Tag Archive for: construction project

The Unique Features of the Moxahala Creek Bridge

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U.S. Bridge takes on plenty of unique projects. However, one of our most distinct builds was the bridge along County Road 41 over Moxahala Creek in 2018. Muskingum County Engineering carried out site plans while U.S. Bridge designed, contracted, installed, and fabricated the bridge. This beautiful crossing in Newton Township spans 118 feet, 6 inches and the features of the bridge are what make it stand out amongst the rest.

3D-Modeling the Bridge over Moxahala Creek

Every bridge we build is first modeled in full 3D by our designers to guarantee a perfect shop-and-field-fitting of the steel members. Our bridge builders use Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM) to assign each component a unique name. This then automatically transfers the name and marking to the steel components by using stencil techniques.

In addition to this, BrIM also enables precise fabrication and just-in-time material supplies. This results in optimized solutions for all parties involved in the project and data that may be used for future preventative maintenance.

Exploring the Bridge Elements

When taking a look at the bridge in detail, several features stand out. Most notable is the 45° RF skew angle between the bridge’s longitudinal axis and the centerlines of the bearing, which lie along the abutments. The bridge’s high skew angle is pronounced and allows the Moxahala Creek to flow unobstructed.

Limiting Bridge Movement

Thermal movement can create enormous amounts of internal stress on the components of a bridge. However, using a polymer-modified asphalt expansion joint system (PMAEJS) limits the bridge’s thermal movement. Since there are very few locations where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate, thermal mobility is a factor that must be considered in every part of engineering. The PMAEJS was installed in accordance with ODOT Supplemental Specification 846.

Using Corrugated Steel Floor Planks

One final unique feature of this bridge is the use of corrugated steel floor planks with the addition of shear studs. These studs engage and fasten the concrete fill layer to the driving surface. As a result, the corrugated floor is bolted to the supporting stringer beams through the use of bolted steel clips in a staggered pattern every 9 inches and 18 inches on the side. 

Bolted clips are preferred over other steel floor attachment methods, such as welding, because they don’t damage the protective galvanized layer.

Bridges like the one spanning over Moxahala Creek add plenty of complexity to any project. However, as an industry-leading fabricator, it is our mission to provide excellent quality and engineering while keeping your project running smoothly.

Engineering Perfected with U.S. Bridge

With over 80 years of experience building bridges, we know what it takes to get the job done, no matter the challenge. Because of this, it’s our priority to understand each project and perform above and beyond expectations in order to provide each project with the attention and care it deserves.

Contact us today to start your next project, or check out our premier BridgeScope tool to get a head start on the process.

 

Liberty Bridge in Guatemala Reconnects Rural Community

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In November of 2020, a pair of tropical storms, Iota and Eta, swept through Central America. These two storms were the most powerful storms to hit Central America in decades. So when a bridge collapsed in the rural city of Gualán, Zacapa, Guatemala, they knew they needed to find a sturdy replacement bridge and fast. That’s why they relied on a trusted brand to provide a high-quality Liberty Bridge.

Security After the Storms

Tropical storms Iota and Eta created flooding, mudflows, and dozens of catastrophic landslides across Central America. Many cities and infrastructures were destroyed, including the collapse of a bridge in the rural city of Gualán, Zacapa. The community needed a new bridge quickly to help with recovery and keep the communities connected. And we’re proud to say that they chose us to supply them with our durable and fast-installing Liberty Bridge.

Engineers from the Guatemalan Military installed the prefabricated bridge into place. The Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing worked alongside the Municipality of Gualán to supply the necessary input to complete the project’s installation. The project’s success improved the lives of over 1,900 families within the community.

Not Just for Emergencies

Our Liberty Bridge is a truss-style design that is adaptable to many different elevations. Its rigorous durability and quick installation make it ideal for emergencies. However, just like our other bridges, its high-quality materials make the bridge long-lasting.

Our lightweight design gives you a wide range of flexibility but one of its major advantages is its prefabricated panels. These panels are easy to transport and easy, perfect for quick construction. Not to mention, the sleek design of the bridge offers an esthetically pleasing structure.

Four years ago, Hurricane Maria battered most of Puerto Rico. This led U.S. Bridge to supply five separate Liberty Bridges throughout the island as quickly as possible. The completion of Puerto Rico’s five Liberty Bridges took a mere six weeks. Because of this quick turnaround, residents and communities on the island were able to reconnect in record time.

Seeing those results, it’s no surprise that they relied on us and our materials in Guatemala.

High-Quality Steel Shipped Internationally

U.S. Bridge produces high-quality versatile bridge designs to meet the needs of any situation. Our bridges are proudly produced in Ohio and can be shipped out internationally to help any community in need. U.S. Bridge is grateful for the opportunity to bring communities closer.

As an AISC-recognized supplier, we guarantee the best quality of steel in every project. Contact us for a free quote or use our exclusive Bridgescope tool!