Pre-Fabricated Steel Bridges for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC)

Steel: The Bridge Material of Choice

National Steel Bridge AllianceA division of the American Institute of Steel Construction

www.steelbridges.org

PreFabricatedSteel Bridges for

AcceleratedBridge ConstructionSteel: The Bridge Material of Choice



Current State of ABC Efforts In The US

• Over 800 bridges have been designed or constructed using PreFabricated Bridge Elements or Systems (PBES) in last 3 years

• PreFabricated Bridge Systems (complete bridges) have historically been steel bridges

• The use of steel PreFabricated Bridge Elements is growing fast The following slides will feature

projects utilizing steel PreFabricated Bridges or Modules

Coleman Bridge – VAcompleted in 1995

PreFabricated Bridge System






Providence River Bridge - RI

Eggners Ferry Bridge – KYemergency span replacement


800 Structural elements400 Gusset plates13000 Bolts

11 weeks from contractors Notice to Proceed to open for traffic

Eggners Ferry Bridge – KYemergency span replacement


Sam White Bridge – UTmoved with Self Propelled Modular Transporters

Complete Steel Superstructures

Wellesley – MAmoved with Self Propelled Modular Transporters


Phillipston – MAmoved with Self Propelled Modular Transporters


Gasconade River Bridge – MOlateral slide


Hyde Park – MAmoved with Self Propelled Modular Transporters over railroad tracks


I87 Arches - NY

Another Complete Steel Superstructure (?)

no – these bridges were re-decked using steel superstructure modules

Steel Superstructure Modules

new deck units for I87 Arches - NY

inversetLake Placid - NY


Lake Placid - NY


inverset

Medford, MAI93fast14 - MA


Taunton - MA


Keg Creek Bridge - IA


Uxbridge - MAfolded plate girders


Modular Steel Bridge System 1

Modular Pre-Framed Girders• Conventional fabrication• Tangent and skewed sections• Options for decking

• Concrete cast off site / near site• Precast concrete panels• Timber

• Simple or continuous spans


Modular Shallow Bent Plate Box Girders• Galvanized steel• Concrete deck cast off site / near site• Simple or continuous spans• Very economical


Orthotropic Slab Bridge for Short Spans• Long service life• Low dead load vs. concrete deck

• Ideal for re-decking existing bridges• Potential for automation of fabrication

Why Consider Modular Steel Elements?

Steel fabrication requirements are conventional• Reducing risk

Steel’s light weight• Permits re-use of existing substructure, foundation• Minimizes shipping limitations • Maximizes crane lift, reach & placement capabilities

Steel’s maximum span length / structure depth ratio• Allows structure depth limitations• Maintains existing approaches, or can increase underclearance

Steel construction can be faster• Using bolted connections

Steel is prefabricated to a high degree of accuracy• Accommodating complex geometries (skews, vertical curves)• Ensuring proper field fit-up and final roadway alignment







Steel Bridges

for

AcceleratedBridge Construction

Pre-Fabricated Steel Bridges for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC)

Technology

propelled

coleman bridge

deck cast

lake placid

bridge material

steel constructionwww

site

american institute