Technical Description:
• Aluminum Box Culvert
• Span: 25-ft. 2-in.
• Rise: 6-ft. 2-in.
• Length: 18.25 ft.
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In an effort to reduce the number of structurally deficient bridges in Magoffin County, the county has started a bridge replacement program using Aluminum Structural Plate structures. Many of the structurally deficient bridges are located on secondary, dead-end roads and provide the only means of access for local residents. A majority of the steel beam bridges were built over 30 years ago and require frequent wood deck replacement and extensive maintenance.
As an example, the bridge on Laurel Branch Road was similar to many other steel beam/wood deck bridges located in the county. The original, deteriorating structure was a single lane structure (less than 14' wide), was hydraulically undersized for major rain events and the concrete abutments were showing evidence of scour and erosion. For this application, the county selected a 25'-2" span x 6'-2" rise Aluminum Box Culvert buried bridge to replace the existing bridge. Based on a preliminary budget, the county was able to specify a structure 18.25' in length and an aluminum headwall system as an efficient end treatment for the new bridge system.
"Our main objective in using box culverts is to replace our wooden bridges, increase flow capacity of our streams and increase our bridge weight limit capacities," explained Deputy Judge Kevin Howard with Magoffin County Fiscal Court. "Most of our wooden bridges have very low weight limits, are very high maintenance and limit the water flow during extreme storm events. Another benefit of utilizing the box culverts is that we can replace more wooden bridges at a lower cost than with other alternative methods."
As part of the partnership established with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Contech Engineered Solutions' field representatives visit the bridge site with county personnel to assess the existing bridge, take measurements of the stream profile and propose a solution using an Aluminum Structural Plate that best fits the location.
As part of the replacement process, Contech can help provide preliminary drawings, an estimate for the material and optional on-site plate assembly services. After the county reviews and approves the preliminary drawings, Contech develops final assembly and installation drawings for final review by the county. Completion of the assessment process and procurement, the manufacturing of the Aluminum Structural Plate and the installation of the structure can be completed in about 30 days.
Howard added, "After utilizing the partnership Contech has with KYTC, we have been satisfied with performance and overall appearance of the box culverts that have been installed on our county roads, and our plans are to continue purchasing box culverts for future replacements."
Technical Description:
• Aluminum Box Culvert
• Span: 25-ft. 2-in.
• Rise: 6-ft. 2-in.
• Length: 18.25 ft.
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