New standard bridge detail sheets
provide uniform guidance
for contractors making concrete repairs

An innovation from Highways is already making concrete repair easier for crews performing the improvements by illustrating typical concrete removal details, providing estimated removal quantities and setting concrete removal limitations. It is estimated to save nearly 1,000 hours per year in repair time statewide, meaning drivers can begin using the improved bridges even more quickly.  

The department’s Bridge Preservation Program, which is estimated at $26.5 million for FY21, includes many bridges that require repairing deteriorated and damaged concrete.

Various repairs include girders, columns, and pier caps.

Glen Samuelson, a TSEA in the Bridge Design Section, says, “The new standard repair sheet helps to produce a quicker and more thorough guideline to reflect ITD’s desire to the contractors. Having the standard sheet assists both the designer and the CADD draftsman to produce consistent comprehensive plans.” 

The drawings show typical concrete-repair details, with notes on removal limitations and repair sequences on bridge piers in order to ensure stability during the pier repair. A table of estimated repair quantities is also on the sheet.

“Design time is greatly saved,” added ITD Bridge Designer Rick Jensen.  The designer simply fills out the table based on the bridge inspection report, and can check project specifics, such as where concrete removal requires jacking up the superstructure.

Contractors and designers appreciate the standard drawings, Jensen said, because they offer guidance and are based on current practice. It provides some level of familiarity of the requirements when they bid a job, helping to set expectations. Prior to these standard drawings, there were various versions of miscellaneous details and specifications that were confusing to contractors.

“As we lose years of expertise due to retirements, the standards sheet is very helpful for new bridge engineers, new ITD CADD technicians and consultants in the development of bridge rehabilitation projects,” Jensen said.

 

 

Published 08-21-20