PCI eLearning Course T210: Introduction on Full-Depth Panel Precast Concrete Deck System and its Advantages-Deck Widening & Replacement of Wilson Memorial Bridge

Deck Widening & Replacement of Wilson Memorial Bridge

Pdf Summary

The Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge on I-95 is a low level bridge that spans the Potomac River south of Washington, D.C. The bridge was constructed in the early 1960s and is jointly operated and maintained by the State of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. <br /><br />Due to heavy traffic and deterioration of the concrete deck, a project was undertaken to widen and replace the deck of the bridge. The project involved the use of innovative construction techniques, including the use of lightweight precast concrete deck panels. <br /><br />The construction process involved removing the original deck and stringers, and replacing them with the precast concrete panels. The panels were supported on the original girders and stringers by cast-in-place polymer concrete bearing pads. The panels were transversely post-tensioned and longitudinally post-tensioned to ensure structural integrity and prevent water intrusion. <br /><br />The replacement deck system provided two 44 ft roadways in the approach spans, with transitions to 41 ft roadways through the bascule area. The exterior parapets were made of precast lightweight concrete.<br /><br />The construction process also included the use of methyl methacrylate polymer concrete and mortar for certain details within the deck system. These materials were selected for their structural properties, placement characteristics, and rapid set time.<br /><br />The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, without disrupting the flow of traffic. It received recognition in the form of awards from the PCI Awards Program and the American Consulting Engineers Council.<br /><br />Overall, the project successfully achieved its goal of widening and replacing the deck of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, improving safety and reducing traffic delays. The innovative construction techniques used in the project have the potential to be applied to other bridge deck rehabilitation projects.

Keywords

Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge

I-95

low level bridge

Potomac River

Washington D.C.

construction

deck replacement

precast concrete panels

post-tensioning

bridge deck rehabilitation