This synthesis will be of interest to all individuals involved in steel bridge fabrication, assembly, and erection. It examines, discusses, and analyzes steel bridge erection practices for I-girder, tub-girder, and box-girder bridges; particularly curved, skewed, and staged structures. Key topics considered include the impact of design and analysis practices on erection; methods used to predict erection deflections as a function of bridge type and complexity; shop-assembly practices and alternate methods of ensuring properly assembled geometry; stability issues; field connection practices; examples of structures in which erection practices have caused problems; owner requirements for erection procedures, implementation of requirements, and the impact of procedures on the quality of erection; and current and proposed research. This synthesis reports on the responses to three questionnaires sent to all U.S. state departments of transportation (DOTs) and Canadian provinces, 24 steel bridge fabricators, and 25 steel bridge erectors and contractors. Responses were received from 30 state DOTs, 2 provinces, 15 fabricators, and 4 erectors. Follow-up information was gathered by telephone interviews. (Author/publisher) This report may be accessed by Internet users at http://www.trb.org/publications/nchrp/nchrp_syn_345.pdf
Abstract