Oregon Bridge Features Innovative Bell Piers, Floating Falsework

The I-205 bridge, scheduled for completion in 1983, will be a final link in a 40-mile highway east of Portland, Oregon. the substructure and superstructure design featured unusual technology. Piers were constructed using two unique systems: an interlocking H-pile cofferdam, and a system using a bell-shaped steel form and rebar cage. The roadways are being constructed using a floating falsework system in some places which is jacked up on 36-in. diameter piles. Where the roadway is not too high, precast segments are used, but above 134 ft, a cantilevered traveller slip-forming system is used.