News
F&H to Receive ACEC/SC Award
Florence & Hutcheson (F&H) has been notified that the firm’s US 378 Bridge over Great Pee Dee River Foundation Testing Program has been selected to receive an Engineering Excellence award at the 2010 ACEC/SC Engineering Excellence Awards Competition.
“Being recognized by ACEC/SC at any level is a great honor,” said Greg Schuch, Senior Structural Engineer and Structures Group Leader of Columbia Operations. “Florence & Hutcheson is very privileged to have had the opportunity to participate in this innovative and successful testing program that is sure to impact future bridge replacements”.
This bridge carrying US 378 over the Great Pee Dee River in Marion and Florence Counties was in serious disrepair and in need of replacement. The bridge was ranked #9 on the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) statewide priority list for bridge replacements.
In late 2007 after the initial design was completed by F&H, it was decided to evaluate the use of prestressed concrete cylinder piles as an alternative foundation type for this bridge. This test program enabled SCDOT to secure a federal grant through the Federal Highway Administration. This program was unique since it was performed in advance of construction, allowing the findings to be incorporated into the design plans, resulting in more cost-effective bids from contractors.
According to Bener Amado, Program Manager for SCDOT, “Florence & Hutcheson performed all of the work on this program on an accelerated schedule to allow the replacement of this critical bridge structure to occur on schedule. SCDOT would like to commend Florence & Hutcheson for its performance on this unique and innovative program.”
The ACEC/SC Engineering Excellence Awards is an annual competition that honors and recognizes engineering and surveying firms for projects which demonstrate the highest degree of achievement, value and ingenuity. The Awards Gala will be held February 9 at the Columbia Museum of Art.
