Tag Archive for: design

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.

Pre-Engineered Building Solutions Set Construction Industry for Growth

With new bridges and infrastructure on the way, we expect 2020 to be a big year for the construction industry. In addition, laborers are working hard to improve projects by enhancing the design and building process. As of late, the pre-engineered building solution has had a great effect on the construction industry. For example, it is meeting the increasing demand for modern infrastructure. This involves innovative, cost-effective, and timely construction. Above all, it’s important for construction laborers to understand the difference between building solutions. This also includes planning, design, and, of course, construction. As a result, they can determine the best solution for their project.

Pre-Engineered Building

During the pre-engineered building process, construction materials and its components are manufactured at a factory, then assembled on site. Not only does this save time, but it also ensures a more successful project outcome. In addition, this type of building solution is progressively setting the construction industry for growth in 2020.

“The construction industry is projected to grow, as a result of increasing demand for pre-engineered building solutions that reduce construction time and cost.”

Andrew Heycott, CEO of Mabati Rolling Mills

Advantages

Different from conventional construction, pre-engineered building solutions still provide uniqueness and custom-built features. Often times, they are also less expensive. Significantly, there are numerous advantages that come with these building solutions.

  • Construction Time
  • Versatility
  • Design
  • Energy Efficiency

Construction Time

Every advantage of a pre-engineered building solution will involve saving time on construction. Similarly, the goal for most projects is to complete them on time or sooner. These types of buildings also include a wide range of structural and aesthetic equipment. This combined with the use of customized design software quickens the process of project completion. Furthermore, choosing the materials and design ahead of time allows the manufacturing and erection of a construction project to be done at a quicker pace.

Versatility

Notably, pre-engineered buildings are highly versatile. As mentioned above, the wide range of structural materials provides more options when it comes to design. In other words, pre-engineered buildings can cater specifically to customers or architects, allowing them to choose which option will fit their needs. This versatility allows for customization and increases functionality. Every construction project should involve a plan or guide to follow. So, the more options available, the more precise a structure can be. For example, project managers and laborers are able to choose the most suitable design option or size specification for materials.

Design

Before building and erection, workers must consider the design aspect of the structure. The design process involves many steps such as preliminary research, worksite analysis, concept design, etc. A complete vision for design leads to a smoother building process. Significantly, modern-day technology such as computer analysis and design programs help to facilitate the overall design process. Once laborers understand the design of a structure, they can proceed to gather materials and physically assemble the structure.

Energy Efficiency

Protecting the environment is important in the construction industry. In other words, how can we increase infrastructure while providing as little harm to the environment as possible. Significantly, pre-fabricated building solutions are also eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Necessary parts of a structure such as roofing, insulation, coatings, and panels can be built using energy-efficient materials such as:

  • Recycled steel
  • Plant-based polyurethane
  • Fiberglass
  • Insulating concrete

U.S. Bridge Bridges

The science behind why and how we build quality bridges goes beyond the bridge type. At U.S. Bridge, we use speed and quality to create great experiences and construction outcomes. We engineer and manufacture steel bridges locally and globally because we believe in connecting communities everywhere. Get a quote today to start on your next project.

Pre-Planning Projects with a Strategy-Based Approach

Devising a plan is one of the necessary steps that lead to successful construction. In order to build the best quality bridge, construction workers must strategically plan the process ahead of time. Before deciding what is going to be built, consider how it is going to be built. The two go hand in hand when achieving projects. To shape the best results, construction workers must keep the planning process in mind. More importantly, the pre-planning process! While it can be a challenge, pre-planning construction is fundamental and crucial.

Strategy-Based Projects

To start with a plan, one must have an end goal. In other words, a strategy-based process is necessary to achieve your intended goal. U.S. Bridge takes both speed and quality seriously when it comes to building quality bridges. Start on the ends and make your way to the middle. This means determining your end goal, pre-planning your project, then working to connect the two. During construction, it will help to track your performance to make sure you are meeting your mark. Using 3 steps, you can execute your next construction project:

  • Pre-plan
  • Track/measure your performance
  • Meet your Goal

Realistic Measurement

In addition, measurement is a critical component of construction. There are numerous qualities of measurement that must be considered during the design and building processes. Some qualities include:

  • Dimension
  • Quantity
  • Level
  • Pressure
  • Time

At U.S. Bridge, precision is essential during measurement. In fact every detail of our bridges are met with a level of attention and efficiency to ensure it is delivered on time and to your specifications. These are all measurements that ensure longevity, durability, and sustainability.

