Rebuilding the Brazos River Bridge

r_i_straw Jun 8, 2016

  1. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Sure could have used a shaker/vibrator for pulling old dock/pier pile. Once the mud grabs them, ain't no way to pull them out by brute force.

    Can you identify which pile are being pulled vs. the new ones supporting the bridge? I can't tell from the photo.
     
  2. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Here are two images zoomed in to compare.
    The crane platform before they started disassembling it.
    DSC_0002 (1).jpg

    This was today with the left section of the platform removed and pulling the first of two piles. The new bridge pier piles are on the far left.
    DSC_0011 (1).jpg
     
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  3. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, that answers my question.
     
  4. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Things seem to be pretty well wrapped up. They are disassembling the last big crane to haul it away. Already river debris is piling up on the new pier pilings.
    DSC_0002.jpg DSC_0004.jpg
     
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  5. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Those look like some get-serious piers, especially the center ones. I suspect it will take a far worse flood to destroy them than what y'all saw this past Spring.
     
  6. Chasbro

    Chasbro TrainBoard Member

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    Howdy folks. New member here. Here's another look at that bridge under attack from Hurricane Harvey. Is that log jam a problem?
    I didn't hear any trains last night.
     
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  7. Mr. Train

    Mr. Train TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all the bridge info.

    Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk
     
  8. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    I personally doubt the log jam will affect it. That new pier looked to me to be way overkill when they put it in.
     
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  9. Rocket Jones

    Rocket Jones TrainBoard Member

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    Hope for the best, plan for the worst. Those new piers look like pure genius right now.
     
  10. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    I doubt they'd take any chances. They'll wait until they can inspect it.

    Can trains even get to that bridge?
     
  11. Chasbro

    Chasbro TrainBoard Member

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    We'll keep an eye on it. Still 2 or 3 days of record flow. Last time, the damage wasn't apparent at first.
    I must say I was extremely impressed by that repair crew last year. They got it done in some very challenging conditions.
     
  12. mmi16

    mmi16 TrainBoard Member

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    Scour is the worrying issue!
     
  13. Chasbro

    Chasbro TrainBoard Member

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    Took another look this evening. The log jam is gone. They brought in a back hoe but I didn't see what it did. Maybe just checking the un-reinforced supports.
     
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  14. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Welcome to TrainBoard!

    A log jam or buildup can indeed cause problems. The weight against piles and fenders, and any pulsing or pounding movement caused by stream flows can do very significant damage. :(
     
  15. Chasbro

    Chasbro TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the welcome. I took the little 14 oz Bebop up for a look at noon today. The bridge is still intact but the water level is 55 feet (past the old record of 54.7) The new main support is quite a debris catcher and is funneling the current at very high velocity. The crew is on the bridge keeping a close eye. The 56 foot crest is forecast for tomorrow. I hope she holds.
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Just to let folks know, I have been on a railroad bridge, during a major flooding event. I was at that time employed by an engineering firm. We were monitoring river levels and debris coming downstream. The effects of impacts on the fender piles and piers was amazing. When a log or other item struck, the sound and resulting shaking was simply scary. I was so happy to move off that structure...! While we were out there, water levels rose such that were were barely able to get out again, in our vehicle. The strain on that bridging was clear and amazing, as it flexed and shook. No wonder they incur damage or collapse.
     
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  17. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    gjslsffan likes this.
  18. Chasbro

    Chasbro TrainBoard Member

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    A lot of activity at the bridge today. They're reportedly using explosives to clear the log jams. I'd love to fly the drone some more but they are prohibited at the moment
    for good reason. Some rail repair equipment is rolling in. Water still rising but slowly. Forecast went down a couple Inches.
     
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  19. Chasbro

    Chasbro TrainBoard Member

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    I took the Parrot Bebop out to the bridge this morning. With record flow, we're not out of the woods yet, but we may have turned the corner.
    I talked briefly with one of the crew and they are going to drop rip rap on the east side approach. He dispelled the rumor they used explosives to dislodge debris.
    Just the back hoe. By noon the river crested and is expected to recede slowly. Thank goodness.
     
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  20. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Chasbro, thanks for your great coverage of the Brazos River bridge withstanding the floodwaters. Great stuff. Looks like the rebuilding was just in time. I would also like to welcome you to Trainboard; you made an impressive entry!
     

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