Gisystems

Soluciones Inteligentes
1

BRIDGE INSPECTION AND EVALUTION REPORT

RN-7E ROAD

RIO DULCE- EL ESTOR SECTION

Guatemala, May 2006 (Final)

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
2

REFERENCE INDEX Page

1.0 INSPECTION AND EVALUATION REPORT 3

2.0 CONCLUSIONS 5

ANNEXES

Annex 1: SITE MAP AND BRIDGE LOCATION

Annex 2: SUMMARY OF BRIDGES CHARACTERISTICS

Annex 3: BRIDGES’ TECHNICAL REPORT

Annex 4: MAXIMUM MOMENTS AND MAXIMUM SHEARS FOR 15 AND 22

METERS SPAN BRIDGES FOR THE FOLLOWING LOAD-TRUCK
CONFIGURATIONS: AASHTO HS20-44, 41 TON T3-S3, AND SKYE
FENIX 40 TONNE TRI-AXLE REAR DUMP TRACTOR TRAILER

Annex 5: ALLOWED WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS FOR GUATEMALA

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
3
1.0 INSPECTION AND EVALUATION REPORT

This report includes the results of the field visit to evaluate the bridges between Rio
Dulce and El Estor along Road RN-7E. The field visit results were supplemented
by the revision of design drawings which were gathered in DGC (General Road
Directorate) and through private companies which were part of the design-
construction process of some of the bridges.

Between Rio Dulce and El Estor, there are 15 bridges of different types and
geometric and functional characteristics. A summary of them is presented in Annex
2.

The road/bridges construction administrator is DGC, but design drawings could be

found completely at this institution. More over, some of the bridges were not totally
built under DGC administration. For theses bridges, DGC was responsible mainly
for the superstructure construction. That is probably the reason why some
drawings of the substructures are missing at DGC. Because of the bridges’ lack of
information, assumptions were made regarding some of their elements based on
site observations.

The design drawings found are as follows:

BRIDGE DRAWINGS
ZARCO Superstructure and Substructure
TUNICO Superstructure
CICLON PRIETO Superstructure
AGUA CALIENTE Superstructure
MANACAS Superstructure
LA MAQUINA Superstructure
PEDERNALES Superstructure

All bridges, besides of Sumach, were designed for AASHTO HS20-44 load. Even
though some of the bridges lack plans, this structural configuration was assumed
based on both; the DGC policy for the bridges constructed in the 90’s, and the
drawings of the similar bridges along the road section, which were built by the
same contractor.

However, during the inspection it was found that not all AASHTO construction
specifications were fulfilled. For example, we observed the lack of diaphragms
(internals and externals), expansion joints as well as anti-seismic restraints.

Also, some differences between design drawings and what was finally built were
observed. Regarding these differences we can mention the placement of Asphalt
Concrete (AC) layers on some of the bridge decks, and there are no expansion
12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
4
joints in many bridges (only observed in those bridges located on the paved
section of the road).

All bridges, besides of Sumach, have elastomeric bearings. Sumach has balance
beams bearings.

All bridges drawings, beside Zarco, contain information only of the superstructure.
Because of this, the foundation types in most of the bridges are unknown, and
could only be observed during the site visit.

Most of the bridges were built by

REGA CONSULTORES in 1999.
Sumach was built in 1998.
None of them have appear to have
received any maintenance since then.

The defects observed in each bridge

are described in the technical reports
in Annex 3. Also, in these technical
reports, a detailed description of all
bridges is provided.

In Annex 4, the analysis of maximum live load moments and shears are presented
for simple spans ranging from 13.7 m to 21.3 m which covers the range of spans of
the bridges in this report except for the longer spans Sumach Bridge.
Three different vehicles were considered for this live load analysis:
Case 1: AASHTO Vehicle HS 20-44. Total Weight = 37.2 Tonne.
Front axle to rear axle distance = 8.5 m minimum. This vehicle appears to be the
design vehicle for all the bridges except for the Sumach Bridge.
Case 2: Guatemalan Standard Vehicle T3-S3. Total Weight = 41.0 Tonne.
Front axle to rear axle distance = 14.4 m. Length overall = 17.5 m.
Case 3: Skye Fenix 40 Tonne tri-axle rear dump tractor trailer. Total Weight 54.0 T.
Front axle to rear axle distance = 14.8 m.

In each case, a single vehicle only was placed on the span although the longer
spans can accommodate part or all of a second vehicle which will further increase
the maximum live load moments and shears. The Skye Fenix TOR Section 3, for
example, states that: “The Consultant will also review the significance of
combinations of these vehicles using the bridge simultaneously, such as two
vehicles passing in opposite directions, and a convoy of three vehicles using the
bridge in one direction”.

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
5

2.0 CONCLUSIONS

The study identifies multiple minor and major concerns, such as:

• Lack of available drawings and records.