Pre-Planning Project Completion

In the construction realm, possibilities such as natural disasters, emergencies, and accidents may occur. These are factors every laborer must be prepared to confront. Ideally, every team’s goal is to complete projects as quickly as possible. However, one cannot escape the inevitable. So, be sure to devise a realistic rate of completion when pre-planning your project.

Quality Assurance

U.S. Bridge understands the value of our customers. Our 80 years of construction experience teaches us the best ways to build quality bridges. Pre-planning our projects facilitates the process and leads to success. For questions or concerns, contact us today and get a quote to start on your next project!

Recovering Materials from Construction and Demolition Projects

Recovering Materials From Construction And Demolition

The mission to enforce more eco-friendly solutions is paving the way in today’s workforce. In fact, construction companies are discovering new ways to implement this cause and illustrate safety and recovery in the industry. It requires construction laborers to be smart throughout all processes, starting with design and leading to demolition. When buildings are demolished, what most people see are bundles of rubble and debris gone to waste. However, smart contractors and business owners are beginning to see that recovering materials from construction and demolition projects has more benefits than it does drawbacks. Fortunately, construction companies are now able to recover useful materials that can be used for future projects.

Benefits of Recovering Materials

Contractors and business owners have been discovering reliable resources found in piles of demolition debris. These materials can be collected for future construction and renovation projects. Additionally, they have provided:

  • Environmental Benefits: Recovering materials from construction and demolition conserves landfill space and reduces greenhouse emissions. In fact, according to the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association, over 4,000 acres could be saved annually through the recovery of mixed construction and demolition materials and reclaimed asphalt pavement. Using recycled materials uses less energy and prevents the burning of fossil fuels. In conclusion, construction industries can now save 85 million barrels of oil and save the environment without processing raw materials.
  • Economic Benefits: Furthermore, recovering materials saves money by reducing disposal and transportation costs. In addition, it saves from costs of purchasing new materials and equipment. By estimate, the construction industry can support thousands of jobs at U.S. recycling facilities. Recovering materials can result in billions of dollars in economic contribution.

Construction Outcomes

When the time comes to re-design buildings or get rid of them as a whole, construction companies determine solutions to resolve projects.

  • Deconstruction: Dismantling large portions of a structure
  • Demolition: The complete knock-down of a structure
  • Renovation: Partially dismantling interior or exterior materials in order to repair and restore an existing structure.

The benefits of these construction outcomes are that companies can still enforce the idea of recovering materials. With a thorough search, you’ll be surprised to find a large amount of reusable resources. Also, workers can not only recover from these solutions but can also implement green design by building with 100% recycled materials. However, not all materials are recyclable. Nonetheless, they are still able to be reused for future construction strategies.

Recovering Materials on the Work Site

In regards to construction labor, recognizing the way workers handle deconstruction processes is important. Also, they must be aware of which materials are recyclable. How can construction laborers facilitate the process to be more efficient? When building new structures, a waste material recovery plan is highly beneficial. So, at the end of a structure’s life cycle, companies can be aware of how to handle the deconstruction process and how they can recover reusable materials. Some of these materials include:

  • Wood
  • Asphalt
  • Metals
  • Concrete
  • Brick
  • Gypsum Wallboard
  • Roofing
  • Steel

Steel is not only reusable but it is also recyclable. U.S. Bridge engineers and manufactures steel bridges from the bottom up. With speed, quality, and experience, we boost transportation for communities all across the globe. As our main building resource, steel proves to be durable, versatile, and sustainable. Lightweight and easy to repair, steel is the best material for bridges.

Green Design for Construction

More and more, companies are emphasizing resource efficiency within the industry. In fact, there is more incentive to reduce, reuse, and recycle construction waste than ever before. In fact, all across the globe there are people using eco-friendly materials and greener solutions in infrastructure. All in all, green design focuses on:

  • Protecting the environment
  • Enabling the health of people and wildlife
  • Strengthening the durability and safety of structures

U.S. Bridge builds long lasting structures and supports impacting the environment during the process. In a previous U.S. Bridge article, we share the importance of green design and sustainable bridge building.

U.S. Bridge is on a Journey

At U.S. Bridge, we believe in connecting communities. Our bridges are designed with the highest quality steel and are built to fit your needs. Ultimately, the construction industry can collect a future’s worth of recovered materials if we start now. U.S. Bridge’s team of dedicated experts will ensure that our bridges are made with speed and quality care. Get a quote today!

