TxDOT Corpus Christi Bridges

Project Background

HVJ was retained by H. W. Lochner, Inc. to provide engineering services for replacing several bridges in the TxDOT Corpus Christi District. HVJ has served the Corpus Christi district for many years and has completed numerous geotechnical investigations in the area. Our deep understanding of the area’s subsurface conditions and geologic challenges has played an essential role in the success of these projects.

For this project, our role included providing geotechnical data collection and design support for preparing plans, specifications, estimates (PS&E), and related documents for bridge replacements in five counties throughout the district.

The Goal

Our objective was to provide the client with recommendations for the design and construction of bridge foundation structures. We also needed to submit input data required by other disciplines to perform their designs within the project schedule. The geological diversity of the Coastal Bend region plays a crucial role in developing infrastructure projects in the Corpus Christi District, so our experience of over a decade working in this area effectively facilitated the assembly of geotechnical engineering recommendations pertinent to this specific project. Additionally, HVJ’s goal was to communicate with and update the client proactively throughout the project. We placed a heavy emphasis on being proactive in preventing and solving any delays to meet the project schedule for each of the nine project sites.

Our Solution

Our team overcame the challenge and met the goals through a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, and efficient coordination. Our solution included:

Development of a comprehensive schedule that outlined the tasks, timelines, and potential delays for each site. This helped ensure that all activities were aligned and deadlines were met.

Maintaining a steady flow of communication with the client through regular updates and progress reports.

Establishing centralized communication through the project manager to align all stakeholders, facilitating team updates and coordination.

Appointing staff engineers at each site, who oversaw the projects, promptly addressed issues, and ensured all work was completed as planned.

Incorporated real-time digital tools to track progress, manage tasks, and facilitate communication among team members and the client.

The Results

Our approach allowed us to stay on the project schedule and provide highly valuable recommendations regarding subsurface materials, anticipated challenges with these soil profiles, time requirements to complete the field scope, and suitable foundation structures for the replacements. These subsurface exploration and geotechnical recommendations allowed the client to successfully prepare the bridge replacements' plans, specifications, and estimates.

Through careful planning and project management, we could remain flexible and quickly find solutions to unexpected challenges. Agility allowed us to work effectively and efficiently across multiple sites and counties. We completed the project on time despite challenges such as rainfall season, permitting delays, and mobilization of crews in remote areas.

TxDOT Corpus Christi Bridges

Project Background

Practice: Geotechnical Engineering

Sector: Roads

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Services: Geotechnical data collection, design, and construction recommendations

The Problem

The Goal

Our Solution

HVJ Associates, Inc.

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