North Avenue Bridge over the Fox River, Aurora, Illinois

The original six span concrete arch structure, approximately 550’ in total length, which carries North Avenue over the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois was constructed in the 1920’s. This paper describes how, in 2000, the task of investigating the structural and functional condition of the existing structure was undertaken. The outcome of the investigation indicated the superstructure and portions of the substructure were in need of replacement to carry current design loads. The existing concrete arches and underlying arch foundations would be allowed to remain with limited structural repairs. Because of the historical nature of the structure, the task undertaken by the design team was to design a new structure that would recreate the original look and character of the nearly 80-year-old bridge. The original 1920’s era plans were found and used as the starting point. The original ornamental concrete railings along with the ornamental lights were recreated on the new structure. Likewise, identical spandrel arch beam size and spacing, and column size and spacing, were used in order to obtain historical agency concurrence on the project. Precast elements were used for the railing, transverse beams, deck planks, and other members in order to reduce the amount of falsework required and speed the construction of the project.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Concrete Bridge Council

  Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road
  Skokie, IL  United States  60077-1083
• Authors:
  • Epp, William H
  • McDonald, Mark J
• Conference:
  • HPC: Build Fast, Build to Last. The 2006 Concrete Bridge Conference
  • Location: Reno NV, United States
  • Date: 2006-5-7 to 2006-5-10
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: 38p
• Monograph Title: HPC: Build Fast, Build to Last

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge foundations; Bridge superstructures; Concrete; Concrete arch culverts; Concrete bridges; Concrete construction; Construction and maintenance; Structural analysis; Structural engineering
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural damages
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01036213
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 27 2006 8:14AM