The Post-Tensioning Institute, Phoenix, Ariz., has reinstated its Structure Awards Competition. The first competition since 1987 is now planned to become an annual event. Award winners for 2003 were presented on May 19, 2003, at the 2nd Annual PTI Technical Conference and Exhibition in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Winners are chosen in five categories and seven projects received honorable mention. In general, any structure constructed or rehabilitated, which substantially used post-tensioning as a structural component, and was completed in the last five years is eligible. The categories are: Buildings, Parking Structures, Strengthening/Rehabilitation, Bridges and Industrial/Special Applications.
Entries were judged on their individual merits for creativity, innovation, ingenuity, cost effectiveness, functionality, constructability and aesthetics.
The SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge Rehabilitation project, Seattle, Wash., received first place in the Strengthening/Rehabilitation category. Damaged by a storm in 1993, the Washington DOT began a long-term preservation program for the Evergreen Floating Bridge. An innovative post-tensioning approach was the selected rehabilitation method. Traditional approaches for post-tensioning called for tendons typically 1,000 ft long with numerous intermediate anchors; this would have required extensive bridge closures and would have added significant weight to the structure. The team developed a system using continuous tendons 3,600 ft long with fewer lightweight anchors. In addition, a full-scale mock-up was made to demonstrate the installation process. This solution enabled the bridge to remain open to traffic and to be completed $12 million under the original budget.
The Rte. 895 Connector/Pocahontas Parkway, Richmond, Va., claimed top honors in the Bridge category. The project featured several erection methods and interesting applications of post-tensioning technology. Over 2,600 tons of post-tensioned strands were used on the project. The post-tensioning scope of work included design support, manufacturing and installation of post-tensioning systems and components.
Among those receiving honorable mentions in the bridges category were the Smart Bridge, Blacksburg, Va., and the JFK Airport Light Rail Transit System, New York, N.Y.
