Tag Archive for: prefabricated bridges

Technology in Bridge Building: BIM, Automation & Digital Fabrication

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Technology in Bridge Building: How BIM, Automation, and Digital Fabrication Are Transforming Bridge Construction

Bridge building has always depended on engineering expertise, skilled craftsmanship, and precision. Today, those fundamentals are being strengthened by another powerful resource: technology.

From Building Information Modeling (BIM) and advanced CAD software to CNC machinery, robotic welding, and automated fabrication systems, modern technology is changing how steel bridges move from concept to completed structure. These tools allow engineers and fabricators to coordinate information more effectively, improve accuracy, reduce repetitive processes, and move projects from design into manufacturing more efficiently.

For bridge owners, contractors, and transportation agencies facing demanding schedules and increasingly complex infrastructure needs, those improvements can translate into something especially valuable: greater predictability.

At U.S. Bridge, digital engineering and computer-controlled fabrication are already integrated into the bridge manufacturing process. And with continued investments in expanded manufacturing space, advanced welding capabilities, and modern production equipment, technology is playing an increasingly important role in how the company prepares for the infrastructure demands ahead.

What Technology Is Used in Modern Bridge Construction?

Modern bridge construction can involve a range of digital and automated technologies, including:

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Bridge Information Modeling (BrIM)
  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • 3D modeling
  • CNC cutting, drilling, and processing equipment
  • Automated beam and plate processing
  • Robotic and automated welding
  • Digital fabrication data
  • Computational and parametric design tools
  • Digital quality-control and project information systems

Individually, each technology can improve a specific stage of a project. The greater benefit comes when those tools are connected.

Instead of engineering, detailing, fabrication, and construction operating as isolated steps, digital information can move through the project lifecycle with fewer manual handoffs.

The Federal Highway Administration describes BIM as a 3D model-based approach that can help transportation professionals plan, design, build, and ultimately manage highway and bridge assets more efficiently. As digital project delivery continues to advance, FHWA has also highlighted benefits such as reducing rework, improving accuracy, accelerating processes, and creating better continuity of information throughout an asset’s lifecycle.

BIM and BrIM: Building the Bridge Before Steel Is Cut

One of the most important developments in modern bridge engineering is Building Information Modeling, commonly known as BIM.

In bridge applications, the process is often referred to as Bridge Information Modeling, or BrIM.

Unlike a traditional two-dimensional drawing, a BrIM model creates a detailed three-dimensional representation of the bridge and its individual components. Geometry, structural members, connections, bolts, plates, and other details can be represented within one coordinated digital environment.

This allows project teams to essentially build the bridge digitally before physical fabrication begins.

How Does BIM Improve Bridge Construction?

BIM and BrIM can help bridge teams:

  • Visualize complex geometry before fabrication
  • Coordinate structural members and connections
  • Identify potential conflicts earlier
  • Improve quantity calculations
  • Create more consistent fabrication information
  • Coordinate design revisions more efficiently
  • Provide usable digital information downstream to manufacturing

Finding a problem within a digital model is generally much easier than discovering it once a fabricated component reaches the jobsite.

That ability to move problem-solving upstream is particularly valuable for prefabricated bridge construction, where components need to arrive ready for efficient assembly.

At U.S. Bridge, bridge components are modeled in full 3D as part of the engineering and fabrication process. The company’s BrIM workflow maintains information about individual bridge pieces and assemblies while helping calculate quantities needed for ordering, assembly, and shipping.

Even more importantly, that digital information does not necessarily stop at the engineering department.

It can help drive the equipment that manufactures the bridge.

From Digital Model to Digital Fabrication

One of the most significant advantages of modern bridge manufacturing is the ability to connect engineering data directly with computer-controlled production equipment.

Using Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, digital files can provide instructions for machinery that processes steel bridge members and plates.

At U.S. Bridge, information developed during engineering can be transferred to CNC-controlled fabrication equipment used to drill, cut, burn, and process steel components. The company’s fabrication capabilities include CNC plate processing, automated beam-line equipment, saws, and robotic welders.

