Tag Archive for: prefab bridge

Accelerated Bridge Construction Myths

Accelerated Bridge Construction Myths

Accelerated bridge construction is growing, but there are still many misconceptions surrounding this construction process. Often these ideas stem out of traditional approaches to bridge construction and don’t take into account changes in technology or updated design and construction practices. We want to help builders dismiss these accelerated bridge construction myths and take advantage of the options for efficient construction available to them.

Here are four of the most common accelerated bridge construction myths that are easy to dispel.

Four Popular Accelerated Bridge Construction Myths:

  1. Accelerated bridge constructions are only for temporary use.
  2. Accelerated bridge constructions are one-size-fits-all.
  3. Timber decks are not a good material for accelerated bridge constructions.
  4. Steel is not competitive for bridges less than 140ft in length.

Myth: Accelerated Bridge Constructions are only for temporary use

Truth: While prefabricated bridges were originally intended for temporary use, they are quickly rising in popularity for permanent construction. Prefabricated bridges are most notably known for their efficient assembly, and they are evolving to fulfill permanent bridge requirements.

The steel bridge members are built in a controlled environment such as U.S. Bridge’s facilities. This not only allows a smoother construction experience process but also ensures ideal conditions for quality permanent bridge construction.

Myth: Accelerated Bridge Constructions are one-size-fits-all

Truth: Prefabricated bridges are custom-built and designed specifically for each project. Thus, they are just as flexible as on-site construction bridges. Our team uses their expertise to design our prefabricated bridges for every setting, from vehicular to pedestrian to utility and private bridges.

As such, there are various options for building prefabricated bridges; builders can use materials such as steel, concrete, asphalt, and even timber. They can also choose the exterior appearance of the bridge. The options are only limited by the project itself such as location and purpose.

Myth: Timber decks are not a good material for prefabricated bridges

Truth: There is a misconception that timber decks do not hold up well for prefabricated bridges. However, the improvements in timber bridge deck design allow this material to be competitive and effective.

These decks are built with glued-laminated wood and directly fastened onto steel stringers. Thus, the use of glulam structural members significantly increases timber bridges span length and carry capacity.

Myth: Steel is not a competitive material for bridges less than 140-feet in length

Truth: Perhaps the most competitive aspect of the use of steel in short span bridges is that it can save builders money and time. Due to its lightweight composition, less heavyweight equipment is required for installation. In addition, with a member of U.S. Bridge’s team to assist in on-site construction, the process can move efficiently.

In general, prefabricated steel bridges compare well against other options when considering factors such as field labor and installation speed and cost. Faster construction time means avoiding delay related losses.

Additionally, when prefabricated bridge constructors receive discounts for purchasing in bulk. Thus, materials are less expensive and can assist with alleviating environmental mitigation costs.

Choose U.S. Bridge for Accelerated Bridge Construction

Ultimately, these myths are ancient history. Prefabricated bridges are very adaptable to fit almost all bridge projects. Accelerated bridge constructions are modular and built in a controlled location such as a factory and installed on-site. Not only do we manufacture the materials needed for your project, but we also send a member of our team to ensure the efficiency of construction.

U.S. Bridge has been engineering and manufacturing bridges for decades. Our experience makes us confident that we can meet the needs of your project and deliver a long-lasting bridge

We recognize and understand that your bridge is a major investment. So, we’re here to help you from the beginning of your project through the end. Contact us for a free quote, or use our exclusive bridge design tool Bridge Scope.

Prefabricated Bridges: When and Why to Use Them

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Prefabricated Bridge

Many decisions are made when it comes to new bridge construction, one of those is the choice of a prefabricated bridge or built on-site construction. How do you know which one works best for your project? Here’s a guide to help you understand prefabricated bridges and when to use them.

What are Prefabricated Bridges?

Prefabricated bridges are built in a separate location, then transported to the construction site for installation. They are a popular form of accelerated bridge construction with their own benefits and considerations.

With U.S. Bridge, our Bridge Kits are a solution for the time-constrained and budget-focused bridge construction projects. We engineer, design, manufacture, and galvanize every piece of the bridge. After each part is ready, we send it to the construction site along with a dedicated member of the U.S. Bridge team to oversee the construction.

Why Use a Prefabricated Bridge?

The first benefit of prefabricated bridges is their quick assembly rate. Unlike building on-site, prefabricated bridges are essentially already made just in separate pieces that are later connected on site. Another advantage is that they are less susceptible to weather delays due to their short assembly time, which decreases the disruption to traffic.

Moreover, prefabricated construction is more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable in comparison to building on site. As construction takes place within a factory, extra materials are recycled in-house for the next project.

Despite popular belief, modular construction is more affordable and allows flexibility to construction teams. The financial savings not only stem from a shorter construction time but it is also due to the discounts prefabricated construction receives from bulk orders.

In addition, as each component of the bridge is built in a controlled environment, our team ensures the quality of the materials. Furthermore, in-door construction provides a safer setting by decreasing workers’ exposure to open traffic.

When to Use Prefabricated Bridges

The flexibility of prefabricated bridges allows them to be used in various situations. Accelerated construction requires fewer trucks of equipment and materials which is beneficial for remote locations or uneven topography. For instance, prefabricated bridges are often used in emergency situations due to the ease of assembling and disassembling them.

Additionally, prefabricated bridges will benefit your project if your team doesn’t have much experience in bridge construction, as U.S. Bridge sends a member of our team to oversee the construction.

Shorter Construction Time

Due to its accelerated assembly rate, prefabricated bridges are ideal for projects that require temporary construction or projects that are concerned with traffic delays. This is especially the case with U.S. Bridge, as our team can ensure the bridge is built correctly from the start.

If on-site construction time needs to be shorter, then a prefabricated bridge is the best choice. Because of assistance from U.S. Bridge, the bridge construction can be much more efficient and smooth.

Materials for Prefabricated Bridges

Steel and concrete are perhaps the most popular form of prefabricated bridges. The material and the environment of the bridge dictates the design of the bridge. Other components of your bridge project will determine if prefabricated bridges are right for you.

U.S. Bridge: Experts in Prefabricated Bridge Construction

With over 80 years in the bridge construction industry, we’ve engineered and built over 10,000 bridges worldwide. Prefabricated bridge constructions make up a good portion of those constructions. Here at U.S. Bridge, we are dedicated to our customers and the construction of their bridges.

All of our prefabricated Bridge Kits are custom-designed, come with our hands-on expertise in bridge construction, and are built to fit your bridge project needs and budget. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can make your bridge project a long-lasting success.