Assessment of the “Bridge in a Backpack” Bridge System from Advanced Infrastructure Technologies (AIT)
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) installed a Bridge in a Backpack (BiaB) system, or also referred to as a Rigified Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Tube Arch (RFTA) Structure on a low volume road in a rural setting. The value of using this system is the potential to use smaller and lighter construction equipment for a restricted delivery location such as forest or farm roads. The BiaB does not require large cranes and there is a potential for in-field fabrication of the tube arch members where large truck delivery is limited. Advantages of the system include good waterway characteristics and suitability for ledge controlled or spread footings. Disadvantages of the system are that few have been constructed and that it has aesthetic limitations. The construction of the Fairfield BiaB project proceeded smoothly. Generally, site conditions and limited experience with the BiaB led to less than ideal means and methods for construction of the system. During construction, it was noted that several opportunities remain for further expedited construction and cost reduction. Generally, VTrans’ experience with the BiaB showed that the system provides a benefit to the State.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Vermont Agency of Transportation
219 North Main Street
Barre, VT United States 05641Federal Highway Administration
Vermont Division, Federal Building, 87 State Street
Montpelier, VT United States 05602-2954 -
Authors:
- Colgrove III, George W
- Publication Date: 2014-12
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Edition: Initial
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 28p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Arch bridges; Assessments; Bridge construction; Fiber reinforced polymers; Rural areas; Technological innovations
- Geographic Terms: Fairfield (Vermont)
- Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; I53: Construction of Bridges and Retaining Walls;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01548645
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: 2014-12
- Contract Numbers: 2013-PIF-01
- Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Dec 23 2014 12:08PM