Project Profiles: Joachim Avenue Bridge

City of Herculaneum, Missouri

Project Manager

John S. Kottermann, P.E.

Challenge
The existing Joachim Avenue (Old US 61/67) Bridge over Joachim Creek was recently closed as a result of deterioration. The creek at the bridge site generally flows to the south, with eventual drainage into the Mississippi River about one mile to the east. The existing bridge is a five-span structure with concrete bents and substructure, and steel superstructure. De-terioration of both the steel and concrete due to aging rendered the bridge unsafe. On both sides, scour pits have developed downstream of the support bents that are located closest to the creek bank. The bridge, completed in 2007, is a five-span structure with a total length of approximately 282 feet and width of 27 feet. The new support bents and abutments were constructed at locations near those of the existing structure. Because the existing and planned bridge deck elevations are nearly coincident, no sub-stantial modifications to the current approach em-bankments was required.

Solution
Deep deposits of soft or loose alluvium require that the bridge be supported by steel H-piles bearing on limestone bedrock up to 100 feet below the ground surface. Earth pressure coefficients and equivalent fluid densities were provided for the design of retain-ing walls and abutment structures. A discussion of regional seismicity was presented in the geotechnical report, including an evaluation of the potential for liquefaction, soil profile coefficients, and peak acceleration.

Result
Shively provided geotechnical engineering, construction observation, documentation, and materials testing services during the construction of the bridge.

Project Contacts

Owner City of Herculaneum

Contractor Pace Construction

Project Engineer EFK Moen, LCC