Using ABC to Address Climate Change in Alaska’s Arctic

October 20, 2022 1:00 pm

Elmer E. Marx, P.E., S.E., Senior Bridge Engineer, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities; and Nicholas Murray, P.E., S.E., Bridge Engineer, Alaska DOT&PF

Webinar Documents:
Using ABC to Address Climate Change in Alaska’s Arctic - pdf of presentation
- Bridge Plans - pdf
- Special Provisions - pdf (worked in conjunction with Alaska Standard Specifications for Highway Construction)
Q&A Session - pdf

Links related to the village of Kivalina and the Kivalina Lagoon Bridge:
- Alaska Public Media video
- The Atlantic photo essay on Kivalina
- Article by Lynden on transporting girders
- Article by Fought Steel on girder fabrication

News - October 20, 2022 - pdf of presentation

Description: The village of Kivalina, Alaska, is 80 miles north of the Arctic Circle on the Chukchi Sea and is home to around 450 people. Due to rising sea levels and a deterioration of sea ice, the village is at risk of being inundated and has had its coastline eroding at a rapid rate over the last 20 years. A gravel road, causeway, and the Kivalina Lagoon Bridge were constructed to allow the village to begin relocating to higher ground eight miles away and to provide an evacuation route during severe storms. Due to the remote location, short construction season and lack of nearby infrastructure, this project utilized the CM/GC (construction manager/general contractor) project delivery method to accelerate construction and reduce risk. Constructed in 2020, the bridge included details, such as full-depth precast deck panels, that minimized specialized equipment or labor. An overview of the challenges, design and construction details, and lessons learned will be presented.

Presenters:

Elmer E. Marx, P.E., S.E.
Senior Bridge Engineer
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Email: elmer.marx@alaska.gov

Elmer has over twenty-six years of experience designing and analyzing over one hundred reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, structural steel and timber bridges in accordance with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (LRFD) and AASHTO Guide Specifications for LRFD Seismic Bridge Design (SGS). Elmer is active with the AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures and the Transportation Research Board.

Nicholas Murray, P.E., S.E.
Bridge Engineer
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
Email: nicholas.murray@alaska.gov

Nick has worked for the State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for over eleven years as a bridge designer and inspector. He is currently involved in TRB and NCHRP committees and is leading the current phase of the Alaska DOT&PF’s seismic retrofit program.