July 16, 2024 Update

July 16, 2024 Posted by: K. Mikulla
Since our last update, the contractor has concluded placement of the remaining foundation blocks at the west abutment. In the coming days, the post-tensioning process discussed in last week’s update will begin. 

A construction worker stands on a large, rectangular grey cement structure set into a rocky surface.Foundation blocks at the west abutment. Photo courtesy of FHWA/BGC

The contractor has also been hard at work installing micropiles for the bridge launch platform at the east abutment. Though there is not much to see at the surface, each of these micropiles (32 in all) will be drilled into the rock to a depth of 45 to 80 feet below grade. Into each drilled hole, the contractor will install either one or two steel casings (heavy wall steel pipes) and a threaded steel anchor bar with a diameter ranging from 1-3/4” inches to 2-1/2”, depending on the loads at each location. Each anchor bar will be bonded to the rock using cementitious grout pumped into the drilled hole.

Two pieces of metal with threads stick out from the ground.Micropile installation at the east abutment. Photo courtesy of FHWA/BGC

Speaking of loads, the design loads for each of these micropiles varies from 80 to 325 kips (one kip is 1,000 pounds) in compression (downward force) and from 75 to 275 kips in tension (upward force). These high design loads are necessary to support the massive weight of the bridge as it is erected and shuttled across the landslide during the launch process.

Last updated: July 16, 2024

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