Case Study: INDOT prevents bridge failure and reopens Sherman Minton Bridge with Thornton Tomasetti forensic engineering

INDOT reopens Sherman Minton Bridge in 11:50 p.m. with Thornton Tomasetti

The customer, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), faced a critical challenge when a large crack was discovered in the steel ties of the Sherman Minton Bridge. With the potential for catastrophic failure, especially in cold weather, INDOT urgently engaged the engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti for its forensic investigation expertise to assess the damage and recommend a solution.

Thornton Tomasetti implemented a comprehensive solution, leading a large stakeholder committee and utilizing a Forensic Investigation Model (FIM) to analyze data and communicate findings. Their team identified numerous additional cracks and designed a repair involving drilling out crack tips and installing new plates with 32,000 bolts. As a result of Thornton Tomasetti's efforts, the bridge was stabilized and reopened on schedule in February 2012, successfully preventing a potential disaster.

INDOT