Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
- Networks & Connectivity - Routers & Bridges
Applicable Industries
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Maintenance
- Product Research & Development
Use Cases
- Digital Twin
- Structural Health Monitoring
About The Customer
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) is responsible for the management of transportation and public works projects for the state of Louisiana. This includes the design, construction, and maintenance of the state's highways and bridges, as well as flood control and public transportation initiatives. One of the most important structures that the LADOTD manages is the I-10 Twin Span Bridge, a crucial connection between Slidell, La., and New Orleans. The bridge serves as one of the main evacuation routes for New Orleans and is a vital link for the city's ports and the petrochemical industry along the Mississippi River.
The Challenge
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) faced a significant challenge when Hurricane Katrina severely damaged the I-10 Twin Span Bridge, a crucial connection between Slidell, La., and New Orleans. The bridge, which spans approximately 5.5 miles and serves as a primary evacuation route for New Orleans, was rendered unusable in both directions. Temporary repairs were initiated just 14 days after the hurricane, but it was clear that a complete replacement was necessary. The LADOTD faced numerous challenges in this endeavor, including securing federal funding for the project, competition for resources, and the need to maintain ongoing traffic flows during construction. The project also required the design and management of over 1,700 plan sheets, and the collaboration of multiple teams distributed over various locations.
The Solution
To overcome these challenges, the LADOTD turned to Bentley software. The new I-10 Twin Span Bridge was designed using an integrated set of Bentley software, including MicroStation as the primary design tool, InRoads for roadway design, STAAD for general structural design, LEAP CONSPAN for bridge superstructure, and LEAP RCPIER for substructure design. Bentley’s ProjectWise was used to facilitate collaboration among the distributed design team, enabling them to share files in a reusable format, quickly review submittals and make changes, and relate the data automatically to relevant aspects of the overall design. The software also helped maintain the integrity and security of the massive volumes of bridge design data. Bentley’s bridge design products provided flexibility with the analysis of structural systems, enabling the LADOTD to predict the performance of the bridge and meet the new design criteria for a safer bridge.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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