This creates a more connected path:

Digital design → detailed model → machine data → steel fabrication → bridge assembly

The result is less dependence on manually recreating information at each stage.

That matters because every additional translation of project information creates another opportunity for variation or error. Connecting digital engineering data with fabrication equipment helps maintain continuity between what engineers approve and what the shop produces.

CAD Optimization Makes Design More Efficient

Computer-aided design has been part of engineering for decades, but today’s CAD and computational tools offer capabilities well beyond replacing the drafting table.

Engineers can use digital design systems to evaluate geometry, adjust parameters, coordinate components, and refine solutions before fabrication begins.

Modern computational design can also make repetitive design processes more efficient. With parametric approaches, for example, certain design characteristics can be adjusted while related elements update according to predefined parameters.

For bridge projects, that can be particularly useful when working with repeatable structural systems that still require project-specific customization.

Technology does not replace engineering judgment. Instead, it gives engineers better tools for applying that judgment efficiently.

Experienced engineers still need to evaluate structural behavior, code requirements, constructability, fabrication realities, shipping limitations, site conditions, and numerous other variables. Digital tools simply allow that expertise to be applied with more information and less repetitive manual work.

Automated and Robotic Welding Bring Repeatability to Fabrication

Welding is fundamental to steel bridge fabrication, and it remains a skilled trade requiring trained professionals, careful procedures, and rigorous quality standards.

Automation adds another capability to that environment.

For suitable applications, robotic and automated welding systems can perform repetitive welds using controlled, repeatable movements and programmed parameters.

Potential advantages include:

  • Greater consistency on repetitive operations
  • Increased production efficiency
  • Reduced variability
  • More efficient use of skilled labor
  • Improved workflow through the fabrication shop
  • Reduced worker exposure to certain repetitive or demanding tasks

The steel industry continues to explore the role of robotic and collaborative welding technologies in bridge fabrication. Recent industry research has examined how improved robotic control of welding processes can contribute to greater uniformity in weld characteristics.

Automation, however, does not eliminate the importance of skilled welders.

Instead, it can allow skilled employees to focus their expertise where human judgment, specialized work, setup, inspection, problem-solving, and complex fabrication are most valuable.

The strongest modern manufacturing environment combines technology with craftsmanship, rather than treating the two as alternatives.

How Automation Can Improve Bridge Quality

Quality in bridge fabrication depends on far more than one piece of equipment. It comes from the combination of engineering, material control, qualified personnel, established procedures, inspection, documentation, and manufacturing discipline.

Technology can strengthen that system.

When bridge components are created from coordinated digital models and manufactured using computer-controlled equipment, repeatable processes become easier to maintain. Accurate cutting and drilling can support better fit-up. Consistent fabrication data can reduce discrepancies between drawings and production. Automated processes can also reduce variation during repetitive operations.

Those advantages become especially important with prefabricated bridge systems.

Components fabricated in a controlled environment need to come together efficiently when they reach the field. Greater manufacturing precision upstream can mean fewer adjustments downstream.

For owners and contractors, that means technology is not simply about making a fabrication shop faster.

It is about making the entire bridge project more predictable.

Technology Can Help Accelerate Project Turnaround

Infrastructure projects are increasingly expected to minimize traffic disruption while meeting tight construction schedules.

That makes turnaround time an important consideration.

Technology can contribute at several stages.

Digital modeling can identify design and coordination issues before fabrication. CAD and computational tools can reduce repetitive engineering tasks. CNC processing can automate cutting and drilling operations. Robotic systems can improve efficiency on suitable welding operations. Prefabrication allows much of the manufacturing work to take place away from the project site.

Each improvement may save time individually. Connected together, they can create a more efficient project workflow.

This is one reason digital delivery has become a growing priority within transportation infrastructure. FHWA’s Integrated Digital Project Delivery initiative emphasizes moving beyond disconnected paper- and PDF-based workflows toward connected digital information that can reduce manual data entry, limit errors, and help projects progress more efficiently.

Investing in the Future of Bridge Manufacturing

Technology is most valuable when companies have the facilities, equipment, workforce, and processes needed to put it to work.

