First bridge across the Yukon River

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · Civil Engineering, ASCE; (United States)

OSTI ID:6777068

Carlson, L A; Dreyer, R C.J.; Platzke, R

Until recently, the Yukon River was a major obstacle in constructing a roadway to the oil-rich North Slope of Alaska. But on Oct 10, 1975, that obstacle was hurdled when the first bridge across the Yukon was open to traffic. This new $30,000,000 crossing is located 100 miles northwest of Fairbanks. The remote location, extremely cold climate, and other environmental factors called for unusual design and construction. Twin orthotropic steel box girders support a 30 ft wide roadway. Later, the bridge will carry two 48 in. crude oil pipelines. The bridge's reinforced concrete piers are secured to bedrock on the river bottom with prestressed rock anchors. Because of the very low ambient temperatures, brittle fracture was an overriding concern. Exceptionally tough A537 steel (pressure vessel steel) was used in all major tension areas of girders. Toughness requirements were so stringent that only Japanese producers would quote on the project.

• OSTI ID: 6777068
• Journal Information: Civil Engineering, ASCE; (United States), Journal Name: Civil Engineering, ASCE; (United States) Vol. 46:8
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
022000* -- Petroleum-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
ALASKA
ALASKA OIL PIPELINE
BRIDGES
CONSTRUCTION
DESIGN
FOUNDATIONS
LOW TEMPERATURE
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
PIPELINES
RIVERS
STREAMS
SUPPORTS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
YUKON RIVER