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Construction Industry Leaders: The U.S. Bridge Difference

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Although there are various manufacturing companies across the country, their products and services do not include what we like to call the U.S. Bridge difference. In fact, U.S. Bridge is the oldest company in the United States to be engaged exclusively in the manufacture and erection of structural steel bridges for secondary highways under the same family ownership and management. Our great skill and quality have earned us a reputation as construction leaders in our industry.

Our Services

With over 80 years of working with companies all over the world, we know how to work in various situations and budgets. Our services include project scoping, engineering, renderings, fabrication, shipping, erection, and more. We offer services and direct communication with every step of the project.

In addition, our manufacture of Advanced Bridges (ABR) is certified by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). AISC certifications are familiar to ISO standards but are specifically directed to steel fabrication. So clients can feel confident that they are receiving the best quality materials.

In fact, our permanent galvanized bridges come closer to achieving the new United States federal guidelines for a 100-year service life than any other permanent steel or concrete bridge design.

Our Difference

After successfully fabricating and installing over 3,000 bridges in Ohio, we began to expand our business. In 1987 our services extended outside of Ohio and eventually all across the country. This was when we adopted the name U.S. Bridge to demonstrate our national sphere of operations. Today we are known as construction leaders and our bridges stand in nearly all states within the U.S. as well as in Canada, Central, and South America.

Three important factors contribute to our success. First, the founder of U.S. Bridge was an engineer. From the very beginning, the creation and design of U.S. Bridge were to fit all infrastructural needs with meticulous detail. And unlike many steel bridge manufacturers, we have always maintained our own staff of engineers. This provides a great advantage of trust, speed, and affordability by removing out the middleman.

Second, not only do we fabricate bridges around the world but we also assemble our local bridges with our own employees and equipment. Once the materials ship our team assists in its assembly taking away the stress and saving time for clients. The direct communication provided in each phase of the project is what attracts many clients.

Third, the combination of design, manufacture, and erection enables us to produce more innovations than any other bridge company. This unique arrangement allows us to offer a customizable experience for our clients.

In addition to our certified quality and great communication, we also present more affordable and rapid bridge assembly. We offer prefabricated bridges that allow the use of fewer trucks and small cranes. This saves clients money and essential project time. Not to mention, our group of small, multi-skilled bridge crews (typically 3-4 welders/carpenters/operators) can achieve steel assembly in less than 7 days.

Industry Leaders

Our speed and skills are recognized and often utilized in emergency situations. We often receive requests from companies or cities all around the world for our bride designs.

As construction leaders, we have the title of first in various innovations within our industry. A few years ago we produced one of the longest bridges in Africa– a one-kilometer long bridge in Mafia Island, Tanzania.

In addition, our projects include building the first:

  • 100% hot-dip galvanized truss bridge
  • domestic truss bridge with a 35-year warranty against corrosion
  • computer-designed steel truss bridge
  • panel bridge designed that meets all U.S. permanent specifications
  • all-welded Warren truss (without rivets)
  • truss to be fully assembled in a factory
  • all-welded deck components fully prepared in a factory

Our innovations and experience explain why we surpass our opposition.

Working with U.S. Bridge

When you choose U.S. Bridge, you’ll be working with bridge engineering and construction experts in every step.  With such a full-service solution, it’s easy to see why U.S. Bridge is often the top choice for developers and contractors. Contact us today to start the process or get a quick scope with our exclusive Bridgescope tool!

Once you’ve met our team and reviewed our work up close, it’ll be easy to see why U.S. Bridge is the right choice for your next project.

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The Lifespan of Structurally Deficient Bridges in America

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Have you ever driven over a bridge and wondered how old it was? In the United States alone there are more than 617,000 bridges, 12% of which are aged 80 years or older. But were all those bridges created at the same time or with the same method? What exactly is the typical lifespan of a bridge? And how many bridges are considered structurally deficient?

Contributing Elements to a Bridge’s Lifespan

Nowadays, bridges have become a natural part of everyday life. Your daily commute may even consist of traveling through a bridge or maybe two. Since they are vital to our economy and public safety, the government periodically mandates national bridge inspections to determine structurally deficient bridges.

Ultimately, there is no one number that fits the lifespan of all bridges across America. Each bridge has its own expected lifecycle but there are ways to estimate its lifespan. Generally, it’s believed that bridges are expected to function for 50-70 years however this is often not the case. Currently, only 42% of all bridges in the United States are at least 50 years old.

The lifespan of a bridge differs according to its design, construction, and location. Each component contributes either positively or negatively to the overall lifespan and structure of a bridge.

Materials

One of the most obvious factors that contribute to the lifespan and eventual structural deficits of a bridge is the material. In fact, both the concrete industry and the steel industry claim several advantages above the other for the Life Cycle Costs of a bridge.

Steel

Steel is a popular construction material due to its flexible and durable nature. The great thing about steel is that it is recyclable and still maintains its initial strength and integrity. Galvanized steel is even more durable plus it requires less upkeep.

Structural steel is a high-quality material that is readily available worldwide in certified grades and produced in various shapes and sizes. Currently, it is estimated that steel bridges have a lifespan of over 100 years. However, this number rapidly decreases as the bridge erodes or even with poor construction quality.

The deterioration of a bridge is created by a combination of several elements, for steel, it is often caused by corrosion, fatigue, stress corrosion, and damage from accidents.

Concrete

Another commonly utilized material is concrete. Concrete bridges are estimated to have a lifespan of over 100 years, again this number changes with daily wear and tear.

The causes of concrete deterioration are typically cracking, spalling, scaling, corrosion, and damage from accidents. In addition, cracks over reinforced steel allow water and chemicals to penetrate accelerating rusting which exerts great forces that pop the concrete.

Not to mention, extreme weather conditions, the presence of chlorides in de-icing salts, and cycles of freeze and thaw all contribute to the erosion of a bridge and its lifespan.

Timber

Timber, which is used for short-span and rural areas or pedestrian bridges is estimated to last only 20–30 years. This could be due to several reasons such as many engineers are less familiar with this material than their counterparts, or because there are fewer treatment options available for timber.

Nevertheless, the accurate range of which timber lasts is uncertain as there are very few data that exist that are based on actual performance data.

However, that doesn’t make timber a poor option. Timber is a lightweight material compared to concrete but still strong. This advantage plus low maintenance and repair costs make timber ideal in certain situations.

Plus studies suggest that timber is a durable option in highway bridge superstructures and that it can perform well for more than 70 years when properly pressure-treated with preservatives.

Location

The location of a bridge plays an instrumental part in its overall structural deficiency. Depending on the environment, it could accelerate the deterioration of the bridge.

Recently, there has been a slightly positive trend in addressing the maintenance of structurally deficient bridges. However, progress is not universal because states face different challenges when it comes to maintaining, repairing, and replacing bridges.

Urban

When it comes to urban locations, the major factor to watch out for is a higher traffic volume. The combination of a heavier load and volume further leads to the wear of the bridge. There are various ways for builders to slow this process down such as galvanization and other special treatments.

Rural

Unlike urban settings, rural bridges don’t have such a large volume of traffic. Unfortunately, it is because of this that rural bridges are typically not designed to withstand the growing numbers and weight of traffic and freight trucks. In actuality, rural bridges and transportation play a key role in our economy’s success and for rural communities.

