Tag Archive for: bridge design

Bridge Kits: A Solution for Accelerated Bridge Construction

U.S. Bridge Kits

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) is an evolution in project planning for bridge construction. Often, bridges need to be constructed quickly and under a tight budget. Meanwhile, they need to maintain safety, quality, durability, and costs. To solve these problems, U.S. Bridge created Bridge Kits, a DIY solution for accelerated bridge construction.

Bridge Kits work best for bridge builders who have the labor and equipment to install bridges, but not the engineering or manufacturing capabilities. Therefore, construction teams across the country use our Bridge Kits to accelerate bridge construction and decrease costs.

U.S. Bridge has decades of experience in manufacturing and engineering steel bridges. Just like all of our bridges, the Bridge Kits are custom designed to provide a sustainable bridge structure that fits your needs. Additionally, they are a paradigm shift in bridge construction to fast-track quality bridge projects everywhere.

Bridge Kits are a Cost-Effective Bridge Solution

Our bridge kits improve site constructability and project delivery time by fully preparing our materials to be installed. In turn, we’re able to save bridge owners money. All of our kits currently come with our Cortez Bridge design. This design has already proven useful in quick builds. However, construction is even easier now, with manufactured parts shipping directly to job sites.

“Three main benefits of using ABC methods include minimized impact to traffic, increased
safety during construction, and minimized impacts in environmentally sensitive areas,” according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Bridge Kits Engineering

Engineering and Design

We have decades of experience in engineering and designing bridges to particular specifications. As a result, our team knows how to build great bridges. We can ensure the durability of our high-quality materials to keep bridges in shape for decades to come.

Bridge Kits - Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Following design, we manufacture all of the parts for your bridge. We work with environmentally-friendly materials to produce aesthetically-pleasing, long-lasting bridges. Off-site work on parts of the bridge leads to faster bridge construction on-site. In turn, projects are completed faster, lane closures decrease, and work-zone safety increases.

Lastly, we provide galvanizing for corrosion protection for steel in all of our Bridge Kits. As a result of galvanizing, we create long-lasting structures that keep bridges maintenance-free for 50 years or more.

Shipping

U.S. Bridge has delivered bridges worldwide for decades. Our Bridge Kits are no different. Firstly, we deliver the manufactured parts right to your construction site. Then your team can construct it from the first day materials are on-site.

What the Bridge Kits include

Once the span and width of the bridge are set, we manufacture every part you need to build the bridge. In our accelerated bridge construction, we deliver all the parts you need for easy construction.

  • Bridge and Pedestrian Railings
  • Bearings
  • Expansion Joints
  • Anchor Bolts
  • Structural Fasteners
  • Floor or Deck System
  • Various additional customizations

U.S. Bridge manufactures steel per AISC certifications. Coupled with extensive experience, our manufacturers are fabricating high-quality bridges. Bridge Kits are consistent with our efforts to improve infrastructure and the nation’s transportation system with innovative bridge construction.

Our Cortez Bridge Design

Currently, all of our Bridge Kits come in our Cortez design. The Cortez design is perfect for short spans, but is very adaptable and versatile to fit the needs of your bridge. It’s a simple span beam bridge, which supports a concrete deck slab and stay-in-place forms. Above all, it’s easy to install without highly-specialized equipment. Similarly to all of our bridges, Cortez’s high-quality steel constructions are extremely durable and guarantee minimal to no maintenance.

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

The Importance of Bridge Building Scheduling

The Importance of Bridge Building Scheduling

Did you know that some places in the United States and around the globe impose certain restraints when it comes to bridge building? For example, Mission Bay area of San Diego does not allow bridge construction from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That is nearly three months of no construction! This poses many issues, as it restricts bridge developers to work within a specific time. Here’s why bridge building scheduling is of utmost importance.

Establishing a Bridge Construction Schedule

It can be very frustrating when a company is ready to carry on with construction to then be forced to halt for a period of time. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be costly. So, what can bridge developers do to avoid these moratoriums? Have an experienced project manager on the team to develop detailed schedules that consider local and national bridge construction issues and regulations.

Sequence of the Workflow

Bridge building scheduling needs to cover all aspects of the project including unexpected events. The schedule should focus on two main things: the “when” and “how” the construction will be carried out.

While the “when” is crucial in determining the timeframe of the project completion, the “how” is sometimes neglected. When there is not a complete plan for the “how,” issues arise. For instance, delivery problems, missing equipment, or incorrect staffing can slow construction. Unfortunately, this results in lower profits on the impacted jobs and harms the reputations of contractors who don’t plan for delays.

