26 July 2012

From: brian carroll <nulltangent[at]gmail.com>
Subject: Re: cracks on 35W bridge
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:31:56 -0500
To: "Kramascz, Todd (DOT)" <todd.kramascz[at]state.mn.us>

Mr. Kramascz,

Thanks for the information.

Titles changed from cracks to cobwebs.

Brian Carroll

On Jul 26, 2012, at 10:30 AM, Kramascz, Todd (DOT) wrote:

Mr. Carroll:

The Metro District Bridge Office has completed a site visit to the new bridge and reports that the "cracks" on the new bridge aren't cracks at all; they're cobwebs, most likely the result of an active Mayfly hatching cycle.

Please adjust the titles on your web site accordingly.

TK (Todd) Kramascz :: Director of Communications-Public Affairs ::
Metropolitan District
Minnesota Department of Transportation :: Phone-voice: 651.234.7507
www.511mn.org
www.mndot.gov

-----Original Message-----

From: brian carroll [mailto:nulltangent[at]gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2012 8:35 AM
To: *DOT_Info1Com
Subject: cracks on 35W bridge

Hello. I took photos of cracks that are visible on the new 35W bridge, underneath on the middle pier on the frontage road beside the railroad tracks.

photos of the 35w bridge cracks

http://www.mnartists.org/work.do?rid=318607

It was recommended I contact MNDOT in case the situation has not already been identified.

I have larger images though the quality is poor due to digital zoom on a point-&-shoot camera.

Brian Carroll

__________

26 July 2012

Reporting Infrastructure Damage

Brian Carroll sends:

I was walking beneath the new 35W bridge (built 2008) and a large crack was visible on its middle concrete pier so went back today and took some photographs, though still have no idea if it is of any structural significance.

Brian Carroll photo.

Any idea if a one-sided crack on a new bridge structure is normal and is just the structure settling in to position, or if it indicates weird loading or something else? I posted imagery at the mnartists.org website, link below, and also have the same images at larger sizes on NAS, url below; imagery is from digital zoom on point and shoot camera.

35W bridge cracks

http://www.mnartists.org/work.do?rid=318607

NAS (larger files)

==> ftp.blackflag.synology.me [The synology.me site offers a collection of "leaks," on health and political matters.]

username: public

password: public

folder: [public kiosk] => [35w bridge]

_________

Cryptome:

The crack should be promptly reported to the transportation agency.

Any crack in concrete needs to be investigated, the sooner after it appears the better for a small crack may reveal a greater fault in the works. Even a small crack can allow water penetration to attack reinforcing steel, and with freezing and thawing enlarge the crack and spall concrete.

Crews usually patrol highways in vehicles looking for cracks like the one you spotted. And if the cracks do not face the highway they are missed. So your walk-by and diligence to check again and photograph will be much appreciated.

You may have seen recent news reports about the heat wave causing damage to infrastructure. Same thing happens in cold weather.

The 35W bridge in Minneapolis, MN, cited above replaced a bridge that collapsed in 2007 killing 13 people. Wikipedia photo.