That is why manufacturing investment matters.

U.S. Bridge has expanded its Cambridge, Ohio, operations with a major investment that includes a 70,000-square-foot facility dedicated to advanced welding and prefabricated production, additional manufacturing capacity, modern machinery, and streamlined production areas.

The expansion supports greater fabrication capacity while giving U.S. Bridge additional resources for larger and more complex infrastructure projects.

It is part of a broader evolution in bridge manufacturing: combining decades of steel fabrication experience with modern production technology.

For U.S. Bridge, that means building upon capabilities already incorporated into its process—including 3D BrIM modeling, CNC-controlled equipment, automated processing, and robotic welding—while creating the capacity to handle the infrastructure needs of the future.

Technology Still Depends on People

As impressive as today’s fabrication technology can be, bridges are not built by software and robots alone.

They are built by engineers, detailers, welders, fabricators, inspectors, project managers, equipment operators, logistics professionals, and construction crews.

Technology helps those people perform their work with better information and better tools.

A 3D model still requires sound engineering. An automated welder still requires qualified procedures, programming, oversight, and inspection. CNC machinery still depends on accurate input. And efficient manufacturing still depends on experienced teams that understand how a bridge must ultimately be shipped, erected, and put into service.

The future of bridge construction is therefore not simply more automated.

It is more connected.

It connects engineering with fabrication. Digital models with physical steel. Automation with craftsmanship. Factory production with field erection.

And when those connections work well, technology becomes a tool for delivering what bridge owners have always needed: quality, reliability, efficiency, and confidence that the structure designed on the screen will fit together when it reaches the field.

Building the Next Generation of Bridges

Bridge technology will continue to evolve, but the objective remains the same: build safe, durable structures efficiently and accurately.

BIM and BrIM are giving engineers more complete digital representations of their projects. CAD and computational tools are making design processes more adaptable. CNC machinery and digital fabrication are creating a direct connection between engineering information and steel production. Automation and robotic welding are bringing greater repeatability to suitable manufacturing operations.

Together, these technologies are helping modern bridge manufacturers move from design to fabrication with greater precision and coordination.

With continued investments in advanced manufacturing and prefabrication capabilities, U.S. Bridge is combining modern technology with generations of American bridge-building experience to help deliver the infrastructure communities will depend on for decades to come.

Why Prefabricated Bridges Are Powering the Future of U.S. Infrastructure

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A New Era for Bridge Construction

Across the United States, infrastructure is undergoing a long-overdue transformation. With aging bridges, rising traffic demands, and increased public investment, the need for faster, safer, and more cost-effective construction methods has never been greater.

Recent industry and public-sector analysis reinforces the urgency. The ASCE 2021 Infrastructure Report Card points to the ongoing need to modernize aging bridge assets, while our last month’s article on federal and state funding for bridge projects explains how today’s funding environment is accelerating project demand and raising expectations around delivery speed.

Enter prefabricated bridge systems — a modern solution reshaping how bridges are designed, built, and delivered. As DOTs, municipalities, and contractors look for smarter ways to stretch infrastructure dollars, prefabrication is becoming a cornerstone of the next era of bridge delivery. For agencies seeking modern bridge solutions backed by fabrication experience, the shift is as much about execution as innovation.

 

What Are Prefabricated Bridges?

Prefabricated bridges — often called Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems (PBES)— use components manufactured off-site or near-site in controlled conditions, then transported and assembled in the field. FHWA says PBES helps reduce on-site construction time and the mobility impacts that come with building, replacing, or rehabilitating bridges through conventional methods.

This model aligns closely with the U.S. Bridge prefabricated steel bridge process, where fabrication efficiency, streamlined assembly, and repeatable manufacturing play a central role in project delivery. 

 

Why the Shift to Prefabrication Is Accelerating

1. Faster Project Delivery

Time is one of the most valuable variables in infrastructure construction.

Traditional bridge construction can stretch for months or years, especially when weather, labor availability, and traffic maintenance complicate site work. Prefabrication shortens that timeline by allowing fabrication and site preparation to happen in parallel, reducing field labor and compressing installation windows.