However, more and more bridges in rural communities are experiencing rapid deterioration without the proper care and maintenance to last.

Coastal

Bridges that are located in coastal environments face unique challenges due to their location. Bridges in marine environments often experience corrosion-induced damage due to high sea salt and humidity. In addition, strength loss in the splash and the tidal zone is more common and significant than in the atmospheric zone.

An example of the distinct problems faced by coastal bridges is illustrated by the Morandi Bridge in Italy. In 2018, this cable-stayed bridge suddenly collapsed causing the death of 43 individuals. The collapse was reported as the fault of a weakened cable that deteriorated from corrosion. The degradation was caused by atmospheric agents and the proximity of the marine environment eroded the structure and integrity of the bridge.

Structural Deficient Bridges in America

Structurally deficient bridges are those that are in need of repair or maintenance due to the deterioration incurred throughout the bridge’s lifetime. Recently, 7.5% of highway bridges were designated structurally deficient. This is a striking improvement from the previous 12% record. In addition, the average age of America’s bridges is increasing to 44 years.

The plan is that the overall lifespan of a bridge should increase over time as more techniques, treatments, and designs are discovered in the future.

Build a Bridge that will Last Lifetimes with U.S. Bridge

Are you looking for an experienced industry leader company to assist with your building projects? Here at U.S. Bridge, we’ve built for different projects all across the globe; and we know that choosing the right material for your bridge takes a combination of experience, expertise, and skill.

To learn more about our bridge engineering and manufacturing, contact us for a quote or to answer any questions. Or start building your scope and bridge with our new interactive tool the Bridge Scope.

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The Different Components of a Bridge

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Nowadays, bridges have become commonplace in our modern society. They offer great solutions to problems such as carrying heavy loads across long distances or providing a safe route for pedestrians and vehicles. But have you ever wondered how bridges are built? Here’s a quick breakthrough of the main components of a bridge and how they function.

The Main Components

The Type of Superstructure

The main part of a bridge is its superstructure. The superstructure bears the weight of the load as it passes through the bridge. It comprises the deck slab, girders, truss, etc. The specific components vary based on the type of bridge and its materials such as concrete or steel.

Not only does the decking hold the load weight, but it also helps transmit the weight and pressure to the below substructures of the bridge.

The Type of Substructure

The substructure of a bridge is the component that supports the superstructure and distributes the load to the bridge footings and foundation. They consist of piers, abutments, wing walls all of which facilitate the process of transmitting the weight of the load to the earth.

Different Types of Bridges

Although there are various designs of a bridge the main components will always stay the same. The only difference is the pattern or direction in which the pressure is distributed. For example, here’s the difference between the beam and truss bridge.

Beam Bridge

A Beam bridge, sometimes called a stringer or girder bridge, is one of the most basic types of bridge. Its design consists of horizontal beams and vertical piers that typically include two or more spans with an abutment or pier at each end. Beam bridges can be constructed using wood, steel, or concrete and are built for short distances as their only support is from piers.

In this design, the load is compressed on the top of the bridge and then applied down the piers to the earth.

Truss Bridge

A truss bridge design involves interconnected triangles that distribute the weight over a wide space. This unique design allows the truss bridge to carry a heavier weight capacity with fewer materials. These lightweight and durable bridges can be utilized for both short and long distances.

Truss bridges function by transferring the weight of the load from a single point to a wider area. When the load is applied to the truss bridge the pressure is shared among the triangular designs for additional support and then redirected to the earth through the bridge’s substructure. 

Build with U.S. Bridge

At U.S. Bridge, we work with the highest quality materials and engineers when designing and building bridges. Not to mention, our bridges are well-made, easy to maintain, and available in a variety of design and support types.

With decades of experience and our team of dedicated experts, you can feel confident in trusting an industry leader to build your bridge. Contact us today for a free quote or use our exclusive Bridgescope tool!

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The Best Practices in Bridge Management

Proper bridge construction management is necessary to keep a project organized and completed within the budget and schedule. However, managing such a large project such as a bridge’s construction may seem daunting, so we’ve listed some of the best practices for maximizing your chance of success.

Determine the Scope of the Project

Like in any other industry, proper management is essential to a construction project’s success. What’s the best way to pre-plan your project and effectively manage it? Well, a great solution is by working with key stakeholders to determine an accurate scope of the project.

Understanding the scope is one of the first steps in the successful management of bridge construction. This means taking the time to create a thorough breakdown of what’s required for the project such as:

  • Identifying what is within or out of scope.
  • Noting the work required, the team performing the work, and the schedule of its completion.
  • Include any important elements that may impact the outcome.
  • Determining the constraints that might limit or negatively impact the outcome of the project such as resources, procurement issues, timing, etc.

Once you work out the scope, you can now move on to planning project decisions such as deck construction, railing criteria, live loads, etc.

Start Creating Plans and Strategies Early

Your planning process is essentially how you will achieve the goals set out within the scope. The reality is that while a project of the highest quality scope, at the lowest price, done in the least amount of time is ideal, it is difficult to achieve. Hence, a strategy-based process is necessary to achieve your overall objective.

Understanding your project’s success metrics is key to streamlining the decision-making process. In other words, determine project components such as feasibility, procurement, construction, close-out, and more to effectively work towards accomplishing the goal. In addition, as the project progresses you should continually refer to your detailed scope to determine if there are any changes and how they will impact the project. Recognizing and implementing adjustments in a timely manner will help reduce delays and risks.

This means start planning long before the actual construction begins, and continue revising until the end of the project. The design, pre-construction, and procurement stages of a construction project all require meticulous planning — and may need to be revised as the project progresses.

A properly planned out and scheduled project is a well-managed and successful bridge project.

Ensure Quality Construction

The quality of the construction is a big part of its success and reflects your skills in bridge management. Thus, in your planning process, you want to consider options that will create lasting effects. Consider utilizing durability solutions such as special enhancement and treatments. Galvanized or weathered steel is a popular option to slow the process of deterioration.

Not only should you be deciding what materials and methods to use, but who the manufacturer should be. Supply chain management helps you stay organized and save money. This means careful management of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and designers.

Pay attention to the order and delivery of materials on-site, the selection of contractors, their involvement in design and planning, and methods used to reduce invoice and transaction costs. In addition, reinforce collaborative methods with those involved in the project to keep the system flowing. This will encourage proper accountability, support, and incentives from supply chain partners.

Starting a project with these practices in mind minimizes disputes and delays. Not to mention, it improves safety and business practices and develops better project relationships.

Trust us to Build your Bridge

Our 80+ years working with various companies all across the world has provided us with the skills and experience needed for even the most challenging projects. We are confident that our engineering and manufacturing expertise will fit the needs of your project. Contact us on our website to learn more about how you can collaborate with us or fill out our exclusive BridgeScope tool for a quick quote.

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A Globally Booming Bridge Construction Market

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With the sudden outburst of COVID-19 last year, many individuals were concerned about how it would affect the economy. Despite the negative effects of the pandemic, studies indicate a steady rise in the global bridge construction market.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the bridge construction market and what factors affect its growth.

