Wisconsin Avenue Bridge (1831) over Towpath [Source: DC Public Library Images
This bridge rehabilitation project was done several years ago but I wasn’t aware of it until Michael Ferrell, General Manager of Cintec North America shared this link. I grew up in Northern VA, often visited Georgetown and the canal towpath, so I know this bridge.
As noted in the article, “relatively few stone masonry arch bridges remain in the United States, and very few comparable bridge strengthening projects exist.” The technology was introduced in the UK and is now offered in the US by Cintec America. Cintec specializes in the post installing stainless steel rebar in order to increasing the load rating on masonry arch bridges without fill removal or any changes to façade.
As further noted, “the innovative strengthening process could be a viable option for dealing with other historic structures and can be considered when addressing the requirements of historic preservation, while also satisfying modern engineering, safety, and environmental requirements.”
The rehabilitation project was written up in Public Roads and is archived here.
