Norristown Bridge State

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has engaged SJH as a subconsultant to AECOM under this three-year term contract on an as-needed basis. This contract has an established ceiling of $8M and an optional six-month extension period in support of the Authority’s goal of providing engineering services for the overall upgrade of their system. Various engineering and related services to SEPTA for engineering projects may involve every aspect of SEPTA’s operations.

Norristown Bridge State of Good Repair

SJH’s first assignment involves a project for two (2) Norristown bridges within the Regional Railroad System to bring the bridges to a state of good repair. The task required a survey; an in-depth inspection to identify deficiencies; load ratings for as-is condition and, if strengthening was required, as-proposed condition; and repair/rehabilitation recommendations, plans, specifications, and estimate for the scope of work to bring each bridge to a state of good repair. SJH performed inspection, load rating, and rehabilitation design for the Norristown Bridge (Bridge 17.16), a three (3) span multi-through girder bridge structure carrying two tracks.

SJH performed an in-depth inspection of the Norristown Bridge.17.16 over Dekalb Street (US 202). The framing consists of deck girders and floor beams. In addition to the bridge, the adjacent stairs were also inspected. SJH prepared an inspection report based on which repair details were prepared. During the field inspection of the structure, SJH reviewed available as-built plans and the latest inspection and load rating reports provided by SEPTA to understand the configuration. SJH arranged MPT and bucket trucks for access to focus on the structural deterioration of the structure as well as the staircase. The existing fascia girders were encased in concrete and the interior girders were not accessible within interior bays due to the presence of the concrete slab. SJH performed soundings to identify concrete deteriorations and observe steel deficiencies where exposed. Section losses in structural steel were measured. Deficiencies observed during the inspection were summarized in a detailed report with inspection findings, sketches, and recommendations for repairs. As part of this task, SJH performed load rating of the existing superstructure as well as the columns as per AREMA Cooper E-80 and alternate loading for the as-is condition. When strengthening was required, the as-proposed condition rating was performed on the affected girders. SJH developed contract plans and specifications to support a state-of-good repair.