PROVIDES A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE DESIGN, EVOLUTION, AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SCHERZER ROLLING LIFT BRIDGES Rolling Lift Bridges in Practice: Historical Foundations and Modern Application addresses a critical gap in contemporary bridge engineering literature by offering both a historical framework and a modern technical guide to Scherzer rolling lift bridges. For engineers tasked with designing resilient, movable structures that accommodate growing transportation demands, this authoritative book delivers the essential understanding to integrate proven mechanisms with today’s performance expectations. Author Jeffrey Routson traces the lineage of the Scherzer rolling lift bridge from its origins, through its technological evolution, and up to its current role in infrastructure development. Routson’s analysis details how these bridges have adapted to advancements in materials, mechanical systems, and aesthetics while maintaining the integrity of Scherzer’s original concept. In-depth chapters discuss the integration of rolling lift systems with modern technologies, clarify design codes and standards relevant to movable bridge construction and rehabilitation, provide clear technical guidance on optimizing components and assessing and retrofitting aging bridges, and much more. Empowering bridge and structural engineers to apply time-tested principles with confidence in a present-day context, Rolling Lift Bridges in Practice: Provides an annotated inventory of more than 500 bridges worldwideFeatures over 70 technical diagrams and photos illustrating bridge components, movement mechanisms, and structural systems of both early and contemporary Scherzer rolling lift bridge designsIncludes examples of recent projects showcasing sustainability, efficiency, and cost-effectivenessOffers a detailed explanation of kinetic and structural performance factors unique to rolling lift bridgesClarifies technical misunderstandings and historical facts related to these bridges and their engineers Supplying original engineering insights from the author’s experience with award-winning bascule bridge projects, Rolling Lift Bridges in Practice: Historical Foundations and Modern Application is ideal for graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses in structural engineering, bridge design, or transportation infrastructure, particularly within civil engineering degree programs. It is also an invaluable reference for professional bridge engineers, infrastructure planners, historians, and consulting firms involved in movable bridge projects.
JEFFREY D. ROUTSON, PE, SE, is a licensed Professional and Structural Engineer with more than five decades of experience in design, inspection, and construction of steel bridges and other complex structures. He has held leadership roles at major engineering firms, designed eleven bascule bridges--three of which received national awards--and provided post-event damage evaluation after Hurricane Katrina, Nisqually Earthquake, and multiple vessel-bridge allision events. He remains active in mentoring and standards development through AREMA, ASCE, and AWS. Routson combines historical expertise with hands-on technical knowledge to deliver comprehensive, field-informed insights into movable bridge engineering.
