FLOATING STAIR TOWER DESIGN
Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion (HRBT)
SUMMARY
Vertical Columns: L6X6X1/2 ASTM A36 Bracing System: L2X2X1/4 ASTM A36 Stair Stringer: C10X15.3 ASTM A36
Working Platform Floor Frame: C10X15.3 ASTM A36 Working Platform Vertical Posts for Handrail: HSS2X2X1/4 ASTM A500 Grade B Working Platform Handrail: HSS2X2X1/4 ASTM A500 Grade B
Stair Vertical Posts for Handrail: L2X2X1/4 ASTM A36 Stair Handrail: L2X2X1/4 ASTM A36 Working Platform Toe board: 4” PL ¼” ASTM A36
The I-64 Roads Bridge-Tunnel in southeastern Virginia, between the cities of Hampton and Norfolk, has long been one of the most congested corridors of the region. The existing 3.5-mile facility consists of two, 2-lane immersed tube tunnels on artificial islands with trestle bridges to shore. These tunnels opened in 1957 (current westbound lanes) and 1976 (eastbound lanes) and are approximately 7,500 feet long.
The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project will ease this congestion by widening the 4-lane segments of the I-64 corridor in the cities of Hampton and Norfolk.
As part of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Project, Hampton Roads Connector Partners have asked AZIERTA to conduct a structural and naval architecture design study for the proposed floating stair barge. The base scope of the Project consists of the validation of the proposed stair tower, shared by HRCP to AZIERTA and then carry out a barge analysis taking into consideration the addition of the proposed stair tower on top of the barge deck.