The Construction Market

The construction market consists of sales made in the construction industry such as construction services and goods by organizations, sole traders, and partnerships that construct buildings or engineering projects (e.g., highways and utility systems). While the market primarily consists of the construction of buildings or other projects, it also includes the process and materials necessary for preparing new construction sites.

These materials are obtained from both domestic and international suppliers such as manufacturers and wholesale trade operators. The service and goods provided by this market include construction, civil engineering, specialty trade contracting, and other residential, non-residential, and engineering modes.

What Affects the Market?

A large market such as the construction market has several variables that come together to influence the industry. However, there are always key factors that contribute more than others.

The availability of raw materials, the technology for extracting and processing raw materials, government policies, and increased sustainability focus all greatly affect the construction market. A great example of this is demonstrated through the pandemic as many companies struggled to procure their materials from their usual international suppliers. COVID-19 created a significant impact on the industry that will greatly affect but not hamper the market moving forward.

Technology is an important factor that is pushing change in nearly every industry. Its influence over the construction industry is illustrated with more drone usage and 3D printing than ever before. Not to mention, new innovative methods of bridge construction such as modular and prefabricated designs.

The Projected Global Boom of the Bridge Construction Market

In 2019, the global bridge construction market was valued at $908.0 billion and projected to reach $1,212.6 billion by 2027. Thus registering a CAGR of 4.6% from 2020 to 2027.  The strong growth of this market is attributed to an increase in investments, government initiatives, and global economic growth.

The global urban population is expected to rise by 2050. Thus, fueling the demand for bridge construction and other transport infrastructure. Furthermore, the surge in the standard of living, particularly in developing countries is anticipated to drive market growth.

In addition, technological advancements are expected to encourage the growth of the market. These improvements in equipment and systems are intended to reduce the time and cost involved in bridge construction. This economic and urbanization boom is expected to fuel the expansion of the railway networks throughout the globe. Thus boosting the growth of the bridge construction market.

U.S. Bridge

Here at U.S. Bridge, we pride ourselves as leaders in the bridge construction industry. We’ve been engineering and manufacturing bridges for decades with services worldwide.

We understand that a bridge project is a major investment. That’s why we designed an effortless process for you to build a bridge that will last generations. Please contact us for a free quote or use our exclusive bridge design tool Bridge Scope for a quick five-minute scope. Together, we’ll build a better future for America’s infrastructure.

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What Does a Bridge Engineer Do?

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Bridges play a key role in our lives by connecting our communities, promoting commerce travels, and contributing to our country’s economic development. But who designs these bridges and what does a bridge engineer do?

Bridge Engineers

Bridge Engineers are civil engineers responsible for designing and building bridges and other highway-related structures. Typical tasks for bridge engineers include designing and maintaining bridge structures, minimizing environmental impact, and supervising the fabrication process. As well as completing site investigations, data collection, identifying environmental risks, analyzing manufacturing processes, supervising construction, and more.

Although the exact duties of a bridge engineer may differ, it’s safe to say they’ll always play a critical role in any bridge construction project.

Designing and maintaining a bridge is no easy task. That’s why bridge engineers are required to have skills such as analytical thinking, leadership, supervisory skills, organization, and creativity. Not to mention, time management and budgeting skills which are essential for projects with restricted time or resources.

Bridge Engineering: It’s All About The Details

Meetings & Details

Naturally, the first part of any construction project is understanding the full scope. This meeting typically covers topics and details such as bridge series and styles, special enhancements or treatments, railing criteria, etc. This will help the bridge engineer to draw up some preliminary sketches of the bridge’s general framing plan, bridge geometry, and basic construction.

These designs help illustrate the bridge and prepare the project for its next step.

Digital Renderings

One of the most powerful tools for bridge engineers to utilize is technology. Bridge engineers will often use computers to create virtual models to assist in visualizing a project. This helps the team picture the visual impacts of the bridge to any given site as well as the aesthetic qualities. Our bridge engineers are able to model your proposed bridge over a digital terrain model or incorporate it into photos of your existing site.

This aspect is extremely useful, especially if a construction project requires models to help stakeholders buy-in or make a sale.

Final Process

Once a commitment has been made, the design process officially begins and a team is assigned. The project engineer analyzes the proposed bridge including the specified design loads and appropriate load factors, along with applying numerous code checks. Eventually, the bridge engineer begins to sketch the design details and information for the designer. These sketches convey all the information previously discussed and finalized.

The engineer will also markup the general notes and list the design assumptions and pertinent bridge data onto the title sheet.

Part of this process involves reviewing the design calculations and construction plans to verify the scope and specifications. Also checked is the plan content to ensure it reflects the engineer’s design intent and that no conflicts exist and that no omissions have occurred. The final step before submittal is usually the application of the Professional Engineer’s seal and signature.

Designed for Success at U.S. Bridge

At U.S. Bridge, we’ve been engineering and building bridges for over 80 years. Our engineers have the skills and experience to build bridges in many different styles and sizes to fit the needs of your project. Find out more about how U.S. Bridge has everything you need to make your project a success.

Contact us for a free quote or check our exclusive Bridge Scope tool to start building your project today.

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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.

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Bridge Construction Games

Bridge construction games are a great way for individuals to practice engineering skills and also encourage children to critically think. Right now there are many construction games from designing a bridge to destroying a town, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

Here are a few digital bridge construction games that our team recommends!

Digital Bridge Construction Games

Build a Bridge

This free phone game challenges players to build bridges in different scenarios. Like in real construction, every material and part costs in-game money. Additionally, players have to consider elements such as the angle of the road, structure support, and bridge purpose. Although this game encourages critical thinking and creativity, it isn’t very realistic as some scenarios presented are unlikely construction plans. However, for a digital construction app, this game does a fun job at encouraging players to think like an engineer.

Bridge Constructor Playground

Similar to Build a Bridge, this app creates complex environments such as rivers and gorges for players to build over. Bridge Constructor Playground however offers more flexibility than Build a Bridge through unlimited budgets and materials. After building a bridge users must then test their bridge to see how well it can withstand the weight of heavy traffic. Unfortunately, the free version of the game is just a demo jam-packed with ads but the extended version of the game is available to androids and IOS users for an additional cost.

Bridge Construction Sim 2

This fun free android game allows players to participate in various construction procedures. From transporting equipment to drilling behind the wheels of a bulldozer players get a fun opportunity to see the different aspects that go into a project. This game creates a 3D simulation of a construction site thus offering some realistic components however many users complain about the high number of ads for every task and level glitches.

Bad Bridge

Another great construction app available to IOS and android users is Bad Bridge. Contrary to the title, Bad Bridge teaches users how to create stronger bridges that complete the project’s overall goal. Players are taught how to use different materials, joints, and bridge designs to stay within budget and withhold daily traffic. This free app challenges users with several levels of difficult situations and best of all, no advertisements.

Construction Site Games

A great and exciting way for construction workers to practice their skills and critical thinking is by performing construction games every once in a while. This may sound strange but it isn’t anything new. In fact, some machine manufactures use activities like construction Jenga to advertise the abilities of their machines.

Construction Jenga is a popular construction game that allows workers to learn their equipment and train their precision. One worker directs the operator as they attempt to maneuver blocks of wood in and out of the stack without moving the other pieces.

