Bridges
Harris County Sims Bayou Channel Improvement and Bridge Reconstruction Project
Klotz Associates was involved in the reconstruction of five bridges which crossed Sims Bayou in Harris County. The project was completed in concert with the widening of Sims Bayou by the Corps with the objective of keeping the 100 year event in the Bayou Channel. The reconstruction of the bridges required hydrologic and hydraulic models for the channel to confirm that the new bridges would be out of the 100-year event. bridges would be out of the 100-year event. Alternative analysis and cost estimates were prepared before the final bridge design was selected. Particular attention was given to erosion control and coordination with local neighborhood associations. The project team provided hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, channel and bridge design services, modeling and flow analysis of the channel, text, tables, cost estimates, exhibits, computer models, CD with all the data, and a report with recommendations. Additionally, Klotz Associates provided construction-phase services throughout the entire project.
Ft. Bend Parkway
Klotz Associates designed two direct connector bridge structures that
connect US90A to Fort Bend Parkway. The two bridge structures are 1,806
and 2,138 feet long, respectively. The NB-EB structure consists of
16 bents that include 5 inverted T-straddle bents with post tensioning.
It also includes a 712-foot, 4-span continuous curved steel girder
system with prestressed concrete Type IV approach spans. The steel
web sections are 94 inches on the outside girder and 74 inches on the
inside girder. All the other bents are single-column hammerhead bents
with inverted T caps. Hammerhead bents were built on top of a tie footing
that connected to two 72-inch drilled shafts. Two of the hammerhead
bents were supported by four 72-inch drilled shafts due to the loading
and soil conditions.
TxDOT Bridge Inspection Program
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Bridge Inspection Program
(BRINSAP) is the state’s response to a federally mandated program to
inspect bridges and assess their safety for the traveling public within
the State of Texas. TxDOT executes 2-year contracts with engineering
firms that provide routine bridge inspections within TxDOT districts.
Klotz Associates has provided inspection and appraisal services to
the BRINSAP program for 12 years. During that time, the firm’s professionals
have inspected more than 10,000 bridges statewide. These have included
single- and multi-span concrete, timber, and steel bridges in locations
as diverse as high-traffic, interstate highways in dense urban areas
such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio as well as bridges on rural
farm-to-market and unpaved county roads. This project has involved
the participation of all Klotz Associates offices.
