Frankford Avenue Bridge (Pennsylvania) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Frankford boulevard bridgework deck (Pennsylvania) - Essay ExampleFrankford Avenue Bridge was constructed in Poquessing Creek of Bristol Pike-Frankford Avenue, Route 13 between Cornwells Heights of Bucks County in the state of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia city in Philadelphia County (Beckman 200). The bridge was constructed in 1904 by JohnMcMenamy, Webster and Henry H as chief and assistant manoeuver respectively. The Bridge is current owned by Transportation Department of Pennsylvania. The bridge provides an early example of concrete bridges that were supported by poise with closed-spandrel arch that was single spanned. The outdoor parts of the bridge resemble stonework with scored spandrel walls that demarcate voussoirs surrounding the arch ring. The parapet of the bridge is decorated by urn-shaped balusters that was unwashed in the early 20th century Introduction There was a rapid evolution of bridge plan in America during nineteenth century. During this period, patents w ere mostly given to contractors who had new designs with new construction modes. By the year 1900, wooden timber was no longer used to construct bridges across rivers and streams. woodwind was replaced by iron and trade name as the latter constructed strong massive bridges that supported plodding locomotives. Wood was also sidelined because it could easily burn and be washed away when the river overflows. Steel bridges became much common in the late 19th century and they gave birth to a new era of conception and constructing bridges. Many Americans did not accept this new bridge design because of their industrial outlook. Steel bridges had no or minimal ornamentation and were vulnerable to rust. By late 19th century, France invented concrete, a new corporeal that was accepted by many American engineers because of its comprehensive strength. In addition, concrete could be combined with steel to make bridges that were strong and fireproof (Beckman 215). By the year 1900, there w ere a small consequence of concrete-steel constructions of bridges in Midwestern US. Many eastern parts of the country had not explored the new engineering science but useful bridge making ideas and technology, begun in eastern US in late 19th century (Condit 39). In 1904, Philadelphia city and Bucks county begun the construction of a barrel arch bridge (7T-0) using steel and concrete. It had ornamented balustrade that was urn-shaped with a facade that resembled masonry. The bridge signified an important moment in bridge engineering history (Bromley 17). The construction of Frankford Avenue Bridge begun in 1895 and continued up to 1910.Steel-concrete bridges at this time were characterized by spandrel arches that were closed that later declined after 1910. Spandrel arches were meant to ensure that performs the intended function small-arm at the same time reducing the amount of concrete used (Condit 42). Concrete and Steel Frankford Avenue Bridge was the first bridge in southeast US that utilized concrete and steel and was constructed along Pine Road over Penny pack Greek in Philadelphia (1983-94).It was a two-span bridge with arches of 25-5. It also had a wire mesh which acted as a binding element. Bridges exterior resembled masonry. The most popular concrete reinforcing system in USA in the year 1904 was the system secure by Joseph Melan. It was used in construction concrete arch bridge in America. It included swerve soffit steel I-beams which later developed other variations that included