Building with U.S. Bridge

We are a family business that develops bridges around the world.  Every detail of your bridge is met with a level of attention and efficiency to ensure it is delivered on time and delivered to your specifications. Additionally, if you build a bridge using one of our prefabricated kits, our experienced bridge team will be sent to establish an effortless process.

To find out more about our experienced team and excellent bridges, please contact U.S. Bridge today. Or try out our exclusive bridge scope tool for a quick and easy bridge proposal!

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Earth Day: Reducing Environmental Impact of Construction

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Earth Day: Environmental Impact of Construction

It’s no surprise that construction has a huge impact on the environment. Although many structures can not be built sustainably today, we should still try to reduce our environmental footprint for tomorrow. However, you may be surprised to find how easy it is to reduce the environmental impact of construction, especially bridge construction!

Here are some ways bridge construction can reduce environmental impact, and ways U.S. Bridge aims to build sustainable, eco-friendly bridges.

Use Sustainable Materials

Steel Bridge

This easily adaptable material is a popular choice for many bridges due to its affordability, strength, and positive environmental impact. The great thing about steel is that it is both lightweight and incredibly durable. Its lightweight means that often, no cranes or large machinery is needed for steel construction — thus less invasion on surrounding environments.

Steel’s enduring nature guarantees it can withstand large amounts of weight which is why it can be used for any construction project. And as added bonus, the weight of steel makes installation easier by keeping road disruption at a minimum.

Steel’s Environmental Benefits

One of the best parts about steel is that it is the most recyclable material in the world.

Almost all steel construction incorporates recycled steel, which has proven its strength as equivalent to virgin steel. Its popularity and eco-friendly status are often why steel is considered affordable for many project builders. Additionally, builders save money on maintenance and repair due to steel’s long life span, as it does not degrade over time as quickly as other materials.

Plastic Bridges

Many countries around the world are striving to reduce their environmental impact within their industry. From this idea, construction companies are testing the effectiveness of using recycled plastic to construct a bridge.

Located in Scotland, the Easter Dawyck Bridge is the longest in the world built using recycled plastic. This completely recyclable bridge was constructed by recycling over 100,00 lbs. of waste and can hold the weight of vehicles up to 88,000 lbs.

The Easter Dawyck Bridge wielded great results as the recycled material is both light and extremely durable. Reports indicate that it does not corrode, does not rust, does not require painting nor any form of treatment or maintenance.

There are many benefits to using recycled plastics in road applications such as reduced energy consumption, reduced waste to landfills, and alleviating the need for use of creating new materials for future projects. However, there is still much uncertainty about the performance and long-term durability of recycled plastic bridges with different traffic loading and environmental conditions.

So why don’t we see more recycled bridges? Its biggest obstacle is the high price tag that comes with making it. That’s why U.S. Bridge sticks with steel.

Environmentally-Friendly Construction Methods

Just using sustainable materials isn’t enough. Take the step further and ensure that you are incorporating environmentally-friendly methods in bridge construction processes.

Develop a green design that considers the long-term impact of the bridge, along with the economic aspects, to ensure that the positive benefits can be maintained over the long term. This means that you should consider the environmental issues and conditions that can arise during its lifespan, construction phase, and maintenance.

Ask yourself if you are doing all you can to limit the effect of stormwater and other runoff? What steps can you take to better manage construction waste? Partner with other companies that may use your leftover products so that nothing goes to waste.

Accelerated Bridge Construction and Bridge Kits

An easy way to reduce your environmental impact in bridge construction is with accelerated bridge construction. The installation and construction process of a bridge consumes large amounts of fuel, increases exhaust emissions, incurs traffic delays, and affects pavement performance. Using accelerated bridge kits to quickly build a safe and dependable bridge will significantly cut the environmental footprint of the project. Not to mention, it saves builders time during the installation phase of construction.

Building with an Impact at U.S. Bridge

Here at U.S. Bridge, we believe in building bridges that positively affect the community and that will last decades. That’s why we offer a wide selection of prefabricated bridges specifically designed for your project. We work directly with companies around the world — without middlemen — to engineer, manufacture, and construct steel bridges.

If you would like to know more about our construction process or bridge design feel free to contact us. Also, check out our exclusive bridge scope tool designed to provide a free quote in just five minutes!

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Why Steel is the Best Galvanized Metal for Construction

Steel Is The Best Galvanized Metal

Naturally, everyone wants to use the best material available when building something that will last for decades. That’s why more people are choosing galvanized steel for construction. Steel is the best galvanized metal for construction, and there are many reasons why.

Galvanized steel has all of the advantages that steel construction already has, plus the added benefit of protection from the galvanization process. Today, we’ll breakdown some of the main reasons to use galvanized steel in bridge construction.

What is Galvanized Metal?

What exactly is a galvanized metal? Galvanization is a process that protects metal by submerging it in molten zinc, thus adding a protective layer. The first benefit of galvanized metal is its known attribute of preventing future corrosion and thus ensuring less future maintenance.

As such, in the long run, businesses and governments are saving money by keeping their steel galvanized and protected. In addition, the galvanization process is environmentally-friendly and resistant to weather conditions. It’s beneficial for long-term durability and versatility.

Repairing worn-out bridges is time-consuming, expensive, and a hassle. However, galvanizing metal before installing the bridge helps to avoid this issue, especially if the metal is steel.

The Best Galvanized Metal for Construction is Steel

Any metal can be used for galvanization, though iron and steel are the most common. However, for construction, the best material is steel. Galvanized steel construction comes with all the natural benefits of steel, plus the added advantages of a galvanized material.

Steel is an effective material used frequently in construction due to its affordability, durability, and sustainability.

Affordability: Steel provides builders some expense cuts for their project budget. Its lightweight nature means less use of heavyweight equipment and lifts. Additionally, builders save money on maintenance and repair due to steel’s long life span and durability.

Durability: Although steel isn’t as heavy as other materials, such as concrete, it by no means diminishes its strength. Lightweight steel proves time and time again that it can handle a multitude of weight. That’s why it is often used in construction for railroads, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Sustainability: Steel is one of the most recyclable materials in the world. Very often the materials used for steel construction will come from recycled steel. However, this does not make it any less durable. Recycled steel’s strength and resilience is equivalent to new steel products.

Rely on the Experts in Bridge Construction

In our decades of experience, we’ve built bridges in over 50 countries around the world. We design bridges with the highest quality steel, custom-built to fit your needs.

Not only are we leaders in bridge design, engineering, and manufacturing, but we also are on-site at every bridge construction to oversee the process. No middlemen, just long-lasting steel bridges.

U.S. Bridge’s team of dedicated experts ensures bridges are made to fit your custom needs and is engineered to last for decades. Contact us today or try out our exclusive bridge scope tool for a quick proposal!

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U.S. Bridge Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification for Quality Management System

ISO 9001:2015 Certification

The scope of U.S. Bridge’s ISO 9001:2015 Certification includes the engineering, Material Procurement, and Fabrication of Steel Bridges, Structural Steel Railing, and Miscellaneous Steel Products.

