Design and Testing of a 400 Ft Span Plate Girder Bridge

by August F. Radkowski, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, & Communications, Downsview, Ont, Can,
Baidar Bakht, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, & Communications, Downsview, Ont, Can,
John Billing, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, & Communications, Downsview, Ont, Can,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Effects of Damage and Redundancy on Structural Performance

Abstract:

The paper describes design features and testing of the Madawaska River Bridge. The bridge is unique in being the longest span plate girder bridge in Ontario, having continuous spans of 225-400-225 ft (69, 122 and 69 m), and in being extremely light. It is one of the lightest bridges in its category and span range. Only 50 lbs. of steel per sq ft of deck area (245 kg/m**2). It is established that the reduction of steel weight was not achieved at the expense of construction costs. Measures taken to keep the dead load of steel down are described. It is shown that, while remaining within the framework of normal design procedures, it is possible to economize on steel weight by paying attention to details and 'fine-tuning' the design.

Subject Headings: Bridge tests | Girder bridges | Plate girders | Steel bridges | Bridge design | Steel structures | Span bridges | Ontario | Canada

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