The La Loma Bridge is a historic structure crossing the Arroyo Seco River in Pasadena, California. With an eye-catching, neoclassical design, this open spandrel concrete arch bridge was built in 1914 to facilitate automobile traffic and population growth. In 2004, La Loma Bridge was added to the National Register for Historic Places for its significance in transportation history and its distinguished design. By the end of 2014, it was evident that the bridge needed an extensive seismic retrofit and rehabilitation. To preserve the historic value of the bridge, the project design called for a completely new bridge superstructure supported on new abutments and pier columns to be constructed within the existing bridge structure. Essentially, the original bridge structure (spandrels and archways) would become the new bridge’s stunning and historically-preserved façade.
Malcolm was selected by general contractor OHL USA to perform the structural support work for this project which included the installation of 400 micropiles (40 new foundation piers, each made up of 10 micropiles). Malcolm’s Klemm 702-2 micropile drill rig provided the versatility, maneuverability, and performance necessary to achieve the construction of the new pier columns immediately adjacent to the existing bridge structure on this limited-access jobsite at the bottom of the Arroyo Seco Canyon.
Using micropiles, the Malcolm team achieved the seamless integration of new foundation elements with the existing structure, allowing the historic beauty and functionality of this bridge to be enjoyed for years to come.
