Rapid Bridge Construction: Prefabricated Substructure Elements

AASHTO RAC High ValueResearch WorkshopJuly 27, 2011

Rapid Bridge Construction: Prefabricated Substructure Elements

Overview

The use of precast substructure components for bridges offers several potential benefits in Wisconsin– Faster bridge construction times

– Reduced exposure of workersto safety hazards

– Less environmental interference during construction

– Fewer weather delays

Rapid Bridge Construction: Prefabricated Substructure Elements

Goals and methods

– After considering several elements, the project focused on abutment panels and caps for piers and piles

– WisDOT conducted a pilot program with precast elements on the U.S. 63 bridge over the Rush River

Propose, implement and evaluate a precast substructure system suitable for Wisconsin

Rapid Bridge Construction: Prefabricated Substructure Elements

Findings

On-site time savings were substantial• For a 96-foot span, placing the precast concrete abutment

system took only 10½ hours for four workers

• A comparable cast-in-place system would have required the same workers two weeks to place

Cost was an issue• The need for a high-capacity crane drove

costs higher than expected; investigatorsrecommend lower element weights forfuture projects

Rapid Bridge Construction: Prefabricated Substructure Elements

Outlook

Costs should drop and expertise should Costs should drop and expertise should improve as contractors get more improve as contractors get more

experience with these methods. WisDOT experience with these methods. WisDOT intends to try this technique severalintends to try this technique several

times before precastingtimes before precastingother substructure elements. other substructure elements.

Rapid Bridge Construction: Prefabricated Substructure Elements

For more information

• Wisconsin Highway Research Program project 0092-07-08, Rapid Bridge Construction Technology: Precast Elements for Substructures

• http://www.whrp.org/research-areas/structures/structures_0092-07-08.html

• Daniel Yehdaniel.yeh@dot.wi.gov(608) 267-6977