FHWA’s Accelerated Bridge Construction program notes that agencies can sometimes replace bridges in as little as 48 to 72 hours and reduce planning and construction efforts by years, while also producing safer, more durable bridges.

That speed advantage is one reason owners and contractors continue turning to U.S. Bridge bridge systems and services designed to support efficient fabrication and erection.

2. Reduced Traffic Disruption

Traffic disruption is one of the biggest hidden costs in bridge replacement.

FHWA’s PBES guidance explains that using prefabricated elements minimizes construction-related traffic disruptions and shortens closure durations, allowing traffic patterns to return to normal more quickly.

That matters for commuters, freight movement, emergency access, and local economies. FHWA’s PBES decision-making framework puts it plainly: “time is money for all players.”

For project owners focused on minimizing downtime, our bridge kits and other modular-ready options can support faster on-site assembly and more predictable installation schedules.

3. Stronger Quality Control

One of prefabrication’s biggest strategic advantages is quality consistency.

When bridge elements are manufactured in a controlled environment, teams can better manage tolerances, material handling, sequencing, and inspection. FHWA’s PBES resources emphasize that off-site fabrication reduces on-site construction time while supporting more controlled construction processes.

U.S. Bridge reinforces that same value proposition in its recent post on the company’s prefab facility expansion, noting that factory-built bridge solutions improve precision, quality control, and schedule reliability.

4. Improved Safety

Prefabrication can also improve safety for both workers and the traveling public.

Shorter on-site durations mean fewer crews working in active traffic zones, fewer temporary conditions, and less exposure to common field risks. FHWA says ABC methods can reduce traffic delays and road closures while delivering safer, more durable bridges.

That safety benefit becomes even more valuable as bridge owners try to replace aging structures without prolonging disruptions or increasing risk to motorists and work crews.

 

Market Growth Is Supporting the Shift

The move toward prefabricated bridges is not just an operational trend — it is also backed by market growth.

One market analysis projects the global prefabricated bridges market to grow at a 6.6% CAGR, reaching $9.33 billion by 2032.

At the same time, U.S. infrastructure funding is creating a stronger demand environment for bridge replacement and modernization. U.S. Bridge’s recent funding article notes that the IIJA dedicates $40 billion over five years to bridge needs, helping create a multi-year runway for repair and replacement work.

Together, those two forces — rising market adoption and stronger public investment — are creating favorable conditions for fabricators and bridge manufacturers that can deliver quickly, consistently, and at scale. 

 

The Bigger Picture: Modern Infrastructure Demands Modern Methods

Bridge owners today are under pressure to do more than just replace old assets. They are being asked to deliver resilient, durable infrastructure with less disruption, tighter schedules, and better lifecycle value.

That is exactly why prefabrication is gaining traction. It supports:

  • Faster deployment
  • Reduced traffic impacts
  • Better quality control
  • More predictable schedules
  • Strong alignment with accelerated bridge construction strategies

FHWA and industry reporting both point in the same direction: modern bridge delivery is increasingly tied to off-site fabrication, modular construction, and accelerated installation methods.

How U.S. Bridge Is Positioned for the Future

As prefabrication becomes more central to bridge delivery, companies with proven fabrication capability and scalable systems are in a strong position.

U.S. Bridge’s current site reflects that positioning across multiple areas:

That combination supports U.S. Bridge’s strategic fit in a market that increasingly values prefabrication, accelerated construction readiness, and schedule certainty.

The Bottom Line: Prefabrication Is the Future

Prefabricated bridges are no longer a niche delivery method. They are becoming a preferred strategy for meeting the demands of modern infrastructure.

With benefits that include faster delivery, reduced traffic disruption, stronger quality control, and improved safety — plus favorable market growth and sustained public investment — prefabrication is set to play a defining role in the future of U.S. bridge construction.

For owners, agencies, and contractors looking to move projects forward with greater speed and confidence, U.S. Bridge is ready to help. Get a quote today!

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.

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.

