DESIGNING THE RIGHT BRIDGE : SHORT-SPAN STEEL BRIDGES CAN BE THE BEST OPTION

Developments in steel design and fabrication make steel bridges economical and practical in more situations than in the past. The article explains several key aspects of bridge design and girder fabrication that can make steel spans more usable under certain conditions. Span length is very important, since shorter spans (120 to 150 ft.) can be very economical compared to concrete spans on the same project. Generally, shorter spans are more economical unless foundation requirements are difficult. A bridge carrying old state Route 0220 in Centre County, Pennsylvania, found that a six-span steel design cost 7.5% less than a four-span version and less than a concrete alternative. Girder spacing is another important factor, especially if the moments are balanced to permit duplicate designs that result in economies in fabrication. Cross frame spacing is also important, with an American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommendation of no greater than 25 feet. Material selection and field splice location are additional considerations. High-performance steel has significantly increased the economies that can be achieved with this method.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1606878
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Public Works 2005 Manual
• Corporate Authors:

  Public Works Journal Corporation

  200 South Broad Street
  Ridgewood, NJ  United States  07451
• Authors:
  • Wright, K J
• Publication Date: 2005

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 53-54
• Serial:
  • Public Works
  • Volume: 136
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Hanley Wood
  • ISSN: 0033-3840
  • Serial URL: http://www.pwmag.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridges; Steel structures
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01001655
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 7 2005 12:00AM