Nitsch provided structural engineering services to produce load ratings for two bridges in Springfield: I-91 over Union Street and I-91 over Broad Street. Along with structural repairs, the decks were replaced on both bridges and the load rating models were used to aid in the design of the new decks. Upon completion of construction, Bridge Load Rating reports were completed for both bridges, in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) 2013 LRFD Bridge Manual.
Both bridges consist of three simple spans with rolled steel beams composite with the new reinforced concrete deck. As part of our rating work, Nitsch performed a field inspection to verify the noted conditions of the superstructure, prepared load rating calculations, and created models using the AASHTOWare Bridge Rating (BrR) software. A Bridge Load Rating report was compiled for each bridge and submitted to MassDOT for review and comment.
Key Collaborators
Owner: MassDOT
Engineer: CHA Consulting
