Technical Description:
• BridgeCor
® 2-Radius Arch
• Span: 64-ft. 2-in.
• Rise: 19-ft. 7-in.
• Length: 37 ft. 9-in.
When Pawnee County widened County Road S 3460, the channel was cleared to allow for a new structure with a significantly larger opening. Built in 1932, the original pony truss was declared structurally obsolete, and the replacement structure for Bridge #15 needed to meet the hydraulic requirements of a high storm event.
After considering the options, Guy Engineering, the project's engineer, decided to utilize a 64'-2" span x 19'-7" rise BridgeCor® Structural Plate 2-Radius Arch, 37'-9" in length, for its ability to provide cost savings and an opening large enough for the significant area of flow to pass through, while also minimizing the impact to the stream. This structure was the first of its kind in Oklahoma and one of the largest in the country at the time of installation. Alternatives would have required extensive excavation and changes in the channel, increasing both the cost and the environmental impact.
“Additionally, the project improved safety for drivers by including 1000' of roadway to correct vertical sight distance deficiencies,” added Rebecca Alvarez, PE, CFM, RWA, Vice President of Business Development for Guy Engineering.
The installation of the BridgeCor structure went very smoothly and was installed in less than a week. The overall look of the structure was enhanced with welded wire basket end treatments, which provided a cost-savings versus other, more traditional cast-in-place or MSE Precast Panel Walls. This BridgeCor structure was the first one to utilize Contech Engineered Solution’s patented rib system, resulting in cost savings due to the lighter steel gage. Due to shallow competent rock, strip footings were used as the foundation, further reducing the cost.
Paid for through the County Improvements for Roads and Bridges fund, the project was a great solution for the site, and Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Pawnee County officials were very pleased with the outcome.
“Drivers are happy to have a safe and reliable bridge to ease their commute, and the response time for emergency vehicles has been improved,” concluded Alvarez. "The aesthetic value of the bridge has received positive reviews, as the fascia blends in with the scenery."
Technical Description:
• BridgeCor
® 2-Radius Arch
• Span: 64-ft. 2-in.
• Rise: 19-ft. 7-in.
• Length: 37 ft. 9-in.