Provides a definitive guide to the design, evolution, and practical application of Scherzer rolling lift bridges
Rolling Lift Bridges in Practice: Historical Foundations and Modern Application addresses a critical gap in contemporary bridge engineering literature by offering both a historical framework and a modern technical guide to Scherzer rolling lift bridges. For engineers tasked with designing resilient, movable structures that accommodate growing transportation demands, this authoritative book delivers the essential understanding to integrate proven mechanisms with today’s performance expectations.
Author Jeffrey Routson traces the lineage of the Scherzer rolling lift bridge from its origins, through its technological evolution, and up to its current role in infrastructure development. Routson’s analysis details how these bridges have adapted to advancements in materials, mechanical systems, and aesthetics while maintaining the integrity of Scherzer’s original concept. In-depth chapters discuss the integration of rolling lift systems with modern technologies, clarify design codes and standards relevant to movable bridge construction and rehabilitation, provide clear technical guidance on optimizing components and assessing and retrofitting aging bridges, and much more.
Empowering bridge and structural engineers to apply time-tested principles with confidence in a present-day context, Rolling Lift Bridges in Practice:
- Provides an annotated inventory of more than 500 bridges worldwide
- Features over 70 technical diagrams and photos illustrating bridge components, movement mechanisms, and structural systems of both early and contemporary Scherzer rolling lift bridge designs
- Includes examples of recent projects showcasing sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness
- Offers a detailed explanation of kinetic and structural performance factors unique to rolling lift bridges
- Clarifies technical misunderstandings and historical facts related to these bridges and their engineers
Supplying original engineering insights from the author’s experience with award-winning bascule bridge projects, Rolling Lift Bridges in Practice: Historical Foundations and Modern Application is ideal for graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses in structural engineering, bridge design, or transportation infrastructure, particularly within civil engineering degree programs. It is also an invaluable reference for professional bridge engineers, infrastructure planners, historians, and consulting firms involved in movable bridge projects.
About the Author xi
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xvii
Abbreviations and Symbols xix
Part I Historical Considerations 1
1 Heaven and Earth, Water and Fire 3
Note 5
2 Seas, Lakes, Rivers, Canals 7
Notes 10
3 Chicago, Illinois 11
Note 13
4 Peru, Illinois 15
5 The Mid-nineteenth-Century Generation 17
Notes 21
6 The Hazelet and Meals Families 23
Notes 26
7 The Sanitary District of Chicago 29
8 William D. Scherzer, Engineer and Inventor 31
Note 34
9 Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Co. The Early Years 35
Notes 40
10 Chicagos Bridge Department 41
Notes 47
11 Albert Scherzers Death 49
Notes 55
12 Keller & Harrington 57
Notes 58
13 The Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge Co. 19221936 59
Note 60
14 Hazelet & Erdal 61
Notes 65
Part II Technical Considerations 67
15 Early Movable Bridge Types 69
Notes 74
16 Modern Bascule Bridges 75
Note 81
17 Myths, Misunderstandings, and Factual Errors 83
Notes 95
18 Loads and Leaf Balance 97
Notes 104
19 Structural Forms for Bascule Spans 105
20 Foundations 111
Notes 116
21 Treads, Tracks, and Their Girders 117
Segmental Girders and Track Girders 141
Notes 145
22 Bascule Structure 147
Notes 161
23 Mid-span Shear Locks 163
Notes 169
24 Operating Systems 171
Notes 179
25 Safety Features 181
Notes 186
Appendix A List of Rolling Lift Bridges 187
Appendix B List of US Patents 201
Bibliography 205
Index 213
JEFFREY D. ROUTSON, PE, SE, is a licensed Professional and Structural Engineer with more than five decades of experience in design, inspection, and construction of steel bridges and other complex structures. He has held leadership roles at major engineering firms, designed eleven bascule bridgesthree of which received national awardsand provided post-event damage evaluation after Hurricane Katrina, Nisqually Earthquake, and multiple vessel-bridge allision events. He remains active in mentoring and standards development through AREMA, ASCE, and AWS. Routson combines historical expertise with hands-on technical knowledge to deliver comprehensive, field-informed insights into movable bridge engineering.