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio — Jan. 28, 2021 — U.S. Bridge, a leader in the engineering, manufacturing and construction of steel bridges globally, today announced that the Company has earned ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.

Certified ISO 9001:2015 Company

U.S. Bridge, a leader in the engineering, manufacturing and construction of steel bridges globally, today announced that the company has earned ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system.

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally-recognized quality management standard developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification provides a model for companies of all types and sizes to use in building an effective quality management system. The standard is based on several quality management principles, including having a strong customer focus, involvement of high-level company management, an outlined process-based approach, and ongoing improvement of the aforementioned approach.

U.S. Bridge ISO 9001:2015 certificate (#C2021-00162) was issued by Perry Johnson Registrars, an internationally-accredited management systems certification body. The scope of U.S. Bridge’s certification includes the engineering, Material Procurement, and Fabrication of: Steel Bridges, Structural Steel Railing, and Miscellaneous Steel Products. Activities at U.S. Bridge’s corporate headquarters (201 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, OH 43725 United States) are included in the scope of certification.

“Every bridge that U.S. Bridge manufactures is designed and built to the highest quality standards,” said U.S. Bridge’s CEO Dan Rogovin. “Our ISO 9001:2015 certification is confirmation of our demonstrated and ongoing commitment to reliability, quality assurance, and safety.”

For more information on the entire product line of U.S. Bridge, visit their website: usbridge.com.

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The Effects of COVID-19 on Bridge Construction

Effects of COVID-19 on Construction

The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected various industries all around the world. The effects of COVID-19 have especially left an impact on the construction industry.

Some of these effects of COVID-19 are temporary, but others are permanent and may be felt for years to come. Here are a few short-term and long-term effects of COVID-19 on the construction industry.

COVID-19 Effects on Construction Industries

Increase in Safety Measures

The fast spread of COVID-19 instigated the creation of new safety measures in the workplace. The virus pushes a heavy focus on workplace safety which officials speculate will continue in the long-term.

Although not all of these safety measures will persist after the pandemic, most likely some are here to stay. This could include adjustments to preexisting safety policies.

Construction Budget Cuts

In addition to the effects that remote work and schedule delays have on construction, the demands of the industry will change as well.

States are allocating more funds to healthcare and prevention thus other areas such as public transportation are experiencing a decrease.  Furthermore, with the mandatory shutdown, fewer people are driving, thus states are collecting less gas tax and tolls. Because of fewer vehicles on the road this year, the demand for repairing roads will decrease as well.

In addition, many construction businesses are operating at an all-time low with private funded projects becoming scarce.

Shortages and Supply Changes

China is the largest single supplier to the United States, providing nearly 30 percent of all building products. The initial government shutdown had many construction companies in a panic searching for back-up suppliers.

Additionally, this causes the delay of many construction projects as the demand is too high for alternative suppliers to fulfill on their own. As a means to avoid this, more and more companies intend to retain permanent relations with domestic and foreign suppliers moving forward.

The Election and Industry Outlook

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris plan to invest heavily in America’s infrastructure. shared their goal of transforming the economy through increased investments in infrastructure.

“We’ve seen the need for a more resilient economy for the long-term, and that means investing in a modern, sustainable infrastructure and sustainable engines of growth — from roads and bridges, to energy grids and schools, to universal broadband,” the Biden-Harris Transition website states.

As part of the economic recovery plan, infrastructure is one of four areas that president-elect Biden intends to redevelop.

Additionally, the campaign plan includes increasing domestic manufacturing to avoid the over-dependency of foreign supply chains.

Bridge Construction Market Outlook after COVID-19

At the present time, the funding and demand within the bridge construction industry is decreasing. However, it is projected to steadily increase in the coming years.

A recent report shows that the global bridge construction industry is expected to reach just over $1 trillion by 2027. That’s an increase from $908 million, a 4.6 percent compound annual growth rate. This is due to various reasons, such as the increase of demand that infrastructure will receive from the pent-up projects and repairs, more vehicles on roadways, the rise in domestic manufacturing, and the growth of private construction businesses.

U.S. Bridge: Leaders in Steel Bridge Construction

U.S. Bridge has been engineering and manufacturing steel bridges for decades. We are proud to contribute sustainable solutions to America’s infrastructure, even amidst the effect of COVID-19.

We understand that a bridge project is a major investment. That being said, we’re here to help you from the beginning of your project through the end. Get a quote from us for your next bridge project or learn more about our steel bridges. Together, we’ll build a better future for America’s infrastructure.

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The Mulholland Bridge Project in Los Angeles County

Mulholland Bridge Project US Bridge

In 2018, the Woolsey fire decimated the Santa Monica Mountains. In its destruction, the fire burnt down the Mulholland Highway bridge located within the mountains. U.S. Bridge partnered with Los Angeles County to rebuild the Mulholland Bridge to reconnect the community with a two-lane bridge.

The Woolsey Fire

In November 2018, a fire ignited in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties that lasted three days. The Woolsey fire spanned almost 97,000 acres and among the various buildings that were burned, the Mulholland Highway bridge was also destroyed.

Nearby towns came to a standstill after the destruction of the bridge. The devastation affected commerce, traffic, and people’s morals. The county believes that a new bridge will reunite the region and get the community to return to normal after the major disaster.

A Plan for a New Bridge

The county erected a one-lane temporary bridge while they completed the construction of the replacement bridge. Soon, construction on a new permanent bridge began.

Mark Pestrella, the director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, stated that the goal of the new bridge construction from U.S. Bridge is to not only restore stability within the community but to also reduce commute times for residents. Additionally, the new bridge should provide a safe exit should another emergency arise. That’s why the county entrusted U.S. Bridge to engineer, manufacture, and construct the new Mulholland Highway bridge.

 

Building the Mulholland Bridge

The Mulholland Bridge is a two-lane steel truss bridge that was manufactured in just eight weeks, with the help of Granite Construction and Bragg Crane and Rigging.  The bridge spans 140-feet with a width of 34-feet and one 5-foot sidewalk for pedestrians. This is a galvanized structure that received two coats of paint on top of the galvanizing for added aesthetics.

Construction began in January 2020, and we are proud to say that while maintaining safety regulations, construction was completed smoothly despite local restrictions due to COVID-19. We work endlessly to ensure the safety of our crew while also exceeding the bridge owner’s expectations.

Heading? Save Time Save Money?

Whenever applicable, we advise clients to skip the temporary bridge and go straight to building the permanent bridge. This is because oftentimes a permanent bridge can be delivered in a short period of time. In some cases, a permanent structure is built in a similar time span it takes to erect a temporary bridge. Thus, bridge owners will save time and money.

A temporary bridge can cost between $1-2 million, all funded by the Federal Highway Administration and local gas tax dollars. Due to this cost, constructing a bridge structure permanently just once, rather than twice, allows local governments to apply public funds to other essential areas of transportation.

Nobody likes doing things twice. Save money and time, and forgo the temporary bridge to move straight into permanent bridge construction by partnering with an experienced bridge builder.

Build Bridges and Trust with US Bridge

We are glad to be a part of this restoration in Los Angeles county by building a bridge that connects the community for decades to come. We worked together with other companies such as Granite Construction, Bragg Crane & Rigging, and Los Angeles County to complete this project. With our professional collaboration and expertise, this project became a great success and a proud moment for our team.

