Obtained by Bob Mackin via Freedom of Information

2010goldrush@gmail.com
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1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement

Revision Record Sheet
Rev. No Date Changes ImpIemented Originated By Verified By Approved By






























1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement

Amendments Record Sheet



1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement


Executive Summary
A detailed visual inspection was conducted to examine each area of the Burrard Bridge
concrete approach spans where the bearings will potentially be replaced or rehabilitated. These
areas occur at the South Abutment, bents 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 & 24, and at the North Abutment.
nspections were conducted on 2010 November 23 and 24. The bridge bearings and adjacent
areas and/or components of the bridge were observed to be in generally good condition with
some minor deficiencies in localized areas that are commonly found on bridges of this type and
age. No major issues or deficiencies were identified during the inspection.
The sliding bearings at the South Abutment and at Bent 4 appear to be functioning as intended
with light surface corrosion noted on the exposed faces of the bearing plates. However, it was
difficult to closely examine the sliding bearings due to the accumulation of debris in the area due
to leakage through the deck joints. City crews will be cleaning these areas to permit B&T to
complete the close-up visual inspection of these bearings and confirm the inspection findings.
The findings of this follow-up inspection will be issued as an Addendum to this report.
Spalled concrete and exposed reinforcing steel was observed at several locations adjacent to
the sliding bearings. n addition, surface corrosion was noted on the galvanized bars or steel
plates added to locally strengthen the ends of the girders. t is recommended that City crews
clean the areas adjacent to the sliding bearings, remove loose concrete, and coat exposed
reinforcement with rust-inhibiting coating. n addition, the corrosion noted on the galvanized bar
assemblies added to the ends of the girders should be cleaned and re-coated with City
approved rust inhibiting coating.
The rocker and pin bearings appear to be functioning as intended. The rocker bearings will be
removed and replaced and therefore no remedial work is required at this time. The pin bearings,
which will remain in place, showed signs of coating failure and light surface corrosion on their
exposed surfaces. As part of the bearing replacement/rehabilitation Contract, it is recommended
that the corroded surfaces of the pin bearings be cleaned and recoated with a City approved
rust-inhibiting coating.
Other deficiencies observed included localized areas of delamination on the diaphragms, spalls
and exposed corroded reinforcement at the ends of the girders. However, no immediate
remedial works are required at this time because none of the deficiencies noted are currently a
structural concern.



The potential jacking points (girders, diaphragms or pier caps) were found to be in good
condition with minor deficiencies. No action is required prior to the bearing
replacement/rehabilitation works to repair any of the minor deficiencies observed at these
locations during the inspection.
The deck joint seals on the bridge need to be replaced to stop t
onto the cap beams and abutments. t is our understanding that the City is aware of this issue
and intends to include joint seal replacement in an upcoming rehabilitation Contract.

Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
The potential jacking points (girders, diaphragms or pier caps) were found to be in good
with minor deficiencies. No action is required prior to the bearing
replacement/rehabilitation works to repair any of the minor deficiencies observed at these
locations during the inspection.
The deck joint seals on the bridge need to be replaced to stop the leakage of water and debris
onto the cap beams and abutments. t is our understanding that the City is aware of this issue
and intends to include joint seal replacement in an upcoming rehabilitation Contract.
1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
The potential jacking points (girders, diaphragms or pier caps) were found to be in good
with minor deficiencies. No action is required prior to the bearing
replacement/rehabilitation works to repair any of the minor deficiencies observed at these
he leakage of water and debris
onto the cap beams and abutments. t is our understanding that the City is aware of this issue
and intends to include joint seal replacement in an upcoming rehabilitation Contract.