• Incomplete construction such as omission of internal and end diaphragms
even though some of the precast girders display recesses for that purpose.
(Note: the trend for relatively short span bridges such as these is to omit
internal diaphragms provided the deck slab is properly designed for this
situation.)
• Deteriorated deck slabs.
• Damaged girders including exposed prestressed strands.
• Missing continuity connections in Bailey type Sumach Bridge and the
excessive residual deflection.
• Lack of expansion joints.
• Scour and Erosion.
• Lack of design information and lack of site access concerning founding
materials, piles and spread footing foundations.
• Lack of seismic restraints.
• Hydraulic concerns at La Quebrada.
• The results of the analyses in Annex 4 show a substantial increase in the
maximum live load moments and shears for the Case 2 vehicle
(Guatemalan Standard Vehicle T3-S3) and the Case 3 vehicle (Skye Fenix
40 Tonne tri-axle) when compared to the Case 1 vehicle (AASHTO Vehicle
HS 20-44). The increase in maximum live load moments is such that
potential failure and collapse is a real concern.
• Placing part or all of a second vehicle on a span will further increase the
maximum live load moments and shears above those for Case 1.
• AASHTO specifications do not appear to have been fully complied with in all
designs; construction did not always achieve the design intents and some
bridge components have suffered damage.
12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
6

Based on the above conclusions, the bridges require detailed analyses and
assessments if they are to support the Skye Fenix 40 Tonne tri-axle rear dump
tractor trailer(s). A major difficulty in this regard is the current lack of available
drawings and / or design calculations for some bridges. It is anticipated, however,
that the superstructure girders will require upgrades unless sufficient reserve
capacity was built into the original design and construction.

The bridges require upgrades to achieve original design intents and to repair
damage.

Specific items for further reviews and assessments are:

Sumach Bridge: This bridge has a superstructure for with an unknown load
capacity, and has large midspan deflections.

Tunico Bridge: The bridge has scour in one of its piers, cracks in the riding deck
(on top and bottom sides between two beams), and the fact that one of its long
beams has no diaphragms at a location where the prestressed cables are
exposed.

Agua Caliente Bridge: This bridge has some strucked beams with exposed
prestressed cables, and also cracks in the main beams.

El Sauce or Boqueron Bridge: The bridge shows marked scour in its piers and
exit abutment. Also, its beams are quite longspan for not having diaphragms.

Zarco Bridge: The bridge driving deck is in a considerable state of damage.

San Jorge Bridge: The bridge driving deck is in a considerable state of damage.

Puente Quebrada I: The bridge driving deck is in a considerable state of damage.

The entry abutment fin is eroded and there is scouring at the exit abutment. A
hydraulic study should be considered.

Puente Quebrada II: The bridge shows scour in the entry abutment.

Even that the above bridges require special attention, the rest of the bridges might
need structural strengthening.

Note:
Entry side is Rio Dulce and exit side is the El Estor side of the bridge.
Design calculations of all bridges should be obtained to assure structural bridge
capacity.

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
7

Annex 1

SITE MAP AND BRIDGE LOCATION

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
8

Rosul Bridge
Río Dulce

Pedernales Bridge

La Maquina
Sumach Bridge
Manacas
Agua Caliente Bridge Túnico Bridge

Zarco Bridge Ciclón Prieto

El Sauce Bridge

Los Cerritos I y II Bridges

San Jorge
La Quebrada I y II Bridges

To Baja
Verapaz

MARISCOS

CA09N

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
9

Annex 2

SUMMARY OF BRIDGES CHARACTERISTICS

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
10
BRIDGES ON RN 7E ROAD: RIO DULCE - EL ESTOR SECTION

Id BRIDGE Km. Type Length and number of spans LOAD CAPACITY DRAWINGS OBSERVATIONS

1 ROSUL 00+900 CONCRETE 15 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 NO

2 PEDERNALES 05+000 CONCRETE 21 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 SUPERSTRUCTURE

3 LA MAQUINA 10+000 CONCRETE 15 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 SUPERSTRUCTURE

76.25 M. TWO SPANS SHOWS CONSIDERABLE

4 SUMACH 12+000 BAILEY DESCONOCIDA NO
30.50 AND 45.75 M. DEFLECTIONS
5 MANACAS 16+000 CONCRETE 15 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 SUPERSTRUCTURE

65.50 M. THREE SPANS SCOUR

22, 21.50 AND 22 M. DECK CRACKS
6 TUNICO 18+000 CONCRETE HS-20-44 SUPERSTRUCTURE
BETWEEN BEAMS

STRUCKED BEAMS
CRACKED DECK
7 AGUA CALIENTE 25+000 CONCRETE 21 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 SUPERSTRUCTURE
STRUCKED BEAMS

8 CICLON PRIETO 31+000 CONCRETE 18 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 SUPERSTRUCTURE

60 M. THREE SPANS STRONG SCOUR
9 EL SAUCE O BOQUERON 34+000 CONCRETE HS-20-44 NO
22, 22 AND 16 M. IN PIERS AND ABUTMENT

10 ZARCO 35+000 CONCRETE 22 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 COMPLETE DAMAGED DECK

11 SAN JORGE 39+000 CONCRETE 14 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 NO DAMAGED DECK

12 LOS CERRITOS I 40+000 LD CONCRETE 18 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 NO

13 LOS CERRITOS II 40+000 LI CONCRETE 18 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 NO
SCOUR
14 LA QUEBRADA I 42+000 LD CONCRETE 16 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 NO DAMAGED DECK
EROSION IN ABUTMENT FIN AND SIDEWALK
15 LA QUEBRADA II 42+000 LI CONCRETE 16 M. SINGLE SPAN HS-20-44 NO EROSION IN ABUTMENT FIN AND SIDEWALK

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
11

Annex 3

BRIDGES’ TECHNICAL REPORT

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
12

Annex 4

MAXIMUM MOMENTS AND MAXIMUM SHEARS FOR

AASHTO HS-20-44 BRIDGE CONFIGURATION
(15 AND 22 METER SPANS)

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com
Gisystems
Soluciones Inteligentes
13

Annex 5

ALLOWED WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS FOR

GUATEMALA

12 Calle 1-25, Zona 10, Edificio Géminis 10, Torre Norte, Oficina 1703,
Ciudad de Guatemala, C.A. 01010
Tel.: (502) 2335 3424, 2335 3426
Email : info@laguiadeca.com