GeoMetrix was retained by the prime contractor undertaking the rehabilitation (painting, strengthening, corrosion attention, etc) of this major bridge over the Little Smoky River on Highway 49 (BF74440) to complete a load capacity evaluated of the structure as well as any required strengthening to allow the bridge to meet rehabilitation loading demands. The existing bridge is a six span structure comprised of three deck truss spans, two riveted girder spans and a rolled beam span. Due to slope movements on the south side of the river a major rehab of the bridge was completed in 2000.
GeoMetrix completed bridge load capacity evaluation of the deck truss and riveted girder spans as well as the detailed engineering to strengthen the truss to accommodate the full containment structure on the truss during re-painting in addition to full traffic loading. The containment structure encloses the truss to prevent lead contamination from entering the river below. This structure increases the cross sectional area of the truss, thereby increasing the lateral loads acting on the trusses. GeoMetrix completed a 3D analysis of the truss to determine the members that needed to be strengthened to accommodate the construction sequence. We provided the design of a variety of new truss members and bracing to prevent failure of the trusses under the increased lateral loading.