Steve Ratte Captures The Movement Of 13 Ton Beam On Bridge #10

[Henry]

The huge 13 ton beam is seen being lifted off the truck


In the following photos it is shown being swung into place

[Rev. Elizabeth]

Wow! Amazing photos; amazing work being done.

[Mike Raburn]

It is so nice when a plane comes together and everyone goes home healthy.

[trussell]

Wow! Those are some very impressive looking beams!

[BCota]

the grinding that you see in that last pic wasn't exactly part of the plan, Mike...but it all came together in the end...should have the last of the beams placed today;  would anyone be able to get some photos when they use the excavators to place the last (2) beams?  it should be sometime this (Monday, June 14th) afternoon.

[msm]

Ben,

Quick Question for you ..   I noticied the Vertical Supports were not replaced.   Apparently they are in fine shape ?  i would have expected them to be replaced as well.  Especially given the 'Engineering Standards'  of the 21st Century.   The foundation looks to be build with large stones, this infrastructure is ready for another 80 - 100 years of pounding and erosion ?   Looks like the ole'  timers really knew what they were doing !!!!

Mike M

[BCota]

I know that there was some exploratory work done to determine the structural integrity and future durability of the abutments  -- I don't know what the exact results were but it must've been good enough b/c as you stated, they didn't replace anything...I know that a lot of work was done to re-establish good drainage (all the hole digging and re-filling that ya'll witnessed)....there are large stones but my guess is that they are mostly asthetic (probably a concrete wall behind them) b/c the beam seat as well as the footing below the stones is all concrete and visibly in very good condition...a great thing about concrete is that as long as it is hasn't been deteriorated (due to freezing/thawing or road de-icers, etc) it gets stronger every day and forever. 

[msm]

Ben,

Thanks for the update I was going to use words like veneer and abutments but didn't want to look like a total dope.

I had the pleasure of watching two large parking garages built outside my office window --   The village Bridge is certainly more logistically challenging prohject for a host of reasons.     The garages outsude my windown are your classic 5 story erector set-like pieces, with in an internal ramp ( center ramp design )  appeared to be a standard package.

The Village bridge totally custom, including the access for the trucks,  buildings,  aerial wires, sidewalks and the reuse of the abutments.  Very thrifty of the State Road Department,  should make our friend in Flecther,  Special  Ed very happy too !

Mike M