ABSTRACT
The Angus L. Macdonald Bridge, completed in 1955, connects Dartmouth and Halifax, NS, Canada. The suspension bridge is 762 m long, with a 441 m long main span. The bridge deck reached the end of its functional life and was replaced segment-by-segment during bridge weekend closures, with traffic using the bridge during the weekdays. New deck segments were fully prefabricated, including an initial layer of wearing surface, and erected in a way that allowed traffic to use the bridge immediately following replacement. Fabrication began in early 2015 and erection in late 2015. The last segment was replaced in 2017 February. Concurrently with the segment replacement, the entire deck was raised to its final profile (3 m at midspan) to allow for the increased shipping clearance. The hangers were then replaced. This paper describes some aspects of the superstructure fabrication, segment erection, and challenges encountered during erection.
This paper describes investigation and rehabilitation work carried out since 2005. It includes some special investigations into low stress/high cycle fatigue testing of cracked wires and friction tests to refine the evaluation of broken wire redevelopment length. It seeks to provide lessons learned and guidance for suspension bridge owners on how to deal with similarly deteriorated cables.
