REPAIR OF MASONRY ARCH BRIDGE SPANDREL WALLS

The spandrels of a filled masonry arch bridge are in a retaining wall condition, often supporting deep fills, and subject to increasing surcharge under modern traffic loads. One structure in Chester Country, Pennsylvania was tested under controlled truck loading, and spandrel wall movements and the growth of a longitudinal crack in the arch barrel were observed. In another case, a spandrel wall underwent a partial collapse as a results of increasing soil and hydrostatic pressures. The first structure has been posted and rehabilitation options are being evaluated, while the spandrel walls on the second structure were strengthened and rebuilt. A testing program has demonstrated the worthiness of the repair procedure. The following paper will outline some of the problems typically encountered due to transverse pressures on the spandrel and wingwalls of masonry arch bridges. Two instances where detailed observations of these problems were made will be described. The general causes of transverse problems in masonry arch bridges will be described, and possible solution schemes will be outlined. As most masonry arch bridges were built in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, they are an invaluable historic resource. In addition to the engineering requirements for rehabilitation schemes for these structures, rehabilitation schemes must be sensitive to the preservation of the historic features of the bridge, and must be able to allow the structure to endure for another century.

• Corporate Authors:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
  Town Engineering Building
  Ames, IA  United States  50011-3232
• Authors:
  • Boothby, T E
  • Craig, R J
• Conference:
  • Practical Solutions for Bridge Strengthening and Rehabilitation BSAR II
  • Location: Kansas City, Missouri
  • Date: 1997-3-24 to 1997-3-25
• Publication Date: 1997-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 333-341

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Arch bridges; Bridges; Hydrostatic pressure; Loads; Masonry bridges; Rehabilitation; Repairing; Soils; Trucks; Walls; Wing loading
• Geographic Terms: Pennsylvania
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Motor Carriers; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00802443
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 29 2000 12:00AM