To learn more about why we’re the leader in steel bridge construction, get in touch with us. We’re glad to answer any questions about your bridge construction project.

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How to Design a Bridge Without Experience: Bridge Scope

How to Design a Bridge

Designing a bridge takes great engineering skills and attention to detail. Every component of the bridge design process is significant and greatly affects the rest of the project. Clearly, learning how to design a bridge can seem like an overwhelming process with lots to figure out.

However, U.S. Bridged developed a tool to simplify bridge design, even if you’ve never designed a bridge. It’s Bridge Scope, our exclusive virtual design tool to design a bridge.

Bridge Scope makes it easy to customize your bridge to the specifications you need, down to the last detail.

 

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How to Design a Bridge

When it comes to bridge design there are many components to consider. Where is the location of the bridge? Will there be heavy traffic and commercial trucks? Or is the location in a rural area?

The environment and the purpose of the bridge will determine the type of materials and style of the bridge. In addition to the type and shape, the design of the deck and railing are important as well.

Engineers need to consider the weather and other environmental factors that contribute to corrosion. It may be difficult to choose the right materials and design that works best for your project without making a big dent in your budget. That’s why it’s important to build with a trusted company that will create a bridge that fits your needs.

Through the combination of our experience and knowledge, we’ve created a simple and time-efficient way for you to design your bridge: Bridge Scope.

Bridge Scope: A Bridge Design Tool

Our exclusive Bridge Scope tool allows you to design your bridge in just a few simple steps.

How to use Bridge Scope

  1. Select a bridge type from the drop-down menu. Then select a bridge-style that best fits your project. Each bridge type has specific styles available. For example, the styles available for truss bridges are Cambridge, Cambridge flat, Viking, and Seneca bridge.
  2. Next, choose the deck material. The material of the deck is dependent on the bridge type.
  3. Select the bridge railing. Decide if you require an independent rail attached to the deck or a W-Beam guide rail attached to the truss.
  4. Lastly, input the span length and width of your bridge project. Additionally, you can select a corrosion protective plan and pick a live load.

Shortly after submitting, you will receive a detailed PDF packet of your project’s design and specifications. You can then contact U.S. Bridge to proceed forward with your bridge and make any adjustments desired.

It’s as simple as that. In under five minutes, users will have created their preliminary bridge design with a trusted steel bridge builder.

Building with U.S. Bridge

Our team of engineering experts has been building bridges for decades. U.S. Bridge has completed more than 10,000 bridge projects and has experience working in more than 50 countries. Our team of engineering experts has been building bridges for decades of many different styles and designs.

All of our bridge designs are custom made for each client and their specific project. To find out more about our experienced team and excellent bridges, please contact U.S. Bridge today.

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Types of Bridge Railing

Bridge Railing

With so much going into a project, bridge railing may appear to be an afterthought for bridge construction. But like choosing the right deck material, bridge railing proves to be vital for every bridge design.

At U.S. Bridge, we have several options for bridge railing to best fit each of our construction projects.

Common Types of Bridge Railing

A bridge’s railing depends on various factors such as location, material, and purpose. The railing adds safety for pedestrians, aesthetics, and a custom touch to bridge construction.

So how do you decide which railing is ideal for your bridge? We’ve compiled a small guide of the different types of bridge railings we provide so that you can make the best decision for your construction project.

Steel Bridge Railing

The most common steel bridge railing is the tubular rail system. This railing can be built alone or integrated into a concrete curb or low barrier wall, thus providing flexibility to various building projects. The combination of the railing system’s beams and posts provide the strength necessary to make this a sturdy barrier.

Ornamental or architectural steel railings are commonly used for pedestrian and low-vehicular traffic. These railings tend to be thinner and more decorative than other railings and provide pedestrian protection on bridges.

W-Beam Railing

For smaller bridges or roads with less traffic consider the W-Beam railing. This railing system attaches to steel posts or truss girders and is typically 27 inches from the top of the bridge to the pavement. The W-Beam is a simple steel railing system but it can be doubled to maximize its strength. Similar to the W-Beam, the Thrie Beam is another steel railing but works best in areas with heavier traffic flow.

Many pedestrian and steel bridge railings can receive extra finishes such as paint coatings or galvanization. Due to its popularity, the specifications required for building steel railing systems varies for each state.

Concrete Bridge Railing

As a local resource, concrete is one of the most common materials to choose for bridge construction. A concrete railing attaches to the bridge’s deck slab and creates a powerful vehicular barrier. These sturdy railings are ideal for high traffic roadways or areas where run-off the road accidents are frequent. Concrete railings are a great idea for urban locations or for bridges that receive heavy truckloads.

Keep in mind, this railing has a high initial cost and its thick appearance can impede an open road view. However, there are ways to help open visibility while still keeping the concrete railing’s thick strength; such as combining wall barriers with a tubular railing system.

A bridge’s railing is dependent on factors such as the construction’s budget, bridge deck material, and mandated state specifications.

Let’s Build Your Bridge, The Right Way

Still not sure which railing best fits your project? Check our website for more details in our railings. Or use our chatbox below and we’ll be in touch soon.

U.S. Bridge has been connecting communities with long-lasting bridges for decades, so you can feel confident in investing in our expertise. Our team will help you choose and create the right bridge for your project. If you’d like to know more about our bridge construction or have any questions, please contact us today and get a free quote.

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The Marble Cliff Bridge Project in Columbus, Ohio

Marble Cliff

U.S. Bridge recently completed our construction of a steel bridge for the Marble Cliff development in Columbus, Ohio. The steel truss bridge serves as a centerpiece for the new mixed-use development just five miles from downtown Columbus.

The weathering steel truss bridge spans 80-feet, with a 28-foot clear roadway, and two eight-foot sidewalks for pedestrians.

Marble Cliff

The Marble Cliff Development

Since the fall of 2018, we’ve worked closely with the site’s developer Thrive Companies. Together, we determined that the new development required a signature entrance.

As with every project, we collaborated with the client to decide on the elements the bridge needed. It was without question that the development deserved an aesthetically-pleasing bridge entrance match the luxury of the ongoing development.

We presented many options and ultimately landed on a weathering steel truss bridge, which included railings and a concrete floor.

The development is located on former quarry land in Columbus, Ohio. The mixed-use development of 70 acres will contain 864 housing units and 80,500 square feet of office and retail space. Specifically, the new housing is targeting professionals and young adults.

In addition, the Marble Cliff development will incorporate linked waterways, including streams and ponds, for residents to enjoy. Thus, the bridge is accessible via the waterways that kayakers and canoers can use near the Scioto River.

Marble Cliff

The Bridge Construction Process

We discussed the bridge needs with the Marble Cliff development’s on-site land contractor, developer, and consultant. After discussions about the project scope, the developers put their trust in U.S. Bridge to engineer, design, manufacture, and construct the bridge.

Once the scope was determined, we proceeded with our design of the truss bridge. We reviewed the project details carefully to ensure it met the client’s specifications and maintained U.S. Bridge’s high-quality standards. After approval and construction of the abutments, our team installed the bridge, concrete floor, and necessary railing.

