Twin triumphs

By redesigning two twin bridges and applying value engineering to a retaining wall, engineers and contractors saved the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission millions of dollars as it seeks to replace and repair its aging infrastructure. The new northbound and southbound bridges over the Pohopoco Creek span 1,020 ft and have maximum deck heights of 120 ft. The work at the site included wetlands mitigation. The construction team elected to use prestressed-concrete beams in lieu of the steel plate girders specified in the original design. The new bridges were constructed to the west of the existing crossings, a strategy that kept traffic moving. Removing the existing Pohopoco Creek bridge was a complex feat, as each of its two main spans was a Warren truss that was 40 ft high and spanned nearly 250 ft over the waterway below. While the south span was removed mechanically, the north span was imploded using linear charges.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/10480594
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers
• Authors:
  • Barnes, Aaron
  • Wendel, Jeff
  • Smugar, Marc
• Publication Date: 2013-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 68-73, 82
• Serial:
  • Civil Engineering
  • Volume: 83
  • Issue Number: 11
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0885-7024
  • Serial URL: http://www.pubs.asce.org/ceonline/newce/html

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aging (Materials); Bridge construction; Case studies; Prestressed concrete bridges; Reinforced concrete retaining walls; Value engineering; Wetland conservation
• Identifier Terms: Pennsylvania Turnpike
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bridge replacement
• Geographic Terms: Lehigh River; Pennsylvania
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01502252
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Dec 23 2013 11:06AM