At Spannovation Consulting Ltd., our expertise in bridge condition assessments and load evaluations plays a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of bridges. These services are integral to our Bridge Retrofit and Rehabilitation Design offerings, where we combine precise evaluations with cutting-edge analysis to guide the maintenance, rehabilitation, and retrofitting of critical infrastructure. Below are two project examples that demonstrate the comprehensive approach we take in our work.
Condition Assessment: River Market Pedestrian Bridge, New Westminster
Spannovation is engaged by Warrington PCI Management (WPM) to conduct a detailed structural inspection of the 38-year-old River Market Pedestrian Bridge. The primary goal of this assessment is to evaluate the condition of the bridge, estimate its remaining service life, and provide budget forecasts for necessary repairs or rehabilitation over the next 10 to 15 years.
Our condition assessment process for this project involves a two-phase inspection. In Phase 1, we completed a thorough ground-level visual inspection, meticulously reviewing key structural components such as the precast concrete girders, cast-in-place decks, and the bridge substructure. We also conducted a chain drag survey to identify any concrete delamination that might require further investigation during Phase 2. Phase 2 will focus on areas requiring specialized access, including detailed material testing and a final report with prioritized repair recommendations.
This project highlights Spannovation's detailed and methodical approach to bridge condition assessments, providing our clients with actionable insights to ensure structural safety and longevity while minimizing future costs and disruptions.
Load Evaluations: I-405 Brickyard Structures Assessment & Monitoring
In the I-405/Brickyard to SR 527 Improvement Project near Bothell, WA, Spannovation is responsible for the condition assessment and monitoring of ten bridge structures and a culvert. As part of the project's goal to enhance four and a half miles of the corridor, we performed a refined load evaluation using the AASHTO LRFD 2020 standards.
Our scope includes evaluating live loads and other load effects to determine the remaining capacities of the bridge structures, which were a combination of multi-span continuous multicell reinforced concrete girders and prestressed I-girders. We also compared the results to previous load rating reports and set settlement monitoring limits to ensure long-term stability and performance. This project illustrates our ability to handle complex load evaluations and monitoring for large-scale infrastructure improvements.
Load Evaluation: St. Andrews Lock and Dam Truss Span Rehabilitation
Spannovation provided a detailed load capacity evaluation for the rehabilitation of a 40.8-meter truss span within the 454-meter St. Andrews Lock and Dam (SALD) structure, which serves as both a bridge and a dam on the Red River. The project involved widening and replacing the bridge deck, along with reinforcing the structure to eliminate load restrictions.
Our assessment utilized a 3D SAP2000 model based on the CSA S6-19 provisions and AASHTO LRFD codes. The analysis considered the removal of key bracing members while allowing one lane of traffic to pass, focusing on ensuring that the vertical members of the truss could handle revised load conditions. This evaluation accounted for dynamic factors such as wind, snow, and temporary construction loads, and informed rehabilitation strategies that ensured the structure's long-term performance.
Our Expertise in Bridge Retrofit & Rehabilitation Design
Spannovation’s condition assessments and load evaluations are key components of our broader Bridge Retrofit and Rehabilitation Design services. By combining meticulous inspections with advanced structural analysis, we provide clients with comprehensive solutions tailored to extend the life of bridges while optimizing repair costs and ensuring compliance with CSA S6-19 and AASHTO LRFD standards. From pedestrian bridges to major highway structures, our team delivers the technical expertise necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of bridge infrastructure for years to come.
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