KS Associates provided engineering services for the inspection of five moveable bridges along the Cuyahoga River for the City of Cleveland: Willow Avenue Vertical Lift Bridge, Center Street Swing Bridge, W. 3rd Street Lift Bridge, Carter Road Lift Bridge, and Eagle Avenue Lift Bridge.
During field inspections of the 53-year-old Willow Avenue Lift Bridge, KS engineers verified a report noting that the integrity of two of the 10 main wire counterweight ropes were compromised and had exceeded their useful life. The underlying metal wires and strands comprising the ropes were severely corroded, posing potential safety issues to the public and to the bridge structure. KS’s findings were recorded in an in-depth inspection report as per the City of Cleveland, ODOT, and NBIS reporting requirements.
The City authorized KS Associates to design a solution and develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates to replace all of the counterweight ropes. KS engineers performed geometric calculations, designed temporary and permanent support systems, and developed a jacking method for bearings and cable connections.
The KS team, comprised of mechanical and structural engineers, worked closely with the City and ODOT to develop construction documents. KS Associates provided a separate construction document that allowed the cables to be manufactured in advance to meet the schedule.
