Available Accelerated Bridge Construction Options for Short Span Bridges

Book excerpt: By employing prefabricated bridge elements and systems, Accelerated Bridge Construction reduces on-site construction time and traffic disruptions, and enhances long-term performance. ABC is particularly advantageous for short-span bridges that are well-suited to standardized prefabrication. In such cases, the entire superstructure and substructure can often be constructed using prefabricated deck elements, modular decks, or systems that span the full bridge width. The construction methods can range from traditional crane installations to Self-Propelled Modular Transport units or slide-in techniques for moving the entire superstructures. This book introduces the concept of ABC and examines its application in the context of short-span bridge construction. It categorizes and details short-span bridges based on various criteria and evaluates the performance of the existing bridges. Decision-making processes regarding the adoption of ABC, choice of elements, systems, and construction methods are also discussed. Additionally, the book covers the inspection of short-span bridges and includes a design example.