Through every step of the process, we worked with Thrive Companies to meet and exceed expectations.

Without delay, we completed the bridge project on time and on budget. We are pleased to be part of this bridge project that will serve the Columbus community for generations to come. Now that the bridge is in place, the former quarry can continue to move toward its completion.

Marble Cliff

A Team Effort by U.S. Bridge

Every part of our team at U.S. Bridge touched this project. From engineering and design to steel fabricators to the construction team, our team showed what great work we can do together.

We are glad to be a part of this redevelopment, located on 70 acres near the Scioto River. By and large, this project was a great success for the U.S. Bridge team.

To learn more about why we’re the leader in steel bridge construction, get in touch with us. We’re glad to answer any questions about your bridge construction project.

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Benefits of Accelerated Bridge Construction and Bridge Kits

Benefits Of ABC

Bridge construction is essential to continue rapidly improving America’s infrastructure. With innovative building techniques and effective procedures, there are constantly new cost-effective ways to increase efficiency. That’s where the benefits of accelerated bridge construction (ABC) come into play.

Accelerated bridge construction is a complete shift in how bridges are planned by fully preparing materials to be installed at the bridge site. There are several benefits of accelerated bridge construction over traditional bridge construction — above all are safety, quality, social costs, and the environmental impact.

That’s why U.S. Bridge offers Bridge Kits as a solution for a quick construction time with the same high-quality durability our bridges are known for. Below, we explain the benefits of accelerated bridge construction and why it might be right for your next bridge project. Overall, these benefits reduce bridge construction costs by shortening project time.

Most Significant Benefits of Accelerated Bridge Construction

Here are some of the benefits of accelerated bridge construction:

  1. Shortened bridge project delivery time
  2. Reduce construction impact on traffic
  3. Increase work-zone safety
  4. Prefabricated components require less maintenance
  5. Lower environmental impact

#1: Shortened bridge project delivery time

This is why it’s called accelerated bridge construction — it’s faster than traditional methods. However, it’s equally if not more effective than traditional building.

With precise construction management, prefabricating the bridge parts, and shipping all the parts to the job site, bridge construction time is reduced significantly. With proper planning, bridge parts can be easily installed on-site. This saves time and money throughout the process by completing the project as quickly as possible.

#2: Reduce construction impact on traffic

Highway and other roadway work zones are hazardous for both motorists and for workers. However, as the condition of America’s infrastructure continues to decline, there continues to be long closures to critical roads across the nation. Moreover, this causes delays for everyday drivers, emergency vehicles, and local businesses can suffer from altered nearby traffic patterns.

Ultimately, traffic is unavoidable for Americans, but it can be made slightly better with ABC. With faster construction times thanks to prefabricated parts, construction can move from start to finish in a more timely manner.

#3: Increase work-zone safety

With extended road and lane closures comes increased risk for traffic accidents involving motorists and workers. Each year, there are 2,000 fatal accidents in work zones. With prefabricated parts and a plan to easily construct the bridge, there is less time spent with changes in traffic patterns. Additionally, it’s beneficial for workers on site.

“Now we’re also seeing safety benefits,” Bala Sivakumar, resident ABC expert at HNTB, said to ConstructionDive.com. “It’s a lot safer to do an ABC project because [workers] are not next to traffic or 50 to 100 feet above ground tying rebar or trying to pour concrete.”

#4: Prefabricated components require less maintenance

Prefabricated bridge components are engineered and manufactured specifically for Bridge Kits — our ABC solution. Thus, these parts go through a thorough quality control process to ensure they are ready for on-site construction. While on-site work is held to a high-standard, prefabrication is done in a controlled environment and removed from environmental elements.

With ABC and a thoroughly managed process, we can build bridges that last even longer than traditional building styles.

#5: Lower environmental impact

Another plus to shorter construction time is the significantly reduced impact on the environment. With less time with heavy equipment on-site, the impact to the surrounding environment is significantly reduced. As a result, building accelerated bridge construction lends itself to environmentally-sensitive areas.

Let’s Piece it Together

U.S. Bridge proudly delivers on long-lasting bridge construction projects around the world. We regard every detail of your bridge with a high level of attention and efficiency to ensure it’s high-quality.

With our Bridge Kits, we make bridge installation easy for teams who have the labor and equipment but need manufacturing and engineering. Now, we’re delivering everything needed for bridge construction right to job sites globally.

If you’d like to know more about our Bridge Kits and accelerated bridge construction, please contact us today for a free quote.

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Rural Roads and Bridges: Why They’re Important

Rural Roads And Bridges

Rural roads and bridges are an essential component of the U.S. economy. They connect the country and support a network of product transportation that is vital to our nation. Despite its importance, America’s rural transportation network lacks the necessary funds for proper infrastructure maintenance. 

The design of rural bridges and highways is often suited for lower-weight vehicles. However, due to the growing numbers and weight of freight trucks this rural infrastructure is in danger of rapid deterioration. Increased government investment into rural roads and bridges would benefit the United States’ economy and keep communities safely connected.

Why are Rural Roads so Important?

America Counts Staff research shows that the United States rural regions consist of nearly 97 percent of America’s landmass, the majority of which are dedicated to farming. As a result, America’s rural regions transport a sustainable pipeline of food, energy, and other products that aid the entirety of the U.S. economy. 

Not only are the goods and services that these roads join vital, but the transportation network itself creates numerous job opportunities. Tourism is another beneficial aspect of rural transportation as rural roads provide access to tourist destinations such as national parks, outdoor recreational activities, and scenic vacations.  

Connecting the U.S. with Rural Roads

As shown, the significance of rural roads is instrumental in the support of America’s stability and food supply. However, the volume of rural transportation has the potential for improvement. This improvement would allow for further capacity for economic growth with the construction of additional roads. According to a study from TRIP, a National Transportation Research Group, 66 U.S. cities with a population of 50,000 or more do not have direct access to the Interstate Highway System. 

Rural transportation connectivity is indispensable for additional economic development and would provide a positive impact to rural residents. Due to the lack of connectivity, rural communities are affected by distance and limited access to medical facilities and emergency response services.

Safety Concerns on Rural Roads

As the number of jobs, population, and use of these rural highways increases, the roads are not able to meet the swell of demand. Many rural roads are two lanes and aren’t intended to carry the weight of heavy trucks or other vehicles. 

According to a study from TRIP, 13 percent of America’s rural roads have pavements in poor condition. Nearly one out of 12 of the nation’s rural bridges need rehabilitation, repair or replacement. In addition, the same study also found that the amount of traffic accidents in rural regions are nearly double than those in urban areas. 

Reasons that could attribute to these alarming numbers include narrow lanes, limited shoulders, sharp curves, and exposed hazards. These features are common in rural infrastructure and require funding to incorporate desirable safety qualities.

Challenges with Funding

An increase in funds is essential in order to enhance the reliability and safety of these rural roads, highways,and bridges. 

A United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) report shows that the nation’s annual expenditure for infrastructure should be increased by almost 28 percent. However, reaching this number will be challenging as the effects of COVID-19 reduces transportation revenue. 

