ARROYO QUEMADO BRIDGE

Location:

Highway 101, twenty two miles west of Santa Barbara, California, USA

Description:

The Arroyo Quemado Bridge, constructed in 1916, is an historic twin arch concrete structure, carrying the two southbound lanes of Highway 101.

Total length including approach spans: 125 m (410 ft.)
Main span: Twin 33 m (109 ft.) arch spans

Owner and Client:

State of California

Scope of Work:

The scope of work included assessment of the seismic performance of the structure in its current condition, evaluation of several retrofit strategies and preparation of the final detailed retrofit design. Constraints on the seismic strategy included respect for the historic and aesthetic qualities of the structure as well as the need to minimize environmental impact on the site.

The final retrofit strategy was to keep the existing unretrofitted arch ribs essentially elastic by providing enhanced lateral and longitudinal restraint to the structure. This was achieved through the addition of piled restraints at the abutments, infill shear walls and tiedowns at the towers and a structural deck overlay. High ductility demands in some of the approach bents and spandrel columns were addressed by the provision of confinement. Construction was completed in September, 1997.

Awards:

• 1999 - CELSOC Engineering Excellence Award of Merit was awarded to Buckland & Taylor Ltd. for the Cold Spring Canyon and Arroyo Quemado Arch Bridges Project. This project was one of only two Merit Award winners, which was chosen by judges for entry at the ACEC (American Consulting Engineers Council) level.

• 1999 - Buckland & Taylor Ltd. was awarded an ACEC Engineering Excellence Honor Award for the Cold Spring Canyon and Arroyo Quemado Arch Bridges Project.

For more information on our bridge engineering services, please Contact Us.

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