Bridge, Highway & Rail Projects

McLaren is providing structural and bridge engineering services that include design of concrete frame with post-tensioned slab for hotel; design of masonry columns and walls, concrete beams and hollow core roof planks for utility buildings; design of marina bridges; assessment of construction materials and methods; design of spread footing and pile foundations; and structural design of lightgauge metal framework for canopies and soffits. Project challenges include hotel foundation choice between piles or spread footings based on assessment of storm water surge and armored beaches; misaligned concrete shear walls and concrete columns in the hotel and the utility buildings to accommodate architectural design; and minimal use of structural steel due to the highly corrosive environment.

McLaren performed an underwater inspection of the four piles of the bridge in the Hudson River as well as of the piers above the waterline. In addition, McLaren performed a full climbing inspection of the above water structural steel trusses, and will now assist in designing the conversion of the railroad bridge into one that accommodates pedestrian traffic. Elevators are also being designed to make the bridge (which stands over 200 feet above the river) accessible from the Hudson shoreline.

McLaren was responsible for these underwater inspection and assessment services for three term contracts. For each contract, comprehensive reports were prepared including underwater photo documentation, sketches, and a summary of results of findings. Inspections were conducted in accordance with the NYSDOT Bridge Diving Inspection Manual, and the NYSTA Draft Specification for Bridge Diving Inspection and Fathometer Survey Manual.

The 1993-1996 biennial inspection program covered inspection and assessment of nearly 1,000 bridge piers and over 8,000 linear feet of relieving platform supporting FDR Drive in Manhattan. In addition to the inspection of the bridges, McLaren was responsible for the fathometric survey of more than 200 piers. The 2001-2002 biennial inspection program covered inspection and assessment of a total of 72 bridges encompassing 629 SSUs. The current (2007-2008) program has covered inspection and assessment of a total of 93 bridges encompassing 309 SSUs. Comprehensive reports are prepared including still photographs, sketches, underwater videotape recordings, and a summary of results of findings. All reports are prepared in metric and all inspection work is performed in accordance with the NYSDOT Bridge Diving Inspection Manual.

The project’s intent is to provide an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant design for these bridges at significant locations throughout New York City. Innovative design solutions were necessary in order to achieve the project’s goal, with the bridges meshing well with the surrounding environment. McLaren also had to select appropriate materials and construction methods and integrate the design within the fabric of each neighborhood.