Scaling Down Steel Bridge Construction Time

Scaling Down Steel Bridge Construction Time

Efficient steel bridge construction includes high quality engineering and manufacturing of the structure. This is especially true for replacing aging and deteriorating infrastructure. So, an important component that sets bridge companies apart is the bridge design that should allow for smooth assembly. At U.S. Bridge we pride ourselves on providing unparalleled services to communities in the United States as well as globally. And we do this by implementing an engineering and manufacturing process that leads to quicker steel bridge construction.

Replacing Infrastructure

When it comes to replacing decaying infrastructure, there are a lot of factors that companies consider. However, one of the main components that plays an important role is the time for construction. So, in order to accomplish that, companies follow techniques that accelerate the bridge or infrastructure construction to minimize traffic disruptions. These techniques have great value, as they benefit the project completion.

Design / Build

The first technique that contributes to scaling down steel bridge construction is the design and build of the structure. Normally, the bridge design and construction occur in two separate phases and are the responsibility of two different entities. However, design/build takes care of both simultaneously and is done by one entity.

Since design and construction somewhat overlap, the project completion time decreases. The design and construction personnel can work together and effectively apply engineering, constructibility, and fast construction techniques to the project. Also, the resulting time savings result in lower overall costs.

Bridge Prefabrication

There are many advantages to bridge prefabrication. This step offers opportunities for bridge designers to scale down the steel bridge construction time significantly. Moreover, it improves the safety of workers, reduces environmental impact, and cuts costs. Prefabricated bridges are convenient and have become a preference in infrastructure. They offer:

  • Easy upkeep
  • Better and quicker assembly
  • Smooth disassembly

At U.S. Bridge, we have been using prefabricated bridges since 1936. Incorporating steel bridge prefabrication has enabled our company to expand and complete projects more efficiently.

Incremental Launching

As the name suggests it, this technique allows construction to be done in parts. Also, this is especially useful when traffic, environmental or site conditions restrict the size and amount of construction equipment permitted.

The U.S. Bridge Way

At U.S. Bridge we use the best techniques to expedite steel bridge construction and still deliver high-quality structures that will be long-lasting. A bridge company that is family-owned, we design and build bridges that can handle vehicle loads of up to 90,000 lbs. or additional weight as necessary. Moreover, our engineers are able to meet the different safety and design requirements of various regulatory entities, like departments of transportation. So, get a quote online today and get your bridge project started with us and experience the U.S. Bridge way.

Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel vs. Weathering Steel: What’s The Right Choice?

Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Vs. Weathering Steel What's The Right Choice

Steel has long played a key role in American construction efforts. Not only is steel lighter in weight than many other building materials on the market, but it also earns points for durability, affordability, and environmental friendliness. Still, bridge builders may struggle with whether to use more traditional weathering steel or increasingly popular hot-dip galvanized steel. Read on to discover how these options stack up.Hot Dip Galvanized Steel Vs. Weathering Steel What's The Right Choice

Benefits and Drawbacks of Weathering Steel

Long a favorite among bridge builders, weathering steel offers numerous advantages over other building types. Strong and attractive, this material rusts in a way that provides protection against the elements. Builders refer to this as “useful corrosion.”

Still, the news about weathering steel isn’t all positive. Progressively corroding, weathering steel can deteriorate faster if moisture is present. To compensate for this loss of mass and strength, builders may need to use thicker sections of steel from the start. Additionally, salt air and humidity can damage weathering steel, resulting in accelerated corrosion.

Benefits of Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel

Formed by dipping bare steel in molten zinc, hot-dip galvanized steel is a popular choice in bridge construction. Featuring the strength of weathering steel, hot-dip galvanized steel offers additional benefits, too. Barrier and cathodic protection mean that this material resists corrosion. As a result, this option requires less long-term maintenance than weathering steel. Additionally, hot-dip galvanized steel maintains its structure despite exposure to UV rays, snow, water, and soil and is 100 percent recyclable.

