The First Reinforced Concrete Bridge In America, California’s Alvord Lake Bridge Was A True Feat Of Engineering
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Lysa Allman-Baldwin
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Though considered small by today’s engineering standards, the Alvord Lake Bridge nevertheless was “a big deal” when it first opened in 1889. Designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the bridge is recognized as the first reinforced concrete bridge in the country.
It was built in 1889 to provide a safe passage for park-goers underneath the busy Kezar Drive above.
Its inventor was a man named Ernest L. Ransome. He was a pioneer in the use of concrete in construction, but moreover in mixing and systems that incorporated twisted metal bars into the concrete designs.
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Although this design was not given much credit back in the day, it has become a widely used construction method commonly referred to as using "rebar."
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Inside it looks like the stalactites one would encounter when exploring a cave. The effect is dramatic, and one of the things that draw folks here to take photos.
Although Ransome wasn’t around to see it, in 1969 the American Society of Civil Engineers designated his innovative bridge design as a historic civil engineering landmark.
Have you walked under the Alvord Lake Bridge? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts about the construction and detailing.
If you love exploring bridges, here are 13 other amazing bridges in Northern California that are well worth a visit.
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