1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
i

TabIe of Contents

1 ntroduction ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 nspection Scope ........................................................................................................ 1
1.2 nspection Procedure .................................................................................................. 2
2 Description of Bridge .......................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Recently Completed mprovements ............................................................................ 5
2.2 Ongoing mprovements .............................................................................................. 5
4 Closing ..............................................................................................................................20
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)


1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
1

1 Introduction
The City of Vancouver ("the City) retained Buckland & Taylor Ltd. (B&T) to
investigate and design the rehabilitation and replacement of the bearings in the
concrete approach spans of the Burrard Bridge. The bearings in the approaches
include a total of 21 rocker bearings and 6 sliding bearings, all dating from the
original bridge construction, completed in 1932. The rocker bearings, located at
bents 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and 24 and the North Abutment, were previously submerged
in an oil bath containing PCBs. Although the oil bath has been drained and cleaned,
the rocker bearings are still considered contaminated with PCBs and must be
removed and replaced. The sliding bearings located at the South Abutment and at
bent 4 are not affected by PCBs.
As a part of the bearing rehabilitation/replacement project, B&T conducted an
inspection and condition assessment of each area of the bridge approach spans
where bearings are or may be replaced along with any other area that may be
affected by, or could affect, bearing replacement operations.
1.1 Inspection Scope
The extent of the inspection is limited to that needed for bearing replacement design
on the South and North approach spans, but also reports on other concerns found in
the inspected areas. The bearing areas that were inspected include the South
Abutment, bents 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 & 24, and, the North Abutment.
The primary objectives for the inspection are to:
i. conduct a detailed visual inspection to review the condition of the bearing areas
and components of the bridge superstructure in the vicinity of the bearings that
might be affected by, or may affect, the replacement or rehabilitation of the
bearings;
ii. assess the condition of potential jacking points and of areas of the structure
(girders, diaphragms, or pier caps) that may be affected by jacking operations or
may have been exposed to PCBs;
iii. document the condition of the bridge components, including photos, details of
defects or items of concern;
iv. confirm critical dimensions shown on the available drawings as required to
support future design efforts; and

2
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11

v. prepare a written report detailing the findings of the inspections, identifying any
deficiencies that affect the integrity of the structure, jacking operations and
replacement works and propose possible remedial repairs.
1.2 Inspection Procedure
The inspection was conducted on 2010 November 23 and 24 by Andrew Griezic,
P.Eng., and Ki Kim of B&T, supported by City staff.
Prior to conducting the field work, a detailed review of the available previous reports,
structural drawings and the other documents listed in the RFP (RFP 6.5.3 to 6.5.10)
was performed to assess the completeness of the available information, such as
member lengths, sizes and material properties. n addition, the inspectors attended a
seminar on safe management of PCB and PCB awareness training presented by
Envirochem Services nc.
The inspection was visual, supported by limited hammer sounding of concrete. Crack
widths were measured as deemed appropriate.
nspection access was from the basket of a man-lift positioned on the ground under
the bearings being inspected. Where required, tarps were placed on the ground to
trap any debris that may be dislodged from the tops of the bents or girders adjacent
to the PCB contaminated bearings. Where required, traffic control was implemented
to protect the inspection team, City staff, and the public.


1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
3

2 Description of Bridge
The Burrard Bridge, opened in 1932, was designed to carry 6 lanes of vehicular
traffic over False Creek to and from downtown Vancouver. The bridge deck currently
carries 5 lanes of vehicular traffic and one bicycle lane, the east sidewalk was
converted to a northbound bicycle path and the west sidewalk is reserved for
pedestrian traffic.
The bridge consists of a south approach with 21 concrete girder spans on concrete
bents, a north approach with 5 concrete girder spans on concrete bents, 4 steel deck
truss spans on concrete piers, and a steel through-truss on concrete piers for the
main marine span.
Concrete bents are numbered from the South Abutment - 1 through 20 south of the
main span, and 22 through 25 north of the main span. Piers are numbered 1 through
6 from the south. A general arrangement of the bridge is shown in Appendix A.
The Burrard Bridge approach spans are a series of multi-span, continuous,
reinforced concrete girders supported on abutments or bents at each end. All of the
bents consist of a concrete cap beam supported on three rectangular concrete
columns. The concrete girders spanning from the South Abutment to Bent 4 are
supported on sliding bearings at each end and are monolithically connected to the
intermediate bents. All other concrete girder spans are typically monolithically
connected to the intermediate bents and are supported on rocker bearings or pin
bearings at the end bents. The rocker bearings were at one time submerged in an oil
bath containing PCB's. Although the oil bath has been drained and the bearing
components have been cleaned, the rocker bearings are still considered
contaminated with PCBs.
Rocker and pin bearings are located on the cap beams at bents 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 &
24 and the North Abutment. Sliding bearings are located at the South Abutment and
at Bent 4.
The approach spans consist of three longitudinal girders in each span that support a
cast-in-place concrete deck with an asphalt overlay. The girders are braced
transversely by concrete end diaphragms located above the pin and rocker bearings,
and located above the intermediate bents.
The general view of the South Approach is shown in Figure 1 and a general view of
the North Approach is shown in Figure 2.

