~ One of the bents was designed for a post-tensioned integral bent cap. The design required 4 ksi. concrete strength prior to tensioning and 5 ksi. for the final strength. At 21 days the strength was 3.96 ksi. The contractor was waiting to see if 4 ksi would be achieved.
~ If design strength is not achieved, additional measures could include:
~~ Hiring a consultant to perform a cap rating for standard vehicles and super loads. This would be very helpful to the Bridge Maintenance Unit.
~~ Utilizing a lightweight concrete deck.
~ The Department should avoid utilizing post-tensioned integral bents, unless absolutely necessary. When necessary, ensure the following:
~~ Adherence to all restrictions before the allowing their use.
~~ Better consultant coordination during the design phase.
~~ The girders control the design and not the bent cap.
~ Hammerhead bents on the same project did not look uniform, due to designs by different consultants.
~~ Several planned large loop projects planned for the future will raise similar issues.
~~ Need more uniformity -- ensure better consultant coordination during the design phase.
~ The Construction Unit gave a detailed explanation of the complexities of screeding operations for the following conditions:
~~ Heavy skews.
~~ Transitioning superelevation on the bridge.
~~ Two bridges merging into one bridge.
~ The Roadway Unit stated that they try to avoid the conditions stated above whenever possible. However, it is not always possible, especially on big urban interchanges.
