Geotechnical Investigation + Design for Burkey Bridge

Due to deterioration of the existing single span bridge structure and degradation of the road surface, a complete design and construction overhaul was necessary to create safe access for vehicular and pedestrian traffic along the Burkey Road (T-341) Bridge, located in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Rhea was tasked by Frank B. Taylor Engineering (FBTE) to complete the geotechnical subsurface investigation and analysis, state agency coordination, geotechnical drilling oversight, and foundation design. Additionally, Rhea completed the Subsurface Exploration Planning Submission (SEPS) and Structure Foundation Report (SFR) submissions to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for review and approval.

Rhea prepared the SEPS report, which included geological research of existing physiographic settings, geological hazards (including sinkholes, landslides, methane presence, and flood zones), hydrology, and historical land uses around the project site. As part of the SEPS report, Rhea also prepared the geotechnical boring plan, locations, depths of borings, and laboratory testing plan for the geotechnical drilling operations for subsurface conditions analysis. Rhea then managed and oversaw the geotechnical drilling operations.

Once drilling operations were completed, Rhea analyzed the lab results and prepared a SFR with design recommendations for the bridge foundation and coordinated with FBTE for the foundation design. Due to the presence of 10-15 feet of unsuitable soil at the site, a shallow foundation was not suitable. Rhea completed bearing resistances, settlement, and pile drivability analysis for various sized H-piles; the bridge structure is supported on a group of driven H-piles.

Services: Geotechnical , Civil Site Development

Industries: Transportation