4
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11


Figure 1: GeneraI View of South Approach

Figure 2: GeneraI View of North Approach


1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
5

2.1 RecentIy CompIeted Improvements
Bridge seismic upgrading was the most recent major improvement to the Burrard
Bridge structure, constructed in multiple phases and completed in 2006. Relevant
upgrades to the concrete approach spans include:
Addition of galvanized bars or steel plates anchored to the ends of the girders,
for local girder strengthening at the sliding bearings at bent 4 and at the South
Abutment. This local strengthening appears to have been carried out in several
stages, but the City has no record of this work;
Concrete encasement of bent cap beams, bent columns and spread footings;
Concrete shear wall added between the columns at Bent 4;
nstallation of longitudinal deck restrainers; and
nstallation of lateral seismic restrainers.
2.2 Ongoing Improvements
The City of Vancouver Engineering Services Bridge Crew provides a continual
maintenance presence through the year. t is our understanding that in addition to
this continual maintenance, a City crew member conducts a brief visual inspection of
the Bridge on a monthly basis, primarily looking for deterioration that requires
immediate maintenance and completes the repair. This work may include the
removal of loose/spalling concrete and coating these areas with a zinc rich paint,
replacement of broken expansion joint deck seals, and cleaning the structure.
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)

20
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11

4 CIosing
A detailed visual inspection was conducted to examine each area of the Burrard
Bridge concrete approach spans where the bearings will potentially be replaced or
rehabilitated. These areas occur at the South Abutment, bents 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 &
24, and at the North Abutment.
The sliding bearings at the South Abutment and at Bent 4 appear to be functioning
as intended with light surface corrosion noted on the exposed faces of the bearing
plates. However, it was difficult to closely examine some of the sliding bearings at
the abutment due to the accumulation of debris in the area due to leakage through
the deck joints. City crews will be cleaning these areas to permit B&T to complete the
close-up visual inspection of these bearings and confirm the inspection findings. The
findings of this follow-up inspection will be issued as an Addendum to this report.
Spalled concrete and exposed reinforcing steel was observed at several locations
adjacent to the sliding bearings. n addition, surface corrosion was noted on the
galvanized bars or steel plates added to locally strengthen the ends of the girders. t
is recommended that City crews clean the areas adjacent to the sliding bearings,
remove any loose concrete, and coat exposed reinforcement with a rust-inhibiting
coating. n addition, the corrosion noted on the galvanized bar assemblies added to
the ends of the girders should be cleaned and re-coated with a City approved rust-
inhibiting coating.
The rocker and pin bearings appear to be functioning as intended. The rocker
bearings will be removed and replaced and therefore no remedial work is required at
this time. The pin bearings, which will remain in place, showed signs of coating
failure and light surface corrosion on their exposed surfaces. As part of the bearing
replacement/rehabilitation Contract, it is recommended that the corroded surfaces of
the pin bearings be cleaned and recoated with a City approved rust-inhibiting
coating.
Other deficiencies observed included localized areas of delamination on the
diaphragms, spalls and exposed corroded reinforcement at the ends of the girders.
However, no immediate remedial works are required at this time because none of the
deficiencies noted are currently a structural concern.


1939-RPT-GEN-001-0
2011 May 11
Burrard Bridge
Detailed nspection and Condition
Assessment for Approach Bearing
Replacement
21

The potential jacking points (girders, diaphragms or pier caps) were found to be in
good condition with minor deficiencies. No action is required prior to the bearing
replacement/rehabilitation works to repair any of the minor deficiencies observed at
these locations during the inspection.
The deck joint seals on the bridge need to be replaced to stop the leakage of water
and debris onto the cap beams and abutments. t is our understanding that the City
is aware of this issue and intends to include joint seal replacement in an upcoming
rehabilitation Contract.
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)
s.13(1); s.15(1)(l); s.17(1)(c), (d), & (f); s.18(a); and s.19(1)(b)