June 2015 | EquipmentWorld.com
60
road science
|
by Tom Kuennen
T
he need for speed in
construction is driving
much of the bridge de-
sign in this country.
The burden to accom-
plish faster bridge construction, how-
ever, falls on heavy contractors, who
must work tougher schedules and
longer workdays while they solve site
organization, demolition, and foun-
dation and superstructure erection
puzzles not taught in college. The
contractors collaborate with structural
and civil engineering firms, which
must devise unique construction ap-
proaches to individual projects.
Together the contractors and
engineers provide innovative, ac-
celerated bridge construction (ABC)
designs and schedules, albeit at a
higher cost to the owning agencies.
These tactics can be especially ben-
eficial to those forced to take long
detours – or who are even cut off –
SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION,
LONGER LIVES DRIVE NEW
BRIDGE DESIGNS
