Tag Archive for: custom design bridges

World Architecture Day 2021

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Not many people would think of architecture as a vital part of society but it is! It changes the world we live in so many ways. And that’s why it has its own day of celebration. Architecture Day is about recognizing its importance and the work of architects around the world.

What is Architecture Day

Created in 1985 by the International Union of Architects (UIA), World Architecture Day is an international day of architectural recognition and appreciation.

Architects, engineers, developers, and others in the industry come together in various events around the world to showcase their work, collaborate with others, and discuss current issues. Each year is a new theme to highlight areas of concern within the industry or other important topics. This year’s theme, “clean environment for a healthy world”, is inspired by the events of Covid-19.

The Power of Architecture

There are many architectural designs you’ve probably heard of like the Parthenon or Stonehenge. And although buildings and other structures give us a form of protection, how else does it impact our society?

Initially, the climate, location, and resources available dictated the shape and style of a building. However, as time progressed and technology advanced architecture began to evolve as also a representation of culture. It reflects a country’s society, values, and history. A great example of this is Russia’s famous Chapel of Saint Basil. For example, the color and design of the chapel actually hold religious meaning and represent the Heavenly City. Additionally, the nine dome-shaped structures symbolize the assault on the city of Kazan which occurred years before its construction.

Not only can it reflect a country’s past but it is also essential to planning the future. Architecture has the ability to sustain population growth and tackle a number of social problems. In fact, many psychologists are studying how architecture can affect people‘s brains. Research actually shows that the layout and color of a building contribute towards occupant health, mood, and productivity. However, blank concrete buildings can increase stress levels and negativity. To combat this, many new architectural designs include nature or greenery to positively stimulate the brain as well as the environment.

Architecture is more than just a building. It plays an essential role in a country’s society and greatly affects the people around it. Maybe next time you look at architecture you’ll perceive it as more than just a structure but as a work of art. 

Build with U.S. Bridge

At U.S. Bridge we understand the important role bridges play in a country’s economics and success. That’s why you want to work with a well-trusted company with advanced engineering and manufacturing skills. We’re here to help you from the beginning of your project until the end. Get a quote from us for your next bridge project or learn more about our designs.

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.

The Future of 3D Printed Bridges and Construction

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In a decade, 3D printing has already innovated several industries, from medical implants to engineering, to aviation. The technology is achieving the unthinkable in construction, from 3D printing a house in under 24 hours to creating a prosthetic hand. After developments in other industries, 3D printed bridges are next.

The 3D printing buzz continues to gain steam as more industries learn the benefits of the technology. The industry is projected to grow to $35.6 billion by 2024. Much of the 3D printing industry’s boom is in construction. Although the industry is growing, it’s a slow process to begin large-scale constructions.

While 3D printing isn’t used in every day bridge-building, it has future potential. Opportunities for 3D printed bridges will continue to grow as the industry expands.

The First 3D Printed Bridges

Throughout the world, big steps in 3D bridge printing have changed the industry within the last five years. These designs are using fewer materials to reduce environmental impact. Surely these earliest 3D printed bridges will continue to inspire future development as the 3D printing industry grows.

The Netherlands’ 3D Printed Bridges

The first-ever 3D-printed bridge was installed in the Netherlands in 2018. Eindhoven University of Technology designed the 26-foot bridge, which integrated concrete with steel wires and took three months to construct.

“The steel cable is the equivalent of the reinforcement mesh used in conventional concrete,” the University’s statement said. “It handles the tensile stress because concrete cannot deal with tensile stress adequately.”

In a country known for using cycling as a mode of transportation, the bridge serves cyclists primarily.

In Amsterdam, MX3D led by The Alan Turing Institute developed the world’s first 3D-printed steel bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists will use the bridge to cross the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal in central Amsterdam.

The bridge is the largest 3D printed metal structure in the world, tested and completed in October of 2018. The bridge also collects data on the structure’s strain, displacement, and vibration as it’s in use. These factors, combined with temperature and environment, can indicate the bridge’s health and monitor when it may need further inspection.

As a first in engineering, the completion of the multi-disciplinary bridge took years. But the approach has a future in the construction and management of bridges. Notably, the goal for MX3D is to expand the applications of multi-axis 3D printing. Thus, 3D printing has a chance to re-engineer bridge building in the future.

China’s 3D Printed Bridges

In 2019, a group of architects installed the world’s longest 3D printed bridge. The team from the Tsinghua University School of Architecture in Beijing built the 86-foot-long bridge and installed it in Shanghai.

The team produced the bridge in 450 hours using two robotic arms. Even with robots, the University said it was a third of the cost of a standard bridge of equal size. It uses similar systems to the Amsterdam bridge to track stress and strain, so its condition can be monitored.

Although it is the longest, the bridge is not entirely 3D printed, as the structure underneath the concrete is metal. Another 15-meter 3D printed bridge was installed in January of 2019 in Shanghai as well with a similar purpose.

The U.S. Marines’ 3D Printed Bridges

The U.S. Marines are 3D printing functional concrete footbridges to reduce work time. The 3D printing started in January of 2019 with efforts from the 1st Marine Logistics Group in California. They combined gravel and other heavy materials to reduce work from what would be six people to eventually just one.

Subsequently, the Marine Corps plans to expand these 3D printing strategies with its investments in 3D printers. In contrast to the previous bridges, these types of concrete structures don’t need to last as long, and can quickly create a temporary shelter.

Benefits of 3D printed Construction

With tight schedules and budgets, construction companies are always looking for new ways to reach their objective. Though large-scale projects cannot be fully dependent on 3D printing, the technology offers several potential improvements to the construction sector to increase efficiency.

There are several benefits, but certainly, the industry will face challenges in its growth as well. While 3D printed bridges are still relatively new, the benefits of construction have been clear. Here are just a few.

Reduce Waste

Waste from construction is running rampant, with more than 1 billion tons of waste each year. In fact, it’s estimated to double by 2025. And it’s only going to get worse. 3D printing is a layer by layer process. Thus, the material that is used is what is necessary to create a structure. This can create a near-zero waste in building new bridges.

Custom Design

Teams of engineers and architects can create designs that may not otherwise be possible in construction. 3D printing makes designs truly indistinguishable and unique. In addition, 3D printing allows for more innovation in the design of commercial construction.

Quicker Construction

The quickness of these machines in building homes should be an indication of what they can do with bridges. For instance, machines have built simple shelters in a matter of hours. In the case of bridges, technology could take more time, but it will be faster and more accurate without human error.

Risk Reduction

With construction done by printing machines, health and safety risks can be reduced. To put it another way, an adaption of 3D printing could absolutely lead to lives being saved.

Build your Bridge with U.S. Bridge

Although 3D bridge printing may not be here yet, U.S. Bridge has several solutions for you.

U.S. Bridge focuses on strengthening infrastructure and bridge repair to connect communities. Our bridges are long-lasting and safe, making transportation possible for people everywhere. Our bridge engineers meet the safety needs and design requirements to ensure durable quality prefabricated bridges. Get a quote online or visit our website for more information from our bridge experts.