Bridge of Americas-Panama

[gregnordholm]

I am looking for something definitive regarding the maximum vertical clearance above high water for the Bridge of the Americas in Panama.

Officially it is 201 feet, but I have also been told that real maximum is significantly higher. Does anyone know? Any of the bridges designers reading this (Sverdrup was the designer I believe)

Thanks all

 

[jdonville]

gregnordholm,

It could be that there is no definitive answer: factors affecting the clearance include loads (including thermal) on the bridge. Also, where is "high" water compared to average levels? Data out there could be based on ordinary water level. If you trust the official distance of 201 ft to be conservative, then that's a safe number. If you still want the "real" number, you may have to contact the owner (whomever that is).

Jeff


Jeffrey T. Donville, PE
TTL Associates, Inc.

http://www.ttlassoc.com