Structural pier repair, full-scale implementation of grout replacement on Keck I telescope

Le résumé fourni par la source

Each of the Keck telescopes incorporates a 3” thick layer of grout which serves as the primary load path between the steel azimuth journal—the telescope’s running surface—and the main body of the reinforced concrete pier. Over the past ~20 years Keck has observed increased journal deflections of the Keck I telescope under load. These increased deflections affect telescope pointing and can cause azimuth drive faults. This paper presents: 1) lessons learned and changes made between the trial repair and two major “production” downtimes (each 5-6 weeks) which occurred in 2025, including logistical improvements, new tooling, addressing learning curves with contracting teams, and process updates like dust control; all resulting in improved efficiency. 2) An update on oil seepage mitigation efforts – oil exposure being a likely root cause of the grout deterioration. 3) Results from the total three repairs done to date.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.