A Study of the Temporary Bridge Crossing for Appalachia After Hurricane Helene

Abstract

Hurricane Helene triggered more than 2,000 landslides and resulted in severe flooding across western North Carolina, which widened stream channels and caused damage to 7,000 stream crossings. Some of the stream channels have widened more than three times the original stream width. In the recovery effort, many temporary bridges (20 ft to 70 ft) were built with steel girders and wood decks. Due to the lack of design guidelines, the qualities of the constructed temporary bridges may vary. In this study, a low-cost, vibration-based bridge monitoring strategy is suggested for these temporary bridges.