in 962 destroyed the bridge and led to another replacement in 1965.

This steel girder bridge seemed sturdy. It survived through 1976, when Delaware expanded it for heavier traffic, and didn’t show signs of damage until the 1980s. Declared structurally deficient in 1989, the bridge faced imminent collapse by 2005. The cable-stayed bridge then replaced the old steel girder bridge.

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