This project is centered around the rehabilitation of a 5-span Luten arch bridge built in 1913 to carry CR 825 E over the Wabash River. Also included in the project is the realignment of CR 825 E south of the bridge. This bridge was bypassed by US 24 and slated for demolition. Due to the extreme deterioration of the piers, many engineers did not want to get involved in the restoration. American Structurepoint has developed a method of staged pier replacement to be able to rehabilitate this bridge, currently closed to traffic.
Since plans did not exist for the current bridge, American Structurepoint created a finite element model of the bridge from survey, coring, and field inspection information. From this model, repairs and changes in the piers were designed to allow modern vehicles to safely cross. Repairs to the arch barrels and spandrel walls were also estimated and recommended. A concrete deck overhanging the current spandrel wall was designed to accommodate wider travel lanes. Throughout the project, existing architectural elements that had deteriorated or been completely lost were investigated in order to be restored. We also helped the County obtain both BR and TEA funding for the project.