Abstract Manager

A rapid bridge replacement (RBR) method was designed and utilized for the replacement of the Highway 417 overpasses at Bronson Avenue in Ottawa. The project involved the replacement of two rigid frame structures, eastbound and westbound lanes (EBL and WBL), each with a total width of 18.525 meters and a span of 23.67 meters, separated by a 20 mm expansion joint gap. The existing structure was demolished in place while preserving the existing footings, with excavation being performed in parallel. The new structures were prefabricated in staging areas near the sites and transported to their final locations using specialized heavy-lift equipment, including self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs). The new rigid frames were founded on top of the existing footings. Several replacement alternatives were studied, including staged construction, rapid bridge replacement with a composite steel girder deck, and the construction of a secant wall behind the footings during nightly closures. It was concluded that the engineering and construction costs for a rigid frame RBR alternative is the lowest among feasible alternatives. A three-dimensional, linear elastic finite element analysis was conducted to ensure the strength and stability of the structures during lifting, transportation, and final backfilled service conditions. This presentation discusses the challenges encountered during the design and construction of the structure and the solutions implemented to address them. The construction was successfully completed in July 2023