The project purpose was: an improvement to the existing rural highway that connected two provinces. The improvement upgraded the level of service by adding: 2 lanes, shoulder, and 5 m median. Also, re-align the horizontal curves, superelevations and design new signs. This improvement led to separate three main roads that crossed the highway into another levels. The bridges were: Sleem, Hazem, and Shahba. The bridges were similar in span with different widths, elevations and boundary conditions. See Appendix for more pictures.
My Role in the Project (in Detail):
1) I proposed to the client 3 alternatives for the structural systems, they were:
· Two simply supported spans, pretensioned beams (27.5 m) AASHTO type IV. See figure (123).
· Two span box girder bridge. See figure (124).
· Four spans, precast concrete beams, three multi-column piers and tow spill-through abutments.
The third alternative had gained the approval of the client, because it was cheaper.
2) I carried out the analysis utilizing STAAD III as software. The models were 3d space frame grillages. All the load groups, combinations, and the design formulas of the sections were according to Russian Bridge Code SNIP СНИП2.05.03-94*. See figure (125).
3) I prepared the general and particular specifications.
4) The client after the construction of the bridges asked for seismic upgrading to withstand (without collapse) moderate earthquakes. The bridges consisted of non-redundant elements and considered very vulnerable to catastrophic collapse on the event of ground shaking. The retrofit solution involved the designing of steel frame restrainers with slotted holes that may allow a controlled movement during the event. See figure (126).
