TEAM GUSHUE HIGHWAY-TECHSPAN OVER WATERFORD RIVER ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

摘要

This paper will outline the Newfoundland and Labrador Ministry of Transportation and Works project, of a TechSpan concrete arch culvert, constructed over the Waterford River to support a 19 m high embankment for the Team Gushue Highway Extension. Named in honor the 2006 Olympic Gold medalist curling team, The Team Gushue highway once completed will provide a vital link to the NW Avalon Peninsula. The Waterford river crossing was a major technical and construction challenge on this project. The 10 m wide river runs in a 19 m deep meandering gorge and has a swift current, making work in and around the river challenging. Access to the site was extremely difficult. Two very steep grade construction roads on each side of the river connected by a temporary bridge provided access to the bottom of the gorge and the erection site. A temporary diversion of the river permitted for excavation and site casting of two 5.35 m wide footings and the erection of the concrete arch culvert in the dry. The 63m long, 11m span, 4m high concrete arch structure supports 19 m of overburden and the highway road base, allowing the highway a level crossing of the gorge and river. This paper highlights the purpose of this significant new work, the creek sensitivity and diversion, and the design and construction of an arch structure supporting hydraulics and very high overburden.