Susquehanna River Bridge Structure Pennsylvania Turnpike
Dauphin & York Counties, PA
L.R. Kimball provided geotechnical investigation and engineering analysis for construction of a new, precast concrete, segmented bridge across the Susquehanna River on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The new bridge extends from the west shore of the Susquehanna River to east of S.R. 230 (Cameron Street). Demolition of the existing river bridge and mainline structures was also a component to this project. Kimball was retained by the bridge designer (Figg Bridge Engineers, Florida) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to perform geotechnical engineering services including in excess of approximately 1,000 feet of drilling to investigate abutment and pier foundations on land and in the Susquehanna River.
Solution: Kimball performed exploratory drilling, drilling inspection, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, and report recommendations relative to the selection of proposed foundation types for abutments and piers, and the assignment of recommended available bearing capacity.
As part of the final design of the structure, Kimball oversaw two drilled shaft caisson load tests. The load test program consisted of the construction of two, 6-foot diameter drilled shafts with installed Osterberg cells and load testing. Kimball developed and oversaw caisson load cell installation, data collection, data validation and analyses, and engineering analysis of structural and cost implications.
Result: Upon completion of the subsurface investigation, Kimball prepared and completed geotechnical laboratory testing that included, but was not necessarily limited to, soil classification testing, moisture content, and unconfined compressive strength on rock core samples. In the preliminary design phase, Kimball coordinated the completion and analysis of Osterberg load testing to investigate in-situ ultimate side wall friction of two drilled shaft caisson test shafts. Kimball prepared a final report recommending drilled shaft caissons as the foundation for the new Susquehanna River Bridge.
Services Rendered
- Review of Site Reconnaissance, Original Foundation Design, and Preparation of Project Boring
- Location and Sampling Plan
- Kimball Coordinated Site Utility Clearance
- Norfolk Southern Rail Lines
- Private Land Owners
- Former Bethlehem Steel Plant (Steelton)
- Culver Island
- S.R. 230 (Cameron Street)
- Coordination, Preparation, and Issuance of Right of Entry Notices
- Coordination of Project Field Views
- Subsurface Exploration Drilling
- Drilling Inspection (PennDOT Level II Certified)
- Geotechnical Laboratory Testing
- Preparation of Subsurface Exploration boring Logs
- Preliminary Engineering Analysis
- Project Status Meetings
- Preliminary Foundation Recommendations
- Laboratory Unconfined Compressive Strength Testing
- Preparation of Bid Specifications
- Coordinate Osterberg O-Cell Load Tests
- Project Status Meeting
- Load Test Shaft Design
- Laboratory Unconfined Compressive Strength Testing
- Preparation of Bid Specifications
- Preparation of Contract Documents
- Coordination of Project Load Test Bidding and Award
- Coordination and Inspection of On-Site Testing
- Analysis and Review of Test Data
- Report
- Final Design
- Project Status Meetings
- Foundation Recommendations
- Specifications and Special Provisions
- Final Report