More Problems For The Bay Bridge As Tower Rod Is Fractured
OAKLAND (CBS SF) – Officials with Caltrans said one of the steel rods that anchors the Bay Bridge eastern span's tower to its foundation is fractured, just the latest problem for the span.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the bridge project's chief engineer, Brian Maroney, said the rod fractured after stewing for more than a year in water. Officials have not said whether water caused the rod to corrode and that tests still need to be done on why it fractured above its base.
This was one of more than 400 rods installed at the base of the tower to strengthen the span against a major earthquake. The Chronicle reports that many of the rods have been stewing for long periods in water that flooded their sleeves, though so far, this is the only one known to have fractured in this fashion.
Ultrasonic tests were conducted on the rod in April and showed it was shorter than the 25-foot rods that were installed elsewhere at the base of the span.
Caltrans has pulled part of the damaged rod from its sleeve and it is still unclear how far above its base the rod broke.
Maroney said they are hopeful that no other rods have been damaged.