Curved Tubular Flange Girders: I-95 Section BR2

Curved Tubular Flange Girders: I-95 Section BR2 STV recently completed the design of the first curved steel tubular flange girder bridge in the United States. The use of a tubular flange in place of a standard plate increases the structural performance while reducing fabrication and erection material, as well as erection time compared to standard plate flange curved girders. Additional several advantages include overall weight savings, minimizing required under clearance, simplifying erection, and eliminating cross frames or diaphragms. The use of steel plate flanges has been the standard for straight and most curved girder bridge applications. Lehigh University performed research supporting the design of curved steel girder bridges with tubular flanges. PennDOT is constructing this innovation as part of an interchange project on Interstate 95 in District 6. The site constraints for erection are very challenging with overhead utility lines and rail lines below the bridge. Therefore, this type of design is a good fit. The project is currently under construction by Buckley & Company, Inc. and the TFGs are being fabricated by High Steel Structures in Lancaster, PA, tube steel was provided by Atlas Tube Corp. Steel in Chicago, IL and the tubes were bent by Chicago Metal Rolled Products in Chicago, IL. Learning Objectives: -Understand the history and different types of tubular flange girders -Overview of the project and site conditions that lead to the selection of this girder type -Design methodology, fabrication challenges, and construction techniques used on the project. 1 CE credit will be issued.