RAINIER BLVD N BRIDGE STRENGTHENING
The project is for the structural strengthening of the Rainier Boulevard bridge over the East Fork Issaquah Creek. The bridge is a single span structure with prestressed multi-web (trideck) girders. This bridge (Bridge No. ISSAQU 04) was load rated and determined to require load restriction for Specialized Hauling Vehicles and Emergency Vehicles. Some minor cracking is noted in the web of Girder A near the midspan. The City has elected to strengthen the bridge to avoid load restricting the structure. To increase the structural capacity and avoid load restricting the structure, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strips will be applied to the bottom of the webs of the prestressed multi-web girders. Cracks will be identified and injected with epoxy resin. No spalls, or delaminations exist within the area that the FRP will be applied. Surface prep will be required where the FRP strengthening is applied. Surface prep is typically done by using an angle grinder with an abrasive wheel outfitted with a dust shroud with vacuum attachment for concrete dust and debris containment. Prior to work, in the in-water work window, debris containment will be installed to catch any epoxy, putty, patch material or other from dropping into the creek or the creek banks as applicable. All work will be done manually and no heavy equipment will be used. Work access will not require grading, temporary or permanent fill within the wetted perimeter of the stream. Work is proposed for the summer of 2022.
