Bridges - Overview
Whether it is new construction or a complete structural retrofit, Shotcrete is ideally suited for bridge construction. Superior's innovative solutions make Shotcrete the preferred choice for bringing bridge projects in on time and on budget. Using our specialized applications and finishes, we can also address historical restorations. The Shotcrete Advantage is additionally favored because it has the potential to reduce many safety issues associated with conventional bridge building. Restoration is highly favored over replacement and Superior's expertise makes it possible to deliver a complete structural retrofit while eliminating demolition issues, shortening schedules, saving money and often preserving history.
Mission Valley Viaduct: San Diego, California
The Mission Valley Viaduct is the longest concrete box girder bridge in the world. The viaduct is a critical transportation artery as it conducts Interstate 805 traffic over Route 8 and the San Diego River. Facing a replacement cost of more that $100 million, Caltrans instead effectuated a $42 million retrofit. Superior brought the Shotcrete alternative to the project saving time and money while also reducing the potential safety issues that would have been associated with large steel column forms and cranes. We placed 10,000 cubic yards of Shotcrete constructing seismic retrofit columns, hinges, abutments, and footings. Superior's innovative Shotcrete methods were brought into play to save time and money, but have the added result of ensuring the longevity of this vital transportation corridor.
Los Feliz Bridge: Los Angeles, California
Built at the turn of the 20th century, this bridge carries a major boulevard over the Los Angeles River and required the complete removal and retrofit of its structural elements. A member of our family of companies served as the general contractor and was charged with the retrofitting of the complete superstructure. Superior strengthened and reinforced all structural elements with a board form finished and colored Shotcrete to restore the original appearance, color and texture of the bridge. We also placed structural Shotcrete, constructing new piers, corbels and hinge bolsters. The footings and channel invert were also heavily reinforced and covered by a complete end-to-end matt slab of Shotcrete.
Washington Boulevard Bridge: Los Angeles, California
This bridge over the Los Angeles River was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and had been given historical status. The historical restoration added additional challenges to this rehabilitation. A member of our family of companies served as the general contractor for this project and was charged with assembling historians and artists to remove years of graffiti, weathering and damage to the mosaic pylon tiles. Performing the retrofit, Superior strengthened and reinforced the entire bridge surface and structural footings with a board form finished and colored Shotcrete. We also applied a stamped, simulated wood finish. Our applications restored the original appearance, color and texture of this historical bridge. Superior additionally constructed and finished structural piers, corbels and hinge bolsters with structural Shotcrete.
Malibu Lake Bridge: Malibu, California
The new construction of this double span, precast concrete, girder bridge over a private lake presented both site and ecological challenges. Serving as the general contractor on this project, we performed the demolition and removal of the old wood bridge and the construction of the new while implementing strict environmental measures to protect wild life and water quality. In this sensitive eco-system, we used filters and screens and implemented other special containment and isolation measures. Additional site challenges due to liquefiable ground conditions required the installation of "silent-pressed only" steel caisson piles.
