Accelerated Construction
Prefabricated Steel Bridges Provide a Safe and Cost Effective Solution for ABC
Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) is bridge construction that uses design and construction methods to reduce the onsite construction time and mobility impacts that occur when building new bridges or replacing and rehabilitating existing bridges.
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Steel bridges can be fabricated off-site in a controlled equipment and ready to erect as soon as it reaches the bridge site.
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Reinforcement and formwork installation is not required. Steel erection is not limited to a specific temperature range.
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Steel is often lighter than other materials for the same span, resulting in smaller or fewer erection cranes.
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Prefabricated steel bridges accelerate construction and reduce on-site labor requirements, reduce traffic disruption, and overall project costs. They are also safe – reducing the exposure of workers and public to construction activities as well as environmental impacts.
Additional information on the use of ABC:
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The use of ABC in the modular prefabricated form is the most popular form of ABC used by contractors. This is followed by slide-in and SPMT form of using ABC in bridge construction.
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Due to the light weight of the steel superstructure, the number of bridges constructed using ABC may be larger than concrete alternatives.
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The economy of using steel increases as the span length increases, because of lighter weight, requiring lighter onsite cranes and no creep and shrinkage issues. Further, the light weight of steel superstructure translate to saving in construction of substructure.
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Steel modular prefabricated ABC systems do not experience creep and shrinkage. As a result, the placement of prefabricated modular units side by side facilitated and matching elevations between prefabricated modules is not a problem.
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It is perceived that the initial cost of an ABC system could be 20 percent more than conventional construction type. This maybe true if ABC is not implemented at the agency level. However, when agencies implement ABC, the cost of a bridge may be less using ABC.
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In recent times, the driving force for ABC is Safety and Mobility. Safety is the number one issue for US DOTs (in addition to mobility). The decrease in the number of onsite construction activities is equal to an increase in safety for workers and public.
For additional information on ABC, please go to the Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (ABC-UTC):
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Press-Brake Tub Girder Technology Expands to Multi-Span Applications
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Video: SEANM Webinar – Steel Bridge Solutions
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Accelerated Bridge Construction Applications
In this video, Dr. Michael Barker provides an overview of accelerated steel applications that engineers and owners can consider for their bridge replacement needs.
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Research Reports: Development and Experimental Testing of Press Brake Tub Girders
Seven volume research report on the development and testing of steel press brake formed tub girders.
Amish Sawmill Bridge: An Innovative Steel Solution for Short Span Bridge Design
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Texas Public Works Uses Prefabricated Bridge for Replacement Project
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St. Clair County Michigan Uses Press Brake Tub Girders for ABC Project.
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Sandwich Plate System Deck
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Steel Orthotropic Decks
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Fiber Reinforced Polymer Decks
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Open Grid Decks
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Full Depth Precast Deck Slabs
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