ABCD Pittsburgh Chapter

Calendar of Events and Meetings

Thursday, Dec 7th, 2006

Kenneth Butler, P.E.
 DMJM Harris

Florida Avenue Bridge

Authority: Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development
Value: $US180 million  
Design period: 2005 - 2006  
Construction period: 2006 - 2010  
Services to Client: Detailed design, contract documentation, construction support  

The Florida Avenue Bridge project is part of the TIMED (Transportation Infrastructure for Economic Development) program.  The $4 billion improvement program is designed to enhance economic development through an investment in transportation projects.  The Florida Avenue Bridge project is one of three major bridge components of the TIMED Program.  The entire program is on an accelerated path scheduled for completion by December 10, 2010 .  

The $180 million Florida Avenue Bridge project is being designed to provide reliable access between St. Bernard and Orleans parishes over the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal (IHNC).  The project includes a four-lane, 78 feet wide, high level bridge over the IHNC.  The five-span main unit over the IHNC is 1,516 feet long and includes a 470 feet center span.  The center span provides 300 feet horizontal and 156 feet vertical navigational clearances.   

DMJM Harris performed bridge type studies to determine the most viable, constructible and economical structure type.  Based on these studies we are designing two alternates through final design: cast-in-place variable depth concrete box girders and constant depth steel plate girders.  The twin cell concrete box girder is 26 feet deep at the piers and 12 feet deep at mid-span.  The concrete box girder is being designed considering form travelers using the balanced cantilever method of construction.  The superstructure is supported by voided box columns and steel HP piles.  The foundations must sustain impact loading from vessels up to 1800 kips.  The constant depth steel plate girders are being designed with 155” webs and are considering innovative erection techniques in the design.

 The mainline approaches and four elevated ramps comprise an additional 8,400 feet of elevated viaduct.  The approach structures include prestressed concrete bulb-t girders and curved steel plate girders.

Social at 5:00 PM 
Dinner at 6:00 PM
Program at 7:00 PM

$25.00 for Members
$30.00 for Non-members

Please call or email Sjaan Korvink 412-395-8888 for reservations..

1 September 2006: 11th Annual ABCD Golf Outing

28 September 2006: Presentation by Jason Zang, P.E., PENNDOT District 11

7 December 2006: Presentation by Kenneth Butler, P.E., DMJM Harris,  "Florida Avenue Bridge"

2 September 2005: 10th Annual ABCD Golf Outing

6 October 2005: Presentation by Gregory R. Yates, P.E., DMJM+Harris, on "The North Shore Connector Project"

10 November 2005:  Jim Shook, P.E. of the West Virginia Department of Transportation. 

29 March 2006:  Robert Conner, Ph.D., P.E., Purdue University: "Fatigue and Fracture Performance of Heat-straightened Steel Bridge Girders - NCHRP Project 10-63"

21 April 2006: Findlay Connector April Seminar/Bus Tour

18 May 2006: ABCD Annual Awards