Ruby+Associates Receives SEAOI Award for Mackinac Bridge Paint Platforms Project

Ruby+Associates, a leader in constructability-focused structural engineering, received the 2019 Best Neighboring State Award from the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI).  The award was given in recognition of Ruby’s services related to the Mackinac Bridge Paint Platforms project.  The firm was presented with the award at the SEAOI Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, June 22rd at Ignite Glass Studio in Chicago.  Recognizing excellence in structural engineering, the annual SEAOI design competition accepts submissions in ten categories, which are judged by a panel of leaders in academia, architecture, engineering, construction, government and media. 

Part of the historic 5-mile long suspension bridge’s repainting project, Ruby was tasked with designing a platform to allow for removal and collection of the original lead-based paint, and for repainting the Mackinac Bridge’s 552-foot support towers.  The resulting design was a lightweight, two-story movable steel and aluminum platform system that encircles the tower leg. A davit-like “outrigger” system at the top of the tower supports the platforms, which raise and lower along cables to allow painting the upper portion of the towers, high above the bridge deck.