PRIME performed load rating analysis for 17 of the Fitchburg and Old Colony – Middleborough Branch Commuter Rail Bridges from 2005 to 2008 for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The types of bridges load rated included box culvert, concrete slab, prestressed concrete girder, steel girder, corrugated metal arch, and

stone arch. The bridges varied from simple to four spans.

The

work consisted of a review of the existing bridge inspection report and in several cases a field visit to take coupon samples to obtain necessary missing information such as material specification. The field visit included non-destructive testing. The load ratings were performed in accordance with the MBTA and AREMA policies and procedures utilizing STAAD and SAP 2000 computer programs and hand calculations based on the condition information contained in the existing inspection report. The bridges were rated for Cooper E-80, F40PH Modified Car, and 263 Rail Car.

Following the completion of the analysis, a detailed analysis report was prepared which included a summary of the load rating results and the computations including finite element analysis for complex details. In addition, based on the load rating results, the report included necessary rehabilitation and or replacement recommendations for those bridges which did not satisfy the rating criteria.

Services:

• Commuter Rail Bridge Inspection
• Load Rating Analysis
• Rehabilitation and/or Replacement Recommendations

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