Speaking

Recognizing the potential deficiencies for post-tensioned (PT) conditions, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 8 retained Burgess & Niple (B&N) to inspect, perform non-destructive testing (NDT), generate rehabilitation plans, and provide technical expertise during the construction phase of the four PT bridges. 

The project started with in-depth inspections and was followed by an extensive search and review of past contract documents. Next, a post-tensioned inspection plan was created and served as the scope for the project’s second phase, which included: 

• Risk-based protocols for NDT
• Tendon duct grout sampling 
• Borescope testing 
• The number of NDT tests, testing protocols and repair procedures 
• Long-term inspection and maintenance procedures
• Scope for repairs 

The project’s third phase included the generation of repair plans for the four structures based on the findings of the first two phases. The final phase included providing technical expertise as part of the ODOT construction inspection team of the PT repairs and the injection of Post-Tech PTI impregnation resin into the tendons of four pier caps. B&N and ODOT District 8 presenters will provide an overview of the project, the inspection and testing methods used, and a discussion about the results. 

Following last summer’s sharp rise in speed-related injury and fatality crashes, it’s clear that two of the toughest Vision Zero challenges remain speed management and protecting vulnerable road users from speeding motorists. Key aspects of NHTSA's Speed Management plan include safe and reasonable speed limits reinforced through street design, balanced with support from traffic safety stakeholders and both enforcement and education countermeasures.

Florida, a state that has long struggled with speeding and related injury and fatality crashes, has focused on speed management strategies to improve safety for all roadway users. B&N’s Angelo Belluccia, PE, will give an overview of FDOT’s context-based classification planning system. This system establishes target speed limits based on the surrounding land use contexts. From there, speed management strategies are used to achieve desired operating speeds across all context classifications.

Eric Lowry, AICP, will discuss the innovative adaptation B&N developed for Hillsborough County (Tampa), Florida. The County’s system bases context on planned land use. Complete Streets and street design manuals ensure multimodal accommodations and speed management are incorporated from the start. 

Amy Rosepiler, PE will share how she has applied these approaches to Ohio projects and how the lessons learned can improve Complete Streets accommodation and speed management in your community

In 2017, the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department initiated the design of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning the Olentangy River to link the Olentangy Trail to the Arena District. The project goal was to create a seamless, visible connection that would provide an alternative transportation option between a major greenway trail and a rapidly developing area of downtown Columbus. The direction of the project changed in 2018 when it was announced that the new Columbus Crew stadium would be constructed in Confluence Village, adjacent to the landing point of the proposed bridge. The bridge would be a primary access point for the stadium and a visual feature in a newly developed area of the City with a distinct architectural style.

The bridge was designed to be an eye-catching "sign-post" for the Arena District and Confluence Village. The superstructure is a two-span inclined Vierendeel truss constructed using round tubular members. The trusses are fully shop welded, providing a clean, contemporary appearance to tie the bridge to the newer architecture in the area. The bridge location produced design and construction challenges due to utility conflicts and an abandoned water intake structure immediately adjacent to the east abutment. The design incorporated innovative solutions such as the use of low-density backfill to minimize disruption to the site. The presenters will discuss the concept development, design, and construction of the new bridge.