Proj Overview

Project Overview

The new State Route (SR) 417 and Boggy Creek Road interchange at Orlando International Airport (OIA) is the first standard-delivery project in the country to incorporate curved precast concrete U-girders as the primary design. The choice enabled the airport to rapidly expand its highway interchange, reducing congestion entering the airport with minimal disruption during construction.

OIA is now the fourth busiest domestic destination in the United States. The steady increase in travelers led planners with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) to craft an expansion strategy that included moving traffic from SR 417 to Boggy Creek Road and the south access road to OIA. A key component of the plan was design and construction of third- and fourth-level direct connection ramps to an existing diamond interchange to improve operation and access.

Precast Solution

The horizontally curved superstructure was originally designed with both steel trapezoidal box girders and precast concrete curved U-girder alternates. The precast concrete curved U-girder design was ultimately chosen because it delivered a high-performance, low-maintenance design with rapid construction capabilities and a projected savings of $7 to $9 million over the steel design.

The two ramps feature precast concrete curved U-girders and several precast concrete spans ranging in length from 141 to 216 ft. Ramp H is approximately 55 ft above ground surface at its highest point and consists of three continuous units for a total length of 2708 ft. Ramp I crosses over Ramp H, rising 90 ft above ground surface at its highest point and has two continuous units with a total length of 1411 ft.

The project was a success for OIA and has introduced a new girder type to the state of Florida. Where curved structures are required and aesthetics are important, the U-girder provides an alternative to the steel trapezoidal box girder, increasing competition and allowing for more competitive pricing.

Donald W. Budnovich, resident engineer for CFX said, “The innovative design employing the posttensioned, curved concrete U-girders, provides a durable and cost-effective project that we expect will serve Central Florida for decades to come.”

 

Awards_
2016 PCI Design AwardsDesign Awards Honorable Mention: Main span more than 150 feet
Project Team

Engineer of Record

Summit, Littleton, Colorado

Contractor

SEMA Construction, Orlando, Fla.

Owner

Central Florida Expressway Authority, Orlando, Fla.

Precast Producer

Dura-Stress, Leesburg, Fla.

Precast Concrete Specialty Engineer

Summit, Littleton, Colo.

Key Project Attributes

  • First standard delivery project in the United States to incorporate precast concrete curved U-girders as the primary design.
  • Precast concrete solution was $7 to 9 million less than the steel design.
  • The project introduced a new girder type to the state of Florida.

Project/Precast Scope

  • Project Cost: $ 71 million
  • Bridge Length: 4,275 ft
  • Design and build third- and fourth-level direct connection ramps to an existing diamond interchange.
  • Precast concrete elements include 148 pieces ranging in length from 30 ft to 110 ft.
  • Posttensioned, precast concrete curved U-girders deliver a cost-effective alternative to steel box girders.