SOLUTION

While assessing the strength of the superstructure elements, WJE found that they typically had excess capacity. Understanding the nature of earthquake demands, WJE engineers realized that reducing the excess strength at key locations would eliminate the structure's ability to transmit damaging loads to the foundation. This innovative concept eliminated most of the below-grade seismic deficiencies without the need for excavation. Making elements of the superstructure the "weak links" in their respective systems also made it possible to use simple, proven retrofit methods to achieve the needed degree of system ductility easily and inexpensively. Other noteworthy issues related to this project include the following:

The successful contractor's retrofit bid was a small fraction of the previous consultant's preliminary retrofit cost estimate.

After completion of this work, IDOT implemented similar retrofit measures on other portions of the structure.

IDOT funded a research study to evaluate the efficacy of using the seismic retrofit approach WJE developed for bridges throughout the state. The study concluded that 80 percent of the structures examined could be brought up to new structure seismic performance levels by making minor changes in accordance with the WJE approach.