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials reports that state revenues are decreasing due to the pandemic. The reduction in vehicle usage triggers a decrease in gasoline tax, turnpike toll, vehicle rental, and sale tax collections, among others. As a result, states are revising their maintenance funding and road investments. 

Let’s Build Rural Infrastructure

Rural roads and bridges are essential to the U.S. economy and businesses everywhere. With a quality rural infrastructure system, communities and businesses can stay connected.

U.S. Bridge has been serving communities for more than 80 years, building bridges that withstand time. Our bridge experts will advise you on the best option for your bridge. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can make your bridge project a long-lasting success.

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Why We Use Steel Galvanizing for Bridges

Hot Dip Galvanized

A new bridge is a piece of infrastructure that will serve communities and transportation for decades. They must be built to last with the strongest and most durable materials. With hot-dip galvanizing, U.S. Bridge builds bridges that minimize maintenance and long-term durability regardless of the environment.

We’ve been galvanizing bridges since 1987, and we were the first to hot-dip galvanize an entire welded truss bridge. By bonding zinc to our U.S.-manufactured steel, we’re building long-lasting, reliable bridges with a sustainable process.

The Galvanizing Process

To galvanize steel, thorough cleaning of the steel is absolutely necessary. This is because zinc will only react with clean steel during the hot-dip process. Areas that are not perfectly clean will interfere with the process.

Before the Hot-Dip

Before hot-dip galvanizing, the surface must be prepared. This process includes degreasing, pickling, and fluxing.

Degreasing is the first step in cleansing the steel. It remotes dirt, oils, and organic residue. Next is pickling, which removes the iron oxides and scales from the steel’s surface to expose a bare area for galvanizing. Finally is the fluxing process, which prepares the steel for the hot-dip phase by applying a protective saline layer.

Hot-Dip Galvanizing

After the cleaning process, the steel is immersed in a kettle bath of 85% pure molten zinc at 830° F. The zinc reacts with the iron steel to form metallurgically-bonded coating. Once the steel reaches the bath temperature, the bonding is complete.

Once the steel cools down, an inspection verifies that it conforms to specifications. This includes a visual inspection and a magnetic thickness gauge that measures the coating.

Galvanizing Improves Bridge Life Cycle

The cost of hot-dip galvanized steel is roughly the same as painting a bridge. While a quality paint coat must be touched up, zinc-coated steel does not need maintenance over the bridge’s life.

However, the galvanized steel eliminates corrosion for up to 100 years in many cases. According to one study, the future maintenance of bridges can be reduced by 50% with galvanizing. With galvanized steel, the average service life is 8.5% longer. In fact, at U.S. Bridge, we have a 35-year warranty on our galvanized steel beam bridges — we’re that confident in lasting quality of galvanization.

Environmentally-Friendly

There are several environmental advantages to hot-dip galvanizing, beyond just the financial and durability impact. The key to sustainable construction of bridges is to continually lower the environmental impact of producing products. This is possible with zinc and steel.

Both zinc and steel are two naturally occurring, abundant elements. Ore — which steel is composed of — is the fourth-most abundant element on Earth. Zinc is 24th. Both are infinitely recyclable without the loss of physical or chemical properties. These materials can be used over and over without compromising their integrity.

With less maintenance, galvanizing will also prevent potentially harming environments during maintenance and traffic delays.

Build Sustainable Bridges with U.S. Bridge

In summary, hot-dip galvanizing steel is about the savings on the life-cycle of your bridge and the environmental benefits. With decades of experience in hot-dip galvanizing, we guarantee the highest level of quality in our steel bridge parts.

U.S. Bridge has been serving communities for more than 80 years, building bridges that withstand time. Our bridge experts will advise you on the best option for your bridge. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can make your bridge project a long-lasting success.

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Bridge Deck Designs: The Benefits of Steel

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Bridge Deck Designs: The Benefits of Steel

The choice of material for your bridge deck construction is critical for the lifespan of the bridge. There are several reasons why steel may be the right choice for your bridge deck. At U.S. Bridge, we have various custom options for the floor and deck of our bridge constructions to ensure our bridges are sustainable long-term, including many steel solutions.

What is a Bridge Deck?

A bridge deck is the surface of the bridge that will serve as a roadway for vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians. To guarantee safety for traffic, these decks must be sturdy enough to withstand constant pressure. There are two primary structure types for bridge decks: bridge decks cast on top of beams or stringers and superstructure systems in which the top of the superstructure forms the top of the driving surface.

U.S. Bridge builds custom bridge decks depending on the project, from concrete deck slabs to open grid steel decks to nail-laminated timber floors. The most commonly constructed deck is the concrete deck slab. These structural slabs are designed to be between seven and nine inches thick and are reinforced with steel bars.

Steel Bridge Decks

U.S. Bridge uses corrugated steel bridge planks for beam or truss bridges, and these can later be filled with asphalt or concrete for traffic. Another common type of steel deck is open grid steel bridge flooring.

These decks are very common and are easy to install. These are lightweight sections of steel that increase bridge support for large weights traveling across the bridge. The steel grids are filled or partially filled with concrete or asphalt, or they can be left unfilled.

Steel Bridge Decks are Easy to Install

Open grid steel bridge decks are manufactured in sections before being delivered and installed at the bridge site. The connections between the panels are bolted or welded, though bolted connections are preferred. Thus, metal bridge decking is ideal for tight construction schedules and quick installation processes. Even so, steel bridge decks allow for innovative solutions when building your bridge.

Steel is Environmentally Friendly

Steel is one of the most environmentally-friendly materials used in bridge construction. Not only is it used in bridge decks, but it’s frequently used in the superstructure of U.S. Bridges. Raw material for steel bridges often come from scrap or recycled steel. New steel bridge construction in the U.S. annually uses 350,000 tons of scrap metal. This recycled steel is equally as sturdy as newly manufactured steel. Not only is much of the material recycled, but no steel is ever wasted, as each piece is manufactured for a specific destination.

Longer spans are also achievable with steel to cross streams, lakes, and other wetlands. In turn, longer spans reduce the number of piers necessary and reduce environmental impact. Steel is highly-adaptable material and can be used in various climates. In addition to the environmental benefits, building with light-weight steel is much safer and faster.

Steel Bridge Decks are Cost-Effective

In general, bridges with steel components drastically reduce the life cycle cost of the bridge. For municipalities, faster construction reduces construction time, as well as traffic and community disruption. In the long term, steel components are shown to require less maintenance than concrete. Since steel is lighter weight, it takes lighter equipment to construct, which also saves money.

Historically, the most vulnerable part of a bridge is the deck. However, this is changing with new bridge engineering. Engineers now have a better understanding of fatigue behavior, and how to build steel bridges that can last long without major maintenance. Additionally, high-performance steels are developed specifically for bridges to increase toughness and durability.

Start Building Your Bridge Today

Want to bring your bridge project to life? At U.S. Bridge, we offer a wide range of prefabricated bridge styles to meet your needs. Whether your setting is urban or rural, modern or traditional, we can help you achieve your goals while creating a lasting impression.

Recently, we have introduced our Bridge Kits, which are a DIY bridge solution for the time-constrained bridge construction. We manufacture and ship the bridge parts, then the material is installed by your own crews. Ready to get started? Call today or contact the U.S. Bridge team online.

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