Benefits of Scheduling

It is needless to say that organization brings benefits. However, for big projects such as bridge building, scheduling has an ever bigger impact and benefits.

  • The team understands all the project details and how they need to come together
  • It prepares the team to prevent unexpected events
  • It encourages problem-solving before they happen
  • Solid scheduling identifies the most efficient and cost-effective work sequencing
  • It improves planning for labor, tools, supplies, and equipment
  • It encourages communication among all parties involved in the project
  • Developers can prepare for or prevent seasonal issues (e.g. closures, restrictions, weather)

The U.S. Bridge Building Process

U.S. Bridge follows a meticulous schedule to execute every bridge project. Additionally, we have a bridge building process that provides a smooth experience for clients. Choose to partner with us for your next steel bridge project and see it come through in a timely manner. Contact us today and we will walk you through the steps to get you started.

Steel Bridge Constructibility

Steel Bridge Constructibility

Steel bridge construction has evolved through the years. As technology improvements are more frequent, steel bridge design also changes. Some of these advances have to do with the materials, fabrication, and erection of the bridge. However, it is important to note that the initial design of the steel bridge will affect its constructibility. When there is an efficient bridge design in place, the construction process of the bridge becomes a lot smoother.

Bridge Design

Before bridge construction occurs, builders must consider challenges such as high-density urban areas, the preservation of historic bridges, or even budget restrictions. These factors will affect the design, schedule, and eventually the action plan. U.S. Bridge not only considers these factors, but also uses advanced modeling techniques to develop robust structural designs that will guarantee efficient construction.

The design process also includes the materials, flooring options, and other details as the galvanization of the structure. When it comes to bridge materials, steel is the best material for bridges. Just to mention a few advantages, steel has a lighter weight and is a more durable material than concrete. It is also a versatile building material and it’s recyclable. Thus, it allows for quicker and easier construction.

The bridge design will determine its assembly and will at times allow for adjustments. Finally, to guarantee longevity of the structure, reinforced concrete decking has the largest impact. It is the most cost-effective, but when reducing weight of the bridge is the primary concern, steel is the best option.

Bridge Style Options

The style of the bridge also plays an important role in the construction process. For instance, the Truss style bridge is a favorite because it is easier to construct. It can easily accommodate dynamic loads. In summation, using styles like the Truss steel bridge not only guarantees efficient constructibility, but is also considered a permanent structure.

The U.S. Bridge Way

U.S. Bridge is a family company that has decades of experience in the engineering and manufacturing of steel bridges. Our bridge design process follows a thorough process to guarantee a long-lasting structure. Contact us today about your project.

Green and Sustainable Is the New Bridge Design

Green And Sustainable Is The New Bridge Design

The use of green and sustainable resources is seen more and more today. Many people have adopted this lifestyle in all aspects, from food, to the cars we drive. And now, the construction industry is following suit. All across the globe there are people using more eco-friendly materials and greener solutions in infrastructure. And now, being green and sustainable may be the future of bridge design and building.Green And Sustainable Is The New Bridge Design

Green and Sustainable Design

Green design focuses on protecting the environment and the health of people and wildlife. And sustainable design analyzes the long-term impact on these things, along with the economic aspects. In Logan County, OH, there’s already a bridge that is 100% made of recycled materials. In an effort to keep plastic waste out of landfills, this county incorporated such materials to make the bridge. Engineers used 80% post-consumer plastic (such as bottles and other containers) and 20% recycled car bumpers and dashboards. A first of its kind in the United States. This bridge replaced the previous one that was there, thus enhancing the traffic flow while helping the environment. Using green and sustainable methods in bridge design and building also guarantees durability and safety.

Environmental Impact of Steel

Using green and sustainable methods in bridge building is not limited to just plastic and such. In fact, steel is the most recyclable material on Earth, and at U.S. Bridge we are proud to build bridges made out of steel. The ability to melt down steel to repurpose it, allows us to contribute to efforts of sustainability. Therefore, steel not only adds less waste than other traditional materials, it is also affordable and durable. Builders save more money using steel because it is lightweight, which allows for a quicker building process. And it is more durable because steel is a strong material able to stand inclement weather, thus lasting for decades.

Begin Your Project with U.S. Bridge

In an effort to build long-lasting bridges that add to the improvement of communities, U.S. Bridge is committed to providing the best bridge building results. Steel has been one of the most used construction materials in the United States for generations and it will continue to be so due to its numerous benefits. Contact us today to get your project started.