FRACTURE ANALYSIS AND RETROFIT DESIGN FOR THE I-95 BRIDGE OVER THE BRANDYWINE RIVER

Upon inspection in April 2003, a crack was found in the fascia girder of the northbound span of the Brandywine River I-95 Bridge with a significant fracture at midspan. Analysis of the fracture indicated that the crack originated in a welded butt splice in a longitudinal stiffener in the tension zone of the fascia girder. Traffic was immediately closed in the rightmost travel lane above the girder, a temporary flange splice was installed, the remainder of the bridge was inspected and critical sections retrofitted, and a permanent repair strategy was developed. On June 19, 2003, installation of the permanent repair was completed. This paper provides an overview of the circumstances leading up to the crack and its cause, presents the temporary and permanent repair strategies, and discusses the diagnostic load tests performed at various stages throughout the process.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 205-220

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00965789
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9058096068
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Nov 11 2003 12:00AM