Tag Archive for: bridge construction myths

What is Modular Construction for Bridges

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At the start of any construction project, you have to ask what materials and method would best accomplish your goal. You’ve probably come across modular bridge construction and you’ve wondered what is it and should you consider it.

We’ve created a brief introduction to modular construction and its benefits to bridge design.

Modular Construction

Modular construction is any construction that is built in a controlled environment, typically a factory, and later installed on-site. The popularity of modular construction is increasingly rising due to its various advantages such as speed, flexibility, and customization.

Modular construction, sometimes known as prefabricated construction, is built with the same materials and similar methods as regular construction, but often comes with additional features unique to prefabrication. For example, since they are manufactured in a controlled environment modular construction has the advantage of ensured quality.

In addition, because it takes place simultaneously in a factory and on-site, modular construction can be completed in half the time of traditional construction. This rapid construction phase and versatility allow them to be used in various situations.

The combination of ensured quality, speed, and flexibility is why modular construction is often considered a durable and efficient option for builders.

The Benefits of Modular Bridges

Modular bridges are relatively modern and thus have many misconceptions. Despite popular belief, modular bridges do not require the use of already premade sections of limited sizing and options. The great thing about modular bridges is their customization and flexibility.

Every modular bridge is specifically designed custom to your project and design. This customization process makes it a preferred and sometimes even, required option for some bridge projects.

Not to mention, since most of the bridge is premade in a safe environment, the likelihood of weather delays or traffic disruption is significantly decreased. Additionally, it provides workers with safer and more comfortable working conditions. Thus modular bridges offer easy and effective project management. It’s an ideal option for any construction project with time or budget constraints.

Build your Next Bridge with U.S. Bridge

As an industry leader in bridge manufacturing and engineering, we’ve built solutions that can be utilized for any bridge project. We’ve developed Bridge Kits, a DIY solution for accelerated bridge construction that is engineered, designed, manufactured, and galvanized per AISC certifications.

We work with environmentally friendly materials to build strong, long-lasting bridges. Coupled with extensive experience, our team designs, and manufactures high-quality bridges custom to your project.

We’ve been engineering bridges for decades. If you’d like to know more about our Bridge Kits and accelerated bridge construction, please contact us for a free quote or use our exclusive bridge design tool Bridge Scope today.

Accelerated Bridge Construction Myths

Accelerated Bridge Construction Myths

Accelerated bridge construction is growing, but there are still many misconceptions surrounding this construction process. Often these ideas stem out of traditional approaches to bridge construction and don’t take into account changes in technology or updated design and construction practices. We want to help builders dismiss these accelerated bridge construction myths and take advantage of the options for efficient construction available to them.

Here are four of the most common accelerated bridge construction myths that are easy to dispel.

Four Popular Accelerated Bridge Construction Myths:

  1. Accelerated bridge constructions are only for temporary use.
  2. Accelerated bridge constructions are one-size-fits-all.
  3. Timber decks are not a good material for accelerated bridge constructions.
  4. Steel is not competitive for bridges less than 140ft in length.

Myth: Accelerated Bridge Constructions are only for temporary use

Truth: While prefabricated bridges were originally intended for temporary use, they are quickly rising in popularity for permanent construction. Prefabricated bridges are most notably known for their efficient assembly, and they are evolving to fulfill permanent bridge requirements.

The steel bridge members are built in a controlled environment such as U.S. Bridge’s facilities. This not only allows a smoother construction experience process but also ensures ideal conditions for quality permanent bridge construction.

Myth: Accelerated Bridge Constructions are one-size-fits-all

Truth: Prefabricated bridges are custom-built and designed specifically for each project. Thus, they are just as flexible as on-site construction bridges. Our team uses their expertise to design our prefabricated bridges for every setting, from vehicular to pedestrian to utility and private bridges.

As such, there are various options for building prefabricated bridges; builders can use materials such as steel, concrete, asphalt, and even timber. They can also choose the exterior appearance of the bridge. The options are only limited by the project itself such as location and purpose.

Myth: Timber decks are not a good material for prefabricated bridges

Truth: There is a misconception that timber decks do not hold up well for prefabricated bridges. However, the improvements in timber bridge deck design allow this material to be competitive and effective.

These decks are built with glued-laminated wood and directly fastened onto steel stringers. Thus, the use of glulam structural members significantly increases timber bridges span length and carry capacity.

Myth: Steel is not a competitive material for bridges less than 140-feet in length

Truth: Perhaps the most competitive aspect of the use of steel in short span bridges is that it can save builders money and time. Due to its lightweight composition, less heavyweight equipment is required for installation. In addition, with a member of U.S. Bridge’s team to assist in on-site construction, the process can move efficiently.

In general, prefabricated steel bridges compare well against other options when considering factors such as field labor and installation speed and cost. Faster construction time means avoiding delay related losses.

Additionally, when prefabricated bridge constructors receive discounts for purchasing in bulk. Thus, materials are less expensive and can assist with alleviating environmental mitigation costs.

Choose U.S. Bridge for Accelerated Bridge Construction

Ultimately, these myths are ancient history. Prefabricated bridges are very adaptable to fit almost all bridge projects. Accelerated bridge constructions are modular and built in a controlled location such as a factory and installed on-site. Not only do we manufacture the materials needed for your project, but we also send a member of our team to ensure the efficiency of construction.

U.S. Bridge has been engineering and manufacturing bridges for decades. Our experience makes us confident that we can meet the needs of your project and deliver a long-lasting bridge

We recognize and understand that your bridge is a major investment. So, we’re here to help you from the beginning of your project through the end. Contact us for a free quote, or use our exclusive bridge design tool Bridge Scope.