How it Works: Engineering Bridges To Handle Stress

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USB-Blog-How-it-Works-Engineering-Bridges-To-Handle-Stress

Bridges are often seen as immovable structures, but in truth, they are quite dynamic. Bridges must be engineered to move with environmental stressors in order to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Additionally, different load types, weather conditions, and traffic can all cause bridges to adjust at various times. In a way, a bridge is an engineering marvel. So, how does it work? Below are some of the key components of bridge engineering and how they handle stress.

Oh, Gravity!

Gravity has the most profound impact on a bridge. Gravity is a constant – no matter what the other conditions, gravity is always acting on a structure, trying to pull it down. Bridges are at an even more unfair advantage against gravity since they span open spaces. For instance, a building, like a skyscraper, is also affected by gravity, but the ground the building is built on pushes back, creating an equilibrium of sorts. Bridges have no ground beneath them to act as a counterbalance to gravity. However, bridge failures are rare, thank goodness! So, how do designers go about engineering bridges to compensate for this gravitational pull?

Compression and tension are carefully balanced by channeling the bridge’s load onto the abutments (the supports on either end of the bridge) and the piers (the supports underneath the bridge).

Other Factors When Engineering Bridges

While gravity may be the most consistent force acting on a bridge, there are a handful of other elements that have a significant impact.

Loads – Bridge loads change often from vehicle to vehicle. Even a bridge specifically designed for one type of job, i.e. a train bridge, will find its load varying often. Different trains and their cargo weigh different amounts. Hence, it is imperative to engineer bridges that can adapt to these loads by flexing and bending and then returning to their normal state once the load passes.

Weather – Weather can wreck havoc on most structures, and bridges are no exception. Earthquakes and hurricanes can greatly impact structural integrity, while tides and wind can cause twisting and swaying. However, water is the most worrisome factor, because its different states generate different results. As snow or rain, water can make a bridge surface slippery; but, as ice, water can get into the crevices of a bridge and expand, causing more issues once the ice melts.

All these elements must be taken into consideration when designing and constructing a bridge. Only true experts understand what it takes to build a robust, durable, and functional bridge.

Find Out More Today

To find out more about how we go about engineering bridges to meet various workloads and demands, please contact U.S. Bridge today. Our team of engineering experts have been building bridges for decades. U.S. Bridge can bring that level of expertise to your next project too.

Optimal Design Of Through-Truss Steel Bridges

Steel Truss Bridge

Truss bridges are one of the oldest bridge types in America. In fact, even novice bridge enthusiasts can easily spot one, since they are identified by their singular design feature: the truss, which forms triangular units. Truss bridges are used for a variety of reasons, mainly because they can easily accommodate dynamic loads. A through-truss bridge is one in which the roadway dissects the truss, meaning the truss is seen both above and below the deck. Here are a few interesting facts about the optimal design of through-truss steel bridges.

Factors that Impact Truss Steel Bridge Design

When studying through-truss steel bridges, engineers are primarily concerned with three things: optimum weight, optimum height and building material. A combination of these factors greatly impacts not only the cost of the bridge, but also its longevity and usefulness. Additional factors such as weather and use are also taken into consideration.

Determining the Optimal Through-Truss Design

In 2014, students at the civil engineering school at the University of Manchester in the UK studied through-truss bridge design with the goal of understanding the best combination of the above. They were most concerned with bridge stability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness. They determined that the element with the most impact on bridge design was the decking material. While minor adjustments can be made in the width and height, the weight of the decking material has the largest impact on the longevity of the bridge. They also realized that reinforced concrete decking is the most cost-effective; however, when reducing weight is the primarily concern, steel is the best option.

Through-Truss Bridges and U.S. Bridge

U.S. Bridge has been a leader in bridge building since 1936. Our expert staff of engineers, builders, and designers are well-versed in all bridge types, including through-truss steel bridges. Still family-owned and operated, U.S. Bridge is committed to providing customers with the latest in bridge design and construction. Our past clients include state and local governments, as well as businesses.

If you would like to find out more about U.S. Bridge, our work and our team of experts, please contact us today. We are happy to discuss your steel bridge needs and look forward to working with you.

U.S. Bridge Featured in Cannelville Road Bridge Case Study

U.S. Bridge Featured in Cannelville Road Bridge Case Study

Once in awhile we are requested to perform along side of the best in our industry. The Cannelville Road Bridge was one of those stories. In Muskingum County we built a bridge that uses an innovative press-brake-formed steel tub girder (PBTG) system. We are proud of our technical prowess and innovation. We always build schedules […]

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