Trust U.S. Bridge With All Your Building Needs

As a bridge building leader, U.S. Bridge brings more than 80 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise to the table. We’re passionate about constructing bridges that withstand time and the elements while making use of materials that are safe for the environment. Ready to learn more about our products and services? Call our steel bridge experts today or contact us online for info.

 

Are Texas, Florida And Puerto Rico Ready For Hurricane Season?

Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico last year. With 155-MPH winds and severe flooding, the storm resulted in $100 billion in damage and took more than 4,000 lives, according to a report out of Harvard. Unfortunately, Puerto Rico and other hurricane-prone regions might not be out of the woods yet. According to forecasters, Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico are among the areas that need to take hurricane season precautions in 2018, as well.

What the Meteorologists Say

An article in the Huffington Post reveals that the 2018 hurricane season could be tumultuous. A weak La Nina in the Pacific, coupled with warm waters in the Atlantic, may result in more storms striking the continental U.S., along with Caribbean islands and Central America.

Braniff Davis, a Hurricane Harvey recovery analyst for Houston, is particularly concerned about the effect another storm would have on the area.

“There’s still a sense of Harvey PTSD here; every time we get a minor flooding event (which is just part of life in Houston, let’s be honest) people are afraid of what it means,” he said.

Puerto Rico Hurricane Season Precautions

The need for precautions is particularly crucial in Puerto Rico, which is still struggling to rebuild the infrastructure that was destroyed in 2017. Not only did the storm damage 300,000 houses, but the island suffered electric grid failures, destroyed roads, and bridges. And despite the Puerto Rican governor’s pleas for $95 billion to rebuild, many requests for FEMA aid have been denied.

“Puerto Rico is not ready for another hurricane,” said Telemundo Puerto Rico journalist Ivette Sosa. “We still have blue roofs on hundreds of houses all over the island. We have municipalities that still do not have electricity, and people in those areas are getting desperate.”

With little idea of what the future may hold, Puerto Rico is focusing on new construction that prioritizes durability, sustainability, and mold resistance. Additionally, the island has been building new emergency bridges with the aid of U.S. Bridge.

Contact Us Today

At U.S. Bridge, we specialize in building emergency bridges with prefabricated panels assembled in modules. To learn more about how we’re helping Puerto Rico or what we can do for your city, call today or contact us online.

Myths: Modular Prefabricated Short-Span Steel Bridges Are Only Temporary Structures

Myths: Modular Prefabricated Short-Span Steel Bridges Are Only Temporary Structures

Modular, prefabricated steel bridges are often considered temporary structures. Using modular design and building bridges onsite has often been considered a more efficient building method, but a less stable one. However, after meeting all the permanence standards set by the AASHTO, the ASTM and the AWS, it was determined that pre-fab short span steel bridges can be considered permanent structures.

Standards for Permanence

Most often, the biggest concern facing modular bridges and permanence, relates to how they are constructed. Bridge parts must be assembled onsite, resulting in welding in possibly less than ideal conditions. For short span steel bridges, this concern is absolved because the welding is all done in a shop, under favorable conditions. This reduces the risk of introduced environmental factors during the welding process, and ensures the pre-fab bridge will withstand the rigors of time and weather.

Myth-Busting Short Span Steel Bridges

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) reports the bridge industry is generally moving toward a modular bridge design. Due to the ease of assembly and the efficiency with which they can be built, pre-fab bridges make more sense. Timing is especially important regarding bridge construction since more than a quarter of all bridges across the United States have been deemed as “structurally deficient” or “functionally obsolete.” Also, using steel as the primary material for short span bridges brings a host of benefits including:

  • Consistent Quality
    Steel production is held to high standards and consistently meets quality requirements.
  • Sustainability
    Almost 93% of all steel is made from scrap steel.
  • American-made
    Structural steel is made in America, providing jobs to American workers and boosting the economy.
  • Quick fabrication and Installation
    Steel can be manufactured fairly quickly. This accelerates the construction timeline and decreases disruption to the surrounding areas.

To find out more about short-span steel bridges and how permanent they are, please contact us at U.S. Bridge today. Our expert team of engineers and builders are more than happy to discuss the benefits and strengths of modular bridge construction with you.