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Post by mrsocal on Aug 8, 2015 9:17:44 GMT -8
Staggered will look more interesting. And there are plenty of prototypes. Better is if the bridges are different, but that can be a matter of paint and/or weathering. There was one location in Chicago with FIVE side by side bascule bridges owned by different railroads but built to the same plan. Painted to each railroads color specifications. That sounds like a very interesting photo opp to see.
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Post by Christian on Aug 9, 2015 1:14:49 GMT -8
Staggered will look more interesting. And there are plenty of prototypes. Better is if the bridges are different, but that can be a matter of paint and/or weathering. There was one location in Chicago with FIVE side by side bascule bridges owned by different railroads but built to the same plan. Painted to each railroads color specifications. That sounds like a very interesting photo opp to see. I can't remember the dates, but RMC did a multi part article on Chicago's rail bridges. Many interesting examples of engineering and construction based on business considerations.
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Post by heymccall on Aug 9, 2015 16:27:11 GMT -8
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Post by edwardsutorik on Aug 9, 2015 19:27:06 GMT -8
In looking at the photos of the Weber Canyon bridges, I see something I've never seen before, and would have said "ain't never happened" until now. Well, that's an exaggeration to get your attention, but still.......
The bridges are staggered "pairs". We all see that. But note the the "shore" ends of the bridges, and thus their abutments, are "square"--the bridge assemblies are just slid sideways to generate the stagger. But the center pier is not square with the end abutments. And the center ends of the bridges are skewed. The center pier is skewed to minimize obstruction to water flow. It's kinda strange they didn't do the same for the shore ends. But the engineers likely knew what they were doing, 'cause the 100 year old bridges are still there, doing their job.
Hooray, engineers!!
Fascinating modeling opportunity!
Ed
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Post by mlehman on Aug 10, 2015 11:12:42 GMT -8
Ed Interesting observation. Looks like they took advantage of the site's geology to save some money. The banks of this stream are relatively slopping, but the RR grade is located above them. Looks like they simply set the abutments back enough they would be at the edge of the water in flood stage and could just use the money-saving unskewed abutments. Obviously, the bridge may have cost extra by being longer, but there may have been other reasons than the projected flood stage that could influenced the decision.
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