Presentation – Engineering in times of crisis
The presentation highlights examples from the emergency response and repair of major steel bridges including the Sherman Minton Bridge in Louisville, KY, the PA NJ Turnpike
Connector Bridge near Bristol, PA, and the Hernando De Soto Bridge in Memphis, TN. Each
of these projects was an emergency response where engineers, NDT personnel, fabricators, and contractors were called upon to respond to a field emergency, each the result of an inspection finding. In the case of the Sherman Minton Bridge, a significant number of internal weld defects were found during an in-depth inspection and the project
eventually grew in scope to an emergency closure and strengthening of the bridge. In the case of the PA NJ Turnpike Connector Bridge, a full fracture was discovered by a painting crew, leading to immediate closure, emergency inspection of hundreds of welds, and bridge repair. And for the Hernando De Soto Bridge, bridge inspectors discovered a partial fracture of the main tie girder carrying the main span over the Mississippi River.
This required an immediate bridge closure, inspection of all similar welds in the bridge, and emergency repair. The engineering and construction challenges for these projects are highlighted. The collaboration of all parties was notable in restoring these critical lifeline bridges in record time.
Presented by Francesco Russo PhD PE, Founder and Principal, Russo Structural Services.