Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) applications in the U.S. have developed two different approaches; accelerated construction of bridges in place using prefabricated systems and the use of bridge movement technology to move completed bridges from an off-alignment location into the final position. Despite the gradual lowering of costs, DOTs are hesitant about using ABC techniques because of their perceived risks and higher initial costs. Rather than custom engineering every solution, pre-engineered modular systems configured for traditional construction equipment could promote more widespread use of ABC through reduced costs and increased familiarity of these systems among owners, contractors and designers. An objective of the SHRP2 R04 project is to develop “standardized approaches to designing and constructing complete bridge systems for rapid renewals”. The aim therefore was to develop pre-engineered standards for modular bridge substructure and superstructure systems that can be installed with minimal traffic disruptions. This project provides design standards and design examples for complete prefabricated bridge systems. Recommended specification language for ABC systems, suitable for future inclusion in the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design and Construction Specifications, has also been proposed. One demonstration project was also completed in 2011 using the ABC standards developed in this project. (Author/publisher)
Abstract