Design of I-40 Bridges in Guadalupe County, New Mexico

The I-40 in Guadalupe County, New Mexico, contains a set of three bridges. They are medium-span overpasses accommodating two lanes of traffic each. The design team used this routine forum to address several design problems with innovative solutions. In addition, aesthetics were considered from the early stages of design. These two-span bridges are designed continuous for live load by using high-strength prestressed concrete U-beams and cast-in-place deck construction. Three-point bearing provides uniform support of the girders. To alleviate problems with harping and end debonding, strands were added in the top flange, debonded in the center of the beam, and then cut after release. Spread footings on top of backfill of mechanically stabilized earth support the abutments to reduce differential settlement between the approach and the abutment. Differential settlement between pier and abutments was included in the design to account for differences in footing support. The semi-integral abutment stubwall was shortened on each end to allow the integral wingwalls to slide freely; this solved a common movement restraint problem. Aesthetics were considered from the beginning of the project. Three-dimensional modeling was used to visualize the completed form. Artwork was created to form uniform recessions in the concrete. Average bridge costs for these structures, including aesthetics, were below state average. This economy can be attributed to several factors, including simplicity and construction considerations in design, consultation during design with suppliers and contractors, use of repetitive parts and materials, and a creative bid process.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2028-09
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Design+of+I-40+Bridges+in+Guadalupe+County%2c+New+Mexico&author=J.+Bowser&author=Z.+Jones&author=J.+Camp&author=R.+Meyers&publication_year=2007
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Public/Blurbs/159728.aspx
• Authors:
  • Bowser, Joan D
  • Jones, Zann
  • Camp, Jimmy D
  • Meyers, Robert
• Publication Date: 2007

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 81-87
• Monograph Title: Design of Structures 2007
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2028
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; Bridge decks; Bridge design; Cast in place concrete; Costs; Differential settlement; Mechanically stabilized earth; Overpasses; Settlement (Structures); Spread footings
• Uncontrolled Terms: Medium span bridges; Three dimensional models; U beams
• Geographic Terms: Guadalupe County (New Mexico)
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01046023
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309104555
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 8 2007 5:01PM