SOLUTION

WJE performed a comprehensive evaluation of the bridges with the goal of first determining if the existing bridge decks could be salvaged and repaired in a manner that would lead to an additional 15 to 20 years of service life. Given that full deck replacement would have triggered significant geometric and roadway modifications, WJE focused first on performing detailed durability analyses and service life modeling to predict the remaining service life of the bridge decks as well as the concrete substructure elements. In a detailed field investigation, WJE collected necessary data to complete the durability studies, including half-cell potential measurements, chloride levels, carbonation testing, and as-built geometry using nondestructive techniques. The durability modeling and condition survey indicated that the bridge decks and existing concrete overlays could be addressed with simple patching repairs now and still be expected to perform serviceably for another 15 to 20 years, thus eliminating the need for costly deck replacement in the near term. WJE developed detailed plans and specifications for implementing these cost-effective repairs and also developed a novel approach for eliminating the bridge deck joints over piers and converting the abutments to semi-integral construction. Repairs were developed utilizing accelerated bridge construction technology to be implemented in five-day closures, thus avoiding long-term lane closures, significantly reducing anticipated traffic delays, improving work-zone safety for the motoring public, and minimizing lost toll revenues.