The Main Street Replacement Bridge Columbus, Ohio

摘要

Faced with the challenge of replacing an existing multiple span art-deco arch bridge, the City of Columbus, Ohio decided against a replication of the existing bridge in favor of constructing a new long-span signature arch bridge that would become a symbol for the City.The proposed Main Street Replacement Bridge will provide the City with that new symbol. The bridge consisting of a single-ribbed arch inclined at a 10-degree angle will gracefully span 660 feet across the Sciota River and will provide the final link between new parkway developments on both banks of the river.The new bridge has been designed with pedestrian comfort as a top design consideration. The design separates pedestrians from vehicle traffic with a dramatic split of the decks at midspan. The pedestrian experience is further enhanced by the intriguing geometry of the bridge as well as the spectacular views of the river below as observed through the deck opening.The primary visual component of the bridge is a dynamically balanced steel arch that springs from the deck and gracefully flies over the opening between decks. This sleek arch maintains a very low profile and does not overpower the pedestrian experience.This paper will focus on the challenges faced while balancing architectural desires with structural needs. Specifically, the paper will focus on the proportioning of the arch rib as well as the detail design of all the integrated components of the bridge structure including the tapering vertical L-Struts and the uniquely shaped piers.