ABSTRACT
The network arch bridge concept was first developed by a Norwegian engineer Per Tveit in the late 1950s. Since then, several bridges that utilize Tveit’s design have been built all over the world. Among them, a unique bridge with free-standing arches was recently designed to carry the 2nd Avenue traffic over the interstate (I) 94 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. This 265 ft long, 96.5 ft wide, and 18-degree skew bridge consists of two posttensioned tie girders and end diaphragms. The construction of this bridge utilizes accelerated bridge construction (ABC) techniques with self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) and sliding. This unique project utilizes an innovative construction concept to minimize mobility impact time and enhance safety. Monitoring of stresses developed in structural components during every stage of construction is important to verify design assumptions and establish the final state of stress in the complete structure. Therefore, a monitoring system was designed and is being implemented during each stage of construction to establish an operational baseline for this structure.
