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Historic bridge gets a boost

Article Abstract:

A previous renovation of theswing bridge over the Saugatuck River in Westport, CT, unwittingly posed navigation problems for local fishermen during high tide. This required more frequent openings of the bridge, causing traffic problems and prompting Westport to sue the Connecticut Dept of Transportation (DOT). The settlement required the raising of the bridge by two feet which the Frank Mercede Jr Construction Group, the bridge's original contractor, executed. The project entailed the use of hydraulic jacks to lift the bridge's span and fixed sections and the regradation of some portions of the road.

Management, Remodeling and renovation, Historic bridges, Drawbridges, Connecticut. Department of Transportation

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Bridge to the future

Article Abstract:

The French Highway Administration has develped a novel composite truss for bridge construction. The truss integrates concrete, steel and prestressing and is fatigue-resistant, stable and lightweight. Engineers first applied this material on the Roize Bridge in France which also made use of a different modular construction method. The bridge performed well under fatigue and ultimate loading tests conducted by the French Highway Administration. Applications for the composite truss may include larger and longer-spanned bridges, wider bridge decks and bridges in seismic areas.

Innovations, Evaluation, Cover Story, Composite materials, Trusses, Trusses (Building)

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New cable-stayed bridge will span Mississippi

Article Abstract:

Many civil engineers consider cable-stayed bridges 'exotic' but these continue to make their appearance in different states, the latest being the Clark Bridge which connects Alton, Il, and St. Charles County, MO. Cable-stayed bridges are a new innovation in bridge construction. This style was chosen for Clark bridge to facilitate easier construction by eliminating the use of falsework and too-deep concrete boxes.

Design and construction, Bridges, Cable-stayed, Cable-stayed bridges

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