POLK-QUINCY VIADUCT, I-70, TOPEKA, KANSAS, CONCRETE BOX GIRDER CONDITION SURVEY. INTERIM REPORT

The Polk-Quincy Viaduct was constructed in 1963. The structure consists of 30 spans of reinforced concrete box girder and 9 spans of steel welded plate girder. The structure is separated into 12 units, each unit being continuous construction. The total length of the structure is 3373 ft. A 2-in. concrete bridge deck overlay was applied in 1981. In 1989 a petromat membrane with a 1.5-in. BM-1B asphalt concrete overlay was applied. In early 1991 a review of the condition of the viaduct was requested by the KDOT management. This report is a summary of the findings of the KDOT Research Unit. Standard sampling equipment was mechanically altered to allow the KDOT technicians to acquire the samples from the bottom of the box girder section of the structure. Samples were taken using a scissor lift to allow access to the bottom of the structure, air was supplied to the coring equipment rather than water for cooling of the core barrel and clearing of cuttings. Copper, copper sulfate half cells were used to determine corrosion potentials. The Research Unit determined that the deck has a considerable amount of deterioration in the form of delaminations and excessively high chloride contents. The bottom of the box girders, however, have little or no deterioration. The findings of this report will be used to determine the correct course of action to be taken by the KDOT. Alternatives include complete reconstruction of the box girder section of the structure or replacement of only the deck portion of the box girder.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Kansas Department of Transportation

    Materials and Research Center, 2300 Van Buren Street
    Topeka, KS  United States  66611
  • Authors:
    • Meggers, Dave
    • Hurst, K
    • Scherschligt, D
  • Publication Date: 1991-12

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
  • Pagination: 28 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00620385
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: KS-91/4
  • Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Mar 31 1992 12:00AM