TVGA was retained by Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies, Pty. Ltd (Wagners), an Australian-based company, to be the Engineer-of-Record for the design of a hybrid superstructure, consisting of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), concrete, and steel.  The unique design uses the different properties of these three materials to provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance, lightweight, prefabricated superstructure which is ideal for accelerated construction.

The hybrid superstructure was used to replace an existing open grate steel deck for the Catherine Street Bridge over Chauncy Run (BIN 2218160) in the City of Hornell, Steuben County, New York.

TVGA reviewed Wagners’ design calculations for conformance with the applicable New York State and AASHTO Bridge Specifications.  Prior to construction and approval, TVGA also preformed a Level 1 Load Rating for the proposed structure.  Following the construction, TVGA was retained by L.C. Whitford to perform a Proof Load Test to ensure the innovative structure was performing as designed.  This testing included the incremental placement of four fully loaded dump trucks on the bridge, and the measurement of deflection using an Optech Ilris 3-D Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system.  The results of the load testing were also compared to a theoretical Level 1 Load Rating, and will serve as a baseline for a two-year monitoring program.  As part of this program, TVGA will perform additional load testing to determine if any changes in the capacity of the structure are taking place over time and under varying weather conditions.

The project was partially funded by the Innovative Bridge Research and Construction (IBRC) Program for the use of new technologies in the area of bridge construction.