IN-3 Sand Creek Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

This bridge provides the last-built, extant example of the IDH's adjusted standard plan for 198' Parkers. Aside from the contemporary approach and guardrails, the structure retains its original members.

Architectural Description

The Indiana Department of Highways selected a modified version of its longest standard Parker through-truss design as well as its traditional concrete substructure for this setting. The IDH stiffened the outer diagonals and the lower chord to accommodate a wider deck.

The 198' riveted superstructure of the single span is divided into eleven panels, each with a differently-sloped top-chord segment. The verticals consist of laced channels. Two pairs of angles and battens make up the outer diagonal. A pair of angles and battens, lighter toward midspan, provide the other diagonals as well as the counters (used only in the three central panels). The lower chord is fabricated from two pairs of heavy angles riveted together with battens and (except in the two outer panels) a stiffening plate. Substantial portals and cross-frames brace the trusses. The heavy I floor beams are riveted to the verticals at and above the lower chord and carry a 24' concrete roadway.

ALTERATIONS:
The bridge has contemporary approaches and guardrails.
1957: Repair Expansion Joint, Grillages Installed Under Shoes
1963: Concrete Deck Replaced, Paint
1979: Sway Frame Repaired
1984: Diagonal and Vertical Replaced

Other Information

The Brookville Bridge Company of Brookville, Ohio, won the contract to build this structure in March 1935 with a bid of $32,444. Brookville Bridge completed the structure by the end of the year. The ISHC relied on a slightly-revised third-generation standard plan (#479A) for this 198-ft., riveted, Parker through-truss span with a 24-ft. roadway seated on concrete abutments. Truss depth varied from 21 ft. 6 in. at the portal to 33 ft. at midspan. Each truss carried eleven 18-ft. panels bounded by verticals made of a pair of laced 10-in. channels (@15.3#, except for the second from the end @20#). To protect the quite-tall trusses against wind and vehicle-induced stress, the verticals are buttressed with substantial latticed struts and heavy upper sway framing above the 15 ft. of roadway clearance. The portals used latticed sections. The diagonals combined angles with battens into heavier members in the outer panels than toward center: in the outermost, two pairs of angles (4"x3.5"Ls); in the second and third, a pair (7"x4"Ls); in the fourth, a pair (3.5"x3"Ls). A pair of angles (4"x3.5"Ls) and battens provide counters in the three most central panels. Each of the top chord's members is differently sloped; only the central panel's is parallel with the lower chord; and all were fabricated from a pair of 15-in. channels getting heavier toward midspan (from 35-50#). Two pairs of angles--all of the same size (6"x4"Ls)--riveted together with battens and buttressed in all but the two most outer panels with plates provide the lower chord's members. The ISHC used 33-in. I floor-beams (@141#) riveted to the verticals above the lower chord. Eight rows of heavier rolled I stringers (16"@40#) are attached to the floor-beams' sides. Together, the floor-beams and the stringers carry the concrete deck. A pair of angles supplies each lower sway bracing member. Latticed hand rails originally lined the inner sides of all the trusses, and coped concrete parapets with bush-hammered panels provided approach rails.

This structure exemplifies an important, revised, third-generation ISHC standard plan. The trusses retain their original members. The latticed guard rails lining the trusses, the concrete railings of the approaches, and the concrete deck have been replaced. A notable Ohio fabricator- builder erected this structure.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes