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Bridge replacement

Bridge replacement

Bridge replacement

(OP)
I need to replace a deteriorated, single-lane, 45'span bridge used by coal trucks.  Replacement needs to be completed quickly to minimize traffic interruption.  What is the best choice considering project cost and down-time?  I was considering pre-cast/pre-stressed concrete.  Any suggested suppliers for southern WV?     

RE: Bridge replacement

How about an Acrow Panel Truss Bridge?

www.acrowusa.com

Ask for Mark Joosten or Scott Patterson

RE: Bridge replacement

Will old railroad flatcars work?  I don't know how long they are, but if too short, can the crossing be "narrowed?"

RE: Bridge replacement

(OP)
thanks crossframe.  It's funny that you suggest using a rr flatcar.  The existing structure that has deteriorated after 30 years of service is a rr flatcar body.  That option is already being considered.

RE: Bridge replacement

con span is a producer of precast bridge structures but I'm not sure it would work with your application

RE: Bridge replacement

With that short a span, either prestressed concrete or rolled steel beams (W-shapes) could work.  Which is cheaper will depend on where you are.  (Concrete's cheap in TX but apparently rolled shapes are still competitive sometimes.)

Those truss bridges are marketed for their rapid constructibility (or to replace a cherished local historical bridge that just couldn't be saved; those trusses sure are cute).  I don't know how they compare on a cost basis to beams (or flatbed railcars).  There are a number of companies that make them.  Besides ACROW, there's US Bridge in Cambridge, OH (http://www.usbridge.com/ ), Steadfast in Ft. Payne, AL (http://www.steadfastbridge.com/ ), and many other worthies with whom I have not yet had the pleasure of doing business (so don't take this as an endorsement of the above companies on the part of whoever it is you assume I work for).  

Hg

Eng-Tips guidelines:  FAQ731-376

RE: Bridge replacement

An Acrow pin jointed panel bridge could be erected in 3 days or even less for a 15m span. The only downside is that if the route is a heavily trafficed haul road the bridge might not have the life you are looking for. We used a Mabey and Johnson (UK license holder for the Acrow bridge) for a quarry road and after 3 years the deck panels were getting worn out and the pin joint holes were becoming elongated.

RE: Bridge replacement

Steadfast Bridges from Fort Payne, Alabama or
Continental Bridges.

Both of these are pre-fabricated metal truss bridges that can be designed to fit your application.  Typically a local firm will do the coordination with the roadway and geotechnical work for the abutments.  The rest is done by the bridge suppiers.

Look for them on the web.

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

RE: Bridge replacement

Echo Bridge, Inc. makes steel truss bridges, ships them nationwide. www.echobridgeinc.com

RE: Bridge replacement

(You mean y'all haven't been hanging onto my every word in every post?  I feel like chopped liver.)

Eng-Tips guidelines:  FAQ731-376

RE: Bridge replacement

HgTX,

OK OK! I for one liked your idea of the rolled steel beams. A 25mm thick steel plate on top and a traffic rail welded to the side and a 15m span bridge easily achieved. The only minor problem is that the beams will probably be suppplied in 12m lengths so joints required.

RE: Bridge replacement

HgTX,

Looks like I owe you an apology....didn't see that bridge manufacturer recomendation (2 no less) in your paragraph!

Sorry!

Regards,
Qshake

Eng-Tips Forums:Real Solutions for Real Problems Really Quick.

RE: Bridge replacement

It probably means I didn't use enough whitespace in my post...

Hg

Eng-Tips guidelines:  FAQ731-376

RE: Bridge replacement

Sorry HgTX I didn't read your post. I saw the orginal post earlier but didn't have time to reply. Then when I did you had already posted.

C'est la vie!


Vita sine litteris mors est.

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