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25 Years of Delivering Excellence & Value 11 W hen it came time to perform the latest bienni- al inspection, satisfying the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge (I-95 over Thames River), ConnDOT called on AI. The AI inspection revealed that more could be done to extend the life of this important pair of steel deck truss bridge. Working closely with ConnDOT to discover solutions, AI proposed monitoring the bridge with wireless strain gauges. "After installing the gauges, AI provided the DOT with reports that showed both long-term and short-term data," said Executive Vice Pres - ident, Aslam Siddiqui, PE which will be used to guide targeted repairs to be performed by the DOT to extend the life of the structures. The sharp eye of AI also revealed issues with a bridge in Virginia. An AI inspection of the Robert O. Norris Bridge, a two-mile long deck and through truss structure, in Mid - dlesex County found that 92 of the structure's pins had cracked shear keys, which impacted the way the struc- ture carried and distributed the loads. Reviewing the load rating on the Norris Bridge, said Mr. Siddiqui, AI found that floor beams in the truss spans may not be able to support certain large trucks. Virginia Depart- ment of Transportation (VDOT) subsequently replaced these pins, but had additional concerns regarding the capacity of the bridge. AI's engineers reviewed the lat- est load rating analysis of the structure, and proposed the use of strain gauges to gather strain data on floor beams which control the capacity of the structure for large trucks. The data gathered and reported by AI showed VDOT that there was sufficient capacity in the floor beams to carry the loads using the structure. "Since this is a unique structure with complex load paths, modelling the bridge accurately with software can be difficult," said Mr. Siddiqui. "By utilizing an inexpen - sive technological solution," namely, having trucks drive over strain gauges on the floor beams, "AI was able to solve a critical question about a signature bridge." Innovation on track P resident and CEO, Abul Islam, PE, FASCE says the ConnDOT Waterbury Bus Storage and Mainte- nance Facility is one of AI's largest construction, engi- neering and inspection jobs at $90 million plus cost. "It represents a significant expansion for us into verti- cal construction." Mr. Islam said of the 376,000-square foot building project, which began last year and meets the State's high-performance building regulations. Work includes site remediation, raising ground elevation using accelerated soil-compaction, a two-way post tension slab system, as well as a water and sewage project. It has been a challenging project as it involves state- of-the-art technology. AI has, therefore, assigned some of its most experienced staff to ensure that the project is completed successfully. Their proactive approach is why AI is the choice of state agencies like ConnDOT. AI's $32 million CTfastrak Contract 1, meanwhile, was for construction of the main station in New Britain, CT, a section of new busway, and a 700-foot bridge replacement. The job — a major collaboration with six contracts in all — called for a high-tech building with photo-voltaic solar panels, and many traffic consider - ations including a bridge replacement, civil, road, and demolition work. The project was completed in 2015. ConnDOT also chose AI to bring the right experience to the table for replacing New Haven rail line substa- tions, work that is ongoing. Six substations are being added, as well; to provide consistent and reliable power to a section of the Metro-North rail system. Work that includes significant civil and structural construction over a 30-mile stretch of a busy Metro-North corridor. One major challenge is coordinating with the railroad on track outages needed to do the work and assist the DOT in meeting its goals. But AI is up for this specialized task and has brought the right resources, engineers and inspectors who are highly experienced in high voltage railroad work. Giving bridges a discriminating eye Robert O. Norris Bridge, Middlesex County, VA CTfastrak Contract 1, New Britain, CT