High-Performance Concrete Case Study
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The New I-35W Bridge Counted on Concrete
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| Construction of the I-35W St. Anthony Falls
Bridge Main Span. Photo: Courtesy of FIGG. |
In September 2008, crews placed concrete to close the final gap
on the new I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis. The St. Anthony Falls Bridge
opened to traffic on September 18, 2008, more than three months
ahead of schedule.
High-performance concrete contributed to the cost-effectiveness
and accelerated construction of the bridge and its great looks.
Segments for the bridge’s superstructure were cast using eight
casting beds along the project site. These casting beds were all
producing concrete segments simultaneously, even during the winter
months. Concrete construction also means lower maintenance and repair
costs for decades to come.
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| First concrete segment being lifted into place
for the main span using cantilever construction. Main span construction
began on May 25, 2008. Photo by Tim Davis, May 25, 2008.Courtesy
of FIGG. |
With a reported 100-year life span, ten lanes of traffic, and the
ability to accommodate future light rail transit, the new bridge
is an example of a quality infrastructure project. The project also
demonstrated unique ways of involving the public—both during
the design and construction phases of the project. As part of the
design process, invited public participants chose between pier types,
color of the bridge, lighting options, rail designs, and wall styles.
During construction, both Minnesota DOT and the contractor informed
the public using weekly e-mails including photos and Saturday morning
informational status talks on-site that were open to all.
FIGG Engineers, the designers of the bridge, have published a book
describing the design and construction of the bridge. It is called
Bridging the Mississippi and all proceeds from the sale of the book
benefit a charity called “Admission Possible”, which
helps promising low-income students in the Minneapolis-St. Paul
area achieve their dreams of college. For more information on this
book, click
here.
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